A golf club lock apparatus for securing at least one golf club having a club shaft with a narrow segment and two shaft ends and a club head secured at one shaft end includes an interconnection line; two club shaft engaging mechanisms secured in spaced apart relation to the interconnection line, each shaft engaging mechanism having a locking and retaining structure for lockingly retaining at least one club shaft. Each shaft engaging mechanism preferably is a padlock having a lock mechanism case and a lock U-bolt having two U-bolt legs, one U-bolt leg extending slidably into the lock mechanism case and the other U-bolt leg lockably slidable into and out of the lock mechanism case and sized to closely fit around a narrow segment of a golf club shaft, so that the padlock must be opened to release the club. Each U-bolt preferably includes two U-bolt legs which are separate members interconnected by a hinge structure.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of equipment for the game of golf. More specifically the present invention relates to a golf club lock apparatus for golf clubs having a club shaft including a club handle and having a club head, the lock apparatus including two club shaft engaging mechanisms secured to opposing ends of an interconnection line, each shaft engaging mechanism having means for lockingly retaining at least one club shaft.
Each shaft engaging mechanism preferably is a padlock having a lock mechanism case and a lock U-bolt having U-bolt legs, the padlocks being constructed and operate in the same way that prior art padlocks are constructed and operate, with the following exceptions. First the U-bolts are sized so that the U-bolt legs closely fit around a narrow segment of a standard club shaft. Each lock U-bolt has a space between U-bolt legs which closely fits around the narrowest part of the club shaft which typically is just above the club head. As a result the club cannot be slid longitudinally out of the lock and the lock must be opened to laterally release the club. It is preferred that the U-bolt legs be separate members interconnected with a hinge pin so that they can be pivoted apart to release club shafts after the padlock is opened, and then pivoted toward each other to secure club shafts between them. A leaf spring is preferably secured to the U-bolt adjacent to the pivot pin to bias the U-bolt legs apart so that the U-bolt springs open to release or accept one or more club shafts upon opening of the padlock.
To use the lock apparatus, the interconnection line is fitted through an existing ring found on the lip of a typical golf bag, the lock U-bolts are fitted around one or more club shafts and the padlocks are then locked. On the relatively few existing golf bags not having a bag ring, the line can be fitted through the bag handle. As a result the apparatus and locked clubs can be secured to virtually any existing golf bag without modification. In addition, the interconnection line can be fitted through or around many objects other than a golf bag.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There have long been golf club locks for securing golf clubs against theft, especially while the clubs are in a bag on a golf course. Golf club security has become more important in recent years with the development of highly sophisticated and expensive clubs, and often it can be all to easy for someone wandering through a golf course to simply snatch such a club out of a bag while the owner is playing. Prior club locks generally have been cumbersome, costly, inconvenient to use or lacking in versatility.
Schuhlen, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,772, issued on Jan. 7, 1997, reveals a golf club look. Schuhlen, et al., includes a series of shackles very similar to padlocks which receive and lockingly retain golf club shafts, the shackles being retained in lock retaining box. A cable connects the retaining box to a golf bag and an anchor structure such as a pole.
Murphy, U.S. Patent Number Des. 366,202, issued on Jan. 16, 1996, reveals a locking device for golf clubs. Murphy includes an array of interconnected U-shaped club shaft receiving structures and what appears to be a slidable locking panel which fits through slots in the receiving structures to retain the club shafts against removal. The locking panel has a protruding end with a cable passing port for connecting the device to a golf bag.
Good, U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,998 B1, issued on May 7, 2002, discloses a golf bag security device. Good includes a club retaining assembly in the form of a perforated circular panel which is mounted across the open top of a golf bag so that club shafts are passed through the individual perforations, and includes an actuating mechanism operatively associated with the club retaining assembly. A security mechanism having several fingers locks the clubs within the club retaining assembly.
Lewis, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,019, issued on Sep. 5, 1989, teaches a golf bag lock. Lewis, et al., includes two arm members which extend diametrically across the open top of a golf club bag and are mounted at one end in a guide structure fastened to the bag and pivotally connected to a hinge structure at the other end also fastened to the bag. The arms can be pivoted toward each other in the guide structure to lockingly grip shafts of clubs and can be pivoted apart to free the clubs.
Thompson, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,385, issued on Mar. 6, 2001, discloses a golf club locking device. Thompson, et al., includes a locking main member for affixing across the open top of a golf bag having mouth-like openings for receiving club shafts. A locking member is coupled to the main member and slides relative to the main member to a club locking position and to a club releasing position.
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a golf club lock which is versatile in that it can secure golf clubs to a golf bag ring or handle, a post or other structure, and can secure clubs of more than one shaft diameter, and can secure items other than golf clubs.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a golf club lock which is compact and light in weight to be easy to carry and store.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a golf club lock which can display logos and other forms of advertising.
It is finally an object of the present invention to provide such a golf club lock which is easy to use and inexpensive to manufacture.


A scan cell comprises a flip-flop, a mode selector and a weighting network. The mode selector responds to a mode-select signal by selectively applying a circuit data input signal or a scan data input signal to a data input of the flip-flop. The weighting network responds to one logic state of a weight-select signal by applying a circuit data signal substantially identical to a scan data output signal appearing at a scan data output of the flip-flop to a circuit data output. The weighting network responds to another logic state of the weightselect signal by applying a circuit data output signal having a predetermined ratio of occurrences of one logic state to occurrences of another logic state to the circuit data output. The scan cell is used for generating weighted random patterns in scan chains for scan testing digital systems.

Conventional digital integrated circuits comprise complex combinational networks for performing logical operations on data, and memory elements interconnected with the combinational networks to provide memory functions essential to the operation of the combinational networks. Such integrated circuits are difficult to test due to the complexity of their operation.
Modern digital integrated circuit designers incorporate test features in digital integrated circuits at the design stage to ensure that such circuits are testable. In one design technique, known as Level Sensitive Scan Design (LSSD), designers partition circuits into combinational networks and scannable memory elements, usually flip-flops. The flip-flops are made reconfigurable from their operating configuration (in which they are connected to the combinational networks of the circuit is required to support normal operation of the circuit) to as scan configuration in which they are decoupled from the combinational networks and connected in series to form one or more shift registers known as a "scan chains".
The scan configuration is used during testing of the circuit to shift a known test stimulus pattern into the scan chains. The flip-flops are then put into the operating configuration for one or more clock cycles so that combinational networks perform logical operations on some of the data making up the test stimulus pattern and alter the data stored in some of the flip-flops. The flip-flops are then returned to the scan configuration to shift the altered data out of the scan chains as test response patterns. The test response patterns are compared with calculated test response patterns or with test response patterns obtained from a circuit which is known to be functioning properly to determine whether the circuit under test is functioning properly.
The known test stimulus pattern may be a random pattern supplied by a random pattern generator which is internal or external to the digital system under test. The random pattern may even be generated within the scan chain by configuring the scan chain as a linear feedback shift register (LFSR) (see for example Konemann et al, IEEE Journal of Solid State Circuits, Vol. SC-15, No. 3, p. 315-319, June 1980).
Conventional random pattern scan testing can require very large numbers of random patterns for an acceptable level of fault coverage. Most faults can be detected by any one of several random patterns and these faults are usually detected during the early stages of random pattern testing. However a smaller number of faults can only be detected by very specific test patterns, and many more random patterns must be applied to ensure that these specific patterns are applied.
In a hybrid test approach, random pattern testing can be combined with stored pattern testing, the random patterns being used for detection of easily detected faults with a relatively small number of random patterns and the stored patterns being used for detection of faults which require very specific patterns for detection. Unfortunately, the number of stored patterns required for acceptable fault coverage can be very large even when stored pattern testing is combined with random pattern testing, so that test apparatus having very large storage capacity is needed.
In another hybrid test approach, random pattern testing can be combined with "biased" or "weighted" random pattern testing. "Weighted" random patterns (WRP) are patterns in which one logic state occurs more frequently than another logic state, the "weight" of the pattern being the ratio of occurrences of one logic state (e.g. the "1" state) to the other state (e.g. the "0" state). WRP testing can significantly reduce the number of test patterns needed for acceptable fault coverage.
Unfortunately, known on-chip WRP generators are significantly more complicated and consume significantly more area than uniform random pattern generators. Consequently the cost overhead of implementing a WRP builtin self test (BIST) strategy is relatively high.

Scan cell for weighted random pattern generation and method for its operation


A dispenser is disclosed herein having a paste container removably mounted in a stationary base with a dispensing nozzle for discharging paste therethrough. In one version, the paste container is pressurized by use of a removable air pump while in another version, a mechanical pump extracts paste into and through the nozzle. In either version, a brush-operated lever actuates a mechanism coupled to the nozzle for selectively releasing the pressurized paste.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of apparatus for dispensing a medicinal product, such as toothpaste or the like, by pressurizing the paste and discharging the paste via a lever-operated mechanism.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
In the past, it has been the conventional practice to dispense toothpaste from a tube by squeezing the tube, by using a rotary key, or by employing a sliding mechanism. In these instances, pressure is applied to the external tube and the pressure forces the paste through a nozzle for distribution onto a toothbrush. In other instances, elaborate mechanisms are provided for extracting the paste in selected amounts for the convenience of the user.
Problems and difficulties have been encountered with these prior systems, which stem largely from the fact that the pressure placed on the toothpaste is uneven and is not distributed in such a fashion to permit a smooth discharge of the paste from the tube. Also, the quantity of toothpaste being dispensed is sometimes inadequate or supplied in an abundance so that wastage is encountered. Furthermore, the dispensing of the pressurized toothpaste does not always index or register with the bristles of the toothbrush so that the quantity being dispensed sometimes drops or falls away from the bristle area upon which it is intended to rest.
Therefore, a long-standing need has existed to provide a novel toothpaste dispenser which includes means for pressurizing the supply of paste and which incorporates a lever mechanism operable by movement of the toothbrush itself to discharge and distribute a quantity of paste along the bristles of the brush. Such a device requires alignment of the brush with the dispensing nozzle and further requires a mechanism for evenly distributing a selected quantity of paste for discharge.


A coordinate detection system includes a coordinate input device including a panel surface, an indication tool including a tip part with a conical shape or truncated-conical shape, a first image taking device to take a first image of the indication tool, a second image taking device to take a second image of the indication tool, and an information processing device to detect a first set of two oblique lines of the conical shape or truncated-conical shape based on the first image, detect a second set of two oblique lines of the conical shape or truncated-conical shape based on the second image, and calculate coordinates of a vertex of the tip part on the panel surface based on a first point of intersection between two oblique lines included in the first set and a second point of intersection between two oblique lines included in the second set.

1. Field of the Invention
An aspect of the present invention relates to at least one of a coordinate detection system, a coordinate detection method, and an information processing device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, a coordinate detection system has been known that detects coordinates indicated by an indication tool such as an electronic pen on a coordinate input device and executes display of a handwritten character or the like.
In such a coordinate detection system, a variety of coordinate detection methods have been proposed that detect a position where a tip part of an indication tool contacts an input surface a coordinate input device. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-038528 discloses an optical coordinate detection method wherein coordinates of a contact position of a tip part of an indication tool are detected in accordance with a process as described below.
Specifically, one-dimensional image sensors are placed at both edges of coordinate input device and detect revolution angles of two light emission points disposed on an indication tool with respect to a reference direction. Then, coordinates of such two light emission points are calculated based on detected revolution angles in accordance with a principle of triangulation. Moreover, coordinates of a tip part (that is, a contact position) are detected based on calculated coordinates of such two light emission points and known data of an indication tool (a distance between two light emission points or a distance from a light emission point to a tip part).
However, there is a problem as described below in a case of an optical coordinate detection method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-038528.
For example, in a case where a light emission point is covered by a hand when the user holds an indication tool, it is not possible for one-dimensional image sensor part to detect the light emission point so that it is not possible to detect coordinates of a tip part. For this reason, it is necessary for a user to be careful in such a manner that, when an indication tool is held, a holding hand does not cover a light emission point in an image-taking direction of a one-dimensional image sensor part.
Furthermore, it is also considered that defocusing may be caused near a one-dimensional image sensor part or one light emission point may be out of an angle of field. For this reason, it is necessary for a user to be careful in such a manner that input of a handwritten character or the like is executed in an area that is appropriately away from a one-dimensional image sensor part.
Thus, it has not necessarily been considered that operability is good for a user in a case of a conventional optical coordinate detection system.

Coordinate detection system, coordinate detection method, and information processing device


A portable lift (10) for installing and uninstalling computer-related equipment (12) into a storage cabinet (14) broadly comprises a frame (16) operable to be removably secured to the storage cabinet (14); a trolley (18) for supporting the computer-related equipment (12); and a winch assembly (20). The frame (16) is operable to fold into a plurality of portions (28,30,32) for easy storage within a carrying unit (22). The trolley (18) includes a tray (126) on which the computer-related equipment (12) may be placed. The winch assembly (20) includes a winch (166), a plurality of pulleys (168,170,172), and a plurality of cable portions (180,182,184) that in operation are operable to vertically move the tray (126) within the frame (16) for positioning of the equipment (12) in the storage cabinet (14). The portable lift (10) is lightweight, easy-to-use, and may be assembled and disassembled by one user.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to lifts for installing and uninstalling computer-related equipment, such as computer servers, into storage cabinets. More particularly, the invention relates to a light, easy-to-use portable lift designed to be used by one person for installing and uninstalling such equipment.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A significant amount of computer-related equipment is stored in storage cabinets or racks to better utilize floor space. Such equipment can weigh over 136 kg (approximately 300 lbs) and be placed at the top of a storage cabinet having a height in excess of 2.5 meters (approximately 8.2 feet). The most commonly used method of installing the equipment into the storage cabinet is to have a first person lift and hold the equipment in place while a second person secures the equipment within the cabinet. A significant disadvantage of this method is that it can lead to personal injury and/or damage to the equipment. This is especially true with heavier equipment installed at higher heights.
To remedy some of the above disadvantages, general purpose lifting devices are sometimes used to lift computer-related equipment for placement into storage cabinets. Unfortunately, most of these devices are not designed for installing or uninstalling computer-related equipment, and thus, are difficult to use. Additionally, many of these devices are extremely heavy and bulky and are thus required to be transported by truck, necessitating at least two people to load/unload the device from the truck. Large devices are necessary, however, so that the device can safely support and lift the equipment while the device is in a freestanding configuration. Furthermore, such prior art devices are also expensive. Due to the above disadvantages, many companies do not invest the money to purchase a proper lift, or the personnel performing the installation avoid using the equipment altogether.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved lift that overcomes the limitations of the prior art. More particularly, there is a need for a portable lift that is lightweight, easy-to-use, and designed to accommodate and support weight loads in excess of 136 kg (approximately 300 lbs).

Portable lift for installing and uninstalling computer-related equipment into a storage cabinet


A continuously variable transmission (“CVT”) is provided for use on a recreational or utility vehicle. The CVT is electronically controlled by a control unit of the vehicle. The CVT includes a primary clutch having a first sheave, a second sheave movable relative to the first sheave, and a friction clutch. An actuator assembly is configured to actuate the primary clutch and cause movement of the second sheave.

Some recreational vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles ("ATVs"), utility vehicles, motorcycles, etc., include a continuously variable transmission ("CVT") which includes a primary clutch and a secondary clutch, each having a movable sheave and a stationary sheave, and a belt operably coupled to the primary and secondary clutches. In these vehicles, an actuator adjusts the position of one of the primary and secondary clutches of the CVT. The thrust requirement of the actuator for moving the clutch is generally dependent on the sliding friction between the movable sheave and the sliding coupling.
In some recreational vehicles with CVTs, the actuator is an electric motor which is used to move the sheave of the CVT. However, CVTs with electric motors adjusting the position of the sheaves typically provide clutching through engagement of the belt with the movable sheaves. This may cause the belt to wear and loosen, requiring more frequent service to the CVT.


A printed circuit board includes a substrate having a surface, a circuit layer having a plurality of electrical traces formed on the surface, and an electrically conductive metal layer formed on the circuit layer. The circuit layer is comprised of a composite of carbon nano-tubes and metallic nano-particles.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to printed circuit boards and, particularly, to a printed circuit board and a method for manufacturing same using an ink jet printing method.
2. Description of related art
Nowadays, printed circuit boards are widely used in electronic products for electrical connection. In order to achieve miniaturization and multifunction of electronic products, printed circuit boards have become smaller and smaller and have high density interconnection.
Generally, circuits of printed circuit boards are manufactured using a photo-lithographic process. The photo-lithographic process includes a series of processes, such as, coating photoresist layer on a copper clad laminate, exposing the photoresist layer to light beam, developing the photoresist layer to obtain a photoresist pattern, etching the copper clad laminate to obtain a circuit pattern corresponding to the photoresist pattern, peeling off the photoresist pattern, and other required steps. Clearly, the photo-lithographic process is complicated, needs a lot of chemical materials and creates a great deal of non-disposable waste. Therefore, the photo-lithographic process complicates the process of manufacturing the printed circuit boards and cause pollution to the environment.
What is needed, therefore, is a printed circuit board and a method for manufacturing the same which can overcome the above-described problems.

Printed circuit board and method for manufacturing same

FuKui Precision Component (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.


A wafer-level chip packaging process includes the following steps. First, a wafer having a plurality of chip units, an active surface, and a corresponding back surface is provided. Each chip unit has a plurality of pads on the active surface. Next, a plurality of through holes is formed under the pads. The through holes are filled with a conductive material such that the conductive material within each through hole is electrically connected to corresponding one of the pads and a portion of the conductive material is exposed and protrudes from the back surface of the wafer. Thereafter, a transparent adhesive layer is formed on the active surface. Next, a transparent cover panel is disposed on the transparent adhesive layer such that the transparent cover panel is connected to the wafer through the transparent adhesive layer. Afterwards, a singulation step is performed to form a plurality of independent chip package structures.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a packaging process and a package structure, and more particularly to a wafer-level chip packaging process and a chip package structure.
2. Description of Related Art
In the semiconductor production industry, the fabrication of integrated circuits (IC) is mainly divided into three stages: a wafer processing stage, an IC processing stage and an IC packaging stage. To fabricate a silicon chip, a series of steps including wafer fabrication, circuit design, mask making and wafer sawing have to be performed. After the contacts of each chip cut out from a wafer are electrically connected to an external carrier, the chip is encapsulated by using a molding compound. The purpose of packaging the chip is to protect the chip against the effects of moisture, heat and noise and provide a medium of connection between the chip and the external carrier.
However, the conventional IC package is formed by performing a wire bonding process or a flip chip bonding process to electrically connect the contacts on the chips with the corresponding external carriers and then encapsulating each chip with molding compound after the chips are separated in a wafer sawing process. Therefore, before the chip is encapsulated with molding compound, external particles can easily fall on the chip and lower its process yield. Moreover, the foregoing packaging process often incurs a higher cost.
To resolve the above problem, another conventional chip package structure is shown in FIG. 1. The chip package 100 includes a chip 110, a transparent cover panel 120, a spacer 130 and an adhesive layer 140. The chip 110 has a light-sensing area 114 on an active surface 112 and a plurality of pads 116 around the light-sensing area 114. In addition, the adhesive layer 140 encapsulates the spacer 130. Therefore, the transparent cover panel 120 is disposed above the active surface 112 through the support of the spacer 130 and the adhesion of the adhesive layer 140.
However, the adhesive layer 140 of the conventional chip package 100 normally has residual voids or bubbles. Moreover, there is a gap S between the transparent cover panel 120 and the chip 110. If some residual particles are lodged in the gap S during the packaging process, the particles may contaminate or scratch the light-sensing area 114 and cause a change of the path of incident light signals. Consequently, the light-sensing area 114 may receive distorted light signals. As a result, there is a need to improve the structure of the chip package.

Wafer-level chip packaging process and chip package structure

Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc.


This invention provides a hydrogen occluding alloy having a composition comprising, by wt %, 25% to 45% of Zr, 1% to 12% of Ti, 10% to 20% of Mn, 2% to 12% of V, 0.5% to 5% of at least one rare earth element, optionally 0.1% to 4% of Hf, one or more selected from hydrogen, hydrogen+oxygen, and oxygen, and a balance being Ni (25% or more of Ni) and unavoidable impurities, having a structure comprising: a phase made of a hydrogenated-product, dispersedly distributed in a matrix phase made of a Zr--Ni--Mn based alloy. The hydrogenated-product mainly comprises a rare earth element-Ni type alloy and a rare earth element hydride with numerous cracks formed at the time when the hydrogenated-product phase is generated. The hydrogenated-product phase is formed by exposing a hydrogen-containing substance on the surfaces of the cracks. Electrodes made of the alloy are disclosed.

Hitherto, a variety of hydrogen occluding alloys have been suggested, as exemplified by a hydrogen occluding alloy disclosed recently in "INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM REGARDING THE FOUNDATION AND APPLICATION OF METAL-HYDROGEN SYSTEMS", held on Nov. 6 to 11, 1994, in Fujiyoshida, Japan.
The foregoing hydrogen occluding alloy is a Ni--Zr type alloy having a composition according to the formula:
Ti.sub.0.5-x/2 Zr.sub.0.5-x/2 La.sub.x Mn.sub.0.8 Cr.sub.0.8 Ni.sub.0.4, in which x=0.0-0.1. Such alloys have a two-phase structure comprising a main phase made of a Zr--Ni--Mn based alloy and a phase made of a La--Ni type alloy which is dispersively distributed along the grain boundary of the main phase, as illustrated in an enlarged schematic view of the structure in FIG. 13.
In the foregoing conventional hydrogen occluding alloy, the phase made of the La--Ni type alloy dissociates atmospheric hydrogen molecules (H.sub.2) to form hydrogen atoms (H) by its catalytic action, and absorbs the dissociated hydrogen atoms at a rate higher than that of the main phase made of the Zx--Ni--Mn type alloy; thus the absorption of the hydrogen atoms in the main phase made of the Zr--Ni--Mn type alloy is carried out mainly through the phase made of the La--Ni type alloy; and the hydrogen desorption is carried out by a function contrary to the foregoing function.
In addition, the foregoing conventional hydrogen occluding alloy can be made by preparing a Ni--Zr based liquid alloy having the foregoing composition, casting it into an ingot, and annealing the ingot for homogenization at a predetermined temperature within the range from 950.degree. to 1,050.degree. C. for a predetermined time in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, such as vacuum or inert gas.
In general, when the hydrogen occluding alloy is applied to an electrode of a battery, the battery can serve a practical use after an initial activation treatment in which charge/discharge cycles are repeated until the electrode including the hydrogen occluding alloy has a sufficient discharge capacity, in other words, until the discharge capacity caused by the hydrogen occluding alloy reaches near its maximum.

Hydrogen occluding alloy and electrode made of the alloy


The present invention relates to a method of providing communication between a first device and a second device, wherein the second device has a server component, the method comprising: establishing initial communication between the devices, wherein at least one of the devices receives from the other device data including at least one of a) a description or identification of the other device and b) a description or identification of a service; and providing instructions to the second device based at least on the received data, wherein the instructions and the server component allow the second device to respond to a subsequent request from the first device.

Devices such as home appliances, entertainment system components, remote controls, home automation systems, alarm systems etc. currently exchange commands and information (if at all) using embedded software and proprietary protocols. Remote controls are designed to operate with their designated devices, automation and alarm systems have separate control units or dedicated applications installed on generic computers, and updates or improvements in the form of software upgrades are rarely possible. Attempts to go beyond this rigid situation include universal remote controls that implement a plethora of proprietary protocols in order to be able to control a wide range of products, and certain devices that implement standards based solutions to transfer data or present a user interface (TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, HTML, WiFi, Bluetooth).
Exceptions to this situation exist within the world of data communication, where devices typically are programmable, and where solutions solving issues related to discovery and configuration do exist (UPnP, Bonjour).
Nevertheless, problems exist with prior art solutions. For instance, devices that were not specifically designed to interact cannot interact, even if they provide complementary functionality. Also, new devices do not discover old devices and cannot communicate with them or control them (or vice versa). Also, devices cannot be reprogrammed to deliver new functionality. Also, generic devices cannot be used to control a number of other devices. Instead, each device has its own user interface and/or remote control.

Method of providing communication between devices

Abstract: The present invention also relates a system comprising electronic devices capable of communicating with each other.


Fuel passes through a fuel filter from the outer layer of the fuel filter toward the inner layer of the fuel filter. Large debris is arrested in the outer layer made of nonwoven fabric, and small debris is arrested in the inner layer made of filter paper, so that plugging is prevented. The fuel filter is inserted between a fuel pump and a sub-tank. The fuel pump is supported by the fuel filter via both a suction pipe and a fixing section. Vibration generated in the fuel pump is absorbed by the fuel filter which has sufficient thickness, so that the vibration is not transferred to the sub-tank. Thus, filtering performance and lifespan of the fuel filter are easily secured while decreasing vibration transfer.

The present invention is related to a fuel filter for removing debris included in fuel.
A fuel filter is used in a pump module received in an in-tank type fuel feed apparatus. A fuel filter according to JP-A-2002-28418 has distribution of filter mesh over the fuel inlet side and fuel outlet side.
Besides, according to JP-A-2000-240723, the pump module receives a fuel supply device supported by a vibration proof member made of a flexible material for mitigating transmission of vibration of the fuel supply device and noise due to generated vibration.
However, width of fibrous material of the filter and a mixing ratio of the material have to be precisely controlled for obtaining a predetermined distribution of the filter mesh. The sizes of pores of the filter have to be formed small on a fine side of the filter for securing filtering performance. Therefore, the filter is apt to be plugged on the fine side, so that pressure loss is increased and lifespan of the filter is decreased. Additionally, it is difficult to control each size of the pores of the filter.
Additionally, if the vibration proof member is provided as an additional part between the fuel supply device and a sub tank receiving the fuel supply device, the number of parts increases and the structure of the pump module becomes complicated.

Fuel filter having double layer structure


A semiconductor device is provided that can perform simultaneous writing of a large number of bits, without an increase in chip size. This semiconductor device includes: a write data bus via which data are written into memory cells; a read data bus via which the data are read from the memory cells; a first write amplifier that writes data into the memory cells via the read data bus at the time of high-speed writing; a second write amplifier that writes data into the memory cells via the write data bus at the time of high-speed writing; a first sense amplifier that reads verified data from the memory cells via the read data bus; and a second sense amplifier that reads verified data from the memory cells via the write data bus.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to semiconductor devices and data write methods.
2. Description of the Related Art
Flash memories are being widely used as non-volatile memories that can electrically rewrite data. However, the time required for rewriting data in a flash memory is very much longer than that in a semiconductor memory device such as a DRAM or SRAM. Moreover, the controller that controls a flash memory cannot access the flash memory while data is being rewritten.
To solve the above problems, a flash memory of a dual operation type has been developed recently. Such a flash memory has its inside divided into banks, and can read data from one of the banks while rewriting data in another one of the banks. Here, a "bank" is a block or the group consisting of two or more arbitrarily combined blocks, and "banks" are memory banks that can perform data processing at the same time.
Next, a conventional flash memory of the dual operation type is described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the conventional flash memory of the dual operation type. As shown in FIG. 1, the flash memory 1 includes a cell array 2, a read sense amplifier 3, a write sense amplifier 4, and a write amplifier 5. The cell array 2 includes banks BANK0 through BANKn. The memory cells of each of the banks BANK0 through BANKn is managed by the sector. Y-gates 21 are connected to read data buses RDB0 through RDBm and write data buses WDB0 through WDBm.
The read sense amplifier 3 reads data from the memory cells via the read data buses RDB0 through RDBm. The write sense amplifier 4 reads verified data from the memory cells via the write data buses WDB0 through WDBm. The write amplifier 5 writes data into the memory cells via the write data buses WDB0 through WDBm. In this flash memory of the dual operation type, data can be read from a bank while data is rewritten in another bank.
Such a flash memory of the dual operation type is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,040.
In the above flash memory 1 of the dual operation type, however, high-speed writing cannot be performed, because, in a case where an internal power supply is employed, the number of bits that can be written at once is limited by the restriction on the current capacity of the high-voltage generating circuit mounted on the chip. If high-speed writing is to be performed using an external power supply, a large number of bits can be written at once, as there is no limitation on the number of bits that can be written at once. However, to write a large number of bits at once, the same number of write data buses as the number of bits are required. As the number of write data buses increases, the chip size also increases, which is not desirable.

Semiconductor memory device using read data bus for writing data during high-speed writing


Physical-Layer Cell Identifier (PCID) collisions may occur in a wireless network when two neighboring evolved Node Bs (eNBs) having different Global Cell Identifiers (GCID) select identical PCIDs. Evolved Node Bs may uniquely identify themselves by transmitting on a broadcast channel, such as a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH), a pattern of bits corresponding to the eNB's GCID. Individual User Equipments (UEs) may recognize the PCID collision by decoding the PBCH payload to identify different GCID-modulated payloads from two eNBs involved in the PCID collision. Alternatively, UEs may detect PCID collisions in the wireless network by monitoring Primary Synchronization Signals (PSS) and Secondary Synchronization Signals (SSS) on the PBCH for identical signals separated by a relatively large time offset. After detecting a PCID collision, the UEs may attempt by best effort to report the PCID collision, may report to a fallback eNB, or the UEs may use special resources on an uplink channel.

1. Field
Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to wireless communication systems, and more particularly to detecting and reporting Physical-Layer Cell Identifier (PCID) collisions.
2. Background
Wireless communication networks are widely deployed to provide various communication services such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc. These wireless networks may be multiple-access networks capable of supporting multiple users by sharing the available network resources. Examples of such multiple-access networks include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) networks, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) networks, Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) networks, and Single-Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) networks.
A wireless communication network may include a number of base stations that can support communication for a number of user equipments (UEs). A UE may communicate with a base station via the downlink and uplink. The downlink (or forward link) refers to the communication link from the base station to the UE, and the uplink (or reverse link) refers to the communication link from the UE to the base station.
A base station may transmit data and control information on the downlink to a UE and/or may receive data and control information on the uplink from the UE. On the downlink, a transmission from the base station may encounter interference due to transmissions from neighbor base stations or from other wireless radio frequency (RF) transmitters. On the uplink, a transmission from the UE may encounter interference from uplink transmissions of other UEs communicating with the neighbor base stations or from other wireless RF transmitters. This interference may degrade performance on both the downlink and uplink.
As the demand for mobile broadband access continues to increase, the possibilities of interference and congested networks grows with more UEs accessing the long-range wireless communication networks and more short-range wireless systems being deployed in communities. Research and development continue to advance the UMTS technologies not only to meet the growing demand for mobile broadband access, but to advance and enhance the user experience with mobile communications.

Detecting and reporting physical-layer cell identifier collisions in wireless networks


In a test pattern signal generator, an infrared radiation generating section for generating a test pattern selecting infrared signal in response to a test pattern selecting signal given from a console box and a test pattern signal generating section for receiving the test pattern selecting infrared signal and for outputting a test pattern signal corresponding to the received signal are physically separate from one another. In an inspection method of a display device, the test pattern signal generator is used, and a display device to be inspected and adjusted and a test pattern signal generating section are connected through a cable. An infrared radiation generating section is installed at a prescribed position, and when the connected display device and the test pattern signal generating section enter a prescribed working area, a test pattern selecting signal is sent from a console box to the infrared radiation generating section.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a test pattern signal generator for generating test pattern signals to perform inspection and adjustment of a display device in manufacturing display devices using a CRT, a liquid crystal or the like, and to an inspection method of the display device using the test pattern signal generator.
2. Description of the Prior Art
FIG. 5 is a constitution diagram showing a prior art display device inspection and adjustment process. In FIG. 5, numeral 1 designates a display device to be inspected and adjusted, numeral 2 designates a palette holding the display device 1 thereon, numeral 3 designates a conveyer for conveying a plurality of palettes 2 in the direction indicated by the arrow, each palette 2 holding the display device 1, numeral 4 designates a plurality of workbenches arranged along the conveyer 3, numeral 5 designates a test pattern signal generator on each workbench 4, numeral 6 designates a cable led from the test pattern signal generator 5, numeral 7 designates a connector being installed at the top end of the cable 6 and connected to the display device 1, and numeral 8 designates a worker positioned next to each workbench 4 for performing inspection and adjustment.
Next, operation will be described.
When the palettes 2 each holding the display device 1 are conveyed on the conveyer 3, each worker 8 first connects the connector 7 to the display device 1. Next, an operation switch (not shown) on the test pattern signal generator 5 is operated, and a prescribed test pattern signal is selectively generated and then inputted through the cable 6 and the connector 7 to the display device 1.
The test pattern signal is mainly composed of a synchronous signal and a pattern data signal, and causes a prescribed test pattern to appear on a screen (1a FIG. 2) of the display device 1.
FIG. 6 shows examples of test patterns, where FIG. 6(a) shows an example of our all white raster 9 and FIG. 6(b) shows an example of a lattice pattern 10 on the screen 1a. Using such various test patterns, adjustment of various characteristics such as screen size, luminance, screen position, and the like is performed.
Since the inspection and adjustment work of the display device 1 in the prior art is performed as above described, the worker 8 must always connect the connector 7 to the display device 1 before performing inspection and adjustment, and must detach the connector 7 after finishing inspection and adjustment. Consequently, there is a drawback in that the work of individual worker 8 becomes bothersome, and working efficiency is decreased while fatigue is increased.
Also the test pattern signal generator 5 is constituted by an operation switch section for selecting test patterns and a test pattern signal source circuit section being integrated, and therefore becomes large scale. Since one test pattern signal generator of such large scale is allocated to each worker 8, problems exist in that the test pattern signal generator is inconvenient to handle.

Test pattern signal generator and inspection method of display device using the same


An access point (AP) associated with a several mobile stations (STAs) implements a slot-based power save poll (PS-Poll) method. The AP divides a slot-based access period into multiple time slots and allocates each time slot to either a STA determined to have slot-based PS-Poll capabilities or a STA determined to have buffered data present at the AP. The AP creates a traffic indication map (TIM) having a number of bits equal to the number of stations associated with the AP, and then transmits a beacon including the TIM. The TIM indicates to a slot-based PS-Poll capable STA which time slots are assigned to a selected set of associated stations. After receiving the beacon from the AP, the STA refrains from attempting to communicate with the AP outside the time slot assigned to the STA, yet transmits information to the AP during the time slot assigned to the STA.

Devices using Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) and/or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) connectivity for Internet access are frequently either battery-powered or otherwise benefit from minimizing power consumption, particularly when not being utilized. The Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) of IEEE 802.11 provides a power saving mechanism (PSM) allowing nodes to remain silent in a sleep mode. However, various issues can cause actual use of the PSM to unnecessarily consume power.
Further improvement to slot-based power save poll is needed. There is, therefore, a need in the art for improved power save operation in using wireless network connections.


A modular, self-driven vehicle wheel assembly including a drive motor carried by the wheel assembly. The assembly includes a hub, a wheel rotatably mounted on the hub, and a planetary speed-reducing unit mounted on the hub and drivingly connected with the wheel. The drive motor is a shunt wound DC motor that is coaxially mounted adjacent to the wheel and within a chamber formed in the hub. The motor is drivingly connected with the planetary speed-reducing unit to transmit motor torque to rotate the wheel in either a forward direction or a reverse direction. A brake assembly is carried adjacent to the motor for selectively applying a braking force to brake the motor armature when the wheel is to remain in a stationary condition.

The present invention relates to a wheel assembly for use in vehicles such as a scissor lift and more particularly relates to a modular wheel assembly which includes a wound field DC motor mounted within the hub of the assembly and directly driving the wheel via an intermediate planetary gear mechanism.
In the past, the wheels of such vehicles have been driven primarily by external hydraulic motor systems connected to the wheels by intermediate adapter components. These systems tend to be mechanically complicated and expensive and utilize space on the vehicle which could be more efficiently occupied by other components. Various type wheel assemblies which include conventional AC or DC electric motors and planetary speed reducer units to drive the wheel have also been previously proposed, but those assemblies have not been widely accepted commercially. For example, prior conventional wound field DC motors consisted of thick machine frames drilled with holes to mount laminated field pole pieces and end housings. The poles were laminated to reduce eddy current losses and were punched from electrical grade silicon steel. The pole pieces were then stacked and welded on both sides. To bolt the pole pieces into the frame they had to be drilled and tapped. Installing field coils around each pole piece and bolting them into the frame completed the assembly. The result was a large, heavy, very costly, labor intensive motor which did not lend itself for application for use in a wheel assembly.
The industry recognizes the desirability of utilizing such modular wheel drives, but requires that the components of the assembly, particularly the parts of the DC motor, be minimized in number, size, and weight to provide a cost effective, compact design which is capable of satisfying the required horsepower and torque requirements of the vehicle.
The invention as described hereinbelow was developed to satisfy that need.

Wheel assembly including a DC motor mounted within the HUB and drive connected to the wheel


A standard for security management in a client server computer system is disclosed. In one aspect, the present invention specifies a security contract between an application server and a resource adapter, supporting access to an enterprise information system by passing a connection request from the resource adapter to the application server, propagating a a security context from the application server to the resource adapter. The security contract includes a subject class representing a grouping of related information for a single entity, and security-related attributes of the subject class.

An enterprise depends critically on the information in its enterprise information system (EIS) for its business activities. Any loss or inaccuracy of information or any unauthorized access to EIS can be extremely costly to an enterprise. An EIS can be protected against such security threats using mechanisms that include identifying and authenticating principals; performing authorization and access control to determine whether a principal is allowed to access an application server and/or an EIS; and provide secure communication between an application server and EIS. Communication over insecure links can be protected using a protocol (for example, Kerberos) that provides authentication, integrity and confidentiality services. Communication can also be protected by using a secure links (for example, SSL).
A principal is an entity that can be authenticated by an authentication mechanism that is deployed in an enterprise. A principal is identified using a principal name and authenticated using authentication data. The content and format of the principal name and the authentication data depend upon the authentication mechanism.
A set of security attributes are typically associated with a principal. These security attributes are related to the authentication and authorization mechanisms. Examples include security role and permissions (for security principals) and credentials for a principal. A credential contains or references security information that can authenticate a principal to additional services. A principal acquires a credential upon authentication or from another principal that allows its credential to be used (principal delegation). An end user is an entity (human or service) that acts as a source of a request to an application. An end user is represented as a Subject as specified in the Java Authentication and Authorization Service (JAAS) framework.
An initiating principal is an end user who interacts directly with the application. An end user can authenticate using either a web client or an application client. A caller principal is a principal that is associated with an application component instance during a method invocation. A resource principal is a security principal under whose security context a connection to an EIS instance is established. A security domain is a scope within which certain common security mechanisms and policies are established. An enterprise can contain more than one security domain. Thus an application server and an EIS may be in same or different security domains. In a managed environment, application components are deployed in web or EJB containers. When a method gets invoked on a component, the principal associated with the component instance is termed as a caller principal.
An application component requests a connection to an EIS instance under the security context of a resource principal. The relationship between a resource principal and its attributes to a caller or initiating principal depend on how principal delegation has been configured in an operational environment.
The creation of a new physical connection requires a sign on to an EIS instance. A change of the security context on an existing physical connection can also require EIS sign on; the latter is termed as re-authentication. An EIS sign-on typically determines a resource principal under whose security context a physical connection to an EIS will be established. An EIS sign-on also authenticates a resource principal if it is not already authenticated, establishes a secure association between the application server and the EIS; and performs access control to EIS resources.
Various scenarios exist for EIS integration. These scenarios focus on security aspects of transactions. A J2EE application is a multi-tier, web-enabled application that accesses EISs. It consists of one or more application components—enterprise java beans (EJBs), java server pages (JSPs), servlets—which are deployed on containers. These containers can be web containers that host JSP, servlets, and static hypertext markup language (HTML) pages. Containers can also be EJB containers that host EJB components, as well as application client containers that host stand alone application clients. In the following scenarios, the description of the architecture and security environments are illustrative in scope.
FIG. 1A illustrates an application where a merchant maintains a portal on the world wide web (web) or other computer network where customers may access the portal and purchase products offered by the merchant. Such a portal is referred to herein as an eStore. Company A has an eStore application based on the J2EE platform. The eStore application is composed of EJBs and JSP/servlets; together they collaborate to provide the overall functionality of the application. The application also utilizes an eStore database to store data related to a product catalog; shopping carts functions, customer registration and profiles, transaction status and records, and order status.
A customer, using a web browser, initiates an e-commerce transaction with the eStore application. The e-commerce transaction consists of a series of customer actions. A customer typically browses the online catalog, selects products for purchase, associates the selected products with a shopping cart function, enters a user name and password to initiate a secure transaction, supplies order-related information, and places an order.
To support this e-commerce scenario, the system administrator of the merchant's portal configures a unique security domain (with specific security technology and security policies) for the eStore application. A firewall protects this security domain from unauthorized Internet access. The security domain configuration for the eStore application includes secure web access to the eStore application. Secure web access is set up based on the requirements specified in the J2EE specification.
The system administrator sets up a database to manage persistent data for the eStore application. In terms of security, the database system is configured with an independent security domain. This domain has its own set of user accounts, plus its own security policies and mechanisms for authentication and authorization. The system administrator creates a unique database account (EStoreUser) to handle database transactions. The database transactions correspond to different customer driven interactions with the eStore application. The administrator also sets up an additional database account (EStoreAdministrator) to manage the database on behalf of the eStore administrator. This administrative account has a higher level of access privileges. To facilitate better scaling of the eStore application, the system administrator can choose to set the load balancing of database operations across multiple databases. He can also partition persistent data and transactions across multiple database accounts, based on various performance optimization criteria.
Deployment
During the deployment of the eStore application, the deployer sets up access control for all authenticated customer accounts—the customer accounts that are driving e-commerce transactions over the web based on a single role eStoreUserRole. The deployer configures the resource adapter with the security information that is required for the creation of database connections.
This security information is the database account StoreUser and its password. The deployer sets up the principal mapping for accessing the database system. The deployment configuration ensures that all database access is always performed under the security context of the database account EStoreUser. This database account is called Resource Principal. All authenticated customers (referred to as Initiating Principal) map to a single EstoreUser database account. The eStore application uses an implementationspecific mechanism to tie database transactions (performed under a single database account) to the unique identity (social security number or eStore account ID) of the initiating principal. To ensure that database access has been properly authorized, the eStore application also performs access control based on the role of the initiating principal. Because all initiating principals map to a single role, this is in effect a simple case. This scenario describes an n to 1 mapping, where n can be any number. However, depending on the requirements of an application, the deployer can set the principal mapping to be different from an n to 1 mapping. For example, the deployer can map each role to a single resource principal, where a role corresponds to an initiating principal. This results in a mapping of [m principals and n roles] to [n resource principals] where m>=n. When doing such principal mapping, the deployer has to ensure not to compromise the access rights of the mapped principals.
FIG. 1B shows an employee self service application. Company B has developed and deployed an employee self service (ESS) application based on the J2EE platform. This application supports a web interface to the existing Human Resources (HR) applications, which are supported by the ERP system from Vendor X. The ESS application also provides additional business processes customized to the needs of Company B. The application tier is composed of EJBs and JSPs that provide the customization of the business processes and support a company standardized web interface.
The ESS application enables an employee (under the roles of Manager, HR manager, and Employee) to perform various HR functions, including personal information management, payroll management, compensation management, benefits administration, travel management, and HR cost planning.
The information services (IS) department of Company B has deployed its HR ESS application and ERP system in a secure environment on a single physical location. Employees of the organization are permitted access to the HR application. Access is based on the employee's roles and access privileges. In addition, access to the application can only be from within the organization's intranet.
To support the various interaction scenarios related to the ESS application, the system administrator sets up an end to end Kerberos based security domain for this application environment. The system administrator configures the security environment to support single sign-on; the user logs on only once and can then access all the services provided by the ESS application and its underlying ERP system. Single sign on is achieved through the security mechanism and policies specific to the underlying security technology, which in this case is Kerberos. The ERP system administrator configures all legal employees as valid user accounts in the ERP system.
The administrator sets up various roles (Manager, HRManager, and Employee), default passwords, and access privileges. This security information is kept synchronized with the enterprise wide directory service, which is used by Kerberos to perform the initial authentication of endusers.
During deployment of the ESS application, the deployer sets a default delegation policy of client impersonation for EIS sign-on. In this case, the application server and ERP system know that it is the initiating principal accessing their respective services and they perform access control based on this knowledge. In this scenario, both the initiating principal and the resource principal refer to the same principal. This common principal is authenticated using Kerberos and its Kerberos credentials are valid in the security domains of both the application and the ERP system. The deployer sets up access control for all authenticated employees (initiating principal) based on the configured roles—Manager, HR Manager, and Employee. If the ERP system does not support Kerberos, then an alternate scenario is utilized. The deployer or application server administrator sets up an automatic mapping of Kerberos credentials (for the initiating principal) to valid credentials (for the same principal) in the security domain of the ERP system. Note that when the ERP system does support Kerberos, the application server performs no credentials mapping.
An employee initiates an initial login to his client desktop. He enters his user name and password. As part of this initial login, the employee gets authenticated with Kerberos KDC. After a successful login, the employee starts using his desktop environment. He directs his web browser to the URL for the ESS application deployed on the application server. At this point, the initiating principal C authenticates itself to the application server and establishes a session key with the application server. The ESS application is set up to impersonate initiating principal C when accessing the ERP system, which is running on another server.
Though the application server directly connects to the ERP system, access to the ERP system is requested on behalf of the initiating principal. For this to work, principal C needs to delegate its identity and Kerberos credential to the application server and allow the application server to make requests to the ERP system on C's behalf.
In FIG. 1C, Company C has an integrated purchasing application that enables an employee to use a web-based interface to perform multiple purchasing transactions. An employee can manage the entire procurement process, from creating a purchase requisition through invoice approval. The purchasing application also integrates with the enterprise's existing financial applications so that the accounting and financial aspects of the procurement business processes can be tracked.
Applications such as in FIG. 1C were developed and deployed based on the J2EE platform and are composed of EJBs and JSPs. The EJB components provide the integration across the different applications—the logistics application from a separate vendor (this application provides integrated purchasing and inventory management functions) and the financial accounting applications (the applications supported by the legacy system from vendor Y).
Company C is typically a large, decentralized enterprise with geographically distributed business units and departments. In this scenario, different IS departments manage ERP system X and legacy system Y. In addition, ERP system X and legacy system Y can be deployed at secured data centers in different geographic locations. Lastly, the integrated purchasing application has been deployed at a geographic location different from both ERP system X and legacy system Y.
ERP system X and legacy system Y can also be in different security domains, use different security technologies and have their own specific security policies and mechanisms. The integrated purchasing application is deployed in a security domain that is different from both that of ERP system X and legacy system Y. To support the various interaction scenarios for this integrated purchasing application, the ERP system administrator creates a unique account LogisticsAppUser in the ERP system, utilizing a password and specific access rights for this account. This user account is allowed access only to the logistics business processes that are used by the integrated purchasing application. Likewise, the system administrator for the legacy system creates a unique account FinancialAppUser. He also sets up the password and specific access rights for this account. The application server administrator, as part of the operational environment of the application server, configures the access to an organization wide directory. This directory contains security information (name, password, role, and access rights) for all the employees in the organization. It is used for authentication and authorization of employees accessing the purchasing application. Due to their physical separation in this scenario, EISs X and Y are accessed over either a secure private network or over the Internet. This requires that a secure association be established between the application server domain and the EISs. The application server establishes the secure association for a principal by initially authenticating the principal to the target EIS domain. It then propagates the resulting credentials of the authenticated principal to the EIS, and establishes a shared security context, such that data integrity and confidentiality mechanisms can protect the data integrity of messages between the application server and the EIS.
As illustrated and explained above, there are numerous details involved in security management for a wide spectrum of application scenarios. Currently, there is no standard available to multiple applications. This makes security management a labor intensive aspect of application development, with many nearly similar details being customized for individual applications. For developers working on numerous applications, the lack of security standards results in duplicated effort and inefficient expenditure of resources.

Security architecture for integration of enterprise information system with J2EE platform


A voltage regulator having a current mirror for decoupling a partial current icluding a first NMOS transistor as a series transistor. In addition, the voltage regulator has a second NMOS transistor, which forms a current mirror with the first NMOS transistor. Furthermore, in the case of the voltage regulator, the first NMOS transistor is connected in series with a first PMOS transistor and a third transistor. The second NMOS transistor is likewise connected in series with a second PMOS transistor and a fourth transistor, the control inputs of the first and second PMOS transistors being connected to one another and the control inputs of the third and fourth transistors being connected to a control terminal for setting the magnitude of the partial current to be decoupled.

Nowadays the on-chip operating voltages are generally lower than the voltage applied externally to the chip. Therefore, integrated voltage regulators are required on the chip in order to reduce the external voltage. Said voltage regulators may be based on an n-channel MOS technology, by way of example. In order to be able to sufficiently increase the voltage at the gate of the output transistor—embodied as an NMOS transistor—of the voltage regulator, such series regulators additionally have a charge pump. In comparison with a PMOS transistor, an NMOS transistor as output transistor advantageously affords a better suppression of the input voltage and a lower sensitivity in the event of load fluctuations. These voltage regulators may be formed as three-point regulators, for example, although the voltage at the output of the voltage regulator has a certain ripple. With the aid of a continuous regulator, however, this ripple can be reduced and the voltage regulation can thus be improved. In principle, such circuits, which are also known by the designation low-drop voltage regulators, are designed for a particularly low voltage drop between input and output.
For various reasons and inter alia also because mirroring out or decoupling a partial current is beset with considerable difficulties in the case of a voltage regulator having an NMOS series transistor, hitherto use has been made exclusively of voltage regulators having a PMOS output transistor. In the case of a voltage regulator having a PMOS output transistor, a partial current of the total supply current can be decoupled through simple supplementary connection of a current mirror transistor.
In principle, it is a prerequisite for a current mirror that both transistors, that is to say the transistors P1 and P2 in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, see the same control voltage between gate and source. That is to say that the voltage drop UGS between gate and source must be identical in magnitude in the case of both transistors P1 and P2. If the two gate terminals of the two transistors P1 and P2 are then connected to one another, a current mirror arises, the magnitude of the mirrored-out current I2 being determined from the ratio of channel width of the first transistor P1 to channel width of the second transistor P2.
FIG. 1 shows a corresponding current mirror having PMOS transistors as can be used in the case of the aforementioned voltage regulator having a PMOS output transistor. The current mirror comprises a first PMOS transistor P1, which is also simultaneously the series transistor of the voltage regulator, and a second PMOS transistor P2. The two source terminals of the first and second PMOS transistors P1 and P2 are connected to one another. An external supply voltage VDDEXT is present at them. The gate terminals of the two PMOS transistors P1 and P2 are likewise connected to one another. The two transistors P1 and P2 are controlled via the common gate thereby formed. Since the ratio of the channel widths of the two PMOS transistors P1 and P2 is 1:1000, the partial current I2 mirrored out via the second PMOS transistor P2 amounts to 1/1000 of the load current I1 flowing via the first PMOS transistor P1. Consequently, I2=I1:1000 holds true to a first approximation.

Voltage regulator with a current mirror for partial current decoupling


A modular base for a filter assembly includes a header portion defining a cavity for receiving a filter cartridge and a communication module defining fluid pathways to and from the base. Brackets extend from the header portion and include slots. Yokes extend from the communication module to complement the slots. The brackets and received yokes together define pathways into which generally tubular compression limiters are inserted. The compression limiters serve dual functions by retaining the communication module to the header portion and reinforcing the brackets. A sealing grommet disposed between the header portion and communication module enhances the sealed integrity of the base.

This invention relates generally to fuel filter systems for internal combustion engines. More particularly, this invention relates to a modular base for retaining the filter cartridge and a method for manufacturing the modular base.
In fuel filter systems to which the invention relates, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,203,994, 5,302,284 and 5,766,463, a disposable filter cartridge is mounted to a base in such a way that it can be relatively easily removed at pre-established intervals for replacement purposes. The base typically has a pair of coaxial central conduits that provide the fuel inlet and outlet to the filter cartridge. The cartridge may contain a single or multiple stage filter configuration for filtering the fuel. In numerous embodiments the replaceable filter cartridge is suspended below the base, but other orientations are commonly employed. The base is mounted to the vehicle in any of a number of locations depending on the particular application and spatial constraints. The base typically also includes inlet and outlet connectors that may be in the form of posts or other structures which mount fittings to connect input and output lines to the base.
The fuel filter is most commonly mounted in the engine compartment and may be subject to a number of dimensional and headroom constraints depending on the particular vehicle for which the filter assembly is employed. The placement and angular orientation of the inlet and outlet connectors or fittings are often critical for meeting the headroom and optimum system constraints of the application. A bracket typically projects from the base to provide a location for use of mounting hardware to fix the base to the vehicle. The base/vehicle attachment must be able to withstand the vibration and physical shock present in a vehicular environment.
Vehicle manufacturers provide a multitude of custom vehicle configurations to meet consumer demand. Frequently, within a particular base vehicle there are multiple engine types and accessory packages. Each engine type and/or accessory package may require an alternative fuel filtration configuration. Diesel fuel systems may be equipped with pre-heaters and hand primers on the filter base. As a result, there has been a proliferation in the number of filter base configurations necessary to meet the demands of vehicle manufacturers.
Filter bases have typically been cast aluminum or molded plastic units. The molds required to produce alternative configurations are complex and therefore expensive to produce. Each mold frequently includes unique fuel inlet and outlet configurations as well as alternative bracket and filter retention arrangements. In some instances the total quantity of bases having a particular configuration may be quite limited. These factors place a premium on the ability of component manufacturers to produce filter bases configured to vehicle manufacturer specifications quickly and efficiently.
U. S. patent application Ser. No. 60/183,194, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, is directed to a multi-configurable filter base module and manufacturing method therefor. In accordance with that invention, a filter base is manufactured from component parts that are molded separately and assembled to form alternative base configurations as required. A modular configuration enables the component manufacturer to modify a particular aspect of the filter base, such as the bracket or inlet/outlet configuration without producing an entirely new mold. Dramatic improvements in cost-efficiency are possible with a modular base. Certain portions of a plastic base require reinforcement to withstand the stresses placed on the base in the vehicular environment. The mounting structure is particularly vulnerable to stresses from both the mounting hardware and environmental stress. The multi-configurable base module uses split tubular steel sleeve reinforcements within the brackets to enhance the structural integrity of the brackets and their fastening to the engine compartment.
A modular configuration places a premium on the efficiency and reliability of the assembly process to capture potential cost savings. The assembly process preferably requires a minimum of labor intensive steps to produce a fluid-tight filter base of high structural integrity. Assembly using solvent-based or ultrasonic welding can be labor intensive and may be subject to potential inconsistency in the resulting products. Mechanical, i.e., hardware connections between the component parts, while more reliable, can be expensive to implement in terms of time and labor.
Briefly stated, a preferred embodiment of the invention is a modular base for a filter cartridge in which the metal parts necessary for reinforcement of the mounting structure are utilized to form a robust mechanical connection between primary components of the base.
More particularly, a preferred embodiment of the filter base includes a header portion and a communication module. The header portion includes integrally molded mounting bracket structures and defines a cavity for reception of a filter cartridge. An integral retainer as described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/356,578 and 09/356,594, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, extends from the header portion. The retaining ring preferably includes a series of axial slots and associated retaining channels. An associated filter cartridge includes a complementary arrangement of radially projecting tabs. The filter cartridge is inserted into the header portion and rotated to engage the tabs in the retaining channels.
The communication module preferably includes structures for providing fluid communication to and from the filter base and attached filter cartridge. These structures include inlet and outlet connectors and at least one conduit projecting into the cavity defined by the header portion. The communication module is configured to be received in the header portion and joined thereto to form a base for a filter cartridge.
The junction between the header portion and communication module includes a mechanical component and a fluid sealing component. An O-ring seal compressed between complementary structures projecting from the header portion and the communication module preferably provides the fluid-sealing component. The O-ring seal is compressed primarily in a radial direction. A yoke on the communication module complements a slot in a pair of header portion mounting brackets to form two cylindrical pathways through the base. A tubular steel compression limiter is inserted through each pathway. Each compression limiter is preferably in the form of a generally cylindrical split pin. The outside surface of each compression limiter is frictionally retained in the mounting bracket and engaged with the associated yoke to exert an axial retention force between the communication module and the header portion.
Since the step of inserting the compression limiter is a necessary step in the manufacturing process, using the compression limiter to join the communication module and header portion does not add an assembly step. The complementary yoke and slot configurations assure proper alignment of the components. No solvents, adhesives or welding are required. The compression limiter is a high strength steel component and therefore provides an extremely reliable connection.
An object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved multi-function filter base which may be assembled in an efficient and low-cost manufacturing process.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved filter base in which the primary modular components are held together by a necessary reinforcing component.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved method for manufacturing a filter base in which the primary modular components are attached during an otherwise required assembly step without the use of a dedicated attachment component.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the description of the preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the attached drawings.

Modular base for a filter cartridge and method of manufacturing therefor


Disclosed is an EP1 antagonist, particularly a compound represented by the formula (I):

In anatomy, the "lower urinary tract" is a term referring to a route between bladder and external urethral orifice, and it has an urinary storage function of pooling urine and an excretion function of excreting urine.
According to the report of the Standardisation Sub-committee of the International Continence Society, the lower urinary tract symptoms are roughly classified into three groups: symptoms of urinary storage disorder, symptoms of dysuria and post micturition symptoms. Symptoms of urinary storage disorder are the symptoms occurring in the urinary storage phase, for example, increased daytime frequency, nocturia, urgency, urinary incontinence, enuresis and so forth are included. On the other hand, symptoms of dysuria are the symptoms occurring in the voiding phase, for example, slow stream, splitting or spraying of the urine stream, intermittent stream, hesitancy, straining to void, terminal dribble and so forth are included. Post micturition symptoms are the symptoms occurring immediately after micturition, for example, feeling of incomplete emptying, post micturition dribble and so forth are included.
Imbalance between bladder detrusor contractility and bladder outlet urethral closure pressure causes the urinary storage disorder and the dysuria. Namely, the urinary storage disorder arises from an overactive bladder (involuntary detrusor contraction), a decreased bladder outlet resistance, a reduced bladder capacity or a combination thereof. On the other hand, the dysuria arises from an impaired bladder detrusor contractility, an increased bladder outlet resistance or a combination thereof. Consequently, their pathogenic mechanisms and symptoms are distinct from each other.
Although an anticholinergic drug is used as a therapeutic agent for the urinary storage disorder (mainly, overactive bladder) at present, there is concern that it produces increased residual urine or urinary retension resulting from impaired detrusor contractility, dry mouth (depression of salivation), constipation and aggravation of cognitive disorder.
On the other hand, as a therapeutic agent for the dysuria, a medicine for increasing the force of contraction of bladder detrusor (e.g., a cholinergic drug such as bethanechol, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor such as distigmine and so forth), or a medicine for producing relaxation of urethral smooth muscle and weakening the resistance of urethra (e.g., an α1 receptor antagonist such as tamsulosin, prazosin, alfuzosin, naftopidil, urapidil and so forth) is used. A cholinergic drug causes a bladder muscle to contract at a urinary storage phase also and impairs an urinary storage function of bladder. Moreover, it is contraindicated to pregnant woman, digestive ulcer, organic ileus, asthma and hyperthyroidism since it has side effects such as lacrimation, sweating, gastrointestinal disorder, bellyache and so forth. In view of this, satisfactory medicines have not been found out yet. An acetylcholinesterase inhibitor causes a bladder detrusor to contract whereas it causes a sphincter urethrae muscle to contract and increases the resistance of urethra due to its strong nicotinic action. A voiding efficiency is therefore deteriorated and a clinical effect is insufficient. Further, a risk of high pressure voiding is pointed out. In addition, some acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are not used in therapy since it is short-acting (Non-patent document 1). On the other hand, it is reported that an al receptor antagonist has the effect of improving subjective symptoms such as feeling of incomplete emptying, nocturia and so forth. However, the α1 receptor antagonist has a hypotensive effect such as orthostatic hypotension as side effect so an attention must be paid to use it for therapy.
For the meantime, EP1 involved in the present invention is one of the Prostaglandin E2 (hereinafter, abbreviated as PGE2) receptor subtypes of EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4 (Non-patent document 2), and it is known that EP1 relates to diuresis (Non-patent document 3). In addition, it is known that an intravesical injection therapy of PGE2 to promote urination is effective on anuretic patients (Non-patent document 4). Therefore, a compound which antagonizes to EP1, namely a EP1 antagonist is considered to be useful as a therapeutic agent of pollakiuria.
Although the relationship between EP1 antagonist and lower urinary tract diseases is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3741120, WO2002/15902, WO2003/43655, WO2005/00534, WO2005/10534 and WO2006/121097 on the basis of such findings, these patent documents only disclose that the EP1 antagonist is effective for prevention and treatment of "urinary storage disorder" such as pollakiuria and urinary incontinence. These patent documents neither demonstrate nor suggest substantially that the EP1 antagonist is effective for "dysuria" of which the mechanism of action and symptoms are quite different.
Moreover, the other patent documents (e.g., EP878465, WO98/27053, WO92/19617, WO96/06822, WO97/00863, WO99/47497, WO2000/20371, WO2001/19814 and WO2001/19819) which disclose the EP1 antagonist involved in the present invention do not disclose at all that the EP1 antagonist is effective for dysuria.
[Non-patent document 1] Takamichi Hattori, Kosaku Yasuda. "Shinkeiseiboukou no Shindan to Chiryo" 2nd edition, pp. 105-106, Igakushoin.
[Non-patent document 2] J. Lipid Mediat. Cell Signal., 1995; 12: 379-391.
[Non-patent document 3] General Pharmacology, 1992; 23 (5): 805-809.
[Non-patent document 4] European of Urology, 1978; 4 (5): 366.

Therapeutic agent for urinary excretion disorder

Abstract: wherein all symbols are as defined in the description,a salt thereof, a solvate thereof or a prodrug thereof. The compound, a salt thereof, a solvate thereof or a prodrug thereof is effective for prevention, treatment and/or symptom improvement of a dysuria (e.g., slow stream, splitting or spraying of the urine stream, intermittent stream, hesitancy, straining to void or terminal dribble).


It is aimed to provide a technology that enables highly accurate device performance evaluation and device adjustment in optical analysis of microparticles, using the same type of beads. The present technology provides an information processing device including an information processing unit that acquires a plurality of fluorescence intensities at a plurality of light irradiation powers for a fluorescence signal from a sample including particles labeled with a fluorescent dye having a single fluorescence intensity, recognizes an intensity range of each of the plurality of fluorescence intensities detected on the basis of a fluorescence intensity balance of the sample, and calculates information relating to sensitivity of a fluorescence detection unit.

In recent years, with the development of examination techniques, techniques are being devised in which biological microparticles such as cells and microorganisms, microparticles such as microbeads, or the like are allowed to flow through a flow path, and the microparticles are individually measured or measured microparticles are analyzed or sorted during the step of flowing.
As a typical example of such techniques of analyzing or sorting microparticles, technological improvements in an examination technique called flow cytometry is rapidly progressing. The flow cytometry is an examination technique for detecting the fluorescence or scattered light emitted from each microparticle by releasing microparticles to be analyzed into a fluid in an aligned state and irradiating the microparticles with a laser beam or the like, to analyze or sort the microparticles.
In the analysis of microparticles represented by the flow cytometry or the like, an optical technique is often used in which the microparticles to be analyzed are irradiated with light such as a laser and the fluorescence or scattered light emitted from the microparticles is detected. Then, a histogram is extracted by analysis computer and software and analysis is performed by utilizing the detected optical information.
In the optical analysis of microparticles, prior to the optical measurement actually performed on microparticles to be inspected, quality control (QC) is sometimes performed to verify the accuracy or the like of the measurement, or confirm the operation of the device and standardize the device, for example. In this quality control, in a case where the device performance is evaluated, usually, for example, a plurality of types of beads (3-peak beads, 6-peak beads, 8-peak beads, and the like) labeled with fluorescent dyes having different fluorescence intensities is used.
When a measurement is performed between a plurality of fluorescent dyes, as a technology of performing fluorescence correction, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology achieved by devising a program intended to calculate the centroid value of a fluorescent population regarding fluorescence-labeled test cells obtained by a flow cytometer, from a two-dimensional correlation diagram of the fluorescence-labeled test cells, and perform the correction computation for the fluorescence values of the fluorescence-labeled test cells relevant to the centroid value, using a predetermined determinant and the fluorescence values, so as to be capable of performing fluorescence correction when measuring fluorescence using a plurality of laser beams as well as between a plurality of fluorescent dyes, and also capable of carrying out fluorescence correction without re-preparing the test object even after a measurement process for test cells is finished.
Meanwhile, in the quality control, in a case where the device is adjusted, usually, for example, one type of beads labeled with a fluorescent dye having a single fluorescence intensity capable of obtaining a wide spectrum (align-check beads, Ultra Rainbow fluorescent particles, and the like) is used.

Information processing device, information processing system, and information processing method


A plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process for depositing conformal silicon oxide thin films useful to make thin film transistors which have stable electrical properties and low charge centers onto a substrate comprising flowing a precursor gas mixture of silane and nitrous oxide, the latter at a high rate, at a pressure of at least about 0.8 torr and a temperature of from about 250.degree. to 350.degree. C. The effective volume of the reaction region between the gas manifold inlet and the substrate during processing is kept small.

In the manufacture of liquid crystal cells, two glass plates are joined together with a layer of a liquid crystal material sandwiched between them. The glass substrates have conductive films thereon (at least one of which is transparent, such as an ITO film) that can be connected to a source of power to change the orientation of the liquid crystal material. Various areas of the liquid crystal cell can be accessed by proper patterning of the conductive films. More recently, thin film transistors (hereinafter TFT) have been used to separately address areas of the liquid crystal cell at fast rates. Such liquid crystal cells are useful for active matrix displays such as TV and computer monitors.
As the requirements for resolution of liquid crystal monitors has increased, it has become desirable to separately address a plurality of areas of the liquid crystal cell, called pixels. Since about one million pixels are present in modern displays, at least the same number of transistors must be formed on the glass plates so that each pixel can be separately addressed.
Different types of thin film transistors are in current use; two common types are the inverted amorphous silicon TFT and a polysilicon TFT. The amorphous silicon TFT requires deposition of a gate dielectric layer over a patterned gate material with an amorphous silicon layer thereover. The gate dielectric layer can be a single layer of one material, such as silicon nitride, or it can be made of two layers of different materials. In the case when two layers are employed, the bottom layer is typically a metal oxide or silicon oxide, and the top layer, adjacent to the amorphous silicon layer, is typically silicon nitride. Metal contacts are deposited over the amorphous silicon film, which can have a thin layer of doped silicon thereover to improve contact between the amorphous silicon and the overlying aluminum contacts.
The polysilicon TFT has a layer of polysilicon as the active semiconductor material, which is deposited over a thick silicon oxide underlayer. On top of the polysilicon there is a thin layer of silicon oxide for the gate dielectric, and another layer for the gate contact. Source and drain contacts are formed in contact with the polysilicon layer.
The silicon oxide film must be of high quality when it is used as the gate dielectric, either in the inverted amorphous silicon TFT or the polysilicon TFT. The silicon oxide must be conformal and free of pinholes or voids in order to prevent leakage current between the gate contact and the active semiconductor material. In addition, the silicon oxide must have a high resistance to electrical breakdown, must be electrically stable and must have a minimum amount of fixed charge or charge trapping sites in order for the transistor electrical characteristics to be stable and reliable.
Silicon oxide is deposited also directly on a bare glass substrate as an underlayer to act as a barrier between the glass substrate and the transistor for inverted amorphous silicon TFTs, polysilicon TFTs and top-gate amorphous silicon TFTs. In this application, the requirements for film quality of silicon oxide are similar to the requirements for silicon oxide used as a gate dielectric, and there is an additional requirement that the film act as a barrier to prevent the diffusion of chemical contaminants from the glass substrate to the transistor.
An additional application for silicon oxide is as an electrically insulating layer in polysilicon TFTs. The requirements for this application are similar to the requirements for silicon oxide used as a gate dielectric layer, though perhaps less stringent.
Because of the large size and weight of glass substrates, which can be for example about 350.times.450.times.1.1 mm in size, generally large reaction chambers are required for deposition of thin films thereon, and large and often slow transfer equipment is needed to transfer the substrates from one reaction chamber to another for sequential deposition of the thin films for thin film transistor manufacture.
However, recently a vacuum system has been developed having multiple chambers that can bring a plurality of substrates to vacuum, heat them batch wise to CVD temperatures, transfer them singly to specially designed CVD or other processing chambers that can deposit thin films of, inter alia, silicon oxide, and transfer them back to a cooling chamber, all without leaving a vacuum environment. However, in order to maximize the efficiency of such a system, the processing time for each substrate must be kept in a range of about 30 to 120 seconds. Thus thick silicon oxide films must be deposited at high deposition rates, while thin silicon oxide films can be deposited at lower deposition rates.
Thus it would be highly desirable to be able to deposit conformal films of electrically stable silicon oxide having a low charge by chemical vapor deposition over a range of deposition rates.

Deposition of high quality conformal silicon oxide thin films on glass substrates