A high resolution gamma ray imaging device includes an aluminum housing, a lead screen collimator at an opened end of the housing, a crystal scintillator array mounted behind the lead screen collimator, a foam layer between the lead screen collimator and the crystal scintillator array, a photomultiplier window coupled to the crystal with optical coupling grease, a photomultiplier having a dynode chain body and a base voltage divider with anodes, anode wire amplifiers each connected to four anodes and a multi pin connector having pin connections to each anode wire amplifier. In one embodiment the crystal scintillator array includes a yttrium aluminum perovskite (YAP) crystal array. In an alternate embodiment, the crystal scintillator array includes a gadolinium oxyorthosilicate (GSO) crystal array.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to gamma ray imaging devices and more particularly to high-resolution, gamma ray imaging device for scintimammography and other medical diagnostic applications.
2. Related Prior Art
Gamma ray imaging devices have reached a point in their development that a general multi-purpose imaging device is not feasible. Presently, problems relate to the generation of gamma rays and their detection.
Application specific detectors useful for scintimammography must have a suitable physical geometry for breast imaging, be able to efficiently detect and locate gamma rays emitted from lesions in breast tissue, and at the same time efficiently reject scattered radiation from the patient body. These gamma ray imagers could be used as additional diagnostic tools used in conjunction with X-ray mammography. The following articles generally are representative of the state of the art regarding scintimammography and apparatus used in breast imaging.
An article titled "Scintillating Array Gamma Camera for Clinical Use", written by R. Pani et al. relates to dedicated gamma cameras for specific clinical application. These cameras are based on the use of position sensitive photo multiplier tubes (PSPMT) . The main intrinsic limitation of large area position sensitive photomultiplier tube (5" diameter) is the photocathode glass window. Coupling planar scintillation crystal strongly affects the useful active area and the intrinsic spatial resolution. To overcome this limitation the first 5" diameter gamma camera was developed that consisted of Hamamatsu R3292 position sensitive photomultiplier tube coupled to 50.times.50 YAP: Ce scintillating array. The array pixel size was 2.times.2 mm.sup.2 and the overall dimension of multi-crystal was 10.times.10.times.1 cm.sup.3. Resistive chains to calculate the centroid were used. A scintillating array produces a focused light spot minimizing the spread introduced by position sensitive photomultiplier tube glass window. The intrinsic spatial resolution resulted between 2 mm and 2.7 mm. The position linearity and useful active area resulted in good agreement with the intrinsic one obtained by light spot irradiation. The real limitation resulted the poor energy resolution of crystals (forty percent) and the poor uniformity response of position sensitive photomultiplier tube (within +or -fifteen percent). A correction matrix was then carried out by which fifty-seven percent of total energy resolution was obtained. The camera operates as Single Photon Emission Mammography (SPEM) and is producing breast functional images for malignant tumor detection under breast compression and in the same geometry of standard x-ray mammography.
An article titled "Multi-crystal YAP: Ce Detector System for Position Sensitive Measurements", written by R. Pani et al in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, A 348 (1994) relates to Yttrium aluminum perovskite (YAP:Ce) scintillation crystal. YAP:Ce has a light efficiency of about forty percent relative to NaI. Because of the yttrium atomic number (Z=39) and the relatively high density (5.37 g/cm.sup.3) this crystal has a good gamma-ray absorption. Furthermore it is not hygroscopic and is inert. Its peculiarity consists of material processing that provides us with crystal pillars down to 0.3.times.0.3 mm.sup.2 aperture size and up to some centimeters in length. An array consisting of 11.times.22 YAP:Ce elements was made where each crystal has an aperture of 0.6.times.0.6 mm.sup.2 and a length of 7 mm. Each scintillation crystal is optically separated by a reflective material resulting in a separation layer between elements of about 5 .mu.m. The multicrystal detector is optically coupled to a Hamamatsu Position Sensitive Photomultiplier Tube (R2486). The intrinsic spatial resolution of the position sensitive photomultiplier tube is better than 0.3 mm but it is strongly dependent on the Point Spread Function (PSF) generated on the photocathode. The multicrystal detector very well matched the position sensitive photomultiplier tube characteristics resulting in a spatial resolution of about 0.7 mm at 140 keV (.sup.99m Tc) gamma irradiation.
An article titled "Toward a Nuclear Medicine with Submillimeter Spatial Resolution", written by L. H. Barone et al in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, A 360 (1995) relates to the HIRESPET Collaboration developing a new concept of a gamma camera with sub-millimeter spatial resolution. The first prototype consists of a small field size gamma camera based on a position sensitive photomultiplier tube (PSPMT) coupled to a scintillation crystal. The intrinsic spatial resolution of the position sensitive photomultiplier tube is better than 0.3 mm. The scintillation crystal consists of yttrium aluminum perovskite (YAP: Ce). It has a light efficiency of about forty percent relative to NaI, a good gamma radiation absorption (z=39) and a high density (5.37 g/cm.sup.3). It is inert and not hygroscopic. To match PSPMY characteristics, a special crystal assembly has been made consisting of a bundle of yttrium aluminum perovskite pillars, where a single crystal has the transversal dimension of 0.6.times.0.6 mm.sup.2 and a thickness ranging between 1 mm and 28 mm. Each scintillation pillar is optically separated from the other by a reflective layer of 5 .mu.m thick. The preliminary results obtained from the gamma camera prototype (yttrium aluminum perovskite camera) show spatial resolution values ranging between 0.6 and 1 mm and an intrinsic detection efficiency comparable with a standard Anger camera.
An article titled "Pixellated CsI(TI) arrays with position-sensitive PMT readout", written by A. Truman et al in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physical Research, A 353 (1994), relates to the position and energy resolution characteristics of three scintillation detectors viewed by a three square inch position sensitive photomultiplier tube that have been measured as a function of photon energy. Pixellated detectors having a pitch that ranges between 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm have been studied. The FWHM of the distribution in measured positions was as little as 0.9 mm at 122 keV. In this case, the tube was read out using individual amplifiers to record the charge detected on each individual anode wire and the location found using a peak fitting algorithm. Comparative measurements were also made using the conventional hardware centroiding technique.

Compact, high-resolution, gamma ray imaging for scintimammography and other medical diagostic applications


In a circuit designed to output a varying output voltage, the substrate of the semi-conductor component is connected to a regulator, in particular a switch, connected to a lower potential than the potential of the substrate of the circuit. The circuit can for example be used in a Subscriber Line Interface Circuit (SLIC).

In most Integrated Circuit (IC) processes, the active components are formed by an n-type epitaxial layer formed on a substrate of p-type.
Around the active components a p-type diffusion is formed for providing an isolation. The p-type isolation is short circuited to the substrate of the integrated circuit. The substrate must in such a case be given a potential corresponding to the lowest potential in the circuit in order to be able to provide a reverse biasing of the substrate and isolation pn-transitions in relation to islands of active components formed on the substrate.
However, even though the islands of active components are reverse biased to the substrate, there are always currents from the components to the substrate, so called substrate currents. The substrate currents can be leakage currents from reverse biased areas around the component islands or other minority charge carriers injected from, for example, a forward biased base in an npn transistor or a forward biased emitter or collector in a lateral pnp-transistor.
In circuits designed to have high voltage supplies, these substrate currents can contribute to a significant part of the total power consumption in the integrated circuit.
The potential of the substrate is usually supplied via a pin provided on the package of the integrated circuit. The pin is in turn connected to a pad on the circuit, which pad in turn is connected via a metal conductor to the isolation diffusion area to the substrate. Since the substrate voltage is distributed over the entire integrated circuit it is possible, anywhere on the integrated circuit, to attach a contact to an isolation diffusion in order to gain access to the substrate voltage.
Thus, it is not necessary to form separate metal connections for this voltage unless a very low resistance or very low noise is required in the application. In some applications the substrate itself and the isolation is made a part of the semiconductor component, for example in a so-called substrate pnp transistor, where the isolation around the transistor and the substrate is designed as a collector.
Since the substrate potential is the lowest potential in a circuit, the substrate potential together with the highest supply voltage will decide the available voltage range in the circuit.
In some applications, for example a Subscriber Line Interface Circuit (SLIC) providing a ring signal in a telephone system, it is desired to vary the output voltage from the circuit.
In the case with a SLIC providing an output ring signal, it is common to use a so called off-hook battery when the SLIC is in a speech mode and another battery, a so called ring battery, having an output voltage being higher, in absolute value, than the off-hook battery in a ringing mode.
The supply voltages in SLICs is usually lower than the ground voltage, and the potential of the substrate determines the voltage range available in the SLIC. In order to switch between the different batteries used in the different modes an integrated battery switch is provided.
In FIG. 1 such a switch S in accordance with the prior art is shown implemented in a SLIC being designed to output a ring signal. During transmission of speech, when the SLIC is in a speech mode, a voltage applied over the load RL, i.e. the telephone set of a subscriber being connected to the SLIC and the line to/from the subscriber, will be lower in absolute value than the voltage of the off-hook battery OHB.
The current from the load RL will pass a diode D2 to the off-hook battery OHB, which can have a voltage of about −50 volt and the voltage Vbat2 applied to the load will be about −50 volt.
When the SLIC is in a speech mode the switch S will be open. When it is determined that the SLIC is to output a ring signal over the load RL, i.e. when it is determined that the telephone set of the subscriber connected to the SLIC is to ring, the switch is activated and closed.
As a result, the potential Vbat2 will be the same as the voltage of the ringing battery RB, in this case −90 volt. The diode D2 will now be reverse biased and will not conduct any current. The line driving circuits A and B are now connected to the ringing voltage and can apply it over the load in order to thereby increase the voltage when delivering the ring signal.
However, in speech-mode, there is a problem of power losses associated with the technique in accordance with the prior art. Thus, the leakage current from the circuitry will flow to the substrate sbt, which has a potential corresponding to a high voltage drop and hence the leakage currents will cause a significant power loss.


A non-human transgenic animal having a polynucleotide encoding an STXBP1 polypeptide, which polynucleotide is operably linked to a promoter, wherein said transgenic animal has greater than wild-type expression of the STXBP1 polypeptide in at least one brain region, as well as related vectors, methods of producing transgenic animals, in vitro and in vivo screening methods for potential therapeutic agents, and methods for treating and diagnosing neuropsychiatric illness are disclosed.

Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia are becoming one of the major public-health problems on a global scale. The causes of these disorders are as yet poorly understood, although genetic factors undoubtedly play an important role in their aetiology. Furthermore, this illness does not develop because of the alteration of one single gene but more likely due to changes in a group of genes, which makes this a multi-factor illness.
According to the WHO, around 24 million people are currently suffering from schizophrenia, which is approaching 1% of the world's population, and its prevalence is similar in both men and women. Schizophrenia generally appears at the end of adolescence or early in adult life, and it produces profound changes in thought processes, perception and emotions. Its progress varies, and it can range from a single episode with complete recovery to a serious deterioration and suicide. Although patients with schizophrenia represent less than 40% of those that require psychiatric hospitalisation, the morbidity and chronicity experienced by patients with schizophrenia mean that it has become the most serious and incapacitating mental illness of early and middle adult life. Indeed, the direct cost of schizophrenia in industrialised countries has been estimated to be between 1.6 and 2.6% of total health expenditure [Rössler, 2005].
The classical neurobiological hypothesis to explain schizophrenia invokes hyperactivity of the brain's dopaminergic system. Antipsychotic drugs would therefore produce their therapeutic effect by antagonising these dopamine receptors. This hypothesis was subsequently refined by suggesting that hypoactivity of the cortical glutamatergic system could be responsible for the dopaminergic hyperactivity observed in schizophrenia. Indeed, control of the sub-cortical dopaminergic system by the cortical glutamatergic system might be consistent with the classical postulates. Recent studies have demonstrated important neuronal and/or glial deficiencies in the cortex, possibly linked to changes in the early development of the nervous system associated with schizophrenia. It is therefore more likely that schizophrenia is caused by abnormal neuronal connections rather than by neuronal loss [Horner, 2002].
Genetic studies have identified a number of susceptibility genes linked to schizophrenia [Weinberger, 2005]. Despite this, reliable biomarkers for schizophrenia are currently lacking. One of the candidate molecular substrates for a type of abnormal neuronal connectivity is a group of neuronal proteins known as SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factors attachment protein receptors), which serve as a fundamental elements in the molecular control of neurotransmission [Sollner, 1993a; Sollner, 1993b]. This neurotransmission process is activated in response to an influx of Ca2+ activated by an action potential provoking the fusion of the synaptic vesicles containing the neurotransmitters with the pre-synaptic membranes and the release of their content into the synaptic cleft, where these molecules diffuse towards the post-synaptic terminal. Two types of SNARE proteins have been identified depending on their sub-cellular location: a) v-SNARE proteins, which were first described in the neurotransmitter vesicles and which include the VAMP/synaptobrevin protein; and b) t-SNARE proteins, which were first described in the pre-synaptic region of the target plasma membrane and that include syntaxin and the synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa, or SNAP25. This group of proteins is characterised by having a conserved region of about 60 amino acids, known as the SNARE motif, and they generally possess a region involved in membrane anchoring. It is currently thought that SNARE proteins are intimately involved in membrane fusion, although they require other accessory proteins for their activity. These accessory proteins include N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor or NSF (an ATPase associated with a variety of cell activities) and the family of SM proteins, which contains the Sec1p protein and Munc-18 protein (also known as syntaxin binding protein 1 (STXBP1)). These proteins are essential for membrane fusion as this event is much slower in vitro in their absence. The role of STXBP1 in neurotransmitter release has been clearly demonstrated by a series of experiments showing that there is no vesicular synaptic transmission during the development of animals that do not express the gene encoding this protein [Verhage, 2000]. The most widely accepted model to explain the molecular mechanism of vesicular neurotransmitter release suggests that STXBP1 binds to syntaxin, thereby inhibiting the binding of this protein to the rest of the SNARE complex. When STXBP1 is freed from its association with syntaxin, the latter can interact with SNAP25 and VAMP to form the SNARE complex. When coupled with an increase in intracellular calcium, this complex is responsible for promoting the docking of the vesicles to the plasmatic membrane, thereby inducing the release of neurotransmitters from the synaptic vesicles [Voets, 2001].
Several recent studies have demonstrated that some psychiatric and neurodegenerative illnesses show changes in the expression (both of messenger RNA and the protein) of certain components of the SNARE complex. For example, changes in the levels of VAMP and SNAP-25 proteins have been found post-mortem in the prefrontal cerebral cortex of human schizophrenic patients [Honer, 2002; Halim, 2003]. Similarly, abnormal levels of SNAP-25 have been found post-mortem in the hippocampus and cerebellum of schizophrenic brains [Young, 1998; Fatemi, 2001; Mukaetova-Landiska, 2002], and other groups have found abnormal SNAP-25 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia [Thompson, 2003]. Significant schizophrenia-associated changes were, however, not found in NSF proteins, which are also associated with the SNARE complex [Imai, 2001; Gray, 2006]. Increased expression of STXBP1 has been reported in membrane microdomains of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex from schizophrenic patients [Behan, 2008]. However, down-regulation of STXBP1 has been reported in postpubertal neonatally ventral hippocampal (nVH) lesioned rats, an extensively used neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia-like behaviours [Vercauteren, 2007].
Mouse models that mimic the full phenotypic spectrum of a psychiatric disorder, such as schizophrenia, are virtually impossible. However, a recreation of some phenotypic components is feasible and animal models of schizophrenia often try to mimic some of the positive and/or negative symptoms of the disorder. In this context, animal models have a central role in discovering the causes of psychiatric disorders and generating novel mechanism-based treatments [Arguello & Gogos, 2006]. Transgenic animals are desired as a method of studying functions of genes in a living body, or as a model animal for developing therapeutic agents. However, it is difficult to prepare a model reflecting a human disease having a mechanism of development which is unknown, such as schizophrenia. Furthermore, finding animal correlates of the positive symptoms of schizophrenia (such as paranoid delusions, hallucinations, and disordered speech and thinking) is challenging. Nevertheless, hyperactivity in response to stress or novelty have been suggested as useful correlates that can be modelled in rodents and have been extensively used in the validation and assessment of pharmacological models [Geyer and Moghaddam, 2002]. Less extensively modelled are the negative symptoms (such as blunted emotional expression, low motivation, and social withdrawal). These symptoms represent a significant portion of the psychopathology in major depression and, considering the substantial comorbidity between schizophrenia and depression, many of these deficits may be secondary symptoms in schizophrenia [Ellenbroek and Cools, 2000]. Impaired social interactions, anxiety and depression-like behaviour in animals are often used to model negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Moreover, schizophrenia patients display various forms of memory deficits including impaired working and episodic memory. To date, there are numerous working memory tasks employed in animals, such as novel object recognition task. Almost all behavioural animal models include a locomotor component. For this reason, it is important to assess the locomotor activity of the animals to be tested before applying the test to discard the possible limitations in the movement ability of the transgenic mice.
There is at present an unmet need for animal models of schizophrenia. A significant difficulty remains the translation of genetic association studies into models that are effective for evaluating the efficacy of candidate therapeutic compounds. In particular, the complexity of the disorder means that it is not normally possible to predict whether a genetic alteration associated with the disorder has a causal role and will produce behavioural changes of relevance to schizophrenia.

STXBP1 overexpressing mouse and its uses in screening of treatments for neuropsychiatric illness

Universidad del Pais Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea


A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant cultivar is disclosed, characterized by large daisy type inflorescences, consistent flowering response to short days, blooming consistently after 50 to 55 days of short day length, bi color orange and yellow ray florets, moderate to compact growth habit and a postharvest longevity of an average of 35 days.

The new cultivar 'GGX 1084' is a product of a naturally occurring, single branch mutation of the parent Chrysanthemum plant variety 'GGX 001'(not patented) which is an undistributed proprietary cultivar. The new cultivar was discovered and selected by Leo van Zanten in March 2003 in Carpinteria, Calif.
Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar 'GGX 1084' by terminal cuttings and tissue culture was performed in Oxnard Calif. and Carpinteria Calif., and has shown that the unique features of this new cultivar are stable and reproduced true to type on successive generations.


A method enables access of a plurality of data sources by a single access operation where each data source in the plurality of data sources requires a different driver to access the data source so that there is a plurality of different drivers. The method includes using an application programming interface (API) for each driver in the plurality of different drivers. The API is substantially identical for each of the drivers in the plurality of different drivers. A merging driver receives the single access operation, and in response to the single access operation, the merging driver accesses the plurality of different drivers through the API.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the access of a database having multiple data sources, and more particularly, to the access of multiple data sources by a single query.
2. Description of Related Art
There are known databases where the data to be accessed is distributed over multiple data sources, such as different directories, different servers, etc., and where the different data sources have different formats. In this case, in known systems, only one data source can be accessed by a single search or a query. To access multiple sources, the user has to dispatch multiple queries directed to the multiple sources.

System and method including a merging driver for accessing multiple data sources


Blockchain validation is provided by receiving a first validation request of a blockchain. A hashing algorithm is applied to a first block of the blockchain to generate a first hash value. In response to the first validation request of the blockchain, a first image from a plurality of images is provided on a display device. The first image is selected to be provided for display on the display device based on the first hash value. The first image may be compared to a second image that was provided for display on the display device prior to the first validation request and that image was provided based on a second hash value to determine whether the first image and the second image are substantially similar, which indicates that no changes have been made to the data in the blockchain.

The present disclosure generally relates to a blockchain system and more particularly to a system for validating the authenticity of a blockchain.
Blockchains are sometimes used for transactions involving crypto or virtual currencies, such as Bitcoin. Virtual currency systems may provide unregulated, digital money that may be issued and controlled by distributed software created by the virtual currency developer of that virtual currency, rather than by central banks or public authorities that conventionally issue and control fiat currencies. For example, Bitcoin is a type of decentralized virtual currency that provides for peer-to-peer transactions without an intermediary, with those peer-to-peer transactions verified by Bitcoin network nodes and recorded in a public distributed ledger called a blockchain. Virtual currencies like Bitcoin have revolutionized money transfer and payment technology by allowing for inexpensive peer-to-peer transfer of value between users.
Blockchains may also be used for a number of different other technologies besides virtual currency. One aspect common to many blockchains, however, is the way that consensus and validation operations work to provide reliable verification for transactions occurring on the blockchain. Thus, an inconsistency between different nodes that implement a blockchain can indicate that an issue with the blockchain is occurring.
Embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures, wherein showings therein are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the present disclosure and not for purposes of limiting the same.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


An intramedullary fixation device having a distal section; a proximal section; a connecting member for adjustably securing the distal and proximal sections end to end along a longitudinal axis; means for securing the proximal section to a first bone; and means for securing the distal section to a least one different bone. The connecting member is rotated to provide compression across a bone arthrodesis site to be stabilized and fused. Also described is a method of utilizing the intramedullary fixation device with an outrigger assembly.

The lower limbs of the human body, namely the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shinbone), and fibula, are designed to bear the weight of the body and to provide the body with sufficient stability. The femur courses medially from its proximal end connected to the hip bone to its distal end connected to the knee, placing the knee joints closer to the body's center of gravity and thus giving the body better balance while walking or standing. The tibia and fibula, which are connected together by an interosseous membrane, extend in parallel from the knee to ankle, with the tibia being larger and located medially in relation to the fibula. The tibia articulates proximally with the femur, forming the hinge joint of the knee, and distally with the talus bone of the foot at the ankle, and as such receives most of the body's weight and transmits it to the foot, while the fibula, which articulates proximally and distally with the lateral aspects of the tibia, is a non-weight bearing bone and generally provides stability for the ankle joint. The shaft of the tibia is generally triangular in cross section, and its distal end is blunt where it articulates with the talus. Situated medially to such distal tibia end is the medial malleolus, and a fibular notch is provided on the lateral surface of the tibia opposite the medial malleolus.
The foot skeleton is made up of the tarsus, metatarsus, and phalanges bones, with the tarsus bones forming the proximal or heel end of the foot, the metatarsus bones forming the bases of the toes, and the phalanges being the toe bones. The tarsal bones include the talus, calcaneus, lateral cuboid, medial navicular, and medial, intermediate, and lateral cuneiform bones. The talus articulates with the tibia and fibula superiorly and is located on the upper surface of the calcaneus bone, which forms the heel and with the part that touches the ground the tuber calcanei, and such bones support most of the weight of the body, although some weight is distributed to the heads of the metatarsals by the arching of the foot. In some patients the ankle joint or interconnection of the lower end of the tibia, the fibula, and the talus (spaced apart by articular cartilage and held together by various ligaments) can become worn or injured due to a degenerative condition or deformity, or a fracture, subluxation, or other traumatic event. In order to stabilize the ankle joint and control the often severe pain caused by such conditions, an arthrodesis procedure may be necessary to fuse and therefore permanently immobilize the ankle joint, fusing the distal end of the tibia with the talus. Where both the tibi-talar and talocalcaneal joints are damaged, such as in some patients having severe osteoporosis, the calcaneus bone will also be fused with the ankle. Such tibiotalacalcaneal arthrodesis procedures today are typically accomplished by permanent intramedullary nailing, wherein after the ankle bone surfaces have been prepared a rigid nail or rod is inserted in a hole drilled upwardly through the calcaneus and talus bones and into the medullary canal of the tibia. Screws are passed laterally through holes drilled in the tibia to hold the proximal end of the nail in place in the tibia, and into the nail through holes drilled in the calcaneus and talus bones. A limitation of known intramedullary or tibio-calcaneal arthrodesis nailing systems is in obtaining sufficient compression across the arthrodesis site so that a proper fusion is accomplished.
Embodiments of the invention provide both an arthrodesis implant which is simple, easy to install and effective, as well as an arthrodesis outrigger assembly for use with such implant which is effective during an arthrodesis operation for proper alignment and implantation of the arthrodesis implant.
Alternate embodiments also provide an arthrodesis implant which can be relatively easily implanted in the foot and ankle and quickly, easily and effectively secured in place.
Alternate embodiments also provide an arthrodesis prosthesis which is formed in two main sections which are adjustably secured together by an intervening rotatable adapter effective from the bottom of the arthrodesis prosthesis to compress or place tension on the leg and ankle bones to be fused.
Alternate embodiments also provide an arthrodesis implant which is formed in two main sections adjustably secured together by a central rotating fitting which in combination with an external compression disc are used to provide tension from and through the foot bone to provide compression of the bones in an arthrodesis site prior to insertion of retaining screws used to immobilize the foot bones after which the compression disc can be removed.
Alternate embodiments also provide an improved arthrodesis nail outrigger assembly adapted for guiding an arthrodesis tool into the foot and leg bones applying an external compression disc and retaining screws after which the outrigger assembly can be removed.
Alternate embodiments also provide an arthrodesis nail outrigger assembly wherein the outrigger assembly can be adjustably rotated around an arthrodesis with respect to a stationary intramedullary nail device.
Alternate embodiments also provide an arthrodesis nail outrigger assembly having a cannulated nail mounting shaft arrangement to allow for compression of a two-sectioned intramedullary nail device, resulting in a more tightly compressed and stable tibio-calcaneal arthrodesis.
Objects and advantages of embodiments of the invention will become clear upon review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended drawings.

Ankle arthrodesis nail and outrigger assembly


Disclosed is a very low temperature or cryogenic refrigeration system with a scroll compressor and utilizing a mixed refrigerant that decreases refrigerant discharge temperature by refrigerant injection into the compressor.

Refrigeration systems have been in existence since the early 1900s, when reliable sealed refrigeration systems were developed. Since that time, improvements in refrigeration technology have proven their utility in both residential and industrial settings. In particular, very low temperature refrigeration systems currently provide essential industrial functions in biomedical applications, cryoelectronics, optical coating operations, industrial and commercial coating operations, and semiconductor manufacturing applications. Refrigeration systems manufacturers are also faced with increasingly restrictive environmental regulations that have driven the refrigeration industry away from chlorinated fluorocarbons (CFCs) to hydrochlorinated fluorocarbons (HCFCs), and more recently, to hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) due to a European Union law (in effect January 2001) banning use of HCFCs.
System floor space is yet another consideration for the refrigeration industry. The semiconductor industry, for example, is very concerned about reducing the overall system footprint. As a result, refrigeration systems manufacturers continue to develop refrigeration systems that use compact components without sacrificing performance and capacity.
Where horizontal floor space is more limited than vertical space, it is beneficial to use the available vertical space if possible. As an example, reciprocating and screw compressors are typically designed horizontally. Semi-hermetic reciprocating compressors are particularly large, adding to the required floor space of a refrigeration system. By contrast, efficient, high capacity scroll compressors are designed vertically, thereby taking advantage of available vertical space and reducing the size of the overall system footprint.
Other fields of application are in the biological storage, and pharmaceutical and chemical processing. Very low temperature mixed refrigerant systems have been used in biological freezers and can be used in processing of pharmaceutical products and chemicals for the purpose of controlling process reactions or to otherwise control these processes. Other applications include freeze-drying of pharmaceutical and biological agents, reagents and other substances, and freeze drying of food products.
The concept of a scroll compressor is about 100 years old. However, only in the last 20-30 years have the required machining tolerances been achievable to make this design achievable on a commercial scale. Beginning in the late 1980's and early 1990's scroll compressors began to be commercialized, mainly for residential and commercial air conditioning applications. By the mid 1990's refrigeration scrolls began to be used for commercial refrigeration applications (i.e. supermarket refrigeration).
These modern scroll compressors feature a vertical design in which the motor shaft is vertical, and the motor is in the lower part of the compressor housing and extends down to the compressor oil sump. The scrolls sit above the motor. The orbiting scroll is moved by the motor shaft, while the stationary scroll is held in place above the orbiting scroll.
The typical reciprocating compressor discharge temperature in very low temperature refrigeration systems is in the range of 110 to 130° C. 130° C. is typically a maximum allowable discharge temperature (as measured at the compressor service valve). Steady state operation will typically be limited temperatures lower than 130° C. Temperatures in excess of 130° C. result in decomposition of the compressor oil and subsequent metal wear which results in a compressor failure.
Scroll compressors tend to have higher compressor discharge temperatures. To remain competitive with alternate compressors liquid injection was developed for the refrigeration scrolls to manage compressor discharge temperature and improve refrigeration capacity.
In a typical unit, the discharge temperature of a scroll compressor imposes a significant limitation on the operating conditions of the compressor and reduces overall system efficiency. Some influencing factors are the composition of the overall mixture, and the compressor discharge and suction pressures. Therefore, it is desirable to find a means to lower the discharge temperature for a given refrigerant system to enable operation at a lower evaporator temperature or with greater refrigeration capacity at a given evaporator temperature.
Stated another way, it is desirable to maintain the discharge temperature in a safe range while optimizing the overall system performance to achieve greater overall efficiency. For purposes of reference, efficiency can be compared against Carnot efficiency. See for example "Performance of Throttle-Cycle Coolers Operating With Mixed Refrigerants Designed for Industrial Applications in a Temperature Range 110 to 190 K", by Podtcherniaev, Boiarski and Flynn, published in Advances in Cryogenic Engineering: Proceedings of the Cryogenic Engineering Conference, Vol 47 (2002).
One known method of cooling the compressed gas is to inject liquid refrigerant from the condenser through an injection passage directly into the compressor. The liquid refrigerant may be injected into the suction gas area of the compressor or it may be injected into the intermediate enclosed space defined by the scroll members (see for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,854 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,067).
The evolution of refrigerant use has changed the design and function of refrigeration systems. Traditionally, an alkylbenzene compressor oil, or mineral oil, was used with CFC and HCFC systems. However, HFCs are much less miscible and are considered to be immiscible in alkylbenzene oil, so a polyolester (POE) compressor oil is typically used to be miscible with the HFC refrigerants. Refrigeration systems manufacturers must comply with the current environmental laws dictating refrigerant selection and must also provide ways to cope with the impact that the refrigerant component selection has on refrigerant related components, such as compressors, and the compressor oil.
Currently major manufacturers of the scroll compressors such as Copeland, and others, have selected, tested and approved POE oils, which are compatible with conventional refrigerants such as R134a, R404A, and R507. These oils demonstrate good miscibility properties with these refrigerants at temperatures above −45° C. (−49° F.). Oil ejected from the compressor into the discharge line returns back to the compressor carried by the refrigerant, so commercial refrigeration systems don't require oil separators.
What is needed is a refrigeration system with a compressor that is compatible with certain POE oils, which are miscible with refrigerants below −45° C. (−49° F.).
Several attempts have been made to develop an efficient, compact refrigeration system that is compatible with modern refrigerants.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,421, Fujita, et al., Aug. 8, 2000, entitled "Refrigerating apparatus," discloses a liquid injection type scroll compressor used in a refrigerating apparatus using hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant which does not contain chlorine (HFC-125/HFC-143a/HFC-134a) as an operating fluid and an amount of an injected liquid is controlled according to a discharge temperature of the compressor. Further, ester oil and/or ether oil is used as refrigerator oil and a dryer is disposed in a refrigerating cycle. With this arrangement, a refrigerating cycle operation can be stably realized in a wide range without always changing the arrangement of a conventional refrigerating apparatus.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,454, Spauschus et al., Jun. 13, 2000, entitled "Reduced pressure carbon dioxide-based refrigeration system," discloses a novel refrigeration apparatus and a method of refrigeration. The novel refrigeration apparatus comprises a desorber/evaporator, a scroll compressor operatively connected to said desorber/evaporator, a resorber/condenser operatively connected to said compressor, an expansion device operatively connected to said resorber/condenser and to said desorber/evaporator and a circulating refrigerant comprising carbon dioxide and a liquid co-fluid in which the carbon dioxide is differentially soluble. The refrigeration method comprises compressing carbon dioxide gas and a liquid co-fluid in a scroll compressor to an increased pressure, such that carbon dioxide at least partially dissolves in the liquid co-fluid, and reducing the pressure on the liquid co-fluid containing the dissolved carbon dioxide so that dissolved carbon dioxide comes out of solution with the liquid co-fluid, and recirculating the gaseous carbon dioxide and liquid co-fluid to the scroll compressor.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,827, Tojo, et al., May 2, 2000, entitled "Refrigerant compressor and refrigerating apparatus," discloses a refrigerating apparatus with a scroll compressor having a compressing section sucking and compressing a hydrofluorocarbon-based refrigerant, a condenser and the like, in which a plain bearing slidably supporting a driving shaft driving the compressing section of the scroll compressor is made of a material containing lead, and an ether oil miscible with the refrigerant used in a refrigerant circuit is used as a lubricant for lubricating the plain bearing.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,542, Tojo et al., Dec. 28, 1999, entitled "Refrigerant compressor and refrigerating apparatus," discloses a refrigerating apparatus with a scroll compressor having a compressing section sucking and compressing a hydrofluorocarbon-based refrigerant, a condenser and the like, in which a plain bearing slidably supporting a driving shaft driving the compressing section of the scroll compressor is made of a material containing lead, and an ether oil miscible with the refrigerant used in a refrigerant circuit is used as a lubricant for lubricating the plain bearing.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,161, Fujita, et al., Jun. 8, 1999, entitled "Refrigerating apparatus," discloses a liquid injection type scroll compressor that is used in a refrigerating apparatus using hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant which does not contain chlorine (HFC-125/HFC-143a/HFC-134a) as an operating fluid and an amount of an injected liquid is controlled according to a discharge temperature of the compressor. Further, ester oil and/or ether oil is used as refrigerator oil and a dryer is disposed in a refrigerating cycle. With this arrangement, a refrigerating cycle operation can be stably realized in a wide range without almost changing the arrangement of a conventional refrigerating apparatus.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,163, Fujita et al., Nov. 11, 1997, entitled "Refrigerating apparatus," discloses a liquid injection type scroll compressor that is used in a refrigerating apparatus using hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant which does not contain chlorine (HFC-125/HFC-143a/HFC-134a) as an operating fluid and an amount of an injected liquid is controlled according to a discharge temperature of the compressor. Further, ester oil is used as refrigerator oil and a dryer is disposed in a refrigerating cycle. With this arrangement, a refrigerating cycle operation can be stably realized in a wide range without almost changing the arrangement of a conventional refrigerating apparatus.
Telemark Cryogenics (Northampton, UK) manufactures a very low temperature refrigeration system that uses a refrigeration scroll compressor. Some of these systems use scrolls equipped for use with liquid injection, but this feature is not used. Unfortunately, this system does not have a desirably high efficiency.
An additional reference describing a scroll compressor in an auto-cascade refrigeration system is an article in the October 1996 issue of American Laboratory, entitled "A mechanically refrigerated cryogenic freezer for air-phase storage of biologicals at −150° C. without liquid nitrogen," by Robert D. Lehman. This article refers to an air conditioning scroll compressor without liquid injection. Unfortunately, this system does not have a desirably high efficiency.
It is an object of this invention to provide a very low temperature or cryogenic refrigeration system with improved efficiency and decreased size, which complies with current environmental laws dictating refrigerant selection.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a highly efficient, high capacity, compact compressor that allows a reduced refrigeration system footprint.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a refrigeration system with a scroll compressor that manages the refrigerant discharge temperature.

Very low temperature refrigeration system having a scroll compressor with liquid injection


The present disclosure provides an electrical connection device that includes a shell, a holding member and a light guiding member. The shell has a front end insertion opening and a rear wall. The rear wall is formed with a first clip structure, and the first clip structure has a sheet body which is integrally formed rearwardly by the rear wall. A clip hole is defined between the sheet body and the rear wall. The holding member has a holding body and a second clip structure which is integrally formed from the holding body and correspondingly cooperates with the first clip structure. The second clip structure has a first arm which is inserted into to the clip hole with an interference fit. A plurality of light guiding pipes are inserted into to the holding body of the holding member.

Chinese invention patent application publication No. CN107196151A (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 9,933,555B2) discloses a receptacle assembly, a circuit board support of the receptacle assembly includes a mounting feature, the mounting feature is configured to engage with a receptacle shell so as to fix a light pipe to the receptacle shell. The mounting feature may be clip or latch. The receptacle shell includes an opening in a rear wall sized and shaped to receive the mounting feature. The circuit board support may be fixed to the rear wall by mounting the mounting feature via the opening, and the mounting feature may clip the rear wall to fix the circuit board support at the receptacle shell. A bottom of the circuit board support may be generally aligned with a bottom of the receptacle shell such that the bottom of the circuit board support may rest on the circuit board. However, the presence of the opening in the rear wall will result in leakage of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) from the opening. And, when a size of the mounting feature is smaller than a distance from a bottom edge of the opening to a bottom edge of the rear wall due to tolerance, the mounting feature cannot latch to the rear wall, but when the size of the mounting feature is larger than the distance from the bottom edge of the opening to the bottom edge of the rear wall due to tolerance, latching between the mounting feature and the rear wall is easily loosened.


A safety system and a method for localizing at least one object having a control and evaluation unit have at least one radio location system. The radio location system has at least three arranged radio stations. Position data of the object can be determined by means of the radio location system and can be transmitted to the control and evaluation unit. At least three radio transponders are arranged at the object, each arranged spaced apart from one another and the three radio transponders form different points on a plane and unambiguously define the plane in space. The control and evaluation unit is configured to compare the position data of the radio transponders and to form checked position data of the object. The control and evaluation unit is configured to form orientation data of the object from the position data of the radio transponders.

Automated guided vehicles (abbreviated: AGV) are confronted with many situations, for example, in which exact position information is required, e.g. before the start of a safety task.
Current radio signal based localization systems can deliver position information whose accuracy is as a rule between +/−2 meters and +/−20 cm, depending on the radio frequency technique and the configuration of the overall system, but also depending on environmental influences.
It is furthermore necessary to satisfy specific demands, including the reliability of the sensor (duality, MTTF, redundancy) and the diagnostic coverage—i.e. the ability to check the sensor for possible errors in the system. In the ideal case, a localization safety system based on triangulation will carry out these checks.
A localization can take place in a variety of ways, e.g. by reading markings on the floor (e.g. RFID, adhesive tape, barcode), by navigation on the basis of a reaction from a detection of the time of flight, that provide a distance from the circumjacent objects that is then compared with a map, or by triangulation on the basis of three or more stations such as was implemented with UWB, GPS and other technologies.

Safety system and method of localization


A basketball practice device is for use with a basketball rim having a diameter. The practice device includes an annular body, the body having a diameter substantially lesser than the rim diameter, and at least one and preferably a plurality of supports. Each support is connected with the annular body and has a mount disposeable upon a portion of the rim. At least one and preferably a plurality of retainers each have a first end connected with the support, a second end releasably connected with the support, and a central section. Each central section is extendable at least partially about the rim portion such that the rim portion is retained between the support mount and the retainer to connect the practice device with the rim. Further, each retainer includes a generally elastic loop providing the ends and central portion and is extendable to engage with and disengage from the support.

The present invention relates to basketball equipment, and more particularly to devices for improving basketball skills.
Devices for practicing basketball shooting or rebounding skills have been previously known. Typically, such devices include a rim or hoop mountable to a basketball rim and having a diameter that is lesser than the diameter of a conventional basketball rim. As such, these devices are used to hone either shooting or rebounding skills.

Quick connect basketball practice device


A mirror for reflecting radiation at a desired wavelength in the soft x-ray region, comprises a substrate and a coating on the substrate. The coating contains a first section and a second section. The first section comprises at least one layer made up of at least a spacer sublayer and a nodal sublayer. The optical thickness of each spacer sublayer is selected so that, upon application of the radiation of desired wavelength, the mirror generates a standing wave having a node in the middle of each nodal sublayer. The second section is disposed between the first section and the substrate, and comprises a plurality of optically absorptive layers.

The present invention relates to high reflectance, narrow bandwidth, multilayer mirrors for reflecting radiation in the soft x-ray region, and more particularly, to mirrors for reflecting high intensity radiation.
As shown in FIG. 1, a typical mirror 15, designed to maximize reflectance and minimize bandwidth for the soft x-ray region, comprises alternating sublayers of greater optically absorptive material 20 and lesser optically absorptive material 30 on a substrate 40. Each bilayer pair 35 of such greater 20 and lesser 30 optically absorptive material typically has optical thickness of half of the desired wavelength. The multiple bilayers 35 thus provide an interference effect in order to provide high reflectance and a narrow bandwidth.
As shown in FIG. 2, mirror 15 generates a standing wave 60 in reflecting applied radiation 65 (FIG. 1) of the desired wavelength. The greater absorptive sublayers 20 typically contain the nodes 70 of that standing wave 60. As shown in FIG. 3, absorption is not symmetrical about the node 70 within the greater absorptive sublayers 20. Furthermore, the highest absorption in each greater absorptive sublayer 20 occurs at its boundaries, and the peak absorption among all the greater absorptive sublayers 20 occurs at the boundary between the topmost greater absorptive sublayer 20 and the ambient medium 80.
Such mirrors are susceptible to damage when the applied radiation 65 is of high intensity. The exact mechanism by which such high intensity radiation 65 causes damage is not known, but it is believed to involve strong electric fields, high absorption, or heating based on absorption. If the peak electric field squared or the peak absorption occurs at an interface of a greater absorptive sublayer 20 or near the ambient medium 80, any physical stress the peak electric field squared or the peak absorption causes, such as heat, is not readily dissipated and may damage the mirror 15.
Recent efforts to develop x-ray lasers have been hampered by such multilayer mirror damage. It would be highly desirable to provide double, triple or even multiple pass amplification in such lasers, but multilayers mirrors used in such experiments are usually destroyed even by a single exposure. The radiation intensity at the surface of such mirrors might be as high as 2-4*10.sup.8 Watts(W)/centimeter(cm).sup.2 which, for an exposure of 1*10.sup.-9 seconds(s), results in energy density of about 0.2-0.4 joules(J)/cm.sup.2. High reflectance, narrow bandwidth, multilayer damage resistant mirrors would also be useful for reflecting high intensity radiation in other applications besides x-ray lasers, such as free electron lasers, x-ray projection lithography, imaging and holography of biological specimens, and material studies.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,147,409 to Joseph H. Apfel discloses a multilayer laser reflector with reduced electric field intensity. Such a design is intended for use in the visible and near infrared region and would not provide a workable damage resistant, high reflectance, narrow bandwidth mirror in the soft x-ray region.

Low-damage multilayer mirror for the soft X-ray region

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy


A semiconductor device with a damage-free insulating layer is fabricated. A method includes the steps of: forming a first insulating layer on a semiconductor substrate, forming a conductive layer on the first insulating layer, patterning the conductive layer to form a gate electrode, forming low-concentration source/drain region by a first ion implantation, removing a portion of the insulating layer positioned under the side end of the gate electrode, forming a second insulating layer over the semiconductor substrate, the second insulating layer is etched to form a sidewall, forming a high-concentration source/drain region by a second ion implantation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for making a semiconductor device including a MOS transistor or a MOS capacitor.
2. Prior Art
In a manufacturing process of semiconductor devices such as a MOS transistor or a MOS capacitor, impurity ions are doped into the surface of a semiconductor substrate after a conductive layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate via an insulating layer. The impurity ions are doped in order to form a source/drain region or an LDD (Lightly Doped Drain-source) region, or to provide conductivity to the conductive layer.
A conventional method of making the aforementioned devices is explained with reference to the figures. FIGS. 20A-20D are cross-sectional views showing conventional process steps for making a MOS transistor. The MOS transistor comprises gate insulating film 74, gate electrode 75, side-wall 76 formed on a p-type silicon substrate 70 having p-well region 71.
First, a polycrystalline silicon film is patterned to form gate electrode 75 on a p-type silicon substrate 70 having p-well region 71, LDD region 72 and source/drain region 73 (FIG. 20A).
Next, Arsenic (As) ions are doped as a first implantation with the acceleration energy of 30 KeV at the dosage of 3.times.10.sup.13 atoms/cm.sup.2 to form LDD region 72 (FIG. 20B). Then, sidewall 76 is formed by way of etching back a 100 nm-thick High Temperature Oxide (HTO) layer (FIG. 20C). Further, a second ion implantation of As ions is carried out with an acceleration energy of 30 KeV at the dosage of 3.times.10.sup.15 atoms/cm.sup.2 to form source/drain region 73 (FIG. 20D). In this step, LDD region 72 will not merge with source/drain region 73 since the LDD region 72 is shielded by the sidewall 76 from the second ion implantation.
By the aforementioned process, a semiconductor device (MOS transistor) having an LDD region is completed. The LDD region 72 is formed for the purpose of preventing the generation of hot carriers and for the purpose of preventing the extension of the source/drain region to reach below the gate electrode 75.
In the conventional process, formation of a damaged layer in the gate insulating layer 74 due to the ion implantation degrades the device performance, which becomes more and more serious as the dimension of the device gets smaller and required performance gets higher.
The mechanism therefore is given below.
The gate insulating layer 74 suffers from not only degradation but, in extreme cases, breakdown. It is believed that the degradation is due to the silicon-oxygen bond slashed by incident implant ions or holes/electrons trapped in states formed in the gate insulating layer 74.
This sort of degradation is also observed in a capacitor (MOS capacitor) formed on a semiconductor substrate. A typical capacitor on a semiconductor substrate includes a well region in the semiconductor substrate as the lower capacitor electrode, an insulating film on the lower electrode as the capacitor insulating layer and an upper capacitor electrode on the capacitor insulating film. In a capacitor device of this structure, the upper electrode is typically formed with heavily doped polycrystalline silicon.
The polycrystalline silicon must be doped with a density higher than 10.sup.14 atoms/cm.sup.2. The high density doping can form a damaged layer in the capacitor insulating layer as is the case of a MOS transistor gate insulating layer.
It is pointed out that the formation of the damaged layer depends not only on the dosage but the thickness of the insulating layer. Recently, an insulating layer with the thickness as thin as 5 nm or less is in the scope of mass production. A thin insulating layer of this range is naturally vulnerable to ion implantation impact and could be damaged by implantation of relatively small dosages, such as 10.sup.14 atoms/cm.sup.2 or less.
Hence, the prime object of the present invention is to increase the reliability of a semiconductor device by providing a damage free insulating layer.

Method for making a semiconductor device

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


Methods, systems and apparatus for suppressing redundancy in data transmission over networks are provided. Data segments are transmitted from a transmitting DPU to a receiving DPU. Initially, only signatures of the transmitted data segments are stored in a cache at the transmitting DPU. A data segment is stored in the cache only if it satisfies a redundancy-suppressing admission policy. Such a data segment is referred to as a redundant data segment. The redundant data segment is also stored in a cache at the receiving DPU. The transmitting DPU transmits the signatures of the redundant data segments to the receiving DPU, which then extracts the redundant data segments from its cache. Therefore, transmission of the redundant data segments is suppressed.

1. Field of Present Invention
Embodiments of the present invention relate, in general, to networking. More specifically, the embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for redundancy suppression in data transmission over networks.
2. Description of the Background Art
In a typical network, different users often repetitively access Data Processing Units (DPUs) for data. Examples of these DPUs include computers, servers, mobile phones, and network devices. When the DPUs are accessed for the same data, this data is repetitively transmitted over the network. The repetitive transmission of the same data reduces the available bandwidth of the network. This, in turn, slows down the network's response time and affects the timely transmission of other important data. Therefore, to minimize network loading, caching often-requested data saves considerable bandwidth for transmitting other important data.
According to conventional methods, proprietary schemes are used to suppress the transmission of redundant data. Central to these schemes are data caches at the DPUs. A data cache is used to store redundant data that is transmitted repeatedly across a network. Transmitting redundant data across the network can be prevented by sending pointers to the redundant data stored in a data cache. When the data cache is full, the data cache is flushed to make room for new data. Therefore, any redundant data that is required after it has been flushed cannot be recalled from the data cache. Further, this redundant data is required to be re-transmitted across the network. Consequently, a large cache size leads to the better suppression of transmission of the redundant data. However, a large cache increases costs and may overload the processor associated with the DPU. Further, a large cache must typically be implemented on disk storage, which increases latency, thereby, making it unsuitable for high speed devices. Although the data caches implement cache replacement, they do not implement an efficient redundancy-suppressing admission policy. So they also admit non-redundant data into the data cache without scrutiny, which leads to a low utilization of the data cache and an increased processor overhead.

Method and system for redundancy suppression in data transmission over networks


A directional coupler (100) comprises two hollow bodies (200, 201) forming two waveguide portions. Each hollow body has an open end arranged at a first side (10) of the hollow body and another open end arranged at a second side (20) of the hollow body opposite to the first side in a longitudinal direction (30) of the hollow body. The hollow body has a first cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A second cross section along the longitudinal direction defines a first plane of propagation of the electric field. The two waveguide portions have a common wall along the longitudinal direction (30) forming a septum (400) between the two waveguide portions on a second plane orthogonal to the first plane. The septum has an aperture (410) for coupling the two waveguide portions. The aperture has a shape comprising a part (420) slanted with respect to the longitudinal direction.

Directional couplers are common components in waveguide networks for coupling electromagnetic signals between various ports of the waveguide networks with low insertion losses.
Directional couplers used in space applications are mainly manufactured with conventional milling manufacturing techniques because these techniques can provide high precision for manufacturing components at high frequencies such as millimeter and sub-millimeter frequencies. In order to facilitate assembly of the directional couplers, said directional couplers are typically manufactured by separately milling two solid half bodies. After milling, common joining walls are formed in the half bodies. The common joining walls define a plane of propagation of the electric field called E-plane. The two separated milled half bodies are then assembled together by putting in contact the two common joining walls for forming a so-called E-plane waveguide directional coupler having two coupled rectangular waveguide portions. In an assembled E-plane waveguide directional coupler, coupling between the two rectangular waveguide portions occurs through a broad wall common to both waveguide portions. The E-plane is parallel to narrow walls of each rectangular waveguide portion and ideally cuts in two identical parts the waveguide directional coupler at the middle point between said narrow walls. The E-plane does not intersect the electromagnetic surface current lines resulting from a waveguide fundamental mode excitation. As a consequence, imprecisions of manufacturing and assembly along the joining walls, i.e. along the E-plane, disturb less the circulation of said surface currents and minimize undesired effects such as leakage and passive intermodulation products. Thus, typically, E-plane waveguide directional couplers are preferred type of couplers in space applications as well as other applications requiring for example high power handling and multi-carrier operation.
There are two main families of known E-plane waveguide directional couplers: the so-called branch line waveguide couplers and the so-called slot waveguide couplers.
A branch line waveguide coupler may comprise two waveguide portions assembled together along the E-plane as described above. The waveguide portions are electromagnetically coupled together by means of multiple small waveguide sections, called branches, extending in a direction along the E-plane. Performance of the branch line couplers can be tuned by adjusting the number and dimensions of the said branches.
The slot waveguide couplers may comprise also waveguide portions assembled together along the E-plane. In slot couplers the waveguide portions are electromagnetically coupled between each other by means of slots, i.e. apertures provided on a thin broad wall common to both waveguide portions.
A known example of such directional slot coupler is described in H. Xin, S. Li, Y. Wang, "A terahertz-band E-plane Waveguide Directional Coupler with Broad Bandwidth", 16th International Conference on Electronic Packaging Technology, 2015, pages 1419-1421, to which we will refer briefly as to H. Xin. H. Xin describes an E-plane waveguide directional coupler having two rectangular waveguides placed parallel to each other sharing a common broad wall. The common broad wall has three rectangular apertures electromagnetically coupling the two rectangular waveguides. However, the coupler described in H. Xin has been designed and tested for frequencies higher than 300 GHz and the use of it at lower frequencies, for example at the C or Ka bands, would require a rather long and bulky structure. Further, since apertures of the coupler described in H. Xin have relatively small size, power handling capabilities of said known coupler may be poor. A consequence of the poor power handling capability is that the known coupler may comprise secondary electron emissions in resonance with an alternating electric field leading to an exponential electron multiplication, known in the art as the so-called multipactor effect, possibly damaging the known coupler. The same effect may be found in known branch line couplers where the branches have also typically small dimensions.
Last but not least, since coupling apertures in known slot couplers as described in H. Xin are distributed widely along a cross section perpendicular to the E-plane inside the two milled half bodies with constrained or even no access from the common joining wall, manufacturing of such known couplers with conventional milling techniques and assembly method described above may be cumbersome. For this reason, branch line waveguide couplers are usually preferred for space applications, but due to the length of the branches, they occupy more volume than an equivalent slot coupler resulting in bulkier RF networks.

Directional coupler and a method of manufacturing thereof


This invention provides novel liposome-based articles of manufacture and microarrays and methods of making and using them (1) to detect the presence of one or more agents in a sample, (2) to determine the amount of one or more agents in a sample, and (3) to determine whether a subject is afflicted with a disorder. This invention also provides kits which comprise the instant microarrays.

Like proteins and carbohydrates, lipids are a category of essential elements of li ving cells. Lipids play multiple physiological roles in all types of cells in a wide range of living species. In addition to their basic functions in energy metabolism/storage and formation of membranes and sub-cellular components, lipid molecules are important for cell-cell communication, cell signaling and intracellular signal transduction.
Lipid molecules of diverse structures are also an important target for immunologic recognition, such as the specific host recognition of microorganisms that are mediated by microbe-specific lipid or lipid-containing molecules. A major histocompatibility (MHC)-like protein, CD1, binds certain types of lipid molecules and presents them to T cells or NK cells [1, 2]. This unique antigen presentation system presents lipid antigens to effector T cells, which have diverse roles in anti-microbial responses, anti-tumor immunity and the regulation of the balance between tolerance and autoimmunity. Many bacterial pathogens produce phospholipids, glycolipids and/or lipopolysaccharides of distinct antigenic structures. Some are specific for given pathogen and thereby serve as biomarkers for pathogen identification and diagnosis of infectious diseases, and as vaccine targets for the induction of anti-infection immune responses.
Lipid moieties of cellular components may also be molecular targets of autoimmune diseases [3, 4]. In multiple sclerosis (MS) and autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), there are increased T cell and autoantibody reactivities that are directed at myelin lipids [3-5]. These autoimmune responses are responsible for demyelination in central and/or peripheral neural tissues. In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), anti-cardiolipin antibodies were detected in addition to the autoantibodies to protein and nucleic acid components that were previously recognized [6]. CD1 expression is increased at the site of brain lesions in both MS and its rodent model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) [7-9].
Lipid-based antigenic cross-reactivities or molecular mimicry between cellular components and specific microbial antigens may contribute to either pathogenesis of infectious diseases or clearance of cellular lipid products [10-12]. Campylobacter jejuni infection induced an autoimmune neurological disorder Guillain-barre syndrome in a considerable proportion (˜⅓) of cases [3, 4, 13]. This pathogen expresses a lipopolysaccharide molecule that mimics various gangliosides present in high concentrations in peripheral nerves. Infection by this bacterium may, thus, elicit undesired autoimmune responses to gangliosides of the host tissue. In addition, numerous viral infections induce this syndrome, since viruses collect gangliosides as they incorporate plasma membrane from the host cell. Therefore, precaution must be taken when we consider the use of the whole-viral preparations that are made by human or primate cells as vaccine candidates. Such vaccines may display the host-tissue derived lipid and glycolipid structures with altered antigenic reactivity and thus elicit undesired autoimmune responses.
Self-lipid components may be modified to generate neo-immunogenic lipid epitopes [14, 15]. For example, oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) generates a variety of oxidatively modified lipids and lipid-protein adducts that are immunogenic and proinflammatory, which in turn contribute to atherogenesis. Cells undergoing apoptosis also display oxidized moieties on their surface membranes, as determined by binding of oxidation-specific monoclonal antibodies. However, lipid-elicited autoantibodies are not always harmful. Some anti-lipid autoantibodies play roles in the clearance of non-essential or harmful cellular lipid derivatives and are, in fact, beneficial to the hosts [11, 15, 16]. In such circumstance, a microbial antigen may share structural similarity with the moieties of the latter category of cellular lipid derivatives and elicits the "beneficial autoantibodies" to bind and remove the "junk lipids" from the circulation. For example, there is molecular mimicry between Streptococcus pneumoniae and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) [15]. Immunization with cell-wall polysaccharide of Streptococcus pneumoniae elicited T15 anti-phosphorylcholine antibodies that cross-react with oxidized epitopes of low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). The elevated LDL level is positively correlated to the progression of atherosclerosis and oxLDL has been identified in atherosclerotic lesions. Pneumococcal vaccination induced high circulating levels of oxLDL-specific IgM and decreased the extent of atherosclerosis in animal models [15].
Howe et al [16] reported that a human monoclonal IgM antibody directed against myelin induces antiapoptotic signaling in premyelinating oligodendrocytes and reduces caspase-3 activation and caspase gene expression in mice undergoing antibody-induced remyelination. Such autoantibody-mediated signaling may have important therapeutic implications for a variety of neurological diseases, including stroke and Alzheimer's disease.
In summary, lipids represent an important class of antigenic structures and have unique physiochemical properties. In view of their antigenic reactivities, there are two major categories of lipids: microbe-specific structures and host-tissue cross-reactive moieties. The former are able to induce pathogen-specific immune responses and are considered as candidate molecules for developing vaccines or diagnostic tool to combat infectious diseases. The latter may play roles in regulating the biological relationship of microbes and their hosts and in certain circumstances the induction of autoimmune responses. Some anti-self-lipid activities are, however, beneficial to the hosts. The outcome of an anti-lipid antibody response depends on multiple factors, including epitope-binding specificity of anti-lipid antibodies, tissue and subcellular distribution of lipid molecules, and the physiological and pathophysiological properties of the targeted lipid molecules.

Liposome-based microarray and methods of use thereof


A semi-active suspension system that employs magnetically controlled dampers. The semi-active suspension system includes a plurality of sensors that measure vehicle parameters in response to disturbances on the vehicle and provide sensor signals to a central controller. The central controller converts the sensor signals to a flux command signal that is representative of the force on the dampers at each wheel of the vehicle. The flux command signal is sent to a local controller that generates a coil voltage that is applied to a coil within the damper. A flux feedback signal generated by the coil is estimated or measured and is compared to the flux command signal in the local controller to adjust the coil voltage to minimize the difference between the flux command signal and the flux feedback signal to provide a response to the force without a flux delay.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a system and method for controlling a semi-active suspension in the vehicle using magnetically actuated dampers and, more particularly, to a system and method for controlling a semi-active suspension in the vehicle using magnetically actuated dampers, where a voltage signal applied to a coil within the damper is determined based on coil flux so as to compensate for the delay in the flux response of the coil.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
As is well understood in the art, vehicles include a suspension system that responds to bumps and other imperfections in the roadway so as to prevent such disturbances from being significantly transferred to the passenger compartment of the vehicle. State of the art suspension systems may be semi-active suspension systems that use magnetically controlled actuators or dampers, sometimes referred to as magnetic ride control (MRC) systems. MRC system dampers provide a continuously variable damping force using an electromagnet and a fluid responsive to a magnetic field or a solenoid pressure control valve. MRC system dampers can employ a magneto-rheological fluid whose friction force is controlled by an electrical signal applied to the fluid. Particularly, the magneto-rheological fluid has a viscosity and/or yield stress that changes in response to an electrical voltage or current. The magneto-rheological fluid includes magnetizable particles suspended in an inert base fluid to provide the viscosity change. Such variable force dampers have also been used to provide vehicle stability control, roll over mitigation, and other vehicle control systems.

High bandwidth control of magnetic ride control system


A valve assembly is provided for venting pressurized gases generated from within an enclosed package during a heating of the package. The valve assembly has a membrane element, a tubular body and a retaining member. The tubular body has an open end, a closed end and a recess defined therebetween. The closed end has an aperture for venting the pressurized gases therethrough. The recess is operative to receive and support the membrane element adjacent the closed end. The retaining member is operative for snap-fit engagement with the tubular body for retaining the membrane element within the recess.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a release valve for use with packaging of food items. More particularly, the invention relates to a release valve that relieves pressure generated during a heating of the package in an oven.
2. Description of the Related Art
Food items are commonly stored in packaging allowing the food items to be warmed or cooked in an oven while remaining sealed within the packaging. Typically, the packaging includes a molded plastic container and a flexible sealing film adhesively secured along a lip of the container. Instructions are usually provided directing the user to puncture holes in the sealing film allowing venting of pressurized gases generated within the packaging during heating in the oven. But, many users ignore such instructions potentially resulting in packaging that ruptures or bursts from the build-up of excess pressure.
Pressure release valves are known for relieving pressure generated within a package. An example of such a valve is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 4,444,219, which issued to Hollenstein on Apr. 24, 1984. Hollenstein discloses a release valve that can be incorporated into a wall of a package. The release valve has a body defining a recess and a diaphragm positioned along a closed end of the recess. The closed end includes a plurality of apertures. The diaphragm is displaceable from the closed end to vent pressures generated in the packaging in the order of 1 to 2 millibar. The valve as disclosed in Hollenstein, however, does not contemplate the use of the valve in a heated environment.
Accordingly, it remains desirable to provide a release valve for use with packaging that maintains a sealed environment within the packaging during storage and vents pressurized gases during heating.

Packaging release valve for refrigerated food items


A method and system for translating a JDF workflow into a colored Petri net representation. Once the workflow has been converted, the colored Petri net is validated and analyzed. This provides the ability to identify potential deadlock conditions within a JDF workflow. In addition, the model network can be used to simulate throughput and turnaround time of a workflow and the effects of resources arriving at various times.

Illustrated herein are embodiments of a method and system relating to the validation and analysis of JDF workflows using colored Petri nets. The embodiments disclosed herein find particular application in conjunction with workflows relating to printing jobs and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that these embodiments are also amenable to other like applications.
Generally, a workflow represents a flow of work. In a business corporation, for example, suppose that one of the members of the corporation is going to purchase an article. First, the person prepares a purchase slip and then brings the purchase slip to the superior. The superior checks the purchase slip, stamps the approval, and sends the purchase slip to the accounting department. Based on the purchase slip, the accounting department orders the article. As seen in the above-mentioned workflow, the purchase slip flows from the person to the superior, and from the superior to the accounting department, thus advancing the workflow. Therefore, a workflow can be considered a sequence of tasks. A task can be further divided into sub-tasks. Tasks can be performed by persons as in the foregoing example, and can automatically be performed by computers as, for example, in a printing job.
Workflow-based businesses rely heavily on their ability to effectively compete in and control existing and emerging workflows. Given the heterogeneity of the space, integration of these heterogeneous distributed systems is a considerable challenge and is fast becoming a critical factor of success in business. In addition to the multiplicity of systems, customers are demanding customization and flexibility for their workflows. As a result, automation of the integration and deployment of workflows today means considerable competitive advantage. Effective modeling is a key part of an overall workflow automation strategy.
Current workflow modeling technologies and tools enable clever visualization and some analysis capability. However, their effectiveness relies heavily upon the idiosyncratic knowledge and expertise of the person doing the modeling. That is, it is a highly manual and cumbersome effort and yields results only as good as the intuition and skill of the particular modeler.
JDF (Job Definition Format) is an industry standard designed to simplify information exchange between different applications and systems in and around the graphic arts industry. JDF is published by the International Cooperation for the Integration of Processes in Prepress, Press and Postpress Organization (CIP4) and specifies the information required to complete a customer intended print job. It enables the integration of commercial and planning applications into the technical workflow. JDF is a comprehensive XML-based file format and proposed industry standard for end-to-end job ticket specifications combined with a message description standard and message interchange protocol.
Conceptually, JDF has three main functions. First, it provides a single common language that supports the lifecycle of a print job. Thus, JDF is often referred to as a "Job Ticket" language. The second function is to provide a command and control language for devices on the shop floor. This aspect of JDF is called the Job Messaging Format (JMF). JMF allows the controlling workflow system or MIS in a process-automated environment to tell devices to start and stop jobs, reorder the queue, etc. Finally, there is inherent in JDF a flexible methodology for constructing workflows and providing the command, control, and configuration of plant automation and job production. There is a fourth main function of automating the handshake, which is accomplished with the new device capabilities functionality.
Generally, the information in JDF is organized into nodes in a hierarchical tree of processes and resources that each process produces and consumes. An XML-based JDF job describes the status of processes and resources at a particular instance. An MIS (Management Information System) is responsible for estimating, tracking, controlling and monitoring the entire production workflow. There are MIS vendors (such as EFI, Hiflex, iWay to name a few) that have already offered MIS products with varying capabilities to analyze and estimate the JDF workflow. But these existing analysis and estimation capabilities are very limited in terms of verifying both syntactic and semantic correctness of JDF workflow, and also lacking a simulation-based estimation on JDF workflow cost and performance.
JDF allows XML-based description of all the processes needed to complete a print product, from job submission through prepress, press and post press. Each process is defined in terms of the consumed input resources and produced output resources. Resources produced by one process might be required by other processes, and processes are interconnected in a chain of processes to form a complete workflow. Processes may share resources and be interconnected in sequential, parallel, overlapping and iteration fashion. Because of the complexity of the workflows that could result within a JDF instance it becomes difficult to manually analyze the validity of the workflow and perform predictive assessments for various performances and cost metrics to provide crucial business process management capabilities for the print shop. Currently most of the tools use a discrete event simulation package to asses the JDF-based workflow, but do not provide features to verify the correctness of JDF-based workflows.
One graphical approach which has been developed for modeling and simulating systems exhibiting concurrency and asynchronicity is that of Petri nets. One reason Petri net representations are used is that they are also analyzable. A good discussion of the history and general principles of Petri nets is contained in, for example, T. Murata, "Petri Nets: Properties, Analysis and Applications," Proceedings of the IEEE, Vol. 77, No. 4, April 1989 (New York) at 541-580, and K. Jensen, "An Introduction to the Theoretical Aspects of Coloured Petri Nets," in J. W. de Bakker, W. P. de Roever, G. Rozenberg (eds), "A Decade of Concurrency, Lecture Notes in Computer Science," Vol. 803, Springer-Verlag 1994, at 230-272, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Colored Petri nets (or CPNs) involve a formal modeling language that has Petri net based formal analysis with detailed and concise description of the model in programming languages. It is a graphical oriented language for design, specification, simulation and verification of systems. CPNs are, in particular, well-suited for systems that consist of a number of processes which communicate and synchronize. Typical examples of application areas are communication protocols, distributed systems, automated production systems, work flow analysis and VLSI (Very Large-Scale Integration) chips. A model could be analyzed with a reachability graph generated of the various available states from which various behavioral properties like deadlocks, livelocks, and boundedness of the model can be derived. Thus, for example, colored Petri nets have been used for controlling a large class of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), as described in J. Ezpeleta and J. Colom, "Automatic Synthesis of Colored Petri Nets for the Control of FMS," IEEE Transactions on Robotics and Automation, Vol. 13, No. 3, June 1997, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Some have used an intermediate process calculus whereby the language level constructs of embedded systems have been mapped to Petri nets for analyzing the concurrency behavior. Others have synthesized colored Petri nets by generating process plans and the manufacturing system layout for formal modeling and analysis of flexible manufacturing systems. Yet others have applied a version of Petri nets for a behavioral specification of CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture) in IDL (Interface Definition Language). In addition Petri nets have been applied to model a wide variety of applications like VLSI designs, control systems, software engineering, and mechanical systems. Some of the current workflow languages are based on underlying process calculus. Microsoft's XLANG is based on pi-calculus. For instance, IBM's WSFL (Web Service Flow Language) is based on Petri net semantics.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/836,298 filed Apr. 30, 2004, entitled "WORKFLOW AUTO GENERATION FROM USER CONSTRAINTS AND HIERARCHICAL DEPENDENCE GRAPHS FOR WORKFLOWS," by Tong Sun, et al., and hereby incorporated by reference for all it discloses, proposes a Hierarchical Dependence Graph for formal analysis of JDF workflows by using an extended DAG (directed acyclic graph). Based upon the graphic theory of DAG, this method allows a formal JDF workflow analysis on identifying the missing resources, the dangling process nodes in JDF and possible cyclic deadlock loop.
Thus, there is a need for an improved method and system for formal verification and analysis of a JDF-based workflow prior to execution semantic analysis in terms of all possible resource and process states, reachability, boundedness and liveliness analysis.

Validation and analysis of JDF workflows using colored petri nets


An array substrate includes a transparent substrate, pixel electrodes, switching devices, a data line, a gate line and a light blocking pattern. The light blocking pattern corresponding to a storage electrode is disposed on the transparent substrate, and the light blocking pattern blocks a light leaked from a space between the pixel electrodes. The pixel electrodes are spaced apart from the light blocking pattern by a first distance. The data line is spaced apart from the light blocking pattern by a second distance, and the data line is disposed under a region between the pixel electrodes. The data line is electrically connected to the source electrode, and the data line has a first width. The gate line is electrically connected to the gate electrode to turn on/off the switching devices. Therefore, a black matrix is not required, thereby enhancing an aperture ratio.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an array substrate, a method of manufacturing the array substrate and a liquid crystal display apparatus having the array substrate. More particularly, the present invention relates to an array substrate having enhanced opening ratio, a method of manufacturing the array substrate and a liquid crystal display apparatus having the array substrate.
2. Description of the Related Art
A liquid crystal display apparatus displays images by using liquid crystal. The liquid crystal display apparatus possesses many merits such as thin thickness, lightweight, etc. Therefore, the liquid crystal display apparatus has been widely used.
The liquid crystal display apparatus includes a liquid crystal display panel and a backlight assembly. The backlight assembly is disposed under the liquid crystal display panel to provide the liquid crystal display panel with a light.
The liquid crystal display panel includes a color filter substrate, an array substrate and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the color filter substrate and the array substrate. The color filter substrate includes color filters including a red color filter, a green color filter and a blue color filter. The color filters are arranged in a matrix shape. The color filters filter a light that passes through a pixel electrode to transmit the light having a specific wavelength. Hereinafter, a conventional array substrate will be explained.
FIG. 1 is a layout illustrating a conventional liquid crystal display apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display apparatus in FIG. 1.
A conventional array substrate includes a thin film transistor 104, a storage electrode 103a and a pixel electrode 101. The thin film transistor 104, the storage electrode 103a and the pixel electrode 101 are opposite to a color filter (not shown) of a color filter substrate (not shown).
The array substrate further includes a data line 102 and a gate line 105. The is data line 102 and the gate line 105 are disposed between the color filters, and the data line 102 and the gate line 105 are extended along a region between the color filters.
The data line 102 is electrically connected to a source electrode S of the thin film transistor 104, and the gate line 105 is electrically connected to a gate electrode G of the thin film transistor 104. A drain electrode D of the thin film transistor 104 is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 101.
When a gate voltage is applied to the gate line 105, the thin film transistor 104 that is electrically connected to the gate line 105 is turned on, and a data voltage of the data line 102 is applied to the pixel electrode 101 through the thin film transistor 104. When the data voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 101, electric fields are generated between the pixel electrode 101 and a common electrode (not shown) of the color filter substrate. Therefore, an arrangement of liquid crystal molecules of a liquid crystal layer (not shown) disposed between the color filter substrate and the array substrate is changed to adjust optical transmittance to display images.
The storage electrode 103a supports a liquid crystal capacitor formed by the pixel electrode 101, the liquid crystal layer and the common electrode to maintain the data voltage. When the data voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 101, the storage electrode 103a prevents variation of the data voltage. The storage electrode 103a may be formed at edge portion of the pixel electrode 101.
According to the conventional array substrate described above, a light is leaked through an opening 106 between the data line 102 and the storage electrode 103a. Therefore, a light blocking layer 107 (or black matrix) formed at the color filter substrate or the array substrate is employed in order to prevent the light from being leaked through the opening 106.
The light blocking layer 107 blocks the opening 106. That is, in the conventional liquid crystal display apparatus, the light blocking layer is contained in the color filter substrate.
For example, the light blocking layer 107 has a left margin W4 of about 5 μm and a right margin W3 of about 6 μm, and a width W4 of right and left opening 106 is about 2.5 μm. As a result, a width of the light blocking layer 107 is about 22 μm. Therefore, an aperture ratio of the conventional array substrate is lowered due to the light blocking layer having wide width.
A light that passes through the opening 107 is diffracted to form a diffracted light. Therefore, when a distance between the light blocking layer 107 and the opening 106 increases, the width of the light blocking layer 107 increases in order to block the light. Therefore, reducing the distance between the light blocking layer 107 and the opening 106 is desirable in order to enhance the aperture ratio. However, reducing the distance between the light blocking layer 107 and the opening 106 is limited due to the liquid crystal layer. Therefore, enhancing the aperture ratio is also limited.
Furthermore, the light blocking layer 107 is formed on the color filter substrate, and a liquid crystal display apparatus is formed by assembling the color filter substrate and the array substrate. Therefore, even a minute misalignment may induce the light leakage. When a width of margin of the light blocking layer is increased in order to compensate the misalignment, the aperture ratio is also lowered.

Array substrate, method of manufacturing the same and liquid crystal display apparatus having the same


A method for improving Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and recycling exhaust gases therefrom. The method includes: 1) transforming raw gas for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis using a water-gas shift reaction, transporting the transformed raw gas to a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis device for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in the presence of a Fe-based or Co-based catalyst; 2) introducing exhaust gases from the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis device to a first pressure-swing adsorber for hydrogen recovery; 3) introducing the exhaust gases from 2) to a second pressure-swing adsorber for methane recovery; 4) returning part of the hydrogen obtained from 2) to 1) to mix with the raw gas, and transforming a resulting mixed gas to adjust a hydrogen/carbon ratio of the raw gas; and 5) introducing the methane in 3) to a methane reforming device to reform the methane whereby yielding syngas having relatively high hydrogen/carbon ratio, and transporting the syngas to 1) to mix with the raw gas.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method for improving Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and recycling exhaust gases therefrom.
2. Description of the Related Art
The reforming procedure is a common step in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process. Specifically, the raw gas is required to be reformed through a water-gas shift reaction: CO+H2O═>CO2+H2. However, the treated raw syngas still has low ratio of hydrogen to carbon, which cannot meet the requirement for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. In general, the treatment load of the water-gas shift reaction is heavy, which increases the production costs and reduces the production efficiency. And in addition, the produced exhaust gases are directly discharged, resulting in pollution and waste.

Method for improving Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and recycling exhaust gases therefrom

Wuhan Kaidi Engineering Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd.