A model variable candidate generation device generating explanatory variable candidates to be used as candidates for an explanatory variable in generation of a prediction model includes: a data input unit inputting analysis data each entry having one or more items and the items having item values; a first item determination unit preliminarily setting properties of the items included in the analysis data as first item properties; a data property determination unit determining data properties being of the analysis data on the basis of the first item properties; a second item determination unit determining properties of the items included in the analysis data as second item properties on the basis of the data properties of the analysis data; and a variable candidate generation unit generating the explanatory variable candidates by selecting from the items or processing the items on the basis of the second item properties.

A big data analysis technology of predicting the value of a desired prediction target by analyzing a relationship between a vast amount of collected and accumulated data is drawing attention. A model generated on the basis of accumulated data is used for calculating the value of a prediction target. When acquired data is input to a model as an explanatory variable, a prediction target is output as the value of an objective variable.
A model generation operation is a complicated operation which requires analysis of a vast amount of data. A portion of a model generation operation is automated by a computer so as to improve efficiency. Processes of selecting only highly effective variables from the variables included in data, discretizing the data, constructing a model from the data, and verifying the constructed model can be automated to some extent.
For example, PTL 1 discloses an information processing device capable of reducing the amount of computation performed when finding an explanatory variable to be added to a prediction model.
The information processing device disclosed in PTL 1 classifies a plurality of objective variables into a plurality of groups on the basis of an error between an actual value of each of a plurality of objective variables and a value calculated by a first prediction model for predicting the value of the objective variable, calculates a representative value of the errors using the errors calculated for an objective variable belonging to each of the plurality of groups, generates a plurality of second prediction models for predicting the calculated representative value for each of the plurality of groups while changing the explanatory variable, and determines an explanatory variable to be added to the first prediction model of the objective variable belonging to the group on the basis of a difference between the representative value and each of the values calculated by the generated plurality of second prediction models.
PTL 2 discloses a variable selection device that selects an explanatory variable to be used for constructing a model for calculating a probability that a specific variable has a specific value.
The variable selection device disclosed in PTL 2 counts the frequencies of samples in which objective variables have a first value and a second value as a first frequency and a second frequency, respectively, counts, for each explanatory variable, the frequency of samples in which an explanatory variable has the first value and an objective variable has the first value as a third frequency and the frequency of samples in which an explanatory variable has the first value and an objective variable has the second value as a fourth frequency, calculates feature amounts of the explanatory variables using the first and second frequencies and the third and fourth frequencies obtained for each explanatory variable, and selects one or more explanatory variables on the basis of the calculated feature amounts.
PTL 3 discloses a device capable of efficiently selecting explanatory variables.
In the device disclosed in PTL 3, when a linear predictor selects a desired explanatory variable from a plurality of explanatory variable candidates using a variable selection model represented by the sum of a constant term and a linear combination of a plurality of explanatory variable candidates and a plurality of coefficients corresponding to the plurality of explanatory variable candidates, the linear predictor acquires sign conditions for at least one coefficient among the plurality of coefficients, calculates an estimated value of the plurality of estimated values and an estimated value of the constant term under the sign conditions using a plurality of pieces of data, and selects an explanatory variable candidate corresponding to a coefficient of which the estimated value is calculated to be non-zero as the desired explanatory variable.
PTL 4 discloses a data analysis system that generates a prediction model for predicting an objective variable with high accuracy.
The data analysis system disclosed in PTL 4 generates a prediction model for predicting an objective variable from a plurality of explanatory variables on the basis of learning data, calculates a reliability indicating probability of prediction based on the prediction model for each record, creates a subset made up of records of which the reliability is within a predetermined range among a plurality of records, extracts a combination of explanatory variables having high correlation with the objective variable from the plurality of explanatory variables on the basis of the records belonging to the subset, and adds the extracted combination of explanatory variables to the learning data as new explanatory variables.

Model variable candidate generation device and method


A processing system 12 for processing a substrate with an ionized plasma comprises a processing chamber 13 defining a processing space 14 and including a substrate support 17, a gas inlet 20, and a plasma source for creating an ionized plasma in the processing space. The plasma source comprises an inductive element 24 operable for coupling electrical energy into the processing space. The inductive element 24 winds around portions of the processing space 14 inside the processing chamber 13 and is encased inside a dielectric material 30 to physically separate the element from the processing space while allowing the element to couple electrical energy into the processing space. Alternatively, the inductive element is coupled to a DC power supply 98 for enhancing its magnetization to reduce the capacitive coupling of energy between the inductive element and the plasma.

This invention relates generally to semiconductor processing utilizing a plasma, and specifically relates to the improvement of plasma distribution and process performance within a plasma generated and sustained through inductive coupling.
Gas plasma generation is widely used in a variety of integrated circuit (IC) fabrication processes, including plasma etching, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), and plasma sputter deposition applications. Generally, plasmas are produced within a process chamber by introducing a low-pressure process gas into the chamber and then directing electrical energy into the chamber for creating an electrical field therein. The electrical field creates an electron flow within the chamber which ionizes individual gas atoms and molecules by transferring kinetic energy through individual electron-gas molecule collisions. The electrons are accelerated within the electric field, producing efficient ionization. The ionized particles of the gas and free electrons collectively form what is referred to as a gas plasma or discharge. The plasma may exist at various ionization levels from 10xe2x88x926 up to fully ionized plasma (based on the fraction of ionized particles with respect to the total number of particles).
The plasma particles will generally be positively charged, and are commonly utilized for etching a surface of a substrate within the chamber or depositing a layer of material onto such a substrate. Within an etching process, the substrate may be negatively biased such that the positive plasma particles are attracted to the substrate surface to bombard the surface and thus remove surface particles or etch the substrate. In a sputter deposition process, a target may be positioned within the chamber opposite the substrate. The target is then biased so that plasma particles bombard the target and dislodge, or xe2x80x9csputter,xe2x80x9d target particles therefrom. The sputtered target particles then deposit upon the substrate to form a material layer on an exposed surface thereof. In ionized sputter deposition, hereinafter referred to as iPVD, the sputtered particles are themselves ionized before they are deposited. In a plasma enhanced CVD process, the electrically neutral, active radicals form a deposited layer on exposed surfaces. Generally, there are various different ways of producing a plasma within a process chamber. For example, a pair of opposing electrodes might be oriented within the chamber to capacitatively couple energy to the plasma. A microwave resonant chamber utilizing ultra-high frequency microwave fields might also be utilized. Electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) devices, on the other hand, use controlled magnetic fields in conjunction with microwave energy to induce circular electron flow within a process gas to create and sustain a plasma. Inductive coupling processes are also popular, and are particularly desirable for their capability of producing high-density plasmas. Inductively coupled plasmas (ICPS) generally utilize an inductive element such as a shaped coil or antenna positioned with respect to the processing chamber to inductively couple energy into the processing chamber and thus create and sustain a plasma therein.
For example, in one particular design for an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) system, an inductive coil or antenna is positioned proximate the top portion of the chamber to create a plasma within the chamber. More specifically, the antenna is positioned on one side of a dielectric plate or window at the top of the processing chamber, and electromagnetic energy from the antenna is coupled through the dielectric window and into the plasma. One such design is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,521 which is commonly owned with the present application.
In an alternative ICP processing system, a helical or solenoidal-shaped coil is wound around the outside of a sidewall portion of the processing chamber to inductively couple energy to the plasma through the chamber sidewall, rather than through the top of the chamber. In such a system, a portion of the chamber sidewall is fabricated from a dielectric material through which the inductively coupled energy may pass. One suitable dielectric material for a window or chamber sidewall is quartz. Various ICP systems are known and utilized in the art, as evidenced by various issued patents directed to particular ICP details, such as plasma uniformity, RF matching, and the performance characteristics of the antennas or other inductive elements.
The geometry of an ICP system is a significant factor in determining both the plasma density and uniformity, and ultimately, the processing uniformity over the area of the substrate. For current processes, it is desirable to produce a uniform, high-density plasma, over a significantly large area so that large substrate sizes might be accommodated. For example, manufacturing of today""s ultra large-scale integrated (ULSI) circuits requires a dense, uniform plasma over large substrates having diameters of approximately 200 mm or greater.
More specifically, in an ICP system, the plasma is excited by heating or exciting electrons in the plasma region of the processing chamber. The inductive currents which heat the plasma electrons are derived from oscillating magnetic fields which are produced proximate the inside of the dielectric window or sidewall by RF currents within the inductive antenna or coil. The spatial distribution of those magnetic fields is a function of the sum of the individual magnetic fields produced by each portion or segment of the antenna or coil conductor. Therefore, the geometry of the inductive antenna or coil significantly determines the spatial distribution of the plasma, and particularly the spatial distribution and uniformity of the plasma ion density within the process chamber. As one example, an antenna having an xe2x80x98Sxe2x80x99 shape, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,975, establishes a significant ion density in the central area of the antenna. At higher RF power levels, the outer portions of the antenna will also contribute significantly to plasma ionization. While a significant advantage of an ICP system utilizing such an antenna is the linearity of the system with respect to the power delivered to the antenna and also the radius of the process chamber, and while the current ICP systems and antenna designs utilized therein have provided sufficient plasma generation, such systems still have certain drawbacks.
For example, within the confines of existing ICP systems and antenna configurations, it is difficult to scale the process chamber to a larger size for handling larger substrates without significantly increasing the dimensions of the antenna or coil. An ICP antenna with a larger footprint must be accommodated with expensive modification to the processing system. Furthermore, larger antennas and their associated plasmas exhibit greater sensitivity to process parameters within the chamber. For example, the plasma process, such as an etch or deposition process, becomes more sensitive to process parameters such as the substrate-to-target distance within a sputtering system, the target material within a sputtering system, the pressure within the process chamber, and the height and width configuration of the chamber.
Furthermore, current ICP systems utilizing planar spiral antennas have exhibited asymmetry wherein the distribution of the plasma is not aligned with the central axis of the chamber. Such plasma asymmetry degrades the uniformity of the plasma and the uniformity of the deposition or etch process, thereby affecting the overall system efficiency. Still further, planar antennas may exhibit a ring or doughnut-shaped plasma for one process and corresponding set of parameters, while creating a centrally peaked plasma for another process and other parameters. Accordingly, the plasma shape and uniformity is not consistent within such ICP systems and will be process dependent. Therefore, the overall IC fabrication process will not be consistent from one plasma process to another plasma process.
Another drawback with planar antenna systems utilizing an S-shaped antenna or coil, is that the outer portions of the coil marginally affect the plasmas created by the central region of the coil, thus giving an azimuthal dependence within the plasma, and a corresponding azimuthal dependence in the etched or deposited films on the substrate. That is, along one axis of the plane defined by the coil, the plasma will have a different uniformity and density than along another planar axis of the coil.
Another concern with inductively coupled plasmas is to ensure that energy is predominantly inductively coupled into a plasma rather than predominantly capacitively coupled. Capacitive coupling between the inductive element and the plasma is undesirable. While Faraday shields may be used to reduce capacitive coupling, it is still desirable to improve on the design of such shields within a processing system.
Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to overcome drawbacks in the prior art and provide a plasma processing system, and particularly an ICP system, in which a dense, uniform plasma is created.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a uniform plasma which is less dependent upon the size and shape of the process chamber than current plasma processing systems.
It is still another objective to provide a plasma which is symmetrical in the processing chamber.
It is another objective to reduce capacitive coupling within an ICP system.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a uniform, dense plasma over a large area, such as an area sufficient to handle a 200 mm or greater wafer, while maintaining a compact and inexpensive design of the inductive coil or antenna.
It is still another objective of the present invention to provide consistent plasma generation and thereby provide consistent processes, such as etch processes and deposition processes, which are less dependent upon process parameters, such as pressure and/or chamber geometry or size.
One attempt to address various of the above objectives utilizes a processing system incorporating unique inductive elements therein. Specifically, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/277,526, entitled Process, Apparatus and Method for Improving Plasma Distribution and Performance in an Inductively Coupled Plasma, and filed on Mar. 26, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,526, illustrates such systems. That patent is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. While the processing systems and inductive elements disclosed therein provide for the creation and use of effective inductively coupled plasmas, it is still desirable to improve and further refine such systems for improved ICP characteristics. As such, the present invention addresses the above objectives and other objectives and is set forth in greater detail below.
A processing system for processing a substrate with an ionized plasma comprises a processing chamber defining a processing space with a substrate support therein for supporting a substrate in the processing space. A gas inlet introduces process gas into the space and a plasma source is operable for creating an ionized plasma therein. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the plasma source comprises an inductive element operable for coupling electrical energy into the processing space to create an ionized plasma therein. The inductive element winds around a portion of the processing space inside the processing chamber such that the inductive element is internally contained. In that way, the inductive element is exposed directly to the plasma in the processing space, rather than having to couple electromagnetic energy through a portion of the processing chamber.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the inductive element is encased inside a dielectric material to physically separate the element from the processing space while allowing the element to couple electrical energy into the processing space. In one example, a dielectric material assembly includes an inner subassembly, an outer subassembly, and a middle subassembly. The inductive element is configured around the middle subassembly, wherein the outer subassembly isolates the inductive element from the grounded processing chamber, while the inner subassembly isolates the inductive element from the processing space and plasma.
The present invention may be suitably used with a number of different inductive element shapes. One suitable shape comprises a coil with multiple coil turns wherein the turns include segments oriented along a chamber sidewall portion and segments oriented along a chamber end wall portion for coupling energy simultaneously into the processing space through both the sidewall and end wall portions of the chamber.
In another embodiment of the invention, a dielectric envelope is positioned within the processing space and surrounds a portion of the inductive element. The envelope encases the element against the processing chamber and isolates the element from the processing space. A dielectric epoxy or other suitable insulating material fills the inside of the envelope for further encasing the inductive element.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention directed to an inductive element positioned internally in the chamber, a DC electrical energy source is electrically coupled to the inductive element at a point along the inductive element, and a ground reference is electrically coupled to the inductive element at another point along the inductive element. The DC source is operable for enhancing the magnetization of the inductive element to reduce the capacitative coupling of energy between the inductive element and the plasma, thereby protecting the inductive element exposed to the plasma and the processing space of the chamber. Inductors are electrically coupled between the inductive element and the DC source and ground to further enhance the magnetization of the inductive element.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an electrostatic shield is utilized with the plasma source to enhance inductive coupling of energy into the processing space. The electrostatic shield comprises a body having opposing face surfaces wherein at least one bore is formed in the shield along the body and between the face surfaces. A slot is formed in each of the face surfaces proximate the bore and communicating with the bore to form a passage through the shield. The shield enhances inductive coupling and the unique slots prevent a line-of-sight pathway therethrough to effectively trap particles that might otherwise penetrate the shield and generally prevent transmission of plasma particles through the shield.

Process apparatus and method for improving plasma distribution and performance in an inductively coupled plasma using an internal inductive element


A vehicle imaging apparatus for generating a picture of a wide are in an inexpensive manner without affecting the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. The vehicle imaging apparatus generates a picture of a predetermined area outside a vehicle having a rearview mirror. The vehicle imaging apparatus includes a reflection mirror arranged in the rearview mirror and having a curved surface. An imaging device is arranged in the rearview mirror to generate a picture from an image reflected on the reflection mirror. The rearview mirror is located on the passenger side of the vehicle and has a housing. The reflection mirror is arranged in a lower portion of the rearview mirror so that an upper portion of the reflection mirror is covered by the housing and a portion excluding the upper portion is exposed.

The present invention relates to a vehicle imaging apparatus for generating an image of a predetermined area outside a vehicle, a vehicle monitoring apparatus employing such imaging apparatus, and a rearview mirror.
When driving a vehicle from a parked state, a driver must be check the surrounding of the vehicle and be aware of obstacles. However, there are spots beside the passenger seat or in front and rear of the vehicle that cannot be seen by the driver from the driver's seat. Thus, the driver should look around the vehicle and check the vehicle surrounding before starting the vehicle. This may be burdensome.
In the prior art, an imaging apparatus, for example, a vehicle monitoring apparatus that shows pictures of spots difficult to see from the driver's seat on a monitor, which is located in the passenger compartment, has been proposed (e.g., Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 11-78693). By using the prior art vehicle monitoring apparatus, the driver can easily check the surrounding of the vehicle from the driver's seat.
It is preferred that the area of the picture generated by the imaging apparatus be as wide as possible. Thus, the employment of a wide-angle lens or the employment of a motor, which moves the imaging apparatus, has been proposed to generate images of wide areas.
However, the maximum view angle of the wide-angle lens is not large. Further, the employment of the wide-angle lens increases costs. The employment of a motor to move the imaging apparatus increases costs. In addition, the motor enlarges the imaging apparatus, which in turn, increases the space occupied by the imaging apparatus.
To widen the imaging area, the imaging apparatus must be projected from the vehicle body. This lowers the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. Further, a stay or bracket becomes necessary when projecting the imaging apparatus from the vehicle body. This increases the number of components.

Vehicle imaging apparatus, vehicle monitoring apparatus, and rearview mirror

Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho


Prospective deals for a deal vendor's deal inventory may be scored according to one or more population-specific expected-yield scores, such as expected revenue yield, expected new customers yield, and the like. A prospective deal is categorized and characterized according to a number of yield-related characteristics. Some or all of the prospective deal's characteristics are mapped to yield components derived from completed deals that have been offered to a particular population. An expected-yield score for a prospective deal with regard to that population is obtained by combining the mapped yield components.

Many web sites offer some sort of periodic (e.g., daily) deal. Some retailers, such as Amazon.com and Buy.com, feature a "deal of the day" item in addition to using conventional sales methods. Other web sites operated by deal vendors, such as Tippr.com, Groupon.com, and the like, partially or exclusively sell "deal" vouchers that are good for discounts on specified goods offered by other retailers or merchants. For example, a deal vendor might offer a "deal" voucher that can be purchased for one price (e.g. $25) and that can be redeemed at a particular merchant for goods and/or services having a higher value (e.g. $50) than the purchase price of the deal voucher. Such deal vendors typically earn revenue by retaining a portion of the purchase price of the deal voucher (e.g., when a consumer purchases a $25 deal voucher, the deal vendor may keep $12.50 and pay $12.50 to the merchant at which the voucher can be redeemed). Many such deals are offered only for a limited period of time and/or only in limited quantity.
Some deal-offering services (e.g., Google Offers, provided by Google Inc. of Mountain View, Calif.) may refer to such "deals" as "offers," "special offers," or the like. The term "deal" is used herein to refer to any such deal, discount offer, discount voucher, limited-time offer, limited-quantity offer, or the like.
Consumers often sign up for a deal vendor's mailing list to receive periodic deal offers from a deal vendor, e.g. via a daily email or other communication medium. Although a given deal vendor's mailing list may include consumers from many cities, states, and/or countries, many deal vendors segment their consumer lists into regional populations. For example, many deal vendors segment their consumer lists into populations segregated by city, zip code, or even neighborhood. Some or all of these populations may be offered deals targeted to the population's particular locale (e.g. deals that can be redeemed at a local and/or nearby merchant).
Such periodic deal services (e.g., deal-of-the-day services) have been popular with many merchants. Consequently, many deal vendors may have an inventory of multiple potential deals that the vendor could select for targeting to a given population for a given offer period. A good-performing deal may generate many times more revenue than a bad-performing deal, so many deal vendors may desire to select good-performing deals to offer. However, at the present time, deal vendors typically lack tools (automated or otherwise) for selecting which of a given set of potential deals will maximize revenue (or some other yield metric) for a given population for a given offer period. Rather, many deal vendors rely on human editorial staff to select deals for various populations for a given offer period.


Data is migrated from a source storage device to a destination storage device using tape media. Both the source storage device and the destination storage device utilize disk drives to store data. A portion of data is detected migrating to the tape media. Metadata of the portion of data is changed to identify the portion of data as residing on the tape media. A prefetch command for the portion of data is detected. It is determined that the portion of data is stored on the tape media. In response to determining that the portion of data is stored on the tape media, the prefetch command is executing without recalling the portion of data to the disk drives. Instead, the portion of data is read directly from the tape media.

Many large scale computer systems store data on external disk based storage systems. Large scale computer systems can contain petabytes of data. Often, in the process of upgrading a storage system or creating redundancy within a computer system, entities will acquire a new storage system to utilize in the computer system. To utilize the new storage system, the petabytes of data must be migrated to the new storage system.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Managing storage system metadata during data migration

International Business Machines Corporation


A chucking portion (10) is supported at the lower part of a dip head portion (2) to be vertically movable in a horizontal state through four shafts. Two diagonally positioned two shafts 11a, 11b are formed by ball screws, and the other two (11c, 11d) serve as guide shafts. The dip head portion (2) contains a motor (12) for synchronously driving the two ball screws, and the chucking portion (10) horizontally engages a holding plate (A) holding a number of chip type electronic components (B) to downwardly direct the same. A dipping vessel (7) having a bottom surface which is coated with a thin film of paste is horizontally arranged under the dip head portion (2). Thus, it is possible to maintain the holding plate in parallel with the paste, for applying electrodes to the chip type electronic components with high accuracy.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a dipping apparatus, which can apply paste onto the ends of miniature components such as chip type electronic components with high accuracy.
2. Description of the Background Art
In general, a holding plate having a number of receiving holes is employed for efficiently applying electrodes to end portions of a number of chip type electronic components, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,395,184. This holding plate comprises a hard substrate, a thin flat plate portion which is formed at a central portion of the substrate to be provided with a number of through holes, and a rubber-like elastic member which is embedded in a concave portion defined in the flat plate portion to be provided with receiving holes. The receiving holes pass through the elastic member and are smaller in diameter than the through holes. The holding plate elastically holds chip type electronic components in the receiving holes to partially project the same, so that electrode paste of silver or the like is uniformly applied to the projected portions. Thereafter the chip type electronic components are heated to dry the electrode paste.
The aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,395,184 describes an exemplary method of applying electrode paste to such chip type electronic components with a roller. In this method, a holding plate holding chip type electronic components to partially project the same from its upper surface is carried by a conveyor, and a roller which is coated with electrode paste on its peripheral surface is brought into contact with the projected portions of the chip type electronic components to apply the electrode paste onto the chip type electronic components. In order to uniformly apply a thickness of the paste around the peripheral surface of the roller, a scraper is employed for scraping off the excess portion the paste while rotating the roller.
When the chip type electronic components are about 1.6 to 5.7 mm in length, for example, the electrodes have extremely small thicknesses of about 0.15 to 0.3 mm, which must be controlled with high accuracy. In the aforementioned method, however, the paste which is applied to the peripheral surface of the roller flows following rotation thereof, and hence the thickness of the paste is finely varied to cause dispersion in thickness of the electrodes which are formed on the chip type electronic components. Such dispersion may also be caused by vibration of the conveyor or fluctuation of the degree of horizontalness.
Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-44404 (1991) describes a method of coating the upper surface of a flat coating plate with a thin film of electrode paste and approaching a holding plate holding chip type electronic components to partially downwardly project the same to the coating plate for pressing the projected portions of the chip type electronic components against the coating plate, thereby applying the electrode paste to the chip type electronic components.
This method causes no such inconvenience as that described in the aforementioned method employing a roller. According to this method, the projected portions of the chip type electronic components are pressed against the bottom surface of the coating plate which is coated with the paste, whereby the projected portions of the chip type electronic components are prevented from dispersing in length and the electrode widths are uniformalized. However, a single holding plate generally holds thousands of chip type electronic components. An extremely strong reactive force acts on the holding plate when the chip type electronic components are pressed against the coating plate which is coated with the paste. Thus, the holding plate may be inclined to deviate from a parallel state with respect to the paste, or the, holding, plate itself may be deformed and its flatness deteriorated, leading to inferiority in accuracy durning application of the electrodes.


At least one movable interlocking sidewall structure provides alteration of the physical dimensions for a solid pharmaceutical or nutraceutical temporary storage cavity and/or transmission channel. Preferably a plurality of interlocking sidewall structures are simultaneously adjusted so that an array of cavities and/or transmission channels may have their physical dimensions simultaneously altered by the mechanical action of a drive member. Advantageously the adjustment of the structure provides a more suitable space within which a solid pharmaceutical or nutraceutical product may be temporarily stored or transferred.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to medication package filling systems and methods and more specifically to adjustable transmission channels used in connection with the medication filling apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Solid medication is often packaged in disposable packages which include cavities for retaining individual doses of medication. Automated devices are used to fill these packages. Typically, a package is arranged into an array of individual cavities and a plurality of transmission channels are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the individual cavities of the package.
One problem associated with using conventional automated solid pharmaceutical packaging systems is that typically a wide variety of different sized medication is packaged using the same apparatus. The solid pharmaceutical and nutraceutical transmission channels of the packaging apparatus are typically used for small pills capsules and tablets which may vary substantially in their respective the physical dimensions. In some instances, for example, when placing elongated capsules in the package, it is necessary to ensure that the transmission channel from the dispensing mechanism or hopper to the package is sufficiently sized to ensure that the elongated capsule does not become stuck. Additionally, when filling package cavities with small pills, it is necessary to ensure that the transmission channel for the small pills is properly aligned with the cavity so that the small pills are properly transmitted to the appropriate package cavity location. Because of the size differences, it is often difficult to utilize a single transmission channel for packaging solid pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. This is particularly true because it may be preferred to have a certain pill orientation when utilizing certain pill packaging machinery. For example, when packaging elongated capsules, it may be desired to maintain a generally vertical orientation for the capsules.
Currently, none of the conventional solutions adequately address each of the design concerns associated with the various physical dimensions for the pills capsules and tablets that are typically packaged with an automated packaging device. Accordingly, there remains a need in the field for an improved solid pharmaceutical and nutraceutical transmission channel for use in conjunction with automated packaging systems.

Adjustable transmission channel for a medication dispensing apparatus


One or more tape cartridge restraint brackets may be generated. At least one tape cartridge restraint bracket may be positioned in one or more deep slots in a rear portion of a tape library.

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of tape drive systems, and more specifically to protecting tape cartridges installed in slots within an automated tape library during shipping.
Tape libraries are typically shipped without tape cartridges installed. Large tape libraries can hold capacities in the hundreds, or thousands, of tape cartridges. With the tape cartridges shipped separate from the library, it takes significant time and personnel to unpack tape cartridges from their shipping containers and load into the tape library.

Automated tape library deep slot protection


A high speed parser containing a content addressable memory (CAM) providing select values to multiplexers. The CAM is programmed to implement search rules which examine input data for specific semantics according to a protocol, and outputs the specific bit positions at which the corresponding desired data units are present. The outputs are provided to multiplexers to cause the desired data units to be selected on the corresponding output paths of the multiplexors.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to integrated circuits, and more specifically to a method and apparatus for quickly parsing a packet.
2. Related Art
Parsers are generally used to determine data portions of interest in a sequence of bits. Typically, the bits are examined according to a pre-specified convention (protocol) to determine the data portions of interest. For example, a parser may be used in a router (example of a device) to determine data portions such as destination address and type of service parameters in a received IP packet as is well known in the relevant arts.
In a prior approach, a device may implement a parser substantially in the form of software instructions in which the bits are generally examined sequentially according to a protocol to determine the specific bits of interest. For example, when parsing an IP packet, a parser may first examine the IP version number (e.g., version 4 or 6) and a header length to determine the specific bit positions at which a destination port number of interest is present.
One problem with such software implementations is that it may take a long time (or a large number of clock cycles) to parse data bits. Such long duration for parsing may be unacceptable in many environments. For example, with high speed technologies such as those based on optical fibre, packets may be received at a high frequency and it may be necessary to parse packets quickly (e.g., at "wire-speed"). Otherwise, the long parsing times may impede the throughput performance of a device processing the packets and the resulting long parsing times may be undesirable.
Therefore, what is needed are method and apparatus for parsing packets quickly.


A system and method of identifying entities having expertise in one or more subjects. Among other features, the method includes querying a database for documents (e.g., articles, papers, periodicals) relevant to a subject; and calculating a first score for each relevant document. The method also identifies entities affiliated with one or more relevant documents; and calculates a second score for each entity based on the one or more first scores of the one or more relevant documents affiliated with the entity. A step of ranking expertise of the entities based on the respective second scores of the entities is included.

The present invention generally relates to knowledge acquisition. More particularly, the invention provides a method for web based searching of a database or databases in the health care field. The database can be selected from custom or commercial databases, e.g., the U.S. Government's Medline database of scientific articles (hereinafter "Medline").
Conventional ways of finding desirable hospitals and doctors are very limiting. For example, most doctors, who specialize in a selected area of practice, are often uncovered by a referral, which is generally word of mouth from one person to another person. Most often, such word of mouth is from a family member, co-worker or the like. Similarly, a desirable hospital is often found through a referral mechanism, as well. Depending upon such referral, doctor and/or hospital quality has been difficult to control. So, consumers do not presently have a reliable, objective method to find a desirable doctor and/or health care providers.
There have been some attempts to uncover experts in the healthcare field through printed documents. Such printed documents include, among others, periodicals, etc. To identify such experts in a field who may be able to comment on breaking health news stories, consumers must often conduct extensive research or use limited, non-objective printed guides. Similarly, other professionals in the field such as the media also need to perform extensive research and the like to find such breaking heath news stories. Still further, makers of healthcare policy and reimbursement programs desire methods to identify centers of excellence around which specialized health care services could be consolidated. Accordingly, it is often difficult to uncover such experts in the healthcare field using conventional techniques.
From the above, it is seen that a technique for improving access to information is highly desirable.

Method and system for identifying expertise


A dental system for cleaning a user's teeth and marginal gingiva with a drug solution includes a mouthpiece made for each user and having substantially the same shape as the teeth and the marginal gingiva of the user. The mouthpiece is designed to produce a gap between the mouthpiece and the teeth together with the marginal gingiva when placed to cover the teeth and the marginal gingiva of the user. The dental system also includes a drug solution supply unit and a drain unit, both connected to the mouthpiece, and a suction unit connected to the drain unit. The mouthpiece adheres to the marginal gingiva by a suction applied from the suction unit. The dental system cleans the teeth and the marginal gingiva with a stream of the drug solution flowing through the gap.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a dental system for cleaning and disinfecting teeth and marginal gingiva, and a method of producing the same.
2. Related Background Art
Conventional methods of cleaning and disinfecting teeth and marginal gingiva involve brushing teeth and gingiva using a toothbrush with dentifrice having cleaning and sterilizing effects. Recently, electric toothbrushes have been developed that apply vibration to teeth and gingiva for cleaning and gingival massage. Use of the electric toothbrush only requires holding the electric toothbrush with one hand and shifting it to change the position of bristle tips against the teeth, causing less hand fatigue than manual toothbrushing.
The use of the electric toothbrush, however, can undesirably stimulate the vomiting reflex when brushing the tong side (backside) of teeth. This causes users to have an aversion to toothbrushing or fail in proper toothbrushing, which could lead to dental caries, gingivitis, or alveolar pyorrhea. Besides, when using the electric toothbrush for those who are bedridden or have handicap with hand, it is difficult to place the bristle tips of the brush in a suitable position and brush every tooth.
Further, when a caregiver brushes the teeth of a carereceiver, placing a toothbrush against a target back tooth is difficult. It is thus likely to push the brush against the marginal gingiva so hard that it bleeds. Furthermore, the bristle tips of the brush are hard to reach the tong side (backside) of teeth because of a tong being obstacle. Food debris is thus likely to be deposited on the teeth, causing dental caries, gingivitis, or alveolar pyorrhea.
As a solution to the above problems, alternative toothbrushing techniques without the use of the electric toothbrush have been proposed. Among those is a technique that squirts a stream of water or disinfectant out of a nozzle into a mouth, thereby cleaning teeth and marginal gingiva. This technique of shooting water or a drug solution such as gargle at teeth and marginal gingiva, however, forces users to bear the unpleasant flavor of the drug solution. Further, the drug solution may leak from the mouth or enter into the airway, inducing misswallowing.
Another technique uses a mouthpiece made to fit on the teeth. This technique applies a drug agent to the inner surface of a mouthpiece and places the mouthpiece in an oral cavity to disinfect teeth and marginal gingiva. This technique, however, has a disinfection effect only and not removes deposits on the teeth and marginal gingiva; consequently, it only achieves a reduced sterilizing effect. Further, the drug solution leaking out of the mouthpiece touches a tongue, forcing users to bear an unpleasant flavor. In addition, when detaching the mouthpiece, considerable drug solution touches the tongue to bring an unpleasant flavor.
An example of oral cavity cleaning instruments for the cleaning of oral cavity, especially teeth and marginal gingiva, is disclosed in Japanese UtilityModel Application Laid-Open No. H06-64522. It describes a dental and oral cleaning system that cleans teeth with a cleaning solution flowing in a mouthpiece. This system leaves gaps between the mouthpiece and marginal gingiva, and hence the cleaning solution leaks into the oral cavity, forcing users to bear an unpleasant flavor. Another example is a mouthpiece-shaped oral cavity cleaning appliance disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-45378. It also has the problem that a drug solution leaks into an oral cavity during cleaning, causing users discomfort.
As described in the foregoing, conventional cleaning instruments fail to offer comfortable cleaning of teeth and marginal gingiva since a drug solution contacts the entire mucosa of an oral cavity.

Dental system and method of producing the same


A golf swing training apparatus and method of using the same. The swing training apparatus includes an orbital track and a carrier plate that connects a club shaft to the orbital track. The golf swing training apparatus guides the swing of the club shaft on a swing plan plane that is adjusted automatically to the golfer's anthropomorphic dimensions. A tension system provides a resistance during the golf swing to strengthen the muscles used in the golf swing. Repeated use of the golf swing training apparatus develops the golfer's muscle memory for maintaining the club shaft in a desired swing plane.

The present invention relates to the game of golf and, more particularly, to training devices for golfer's to improve their golf swing.
A golfer's ability to swing a golf club to strike the ball determines how the golf ball will travel. If the golfer doesn't swing the club correctly, the golf ball will not end up at a desired location on the golf course. The swing plane, the arc in which the club and club head traverse during the golf swing, is a very important aspect of a proper golf swing and contributes to obtaining the desired direction and distance when striking the golf ball. If the swing plane is not correct, the game can be very frustrating and contributes to many weekend players not playing the game anymore.
As can be seen, there is a need for an improved golf swing training apparatus and method that develops muscle memory and strength while swinging a club in a desired swing plane.

Golf swing training apparatus and method


At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an imaging apparatus which can include a plurality of pixel sections disposed in a two-dimensional pattern. Each pixel section can include a photoelectric conversion member, a semiconductor region holding a signal transferred from the photoelectric conversion member, a transfer switch transferring the signal of the photoelectric conversion member to the semiconductor region, and a reading member reading a signal of the semiconductor region. A plurality of vertical output lines, successively output signals of the pixel sections. At least one horizontal output line successively outputs signals of the plurality of vertical output lines.

1 Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, and more particularly, though not exclusively, to an imaging apparatus that picks up an image of a photographed object.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventional imaging apparatuses, including digital cameras, use a CMOS sensor or a CCD as an imaging element. Especially in recent years, due to the demand for high performance digital cameras, the need for imaging elements having an increased number of pixels has increased.
FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a conventional imaging apparatus.
A sensor 90 is driven by a timing generating apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as TG) 91. An AD converter 92 converts an output of the sensor 90 into a digital signal. The digital signal, as an image output, is entered into an image processing section 93. The image processing section 93 performs image processing and produces an image.
The sensors practically used for the imaging apparatuses are, for example, CMOS sensors and CCDs.
FIG. 15 shows a detailed arrangement of a conventional CMOS sensor.
A photodiode (hereinafter, referred to as PD) 51 is connected via a transfer switch 52 to a floating diffusion region (hereinafter, referred to as FD) 53. FD 53 is connected via a reset switch 54 to a reset voltage terminal 55. FD 53 is a gate of a field-effect transistor (hereinafter, referred to as FET) 56. A drain of FET 56 is connected to a predetermined voltage terminal. A source of FET 56 is connected via a selection switch 57 to a vertical output line 58. The above arrangement, minus the vertical output line 58, constitutes a pixel section 59. A plurality of pixel sections, disposed along the vertical output line 58, cooperatively form a column 60. Numerous columns cooperatively constitute the area sensor 90.
At least one constant-current source 61 is connected to each vertical output line 58. Electric charge in the floating diffusion region of a selected pixel section determines the voltage of the vertical output line 58. Furthermore, a capacitor 62 is connected via a changeover switch 63 to the vertical output line 58. The capacitor 62 functions as a memory that temporarily stores an output of the pixel section 59. Similarly, a capacitor 64 is connected via a changeover switch 65 to the vertical output line 58. The capacitor 64 functions as a memory that temporarily stores a reset level voltage.
The capacitor 62 is connected via the changeover switch 63 to a horizontal output line 66. The capacitor 64 is connected via the changeover switch 65 to a horizontal output line 67. The horizontal output lines 66 and 67 are connected to a differential amplifier 68. The differential amplifier 68 subtracts the reset level voltage stored in the capacitor 64 from the output voltage of the pixel section 59 stored in the capacitor 62. Thus, the differential amplifier 68 produces an image output.
FIG. 16 illustrates timing pulses produced from TG 91. TG 91 operates in the following manner. When a pixel section 59 is selected, a selection pulse becomes "High. The selection switch 57 is turned on.
In this case, a reset pulse is "High. The reset switch 54 is in the ON state. FD 53 is reset to a predetermined voltage. In this condition, a reset level voltage, i.e., a voltage obtained when FD 53 is maintained at a predetermined voltage, is output to the vertical output line 58. Subsequently, a memory pulse 1 becomes "High" and accordingly the changeover switch 65 shifts its movable contact to the vertical output line 58. The capacitor 64 stores the reset level voltage. Next, a transfer pulse becomes "High" and accordingly the transfer switch 52 is turned on. Electric charge of the pixel section 59 is passed (read out) from PD 51 to FD 53.
As FD 53 holds the transferred electric charge of the pixel section 59, FET 56 converts the electric charge into a voltage. The converted voltage is output to the vertical output line 58 as a voltage corresponding to the electric charge of pixel section 59. In this condition, a memory pulse 2 becomes "High" and accordingly the changeover switch 63 shifts its movable contact to the vertical output line 58. Thus, the capacitor 62 temporarily stores the voltage corresponding to the electric charge of pixel section 59.
Then, a read pulse becomes "High" to connect the changeover switches 63 and 65 to the horizontal output lines 66 and 67, respectively. The reset level voltage temporarily stored in the capacitor 64 is output to the horizontal output line 67. The voltage corresponding to the electric charge of pixel section 59 temporarily stored in the capacitor 62 is output to the horizontal output line 66. The differential amplifier 68 produces an output representing the output of the pixel section 59.
In the arrangement of FIG. 15, the capacitor 64, the changeover switch 65, and the horizontal output line 67 are the components used to remove the reset level voltage. However, these components can be omitted when the output of the pixel section 59 is directly taken out.
Furthermore, to improve signal quality of the CMOS sensor, FIG. 17 illustrates an arrangement for the CMOS sensor.
The pixel section shown in FIG. 17 is identical in arrangement with the above-described pixel section shown in FIG. 15, and accordingly will not be described in the following.
Furthermore, the vertical output line 58 and the constant-current source 61 are identical with those disclosed in the FIG. 15, and accordingly will not be described in the following.
A capacitor 70 is connected, at one end, to the vertical output line 58. The capacitor 70 temporarily stores the reset level voltage of FD 53. The other end of the capacitor 70 is connected to a positive input terminal of a differential amplifier 73. Furthermore, the other end of the capacitor 70 is connected to a switch 72 that is used for virtually grounding the differential amplifier 73, and is also connected to a capacitor 71 that temporarily stores a difference between the reset level voltage and a signal level voltage.
An output terminal of the differential amplifier 73 is connected via the changeover switch 63 to the capacitor 62 that functions as a memory temporarily storing the output of pixel section 59. Furthermore, the capacitor 62 is connected via the changeover switch 63 to the horizontal output line 66. Thus, the output of pixel section 59 can be read out of the capacitor 62 via an output amplifier 74 connected to the horizontal output line 66.
FIG. 18 shows timing pulses produced from TG 91. TG 91 operates in the following manner.
When a pixel section 59 is selected, a selection pulse becomes "High" and accordingly the selection switch 57 is turned on.
In this case, a reset pulse is "High. The reset switch 54 is in the ON state. FD 53 is reset to a predetermined voltage. In this condition, the reset level voltage, i.e., a voltage obtained when FD 53 is maintained at a predetermined voltage, is output to the vertical output line 58. Furthermore, a differential pulse is "High" in this condition. The switch 72 is closed and the reset level voltage is stored in the capacitor 70.
Then, the differential pulse turns into "Low. The switch 72 is opened, while the transfer pulse becomes "High. Accordingly, the transfer switch 52 is turned on. Electric charge of the pixel section 59 is passed (read out) from PD 51 to FD 53. As FD 53 holds the transferred electric charge of the pixel section 59, FET 56 converts the electric charge into a voltage. The converted voltage is output to the vertical output line 58 as a voltage corresponding to the electric charge of pixel section 59.
The capacitor 71 stores a difference voltage between the previous reset level voltage and the voltage corresponding to the electric charge of pixel section 59. The differential amplifier 73 produces an output voltage representing the difference. In this condition, a memory pulse becomes "High" and accordingly the changeover switch 63 shifts its movable contact to the vertical output line 58. Thus, the capacitor 62 temporarily stores the voltage corresponding to the electric charge of pixel section 59.
Then, a read pulse becomes "High" to connect the changeover switch 63 to the horizontal output line 66. The voltage corresponding to the electric charge of pixel section 59 temporarily stored in the capacitor 62 is output to the horizontal output line 66. The output amplifier 74 produces an output representing the output of the pixel section 59 (refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2002-252794).
An imaging element can be constructed from a CCD.
FIG. 19 illustrates a practical CCD arrangement.
PD 81 is connected via a transfer gate 82 to a vertical CCD 83. The vertical transfer CCDs can include a final stage CCD connected to a horizontal CCD 84. The horizontal transfer CCDs (e.g., including horizontal CCD 84) can include a final stage CCD connected to an output amplifier 85. The output amplifier 85 produces an image output.
FIG. 20 illustrates timing pulses produced from TG 91. TG 91 operates in the following manner.
When a transfer pulse becomes "High", a photoelectron of PD 81 is transferred to a first stage of the vertical CCD 83.
The photoelectron transferred to the first stage of the vertical CCD 83 is successively transferred to succeeding stages of the vertical transfer CCDs in response to a V transfer pulse. Every time, the photoelectron is transferred by one step in the vertical transfer CCDs to the next, the photoelectron of the final stage of vertical transfer CCDs is transferred to a first stage of horizontal transfer CCDs (e.g., horizontal CCD 84). The photoelectron transferred to the first stage of the horizontal transfer CCDs is successively transferred to succeeding stages of the horizontal transfer CCDs in response to an H transfer pulse.
Every time, the photoelectron is transferred by one step in the horizontal transfer CCDs to the next, the photoelectron of the final stage of horizontal transfer CCDs is output to the output amplifier 85. The output amplifier 85 produces an image output.
However, according to the above-described conventional arrangement, the dynamic range of an imaging element is substantially dependent on the size of pixel sections. Thus, the conventional arrangement cannot increase the number of pixel sections in an imaging element.
Several years ago, the number of pixel sections constituting an imaging element was in a range from one million to two millions. However, the present imaging elements generally include five to six millions of pixel sections. Some of advanced imaging elements include tens of millions of pixel sections.
Digital cameras are very compact. Increasing the body size of an incorporated imaging element is substantially difficult and the pixel sections are decreased to a half size or less compared with those of several years ago. Accordingly, securing a satisfactory dynamic range for a sensor is difficult.

Imaging apparatus using saturation signal and photoelectric conversion signal to form image


Techniques for identifying and delivering notifications of user-generated content to network-limited users are provided. In one technique, for each selected target entity that has a limited network, one or more topics associated with the target entity are identified and the target entity is assigned to one or more entity-topic buckets for the identified topics. For each selected content item, one or more topics associated with the content item are identified and the content item is assigned to one or more content-topic buckets for the identified topics. The entity-topic buckets are matched to the content-topic buckets, resulting in assigning, for each selected target entity, zero or more content items to that target entity. For each target entity that is assigned one or more content items based on the matching, a notification is generated and transmitted over a computer network to a computing device of the target entity.

Online networks are forming at a fast pace. Each day people register with online network providers in order to make virtual connections with others, send messages, share content, and view relevant content. However, initially, newly-registered members to an online network provider have no one in their respective online networks. As a result, notifications of content in which such a member might be interested will not be sent. Thus, the value of the online network provider to newly-registered members is not fully realized. Even after making a few (or even many) connections, a new member might still have limited access to notifications about quality content since the new member's connections might not be active online users that are posting or sharing content.
The approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section.

Out-of-network notifications of network-transmitted content items


The invention concerns an apparatus for applying closures to containers. Each closure is carried to a respective container in a chuck of a closure holder mounted on a closure conveyor. The holder has an axially movable spindle which is yieldably moved from a retracted position to an extended position as the closure conveyor moves. The spindle may be selectively rotated while in extended position, by a pulley which is coupled to it by a clutch. The closures are applied to containers moving on a straight run of a container conveyor. The closure conveyor carries the closures along a linear path parallel to the containers while the spindles are sequentially extended to apply the closures.

Various "straight line" cappers or sealing machines for applying closures onto containers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,143,835; 3,274,748; 3,438,174; 4,199,914; 4,279,115; and 4,716,708. Those machines generally include a linear horizontal conveyor which carries filled but still open containers in a row through a closure feeding device, a closure applicator, and a closure sealer in sequence. The closure feeding device typically feeds or presents the closures to the moving containers by a chute or slide mechanism. As the containers are moved by the conveyor, the leading edge of the presented closure is engaged by the leading edge of the top of the container. The movement of the container pulls the closure from its feed position so that it is seated on the container. A closure applicator then presses the closure onto the container and/or rotates the closure onto the container to seal it.
At operating rates of about 1200 containers per minute and higher, the reliability and accuracy at which previous machines engage and seat the closures upon the containers diminishes. The impact of the leading edge of the container on the closure may "throw" or dislodge the closure so that it does not seat on the container. Another difficulty is that the closure may end up "cocked" or improperly seated on the container, as a result of which it cannot be sealed properly by the subsequent closure applicator and sealing means.
Other types of "straight line" sealing machines are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,392,505 and 4,696,143. The '505 patent is directed to a dual head apparatus for applying closures to containers. A transfer head removes closures from a dispenser and transfers them to an inserter head, which in turn applies the closures to containers. During the transferring step, the closure is reoriented about a transverse axis so that it is presented with its bottom side facing toward the opening of the container to which it will be applied. The complexity of the closure pickup and transfer mechanism of such machines does not lend itself to effective high speed capping.
The '143 patent is directed to a container capping apparatus which includes a rotating carriage that receives closures from a conveyor and applies them to containers moving on a second conveyor. The rotating carriage has a tangential velocity that exceeds the linear velocity of the container conveyor, and thus the speed of the containers on the conveyors is wholly controlled by the rotating carriage. That machine likewise is not capable of effective high speed capping.
In Herzog U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,260, issued Oct. 8, 1991, titled "High Speed Sealing Machine" there is disclosed a sealing machine in which closures are applied by an applicator wheel to containers moving on a straight line. The wheel rotates in a plane parallel to the line of movement of the containers, and has a plurality of closure carriers or holders around its periphery. It is driven at a rate such that the linear speed of the carriers and closures matches that of the containers. Closures are fed to the closure carriers by a star wheel or notched wheel. The star wheel preferably rotates about an axis which is transverse to the axis of rotation of the applicator wheel and which is parallel to the line of movement of the containers on the conveyor. While that machine is capable of applying closures at rates of 1,000 to 2,000 closures per minute, depending upon the type of closure and container, nevertheless it cannot apply some closures at rates as high as would be desired.
Thus there remains a need for an improved closure applicator and sealing machine that can be operated at speeds heretofore not reliably attain able, while still providing good seal integrity with an acceptably low rate of rejections.


The present invention is a camera mounting structure that is made using a minimal number of parts that are attached together without the use of hardware or fasteners. One or more motors are each mounted to a support bracket using locking tabs, boss registers, clips and/or tension members. Pins or registers on each motor correspond to openings or slots on each support bracket for precise positioning of the motor when attached to the bracket. Each motor support bracket is, in turn, attached to a rotatable ring that moves in a base without the use of hardware or fasteners. Motors and brackets are provided for the pan and tilt movements of the camera. The rotatable ring is journaled directly to the based using an annular channel in the base to further minimize the number of parts making up the mounting assembly, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, service and repair.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to camera enclosures, and more particularly to a mounting and support structure for a surveillance camera system that allows a full range of movement (pan and tilt) for a camera deployed thereon, the mounting structure itself being assembled without the use of hardware fasteners in order to simplify assembly and allow easy access for maintenance and repair.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and surveillance systems are well known in the prior art. Many camera mount systems include domed camera enclosures to both protect the camera and create an aesthetically pleasing appearance while hiding the camera from the public.
Of particular importance is the field of vision of the camera, so it is desirable to provide camera mounts and enclosures that allow for the widest possible range of movement of the camera to provide for a full field of vision of a given area. Many cameras mounting systems allow for the camera to swivel, rotate, and tilt so that the camera is capable of capturing a view of a large area. Oscillating mechanical rotary bases such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,894,724 are known in the art, allowing devices such as cameras to oscillate back and forth between defined limits. The limits of the oscillation of the camera can be easily adjusted to increase or decrease the size of the area to be scanned.
The continued use and movement of a camera on its mounting structure over a long period of time will inevitably lead to fatigue and failure of component parts. Instead of replacing an entire camera system, it is generally more cost effective to simply repair or replace a defective part and then place the camera system back into operation. Because such camera systems may be mounted at locations that are out-of-the-way or difficult to reach, it is desirable to provide a mounting structure that allows easy access for maintenance and/or repair in the field. Alternatively, if the user elects to remove a failed camera system, it is beneficial to have quick and easy access to the removed system for repair at a shop.
Prior art mounting structures traditionally use screws, bolts, rivets and/or other fasteners to hold together the various parts of the structure. These hardware pieces require special tools for access and removal, complicating the task of accessing the structure for maintenance or repair, especially with multiple or different kinds of fasteners. It can be a frustrating experience for a user to climb to a remote location to repair a camera system, and then accidentally drop a removed screw or nut that is needed for reassembly. Additionally, fasteners such as screws and bolts may become worn and/or stripped over time, creating even more difficulty when repairing the camera mount or enclosure. Precise and predictable camera movements are important for CCTV systems, so that cameras may be trained on specific selected areas to obtain desired views. The need for precision movement of the camera becomes more acute when the camera zooms in on distant objects. It is therefore important to have a reliable camera mount and enclosure to accomplish these goals. Unfortunately, the use of fasteners in prior art mounting structures may inevitably lead to loosening of the fasteners after long periods of use, resulting in loose connections between the various parts of the camera mounting structure. This can result in abnormal wear of the moving parts (especially the inter-engaging gears between motors and moving parts) and/or unpredictable movements of the camera, and may lead to early failure of component parts, or possible disassembly of the mounting structure. It is therefore desirable to provide secure attachment of the various moving parts of a camera mounting structure in order to avoid fatigue and failure of those parts, and to maintain proper and predictable movement of the camera mounted thereon.
It is also desirable to provide a camera enclosure having a minimal number of internal component parts in order to reduce manufacturing costs. Such simplified structures may be more quickly assembled and disassembled, thereby reducing labor costs for both manufacturing and maintenance/repair. Fewer parts generally translates to a need for fewer tools for disassembling, repairing, and re-assembling the structure. Finally, fewer parts, including moving parts, will also reduce the chance of failure from the repeated motion of the camera mount.


Compositions are provided that include ethoxylated lecithin for use as an adjuvant in aqueous composition. Specifically, the compositions may be utilized primarily as drift reduction agents in agricultural compositions, as a soil or foliage penetrant, as a pesticide adjuvant, as a pesticide formulation component, and for other uses. More specifically, the compositions are useful in reducing drift in spray compositions, such as in use in agricultural applications, such as pesticide, herbicide, fungicide and insecticide formulations, in industrial vegetation management (“IVM”) and integrated pest management (“IPM”) applications, in rights-of-way applications, in forestry applications, and other like applications.

The spraying of compositions for particular purposes is well known in the art. For example, the agriculture industry has sprayed compositions onto agriculture for decades if not centuries to apply useful chemicals and compositions to agricultural crops. Specifically, it is well known to spray pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and other like functional components onto agricultural crops and/or soils to ward off and/or eliminate harmful insects, weeds, fungi and other like harmful elements. Fertilizers are also sprayed onto agricultural crops and/or soils to supplement or replenish nutrients to crops and soils.
Moreover, spray compositions are utilized to aid in IVM and IPM applications for reduction of disease and pest vectors, in rights-of-way applications, in forestry applications, and in other like applications. The spraying of compositions has far-reaching applications beyond merely spraying on agricultural crops.
Droplet sizes of sprayed compositions are important to ensure that intended targets, such as agricultural crops and/or soils, are adequately treated. To ensure the adequate deposition of functional compositions, sprays strike a balance between having droplet sizes that are small and light enough to be sprayed maximal distances, but heavy enough so that the droplets do not get carried away by wind or otherwise drift outside the intended application area. A need therefore exists for compositions that may be effectively sprayed onto intended target areas. Specifically, a need exists for compositions that form droplet sizes that are appropriately sized to maximize coverage of an intended target area.
Drift, as noted above, may cause compositions to be applied to unintended areas, such as environmentally sensitive areas, and may become pollutants. For example, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides may pose a hazard to unintended areas, and may disrupt ecosystems. Likewise, fertilizers may pose a risk if applied to unintended areas, also becoming pollutants. Drift of compositions to unintended areas or untargeted areas increases the cost of application as more composition must be used to cover intended areas than would otherwise be required. A need exists for compositions that may be easily controlled to spray onto intended areas while minimally affecting environmentally sensitive areas.
Equipment utilized to spray compositions may have a large effect on droplet sizes, but composition formulation can also be important. Prior known compositions have utilized high molecular weight polymers, such as polyacrylamides and polysaccharides, such as guar, to increase viscosity of compositions. However, these compositions may be difficult to process, may provide inadequate control over droplet sizes and can easily breakdown in high shear environments, such as in mixing tanks and the like. A need, therefore, exists for drift reduction compositions that provide adequate droplet size control but do not easily break down under high shear conditions.
Soya lecithin has been identified as an aid in reducing droplet sizes in spray compositions. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,797,673 indicates that Drexel Chemical Co.'s PAS-800™ contains lecithin in an acidic composition. Lecithin, however, is difficult to utilize or stabilize in aqueous solutions. Therefore, it has been proposed to use surfactant systems with lecithin to allow the drift reduction agent (also known as a drift control agent) to more easily dissolve into aqueous solutions and form aqueous spray compositions. Surfactants, however, have the adverse effect of increasing driftable fines, thus at least partly defeating the purpose of including lecithin in the first place.
To the inventors' knowledge, ethoxylated lecithin (the reaction product of lecithin and ethylene oxide) has heretofore not been used in compositions to aid in controlling drift or as a penetrant, or in any other manner as an adjuvant in agricultural compositions, such as in use in pesticide, herbicide, fungicide, insecticide or fertilization applications, or for any other agricultural application.

Compositions comprising ethoxylated lecithin and methods of making and using the same


A first ion rich dielectric substrate with a patterned dielectric barrier and a oxidizable metal layer is anodically bonded to a second ion rich dielectric substrate. To bond the substrates, the oxidizable metal layer is oxidized. The dielectric barrier may inhibit the migration of these ions to the bondline, which might otherwise poison the bond strength. Accordingly, when joining the two substrates, a strong bond is maintained between the wafers.

This invention relates to a methodology for bonding together two microfabrication substrates.
Microelectromechanical systems are devices which are manufactured using lithographic fabrication processes originally developed for producing semiconductor electronic devices. Because the manufacturing processes are lithographic, MEMS devices may be made in very small sizes. MEMS techniques have been used to manufacture a wide variety of transducers and actuators, such as accelerometers and electrostatic cantilevers.
MEMS devices are often movable, they may be enclosed in a rigid structure, or device cavity formed between two substrates, so that their small, delicate structures are protected from shock, vibration, contamination or atmospheric conditions. Many such devices also require an evacuated environment for proper functioning, so that these device cavities may need to be hermetically sealed after evacuation. Thus, the device cavity may be formed between two substrates which are bonded using a hermetic adhesive.
Many devices require a transmissive material for the device substrate and/or the lid substrate, in order for the produced, emitted or altered electromagnetic radiation to be transmitted to or from the device cavity. Infrared emitters, detectors, attenuators, grating and mirrors for example, require encapsulation in infrared transmissive materials. Glass is a popular substrate material, however, glass is generally an insulating material. As a result, anodic bonding between two glass substrates is not possible, because the voltage cannot be applied to the insulating material properly. Also, it is often desired for the bonding material to be conductive, so as to provide an electrical pathway between structures on either substrate. Therefore a need exists for a packaging technology which can bond two optically transparent substrates with a conductive bond.
Anodic bonding of a glass substrate to a silicon substrate is known, wherein voltage and heat are applied between the glass substrate and the silicon substrate. The voltage applied promotes electrostatic attraction and the growth of an oxide layer between the silicon and the glass, which adheres the materials together. However, this method requires one of the substrates be a silicon or metal substrate, which, of course, is not transmissive to most portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, including the visible portion.
Accordingly, encapsulation of an optical device in a transparent device cavity which is hermetically sealed has been an unresolved problem.


A system or a method may be provided that automatically distinguishes between a hold status and when someone live is talking on the phone. For example, the caller's phone may detect when the call holding has ended and a customer service representative is now actually on the line. The phone may alert the user to pick up the call at that time, such as utilizing a call-back mechanism. In an embodiment, the system may analyze and learn the various call holding music or recordings of call centers. The system may detect when the call holding music or recording ends in a telephone call and may alert the user.

Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to call holding and, in particular, to systems and methods for managing call holding.
Related Art
With the proliferation of telecommunication, many businesses and commercial activities are conducted by telecommunication. When customers call a merchant or a customer service center, the customers may be put on hold in a queue due to the volume of incoming calls to the merchant or the customer service center. As such, a customer may be put on hold for an unspecified amount of time before the customer can talk to a customer service representative. This unspecified wait time may be frustrating for the customer, who has to continuously listen and wait on the phone. Thus, there is a need for a system or a method that better manages call holding for the convenience of the customers.
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.


A solar module riser assembly that is configured to allow a solar module attached thereto to fall-to-flat when not being forced into an angular position is provided. A riser assembly includes a riser support and a tube support attached to the riser support. A torque tube may extend across a plurality of riser assemblies and be retained by tube supports attached to each of the riser assemblies. A torque tube support is configured to rotate about the riser support and thereby position a solar module coupled thereto at an optimum angular orientation for solar exposure and track the sun. A first riser and second riser may be configured on opposing sides of a central drive device and lever arms attached to link bars drive tube supports when the link bar is moved. The first and second riser may be configured to create equal and opposite force on the link bar.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a solar module riser assembly that is configured to allow a solar module attached thereto to fall-to-flat when not being forced into an angled position and solar module arrays utilizing said riser assembly.
2. Background
Many solar modules are configured with a rotational axis that is below the solar module array and the modules rotate back and forth over a vertical pane extending through the rotational axis. With this type of configuration, the modules can fall to one side if not continuously supported and this fall can damage the modules and the array. In addition, large motors and support members are required to retain the array in position over the rotational axis. Furthermore, oscillation of the system can be difficult to manage as the modules may be forced or oscillate from one side to the other side of the rotational axis.

Solar panel riser assembly and weight balanced solar panel array using same


This invention describes methods and systems for correcting frame position error on one category of volumetric 3D displays that generates volumetric 3D images by using a rotary mechanism to move a screen to sweep a volume and projecting 2D profile images on the screen. The screen motion is in general rotating or reciprocating and a mechanism of rotational nature is generally applied to drive the motion. The method has three major steps. The first step provides a measure of the frame position error with respect to the theoretical position. The error is a periodical function of the angular position of the moving screen, due to the nature of the mechanisms. The second step constructs a correction function that shifts the position of frame image of each frame with respect to the frame center to compensate the error. The error measurement and the construction of the correction function can be performed statically or dynamically. The third step shifts the image frames to be displayed according to the correction function and projects them in the volumetric 3D display. This invention also includes preferred driving mechanisms that match the periodical nature of the error function.

This invention relates in general to the field of three-dimensional (3D) volumetric display. More specifically, it relates to correcting image position error for volumetric 3D displays based on moving screen with a rotary mechanism.
One category of volumetric 3D (V3D) displays generates V3D images by moving a screen to sweep a volume and projecting 2D profile images on the screen. V3D images thus form in the swept volume by after-mage effect. The screen motion can in general be rotating or reciprocating. A mechanism of rotational nature is generally applied to drive the motion.
For rotating screen approaches, the screen generally rotates about an axis parallel to and passing through the screen surface. Tsao U.S. Pat. No. 6,765,566 B1, which is incorporated herein by reference, describes an example. FIG. 13 illustrates a V3D display based on a rotating screen with an optical interfacing unit. It has three major portions: a rotating screen unit 1330; a high frame rate image projection system 1310; and a optical interfacing mechanism 1320, which relays the optical image projected from the image projector onto the screen for displaying, while keeping the size, orientation and focus of the projected image invariant as the screen rotates. The preferred optical interfacing mechanism is an optical image rotator rotating at half the speed of the screen. FIG. 12 illustrates an example of an optical rotator as the optical interfacing unit. The screen unit comprises a screen 1331, a central reflector 1332 and a side reflector 1333, which all rotate in unison about a common axis 1301. The projection path is from the projector 1310 to the interfacing unit 1320, then to the central reflector and then to the side reflector and then to the screen. Additional descriptions of this type of V3D display can found in Tsao et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,754,147, 1998; Tsao, U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,414, 1999 and Tsao, U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,542 B1, 2001, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Another type of rotating screen systems does not have an optical interfacing unit rotating at ½ screen speed. Examples of this type can be found in:
1. Aviation Week, "New Display Gives Realistic 3-D Effect", Aviation Week, Oct. 31, 1960
2. Batchko, R. G. "Rotating Flat Screen Fully Addressable Volume Display System", U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,310, 1992
3. Shimada, S. "Rotating Screen Picture Display Apparatus", U.S. Pat. No. 5,537,251, 1996
4. R. K. Dorval et. al., "Volumetric Three-Dimensional Display System", U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,430, 2003
The above documents are incorporated herein for this invention by reference. In general, this type of systems is similar to that of FIG. 13 except that the interfacing unit 1320 does not exist and the projector projects to the central reflector directly. Without the interfacing unit, the projected image frame thus rotates with respect to the screen surface as the screen rotates.
For reciprocating screen approaches, Tsao U.S. Pat. No. 6,765,566 B1 describes a system with a screen that reciprocates by a rotary motion. (See FIG. 20 of the referred patent) In principle, the screen revolves about an axis while keeping its surface always facing a fixed direction, and the screen sweeps through space and defines a display volume. For convenience, this is called "Rotary Reciprocating mechanism". In Tsao U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,542, a volumetric 3D display with a Rotary Reciprocating screen and a Rotary Reciprocating reflector serving as a linear interfacing unit is described. (See FIGS. 2a, 4b and 5b and the specification of the referred patent) The Rotary Reciprocating reflector reciprocates by a similar Rotary Reciprocating mechanism in synchronization with the screen but at a speed of ½ of the speed of the screen. FIG. 15 illustrates such a V3D display system, in side view. It has three major portions: a rotary reciprocating screen unit 1511 (comprising a screen 11 mounted on rotary arms 1522); a high frame rate image projection system 15; and an optical interfacing mechanism 13 (comprising a single reflector 1321 mounted on rotary arms 1322). A stationary reflector 1502 folds the projection path. The set of rotary arms 1322 and the set of rotary arm 1522 rotate synchronously. The figure shows the screen at the top position. When the screen rotates to the bottom position 11A, the interfacing reflector rotates to position 1321A. The projection path is from the projector 15 to the interfacing reflector 1321, then to the folding reflector 1502 and then to the screen. This projection path length is kept constant as the screen and the interfacing reflector rotate. Projection path 402 strikes the interfacing reflector 1321 at an oblique angle, therefore the sides of the resulted display volume 12 are of the shape of parallelogram. The high-frame-rate projector projects a set of 2D image frames onto the moving screen. The moving screen moves and therefore distributes the 2D image frames to corresponding positions in the space swept by the screen. Together, the spatially distributed 2D images form a volumetric 3D image.
All three types of systems, the rotating screen system with an interfacing unit the rotating screen system without an interfacing unit and the Rotary Reciprocating system, comprises rotational mechanisms. If opto-mechanical alignment in the mechanism is perfect and all dimensional tolerance is zero, then the center of projected image frame on the screen always falls on the theoretical position as the mechanism rotates. For the first two types of system, once the center of the projected image frame is aligned to the center of the rotating screen, the two centers always coincide as the screen rotates. That is, the theoretical position of the center of projected image frame on screen is the center of the screen. For the Rotary Reciprocating system, due to the motion of the screen, the theoretical position of the center of the projected image frame on screen is a straight line track falling on one of the center lines of the screen. However, since alignment and dimension of optical and mechanical elements have inevitable error and tolerance, the center of projected image frame on screen can deviate away from the theoretical position as the screen rotates.
A volumetric 3D image is formed by slices of frame images and frame images are first generated by computation based on assumption of ideal mechanism (i.e. no alignment or dimensional error). Therefore, if position error of the center of projected image frame (i.e. deviation with respect to the theoretical position) is not corrected, the volumetric 3D image will appear distorted. It is further noted that "jumping" or "jittering" of displayed volumetric 3D image can occur due to this position error. This is because one screen rotation covers two image volumes (since ½ rotations of the screen sweeps one volume), and the positions of frames relative to the screen in two successive volumes do not coincide due to this position error. The position of a V3D image therefore shifts from one volume to the next.

Error correction schemes for volumetric 3D displays


An image processing apparatus includes a converter for reading out a manuscript image signal and converting the read-out signal to an electric signal. A signal processor executes signal processing for the electric signal, and an image generator generates an image in accordance with the processed signal. An outputting unit separates a character area and a photograph area of the manuscript from the read-out signal and outputs an area signal. A changing-over circuit changes over a filtering process in accordance with the area signal. A halftone processor executes in parallel a halftone process for the character area image and a halftone process for the photograph area image, and the changing-over circuit selectively changes over the halftone processing result for the character and the halftone processing result in accordance with the area signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus in which a character portion of an image represented by inputted image data has an improved resolution and a picture portion thereof has an improved halftone characteristic.
2. Discussion of the Background
On almost all occasions, only one of either a resolution of an image or a halftone characteristic of an image is improved in conventional image processing apparatus. However, in a case that a character portion and a picture portion mixedly exist in the image, the image quality of either one of both areas is sacrificed (deteriorated).
Furthermore, in a method of performing image area separation, the construction of the image processing apparatus becomes rather complicated and manufacturing costs thereof turn out to be high-cost.
Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 01-52 137378/1989 proposes an image processing system which separates a character image and a photograph image both on a manuscript document, executes separately a filtering treatment to the respective images, performs individually different binarizing processes respectively fitted to the characteristics of the character image and the photograph image, and thereby obtains image data representing clearly both of the character image and the photograph image, respectively.
On the other hand, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 02-34233/1990 proposes a detection system for detecting a net-points area in order to separate the character area and the photograph area on a manuscript document.
In such a situation, it is required to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reproducing the resolution and halftone characteristics fitted to the area by use of a low-cost method.
In accordance with the type and the quality of the manuscript document, the image processing functions required to the copying machine differ from each other. In recent years, a copying quality which satisfies the requirements for all items employed as the manuscript document to be copied has been required. At present, there are proposed various types of image processing systems capable of covering almost all of the general manuscript documents. The words of "almost all of the documents" signify primarily manuscript documents constructed with a mixture of character, photograph, etc. just like a magazine or the like, including other documents such as newspapers, documents processed by a word processor, hand-written documents, and so on. In particular, there have been proposed various types of systems capable of covering almost all of the general manuscript documents by aiming at the employment of both of the character and the photograph.
one example of those proposals is described in the specification of the afore-mentioned Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 01-137378/1989.
However, in the conventional digital copying machine, a copy mode for the character image turns out to be the primary mode (the initial state being in this mode) from the viewpoint that almost all of the manuscripts are character documents. And further, when an operator performs a key operation, the operation of the copying machine can be changed to the mode for the manuscript document in the state of the character-and-photograph mixture image, or to the mode for the photograph image only. The above matters may be due to the idea that the character manuscript is the first leading (primary) part of the general manuscript, and due to the troublesome facts that the treatment of employing both of the character and the photograph is incomplete, a mistake of processing the image area separation occurs, and further, a faint character manuscript cannot be reproduced clearly.
Conventionally, in the digital image processing, there existed two types of image processings; those are, a first processing of putting an emphasis on a resolution for processing a character image, line image, etc., and another processing of putting an emphasis on a halftone for processing a photograph image or other halftone-based image. On this occasion, the characteristics of the image processing method in the former case completely differ from that in the latter case. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare separately an image processing mode for a character or line image and another image processing mode, on many occasions. On the other hand, a character/photograph compatibility mode may discriminate the characteristics of the prepared two image processing modes from the information on the manuscript document and exert preferable treatment, respectively, on both of the above-mentioned modes, on some other occasions.
Regarding the character/photograph areas separation processing method and the character/photograph compatibility processing method, many methods have been proposed in recent years. However, in the former case, it is difficult to completely separate the image area. And further, in the latter case, when both of the character image and the photograph image are processed with the compatibility, the character image quality in the case of specially processing the character image does not turn out to be equal to the photograph image quality in the case of specially processing the photograph image. Therefore, it is a limited improvement method to propose still another mode as the third mode following the first mode specialized in the character image and the second mode specialized in the photograph image.
Furthermore, the object of executing the treatment of separating both of the image areas is to intend to realize the compatibility by preventing the phenomenon of "moire" from occurring for the third mode of the net-points manuscript document on some occasions, contrary to the above-mentioned standpoint of putting the emphasis on the resolution in the case of processing the character image and putting the emphasis on the halftone in the case of processing the photograph image.