The present invention provides a device, method, and system for secure viewing and use of banking and other electronic access devices. The present invention comprises a computer/video display system that includes a computer with a conventional screen that displays a polarized screen image and a polarized partition that allows viewing of the screen by the user positioned in front of the display, while preventing viewing by secondary observers. The present invention operates in conjunction with a standard liquid crystal display (LCD), using the intact polarizer of the LCD. The present invention is intended to be used in conjunction with an automatic teller machine/customer access terminal (ATM/CAT) or personal computer (PC) to allow privacy of information displayed to the ATM/CAT or PC user, without preventing observation of the ATM/CAT or PC user.

The present invention relates generally to secure viewing and use of banking and other electronic access devices, and in particular to a polarized light screen for use with a polarized access device such that the user of the device privately views the viewing screen of the device. The present invention also addressed the situations necessitating proper security in viewing, particularly the devices displaying LCD information.
Users of devices such as automatic teller machines/customer access terminals (ATMs/CATs), as well as other devices that are publicly, semipublicly, or non-publicly accessible in situations in which it is important to maintain nonviewing privacy of the screen, including personal computers (PCs) and other devices having light emitting screens, may have to operate these devices in full view of other observers (nonusers). This operation of the devices by users in view of others prevents the user from having privacy of information protected in the display in the operation, such as performing banking, personal computing, or other functions. This lack of privacy can lead to other problems or concerns for the user, including problems with safety regarding information related to operation of the device or to the safety of the user. This information can include such things as the personal identification number or other access information that could appear on the display screen, the name of the user, and information relating to the user, such as the user""s account balance or other transactional information.
As shown in FIG. 1, these devices, such as ATMs/CATs 1 or PCs, generally have display screens 2 that are intended to be viewed by the primary user 3 along the users"" line of sight 3a. However, in the known art, secondary observers 4, 5, 6, may be able to view the screen 2 past the primary user 3 along other lines of sight 4a, 5a, 6a. This viewing by secondary observers 4, 5, 6 may occur even if some screen protections are in place, as further discussed below with regard to such devices as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,812,709 to Dudasik.
A need thus exists for methods and devices for protecting the privacy of users of devices having display areas, such as LCDs of ATMs/CATs or PCs. The protective device is needed to allow outside users to see the machine itself, so that potential users know when the device is present, unoccupied, and may be safely approached, but protect only the single current user of the machine at any time. This protection is needed both to assure privacy of displayed information, and to protect the user by allowing full view of the user by such secondary observers as security personnel and security cameras.
One approach to protecting the ATM/CAT, PC, or other device user that has been developed is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,812,709 to Dudasik, which discloses a privacy screen that limits the angle from which a color CRT display may be viewed. Light control film prevents a second user from viewing the images on the screen from the sides only. The device does not prevent nonusers directly in front of the screen from viewing the images on the screen; these nonusers may, for example, look over the shoulder of the user.
Other methods that generally protect areas from viewing, but not specific to such devices as ATMs/CATs or PCs, include the following. Japanese Patent JP05010079 discloses a light shielding window material for buildings that uses light polariztion to prevent viewing from the outside. U.S. Pat. No. 5,686,979 to Weber, et al., discloses a switchable window that uses light polarization to block light transmission. Use of the switchable light transmission states is disclosed as being used in privacy curtains. U.S. Pat. No. 5,287,909 to King, et al., discloses a privacy screen frame that includes translucent panels. U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,774 to Smith describes a privacy frame that includes opaque or translucent insert panels.
Another method that has been used to provide private viewing of LCD displays in general in the prior art is use of polarizing devices, which can function with typical LCD displays. In typical LCD displays, the display is configured with two fixed polarizers sandwiching two glass plates with embedded electrodes that confine a mesomorphic material (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,488,496 of Pine). These mesomorphic materials, which are crystalline, have two important properties: 1) light passing through the crystalline material rotates the plane of polarization of the light; and 2) the crystals align to an applied electromagnetic field. Thus, when the crystals are illuminated with a polarized light source and aligned by an electric field, the change in light polarization over the aligned crystalline region is uniform and can be cross-polarized to impede transmission of light.
In practice, typically a first polarizer polarizes light from a light source prior to the light illuminating the crystals. A second polarizer aligned perpendicularly to the first polarizer blocks the light rotated by the crystalline material. Thus, the visible light appearing past the second polarizer is polarized and viewable by the user, allowing display of text and images.
The device of Pine discloses a method and system that utilizes light polarization to prevent a second viewer from viewing the contents of an LCD screen. Specifically, Pine discloses an LCD in conjunction with a remote polarizer used by the user, in which the addition of a remote polarizer allows only the user of the remote polarizer to view text or images on the LCD screen. The device of Pine thus selectively prevents viewing of text or images on the LCD screen through modifications to the polarizers of the LCD screen. The method and system of Pine further include embodiments for allowing selective viewing of the LCD screen by observers, through, for example, selective projection, but allowing a person with a remote polarizer to view all parts of the screen.
An embodiment of Pine includes an LCD display system with at least one of the polarizers associated with creating the cross-polarized image on the LCD display displaceable. The displacement of the polarizer determines the visible and invisible regions of the display.
Another embodiment of Pine uses a remote polarizer (e.g., polarized sunglasses) to provide a narrow viewing angle for the user of the remote polarizer, in conjunction with selective partitioning of the display, thus preventing viewing by other nearby observers.
Uses of Pine described include public viewings, such as projections, and use of laptops or other computers in public places and where it is acceptable to use polarizing devices specific to the user, such as wearing enabling glasses. Also, with Pine, one aspect of the device is that observers of the LCD screen, when prevented from seeing text and images on the screen, see all light emitted from the screen (fully illuminated screenxe2x80x94xe2x80x9cwhite screenxe2x80x9d).
Pine does not describe specifically use of any embodiment of the device in conjunction with a public use device such as an ATM/CAT. In fact, use of polarized glasses or other features of embodiment of Pine are not practical for use with a typical ATM/CAT. Further, even if the device of Pine were used with an ATM/CAT, nonusers could use the glasses described by Pine to view a screen, just as the ATM/CAT user does.
It is thus clear that there is a need for a practical and simple device and method for preventing nonusers from viewing the screens of such devices as ATMs/CATs and PCs while users are using those devices, and while nonusers have a clear view of the users, and the users have a clear view of the nonusers.
It is an object of the present invention to provide users of devices such as automatic teller machines/customer access terminals (ATMs/CATs), as well as other devices that are publicly, semipublicly, or non-publicly accessible in situations in which it is important to maintain nonviewing privacy of the screen, including personal computers (PCs) and other devices having light emitting screens, with a system and method that allow the users to operate these devices in fill view of other observers (nonusers). It is a former object of the present invention to address access of such devices as ATMs/CATs and PCs in situations necessitating proper security in viewing, particularly for devices displaying LCD information.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide for use of polarizing screens between the device user and nonusers to allow viewing of the device screen by the user while preventing viewing of the screen by nonusers.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and device for separating the user from nonusers of devices such as ATMs/CATs or PCs such that the nonusers are prevented from viewing the device screen.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide for the protection of users of devices such as ATMs/CATs or PCs using unaltered LCDs screens operating normally. This protection is in the form of allowing clear view of the user by such secondary users as security personnel and security cameras.
It is a further object of the present invention to prevent viewing of text and images on the screen of the device by nonusers, such that the screen appears unilluminated to nonusers. It is a further object of the present invention to allow users of the device to have a clear view of nonusers, and thus provide users with a feeling of safety.
The present invention provides a device, method, and system for secure viewing and use of banking and other electronic access devices, including PCs, and in particular to a polarized light screen for use with a polarized display such that the user of the device privately views the viewing screen of the device.
The present invention comprises a computer/video display system that includes a computer with a conventional LCD screen that displays a polarized screen image, and a polarized partition that allows viewing of the screen by the user positioned in front of the display, while preventing viewing of the display by secondary observers. The present invention operates in conjunction with a standard liquid crystal display (LCD), using the intact polarizer of the LCD. The present invention is intended to be used in conjunction with an ATM/CAT or PC to allow privacy of operation by the ATM/CAT or PC user, without preventing observation of the ATM/CAT or PC user.
Because the light emitted from the LCD, while visible to the user, is polarized, it may be blocked by a third polarizer aligned perpendicularly to the second polarizer. An embodiment of the present invention includes a partition surrounding the user, the partition includes an aligned polarizing material that blocks the polarized light from the LCD. The partition thus allows all objects but the display screen to be viewed freely by observers other than the user, but prevents these observers from viewing the LCD display. This is because the light from all objects other than the light from the display screen is unpolarized light.
To achieve the stated and other objects of the present invention, as embodied and described below, the invention includes a system for a user to view information displayed on a terminal along a first line of sight from the user to the terminal, while preventing an observer from viewing the information displayed along a second line of sight from the observer to the terminal, comprising: a polarized display screen for the terminal, wherein the polarized display screen has a first direction of polarization and wherein the information displayed on the polarized display screen is visible to the user without additional polarization along the first line of sight; and a polarizing partition having a second direction of polarization; wherein the second direction of polarization is substantially perpendicular to the first direction of polarization, such that the information displayed on the polarized display is not readily visible to the observer when the polarizing partition intersects the second line of sight; wherein the polarizing partition is located such that the user may view the terminal without the transparent polarizing partition intersecting the first line of sight; and wherein the polarizing partition is located such that the polarizing partition intersects the second line of sight of the observer.
To achieve the stated and other objects of the present invention, as embodied and described below, the invention further includes a method for providing a user with privacy in viewing displayed information, comprising: displaying the information on a terminal, wherein the displayed information includes light emissions; polarizing the light emissions in a first direction of polarization, such that the polarized light emissions are visible to the user; and polarizing the light emissions in a second direction of polarization, wherein the second direction of polarization is substantially perpendicular to the first direction of polarization, such that the light emissions polarized in the first and second directions is substantially invisible to an observer.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or upon learning by practice of the invention.

Device, method, and system of display for controlled viewing


The present invention provides a topical gel pharmaceutical formulation of insecticide suitable for treating an ectoparasite in a mammal, comprising: a) about 0.1-10% by weight of an insecticide; b) at least about 75% by weight of an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of a lower alkyl alcohol, a ketone, a glycol and a mixture thereof, wherein the organic solvent contains at least about 40% by weight of the lower alkyl alcohol; and c) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a cellulosic polymer, acrylates, methacrylates, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone. The present gel pharmaceutical formulation preferably contains malathion and optionally contains isopropyl myristate. The present invention further provides a process of preparing as well as a method of treating ectoparasites in a mammal using the same.

Infection with ectoparasites in humans is common and remains a major health problem in the U.S. and worldwide. The most common ectoparasites include head lice, body lice, pubic lice and scabies. For example, head lice (Pediculus capitis) is a persistent health problem. Six million school children in United States will become infected with head lice annually; that is, one out of every four students in elementary schools (Consumer Reports, February 1998). A total of about ten million people will be infected when all ages are accounted. The incidence of head lice is only slightly improved from the reported incidence in 1940, which was prior to the advent of insecticides and superior knowledge by the medical establishment.
Infestation with head lice in human typically causes itching and lesion of the scalp, as well as swelling of glands in the neck or under the arms. A secondary problem is that many schools have enforced absenteeism if a child has any nits (lice eggs) in their hair (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,103,248). Such a "no-nit" policy has negative social implications for the child and the parents. Head lice is becoming a sensitive social issue. Evidence also strongly supports that head lice could be vectors for systemic human infections. For example Rickettsiae and Spirochetes are known to be obtainable from the blood of the host (head lice are blood suckers like mosquitoes); these organisms multiply in the gut of the head lice, and are found in high numbers in their feces (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,103,248). Viruses, like the AIDS virus, have been found in the gut and feces of head lice (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,103,248).
Body lice are tiny parasitic insects (Pediculus humanus corporis) that can be spread by close contact with infected people or clothing. They feed on human blood, lay eggs and deposit their fecal matter on skin. Infestation with body lice in humans causes intense itching. When body lice are not feeding on blood, they live in the seams and folds of clothing. Pubic lice are parasitic insects found commonly in the genital area, body hair including hair on the legs, armpit, mustache, eyebrows and eyelashes in humans, especially in young children.
Scabies is caused by a tiny mite (called Human Itch mite) that has infested humans for at least 2,500 years. Scabies can barely be seen by the human eyes. Dermatologists estimate that more than 300 million cases of scabies occur worldwide every year. The condition can strike anyone of any race or age, regardless of personal hygiene. Within several weeks, the patient develops an allergic reaction causing severe itching; often intense enough to keep sufferers awake all night.
Home remedies for these ectoparasites are largely ineffective or inconvenient to apply. For example, remedies against head lice include applying petroleum jelly or mayonnaise on the scalp. Unfortunately, these treatments are ineffective. Commercial treatments also include applying an insecticide on the scalp hair. The marketed products (prescription and OTC) include insecticides such as malathion, gamma benzene hexachloride, permethrin, pyrethrin, or piperonyl butoxide.
These pharmaceutically formulated insecticides are universally admixed in a water based composition such as mousse, foam, ointment, shampoo, lotion, and cream rinse. U.S. Pat. No. 5,783,202 describes a mousse formulation and European Patent 125471 describes a foaming pesticide. These two formulations are limited as they break down quickly (e.g., within 2-30 seconds) and risking the exposure of eyes/ears to the toxic insecticide. In addition, the generated air bubbles in these formulations may be bigger than the pores on the cap of the eggs and hence may actually impede the insecticide activity. U.S. Pat. No. 6,524,602 describes the use of N,O-carboxymethyl-chitosan polymer to increase the retention of formulation on skin. The safety of the polymer and how it affects stability of insecticides have not been established.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,103,248 describes a thick ointment preparation containing an insecticide, lipophillic carrier and a surfactant. The carrier has a viscosity within the range of 10,000 centipoise to about 85,000 centipoise at 21° C. A main disadvantage associated with such formulations is the presence of surfactant, which may raise the pH of the formulation thus affecting the stability of insecticides like malathion which is pH sensitive. Because of its high viscosity and oily nature, the formulation is difficult to spread evenly in the hair, and to wash away from the hair (requires a minimum of two washings). Some head lice products are available as shampoo; however the efficacy of such dosage form is uncertain. The shampoo needs to be diluted with water to 1:20 to 1:30 times for application to the hair which lowers the efficacy of the insecticide. Head lice have spiracles, by which the adult lice breathe and the eggs have opercula by which lice larvae in the eggs exchange oxygen. When lice comes in contact with water, it grasps hair reflectively and close their breathing spiracles to avoid being drowned. The opercula in eggs also close when in contact with water thus making it difficult for shampoos and other aqueous products containing insecticide difficult to penetrate and lead to loss in efficacy. Aqueous lotions, shampoos and cream rinse also have too big a wetting angle for fluid to flow into the opercula directly. Because of these problems associated with various formulations, there has been an increasing evidence of development of resistance against these products.
Currently marketed Ovide® Lotion containing malathion, is the only insecticide, against which the lice has still not developed resistance. Since its introduction in the mid 1980's, there are no other commercial malathion preparations other than the lotion form. The pharmaceutical form of malathion contains 78% isopropyl alcohol, which functions as a solvent for delivery of malathion. A major difficulty encountered in applying this lotion is that it spreads freely on the scalp and hair shafts, thus giving false appearance of sufficient wetness after application of very small quantity (i.e., patients get the impression that this quantity is sufficient). Moreover, the lotion (due to its low viscosity) may easily run into the eyes, ears and down the patient's neck causing eye, ear and skin irritation as well as soiling the clothes. The patient is instructed to apply the lotion for 8-12 hours and not go near open flame or use a hair dryer during this time due to higher alcohol content which is flammable.
Treatment against ectoparasites further includes applying permethrin cream (5%), pyrethrin shampoo, lindane (1%) lotion, crotamiton cream, or oral dosage of ivermectin. Permethrin and lindane treatment requires applying the drugs from the neck down at night and washed off in the morning. Reapplication is often required. Many of these drugs are either toxic to nervous system or causes allergy. For example, lindane can not be used on infants, children, pregnant/nursing women, people with seizures or other neurological diseases. The National Pediculosis (head lice) Association recently established a database to track "adverse event" reports related to use of lindane to treat head lice in the U.S. In the first 24 months, more than 500 events were reported (County Sanitation Districts 2000). In 1996, in response to a petition from several public interest groups in the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration reviewed its regulations and determined that lindane should be used only as a "treatment of last resort" for lice and scabies. Lindane 1% shampoo is banned in California due to environmental problems with lindane in sewage effluent. Crotamiton cream has allergic activity. Oral dosage of ivermectin cannot to be used in infants or pregnant women. Antihistamines often are needed to relieve itching for the treatment.
Thus, there is a continuing need for a pharmaceutical formulation containing stable insecticides including organophosphate insecticides, such as malathion, that are effective, safe and have a short application time.

Topical gel formulation comprising organophosphate insecticide and preparation thereof


A gas mixture of dry steam and nitrogen gas serving as carrier gas is blown into a hot water mist injection port for rendering the nitrogen gas serve as a medium absorbing latent heat of condensation, thereby smoothly progressing condensation of water vapor and efficiently forming hot water mist. The water vapor is condensed in the hot water mist injection port formed by a cylindrical pipe for supplying latent heat of condensation to the nitrogen gas and dilating the same, thereby accelerating the flow of the hot water mist and spraying the hot water mist to a substrate from the hot water mist injection port at a high speed. Small droplets contained in the high-speed hot water mist have high kinetic energy and high thermal energy, for exhibiting a large colliding effect and a high activation effect with respect to small contaminants adhering to the substrate. A substrate cleaning apparatus capable of spraying hot water mist attaining a high cleaning effect to a substrate is provided.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a substrate cleaning apparatus cleaning a semiconductor substrate, a glass substrate for a liquid crystal display, a glass substrate for a photomask or a substrate for an optical disk (hereinafter simply referred to as xe2x80x9csubstratexe2x80x9d) by spraying hot water mist thereto.
2. Description of the Background Art
A product such as a semiconductor or a liquid crystal display is manufactured by performing a series of processing such as cleaning, resist coating, exposure, development, etching, formation of an interlayer dielectric film, heat treatment and the like on a substrate. Among these, cleaning is processing of removing contaminants such as particles adhering to the substrate, which is increasingly regarded as important following recent progress of refinement and complication of patterns.
A representative substrate processing apparatus employed in general is the so-called spin scrubber rotating a substrate while bringing a brush into contact with the surface of the substrate or approaching the former to the latter thereby scrubbing out contaminants such as particles adhering to the surface of the substrate. In this technique of forcibly scrubbing out the contaminants through frictional force of the brush, however, the brush disadvantageously damages the surface of the substrate although a strong cleaning effect is attained.
Therefore, a non-contact substrate cleaning apparatus employing no brush has recently been watched with interest. For example, a system of supplying ultrasonic waves to a liquid coming into contact with the surface of a substrate or a system of spraying pure water mist at a high speed is being studied. The system spraying pure water mist collides small droplets substantially identical in size to the contaminants adhering to the surface of the substrate with the contaminants from random directions, to attain a high cleaning effect. Particularly when spraying hot water mist containing droplets having a temperature higher than the room temperature at a high speed, an activation effect can also be attained due to thermal energy of the droplets, and hence it is expected that a higher cleaning effect will be attained.
In general, however, it is difficult to form hot water mist containing small droplets having both high kinetic energy and high thermal energy. When high-temperature steam is merely injected toward a substrate, for example, the steam is not readily condensed and no hot water mist is formed.
The present invention is directed to a substrate cleaning apparatus cleaning a substrate by spraying thereon hot water mist.
A substrate cleaning apparatus according to the present invention, cleaning a substrate by spraying thereon hot water mist, comprises a steam guiding and feeding part for guiding and feeding steam obtained by heating pure water and a tubular discharge nozzle fixedly provided on the steam guiding and feeding part for forming hot water mist by guiding a gas mixture prepared by mixing steam and carrier gas with each other while condensing the steam and spraying the hot water mist onto the substrate.
The carrier gas functions as a medium absorbing latent heat of condensation for smoothly progressing condensation of water vapor and efficiently forming hot water mist. The formed hot water mist is accelerated due to dilation of the carrier gas increased in temperature by absorbing latent heat of condensation, and sprayed onto the substrate W as high-speed hot water mist attaining a high cleaning effect.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the substrate cleaning apparatus further comprises a gas discharge pipe discharging the carrier gas in the steam guiding/feeding part, and a gas discharge direction of the gas discharge pipe aligns with a fluid passage direction of the discharge nozzle.
The gas mixture of the steam and the carrier gas discharged from the gas discharge pipe efficiently flows into the discharge nozzle, so that high-temperature hot water mist can be readily formed.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a substrate cleaning apparatus cleaning a substrate by spraying hot water mist thereto comprises a pure water supply part supplying pure water for forming dry steam, a steam generation part communicating with the pure water supply part for heating the pure water supplied from the pure water supply part and generating steam, a steam heating part communicatively connected with the steam generation part for heating the steam generated in the steam generation part and forming dry steam, and a discharge nozzle fixedly provided on the steam heating part for forming hot water mist by guiding the formed dry steam while condensing the dry steam and spraying the hot water mist to the substrate.
The steam heating part can completely vaporize part of the pure water not completely vaporizable in the steam generation part so that dry steam of high purity can be formed through a simple miniature structure. Consequently, hot water mist containing a small quantity of impurities and attaining a high cleaning effect can be sprayed to the substrate.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a substrate cleaning apparatus capable of spraying hot water mist attaining a high cleaning effect to a substrate.
The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


An object (12) is raster scanned with a small, localized beam of laser light (22) and the backscattered radiation therefrom is monitored by a plurality of detectors (44). Each of the detectors (44) monitors a different characteristic of the backscattered radiation and an arithmetic operation is performed on the output of the detectors to provide a single composite video signal with enhanced contrast.

Conventional video cameras are image scanning devices. A video signal is acquired by imaging an object scene to a remote surface and converting the illuminance at that surface to an electrical signal. For vidicons, the conversion is made by scanning an electron beam over a photoconductive surface.
Manufacturing processes are finding increased utility for such video systems. The obvious use has been for remote observation, where an operator is aided by a camera and monitor in examining a part for alignment, measurement or inspection. More recently, video signals have been processed electronically for automatic recognition of image content, thereby eliminating subjective human observation and judgment. Advantages of increased speed, adaptability and reliability are realized with such automatic image processing, and its use for manufacturing processes is expected to increase in the future.
In most cases, recognition of image content is made by noting the variations in the video signal level. Large variations are obviously desirable, particularly in instances where automatic image processing is to be performed. Signal levels representing different image detail are often separated with thresholding circuitry to produce binary images (0 or 1); in this form, automatic image processing is most readily performed. This necessarily implies the need for a high contrast image or a change in video gain to increase the video signal variations. However, in many instances, the contrast is low, making the transformation to a binary image difficult or impossible.
One technique that has been used to improve the contrast of a video signal is described in an article titled "Laser TV Camera Systems" in The Proceedings of SPSE Seminar, 1968, by R. S. Rowley. That article describes a system in which a laser beam is raster scanned over the surface of an object and a detector monitors the light reflected from the object. The detected reflections are converted into a video signal which is amplified and presented directly to the video input of a TV for display. Such an arrangement is referred to as object scanning and eliminates the requirement of a video camera and imaging optics. Although such a technique can be most effective when outside illumination is poor or non-existent, the video signal contrast is improved only slightly compared to that produced with image scanning devices.
Accordingly, there is a need for a technique for obtaining an enhanced video signal which increases the video contrast and is amenable to automatic recognition of image content in order to eliminate subjective human observation and judgment.

Laser scanning and multiple detection for video image processing


A laser imaging apparatus includes a laser diode which is controlled to produce a laser beam the power of which varies linearly as a function of a digital image input signal. The laser beam is deflected by scanning optics to expose photosensitive media such as film. When the digital image input signal is in a first range of values to operate the laser diode in its linear region, the laser diode is controlled to operate in an amplitude modulation mode. When the digital image input signal is in a second, lower, range of values which would operate the laser diode in its non-linear operating region, the laser diode is controlled to operate in the linear region but in a pulse amplitude modulation mode.

A laser diode operates in two distinct regions which includes a laser region and a LED region. As shown in FIG. 1, the laser region is characterized by a linear relationship between the laser diode drive current above a threshold current, and the output illuminative power. In the LED region, the relationship between the drive current and the output illuminative power is non-linear, and the change in output illuminative power is very small for a change in current, relative to the laser region of operation. A means of using laser diodes for exposure in laser printers, is to drive the laser diode with a digital to analog converter (DAC) which equally divides the current into 2.sup.N -1 values, where N equals the number of bits input to the DAC. Because the laser diode efficiency (which is measured as milliwatts output power, per unit milliamp of input current) is very small in the LED region, a large range of input signal code values results in very little change in exposure.
One type of laser printer uses an n bit (e.g., 12 bit) DAC which drives an exposure device (a He-Ne gas laser and acoustooptic modulator or laser diode). The exposure device then prints exposures upon photosensitive media such as film. An output lookup table is constructed, through which the data is mapped prior to digital to analog conversion. The lookup table is calculated to force a linear mapping from code value to film density.
In the high density region of the Density vs. Log Exposure (D LogE) film curve, the delta exposure for a constant delta density is much greater than in the low density region. As a result, the output lookup table maps a number of input code values to a single output code value in the high density or high exposure region. This results in an inefficient use of code values for exposure.
It is known that the threshold of visibility for a small change in luminance is relatively constant in the luminance region over which radiographs are viewed (see M. I. Sezan, K. Yip, S. J. Daly, "Uniform Perceptual Quantization: Applications to Digital Radiography," IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, Vol. SMC-17, No. 4, Jul/Aug 1987, pp. 622-634). Because this delta luminance parameter is related by a constant factor to delta density, the optimum laser printer would use an exposure means which, in a monotonically increasing manner, maps each code value to a unique density value, and for which delta density is a constant. Thus, based upon the D LogE curve of the film, the optimum code value to exposure curve can be calculated.
The multimode behavior of the laser diode in the LED region, in addition to the low efficiency, make the LED region undesirable for exposure. In the LED region, the wavelength is lower than in the laser region, and much of the illuminative power is not at the fundamental mode of operation. Since the density of exposed and developed film is dependent upon the wavelength of exposure, the change in wavelength adds an additional source of error in the exposure process.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,774,710, issued Sep. 27, 1988, inventors Davis and Hardy (see also U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,426, issued Jan. 22, 1991, inventors Ota et al.), it was suggested that at power levels below a cutoff point chosen to be in the laser region of operation, but just above the transition to the LED region, the laser be pulse width modulated to linearly extend the exposure to a minimum exposure level. The implementation of this idea requires that in the pulse width modulation region, the division of the pixel period be divided into pulse widths on the order of several nanoseconds. If a pixel is 182 nanoseconds, this implies the smallest pulse width be 1 nanosecond. At present this is not realizable in a cost effective manner with the state of the art in electronic components.
The following patents, which have also disclosed the use of multiple modulation modes in laser recording systems, have not been completely successful in maximizing the exposure range of the laser and in reusing the laser region of a laser diode. U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,069, issued Jan. 17, 1989, inventors Sasaki et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,806,946, issued Feb. 21, 1989, U.S. Pat. No. 4,375,065, issued Feb. 22, 1983, inventor Ohara; U.S. Pat. No. 4,905,022, issued Feb. 27, 1990, inventor Nagashawa; U.S. Pat. No. 4,754,291, issued Jun. 29, 1988, inventor Horikawa; U.S. Pat. No. 4,679,057, issued Jul. 7, 1987, for Laser Recording Apparatus.
Thus, there exists in known laser printer apparatus a problem with expanding the exposure range of the laser diode without operating in the LED region of the laser diode.

Laser diode operated in amplitude modulation and pulse amplitude modes


Block or plug implants provide weight-bearing support for adjacent vertebrae in a vertebral column while allowing sufficient area between and beside the plugs for packing of autologous bone graft to allow bony healing and fusion. The plugs have a laterally directed slot to allow ingrowth of blood supply from the side and to allow locking the permanent device in place with living bone. The plugs have a patterned surface to grip the vertebrae. Plugs used for fusion in the L4-5 and L5-S1 levels are wedged-shaped to reproduce the normal shape of these discs, which are higher anteriorly than posteriorly. The height of the plugs is greater than the width. The implants are made of a biocompatible carbon fiber reinforced polymer or alternately made of traditional orthopaedic implant materials such as chrome cobalt, stainless steel or titanium. In the surgical procedure, undamaged annulus fibrous disc tissue connecting the adjacent vertebrae is preserved and a pair of side-by-side implant plugs are forced into side-by-side transverse channels in the adjoining vertebrae to stretch the remaining annulus and support body weight applied through the vertebrae. The plugs are bottomed in the channels on cortex bone and bone ingrowth and fusion is facilitated by packing a patient's own graft into the center of the plug and beside and between the two adjacent plugs.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the art of prosthetic devices implanted between adjacent vertebrae to treat or prevent back or neck pain in patients with ruptured or degenerated intervertebral discs. More specifically, the invention deals with improvements in prosthetic strut forming plugs or blocks facilitating bone ingrowth from adjoining vertebrae which are rectangular or, specifically, parallelepiped shaped, with height greater than width providing substantial wide roughened top and bottom surface areas for supporting adjacent vertebrae while having narrower smooth sides to minimize damaging surgical exposure and nerve root retraction required during their surgical implantation. The plugs have a horizontal or lateral slot providing a receptacle for packing bone graft material, have tapered leading ends, a tool receiving trailing end and are composed of radiolucent rigid inert material for visualization of post operative bone healing.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As pointed out in my U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,743,256, 4,834,757, 4,878,915, and 5,192,327, the leading cause of low back pain arises from rupture or degeneration of lumbar intervertebral discs. Pain in the lower extremities (sciatica) is caused by the compression of spinal nerve roots by damaged discs between the vertebrae and low back pain is caused by collapse of the disc and the adverse effects of bearing the majority of the body weight through a damaged unstable vertebral joint.
Disc excision with posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) reconstructs the normal anatomic relationships between the bony and the neural structures and has many advantages. Weight-bearing through a solid bony fusion mass between vertebral bodies relieves the mechanical pain of the traditional unstable degenerative disc and generally prevents long-term disc collapse or further degenerative changes. The complete disc excision prevents recurrent herniation of the same degenerated disc.
However, this PLIF procedure has several serious disadvantages in that it is technically very difficult, and, therefore not as successful or widely used as it might be. It requires interbody bone grafting to achieve both a strut-like support that bears the entire body's weight through the vertebral bodies, and it requires bony healing of the grafted bone to achieve permanent fusion.
It is well understood in orthopaedic surgery that grafted bone heals by a process known as "creeping substitution" in which blood capillaries first grow into the grafted bone, the grafted bone is reabsorbed, and then new bone cells are laid down along the bony matrix of the graft. During the time that the bone graft is being reabsorbed, the weight-bearing strength is reduced at least 50%, causing crushing of the graft and failure of the surgery.
My prior aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,256 discloses an improved surgical method for eliminating spinal back pain caused by ruptured or degenerated vertebral discs by spanning the disc space between adjacent vertebrae with rigid inert implants having surfaces facilitating bone ingrowth and bottomed on prepared sites of the vertebrae to integrate the implant with the vertebrae and to provide a permanent weight supporting strut maintaining the disc space.
My prior aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,915 disclosed a further improved surgical procedure by providing the rigid implants or blocks with tool receiving end spaces facilitating their insertion onto the prepared sites and having geometric patterns of roughened surfaces on the peripheries of the implants enhancing the bone growth.
My prior aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,757 discloses a further improved prosthetic implant having recesses in the form of through slots be packed with bone graft material.
My prior aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,327 describes stackable oval implants for anterior lumbar interbody fusion or vertebral reconstruction of fracture or tumor.
The Bagby U.S. Pat. No. 4,501,269 discloses a cylindrical basket seated in a cylindrical hole bored transversely across the bones of a spinal joint of a bone which permits free rocking rotation between bone and basket and only communicates bone fragments packed in the basket through perforations in the basket. Nothing was provided to lock the basket against rotation and blood supply was limited by the perforations.
The Ray U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,740 discloses a cylindrical dowel-plug implant with a screw-thread surface to be threaded into a cylindrical drilled hole in the vertebrae. While this hollow implant permitted packing of bone graft material therein, it had very small perforations limitating ingrowth of blood supply and inhibiting bony healing. The device, being cylindrical and seated in a cylindrical hole, allowed relative rotation or rocking which inhibited or destroyed bone fusion.
The Michelson U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,247 also disclosed cylindrical dowel shaped plug implants in cylindrical drilled holes in vertebrae permitting rotation and a relative movement between the plug and vertebrae during healing. Bone graft material packed within the plug could only communicate with the vertebrae through small holes limiting blood supply and bone ingrowth.
The present invention now further improves this art by providing inert narrow rectangular or parallelepiped plugs or blocks implanted in mating grooves or channels of adjacent vertebrae in spaced side-by-side relation with imperforate continuous top and bottom faces providing a greater area of weight bearing support and an interior adapted to be fully packed with bone growth material fully exposed to the vertebrae without intervening obstructions. The narrow width dimension of the plug minimizes the widths of the plug receiving grooves, provides more spacing from adjacent nerves and increases the graft bone areas. The weight bearing top and bottom surfaces or faces are roughened preferably serrated, to provide teeth for biting into the vertebrae. The plugs also have smooth side faces to prevent damage to adjacent bone faces and to facilitate insertion. The invention includes wedge shaped plugs or blocks for restoring normal spinal alignment especially in the lower lumbar levels.

Prosthetic implant for intervertebral spinal fusion


A rail for supporting edges of a continuous carrier strip, interconnecting serially arranged electrical components, comprises a continuous plastic extrusion which clips upon edges of the carrier strip and provides a spacer for separating reeled coils of the carrier strip when the same is reeled on a storage spool.

Packages for electronic devices are manufactured of metal and plastic materials. Using automated processes, the packages are fabricated directly into a continuous metal strip, portions of which are stamped and formed to provide electrical contacts incorporated into the packages, and other portions of which interconnect the packages serially along the strip. An example of carrier strip mounted packages is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,195,193. The packages are thicker than the carrier strip and tend to damage one another when they, together with the strip, are reeled into coils on a storage spool. Therefore, some means is needed which separates successive, reeled coils and the packages thereon from one another.


A radiation treatment planning system utilizes a standard interface circuit to continuously digitize and display image data generated by an anatomical imaging device, such as an ultrasound unit. The acquired image data includes positional information of one or more radiation delivery devices relative to an anatomical area to be treated. The acquired data is processed to rapidly determine a radiation dose plan, which is displayed in real time as a superimposed image over the image of the anatomical area being treated.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for effecting radiation dosage planning to be used in rendering radiation treatment to a selected anatomical portion of an animal body, for example, the human prostate gland.
The prior art teaches treatment of localized malignancies with radiation emitted from a discrete radioactive source placed near the malignancy, such treatment commonly referred to as brachytherapy. Since the radioactive sources used in such treatment may constitute a hazard to the personnel administering same, apparatus is now commercially available which allows for the positioning of the radioactive source and the treatment therewith in the patient with minimum radiation exposure to the medical personnel rendering the treatment. Such apparatus allows the positioning and treatment with a radioactive source in the patient after the person administering the treatment moves away from the operating room in which the patient is being treated. Because the radioactive source is loaded into the patient after the medical personnel leave the area, such treatment delivery devices are generally referred to as after-loading devices.
The most recent commercially available radiation delivery devices in the after-loading category utilize a single high dose rate (HDR) source positioned at a plurality of preselected dwell positions within the anatomical part being treated for preselected dwell times. One such radiation delivery HDR after-loading device is commercially available from Nucletron Corporation of Columbia, Md. and is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,001.
The positioning of the HDR source requires a radiation treatment plan which specifies the locations of the HDR source and the time period or dwell time at each such location at which the HDR source is to reside during treatment of the patient. Conventionally, medical personnel place a number of guide tubes or hollow needles for carrying the HDR source into the anatomical area to be treated, take X-rays of the needles in place and then manually digitize the X-ray data utilizing a mouse or courser for input to a dosage planning computer associated with the radiation delivery unit. A disadvantage of this conventional approach is the time required for such data digitization and entry. Data entry time has been found to be on the order of one hour. This delayed time period forces the delivery system to be in place with the patient for a prolonged time prior to actual administration of the treatment radiation dosages. Additionally, in the prior art, there is no provision for on-the-spot adjustments to the delivery system and/or its dosage plan using an interactive visual data system.
There is therefore seen to be a need for an apparatus and method for rapidly, reliably and interactively generating a radiation dosage plan based on real time data associated with a preselected placement of a radiation source delivery system with respect to the anatomical portion to be treated.

Real time radiation treatment planning system


Linewidth variations and bias that result from MEF changes and reticle linewidth variations in a printed. substrate are controlled by correcting exposure dose and partial coherence at different spatial locations. In a photolithographic device for projecting an image of a reticle onto a photosensitive substrate, an adjustable slit is used in combination with a partial coherence adjuster to vary at different spatial locations the exposure dose received by the photosensitive substrate and partial coherence of the system. The linewidth variance and horizontal and vertical or orientation bias are calculated or measured at different spatial locations with reference to a reticle, and a corrected exposure dose and partial coherence is determined at the required spatial locations to compensate for the variance in linewidth and bias on the printed substrate. Improved printing of an image is obtained, resulting in the manufacturer of smaller feature size semiconductor devices and higher yields.

The present invention relates generally to photolithography, and particularly to an exposure system to control variations in linewidth in an image that is printed and used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices.
In semiconductor manufacturing, the image of a reticle or mask is projected onto a photosensitive substrate or wafer. As semiconductor devices become ever smaller, the feature size of the images printed on the semiconductor device also become smaller. Correctly imaging and printing these small feature sizes onto a photosensitive substrate becomes increasingly difficult as the feature size is reduced. As the feature sizes approach the fraction of exposure wavelength, correct imaging is often difficult to obtain. There are many variables that determine the image quality and correct printing of a pattern on a reticle. The lines on a reticle to be reproduced may vary as a function of the feature size, type, and location in the field. The image may also vary as a function of the orientation or direction of the feature on the mask or reticle being imaged. There have been many attempts to improve the imaging characteristics of a photolithographic device to improve image quality and provide consistent printing. One such photolithographic system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,000 entitled xe2x80x9cPartial Coherence Varier For Microlithographic Systemsxe2x80x9d issuing to Michaloski et al on Jan. 17, 1995, which is herein incorporated by reference. Therein disclosed is a microlithographic system utilizing an adjustable profiler that is actually movable along the optical axis in the illumination path for imposing a predetermined angular profile of the illumination. Another device for improving imaging in a photolithographic system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,401 entitled xe2x80x9cMethod of Controlling Illumination Field To Reduce Linewidth Variationxe2x80x9d issuing to McCullough et al on Jan. 11, 2000, which is herein incorporated by reference. Therein disclosed is an dynamically adjustable slit for controlling the exposure dose at different spatial locations during a scanning exposure of a reticle. The adjustments in exposure are made in a direction perpendicular to the direction of scan of the illumination field. Another photolithographic system is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/232,756 entitled xe2x80x9cDose Control For Correcting Linewidth Variation In The Scan Directionxe2x80x9d filed Jan. 15, 1999, by McCullough, which is herein incorporated by reference. Therein disclosed is a device for varying the exposure dose as a function of distance in a scan direction for reducing linewidth variation. While these photolithographic systems and exposure devices and methods have improved image quality and the printing of features upon a photosensitive substrate, there is a need for yet further improvement, especially as the feature size is reduced and the need for better image quality and correct reproduction of the image. on a photosensitive substrate.
The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for correcting for printed feature size variations over a field by selectively adjusting the dose and partial coherence in a scanning photolithographic device. A scanning photolithographic device or tool comprises an illumination source forming an illumination field that is scanned, projecting the image of a mask or reticle onto a photosensitive substrate. The illumination field is adjusted to vary the exposure dose at predetermined spatial locations and an adjustable array optical element selectively varies at different spatial locations the numerical aperture of the illumination, thereby varying the partial coherence of the system.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to improve the printing of features on a photosensitive substrate.
It is a further object of the present invention to correct for feature size variations resulting from the mask error factor.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to correct for reticle linewidth variations.
It is an advantage of the present invention that it is easily modifiable to accommodate different features to be printed.
It is a further advantage of the present invention that it reduces linewidth variances in printed features.
It is yet a further advantage of the present invention that it reduces horizontal and vertical bias in printed features.
It is a feature of the present invention that an adjustable slit is used to vary the exposure dose.
It is another feature of the present invention that an array optical element is used to vary the illumination numerical aperture and resulting partial coherence at different locations in the illumination field to minimize reticle feature variation induced horizontal/vertical bias.
These and other objects, advantages, and features will become readily apparent in view of the following more detailed description.

DUV scanner linewidth control by mask error factor compensation


A reconfigurable logic array (RLA) system (104) that includes an RLA (108) and a programmer (112) for reprogramming the RLA on a cyclical basis. A function (F) requiring a larger amount of logic than contained in the RLA is partitioned into multiple functional blocks (FB1, FB2, FB3). The programmer contains software (144) that partitions the RLA into a function region FR located between two storage regions SR1, SR2. The programmer then programs functional region sequentially with the functional blocks of the function so that the functional blocks process in alternating directions between the storage regions. While the programmer is re-configuring function region with the next functional block and re-configuring one of the storage regions for receiving the output of the next functional block, data being passed from the current functional block to the next functional block is held in the other storage region.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to the field of logic devices. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a system and method for dynamically executing a function in a programmable logic array.
2. Background of the Invention
Recently, programmable logic devices, such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), have evolved into devices capable of being dynamically reconfigured on a cycle-by-cycle basis to perform logic functions, or portion(s) thereof, during each cycle. With the increasing speed of such reconfigurable FPGAs (RFPGAs), RFPGAs are now being considered as components suitable for use in application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and other integrated circuits (ICs). For example, ICs for applications that require certain data to be manipulated iteratively in order to produce a desired output are ICs that can benefit from the utilization of RFPGAs. Examples of such applications include communication protocol processing and image processing, among others.
A benefit of using an RFPGA to perform one or more functions that would otherwise be performed by fixed logic is often a reduction in the amount of chip area needed to perform these functions. For example, a certain function may be partitioned into ten functional blocks that are chained together such that the output of one block becomes the input to the next block, and so on. Using conventional fixed logic, all ten of these functional blocks would typically be placed on the chip next to one another in their proper data-flow sequence. Using an RFPGA solution, however, these ten functional blocks can be replaced with a single RFPGA that is cyclically reconfigured to process each of the ten functional blocks in the proper sequence.
Generally, the processing of the ten functional block function proceeds as follows. The RFPGA is configured for the first functional block and the input data of the function is passed into the RFPGA, i.e., the first functional block. The output of the first functional block then passes out of the block and is stored in certain storage elements created within the RFPGA. These storage elements store the output of the first functional block for use as the input to the second functional block of the function, which is created by reconfiguring portions of the RFPGA other than storage elements. At the same time portions of the RFPGA are being reconfigured for the second functional block, other portions of the RFPGA are reconfigured as storage elements for storing the output of the second functional block, which is also the input for the third functional block. This process is repeated for the third through the ninth functional blocks. The process for the tenth, and final, functional block is slightly different, with the output of the tenth functional block being passed to the external I/O elements of the RFPGA, where the output is passed to other portions of the IC.
While processing multiple functional blocks in series using an RFPGA is conceptually straightforward, conventional RFPGA reconfiguration techniques make it difficult to optimize each of the various configurations of the RFPGA needed to perform a given function. However, optimizing IC designs is important. This difficulty in optimizing configurations of an RFPGA is largely due to the way in which conventional techniques handle the data being passed from one configuration of logic, i.e., functional block, to the next configuration of logic.
FIG. 1 illustrates the configuration of an RFPGA 20, respectively, when configured for the Mth functional block of a function consisting of three or more functional blocks. As a convention, the current functional block, i.e., the functional block configured in RFPGA 20 at a given time, will be referred to as the Mth functional block. Thus, if the Mth functional block is the second functional block, the first functional block is referred to as the "M−1" functional block, the third functional block is the "M+1" functional block, the fourth functional block is the "M+2" functional block, and so on. Each functional block other than the first and last functional block will have associated therewith "M−1" storage elements, i.e., the outputs of the "M−1" functional block, which are the inputs to the Mth functional block, and "M" storage elements, which contain the outputs of the Mth functional block. The first functional block does not need any "M−1" storage elements since the input to the first functional block comes from circuitry (not shown) located outside RFPGA 20 via I/O elements 24, and the last functional block does not need any "M" storage elements since the output of the last functional block is passed out of the RFPGA. The same nomenclature is also to be applied to the cycling of the functional blocks from one to the next as reconfiguration and processing proceed. For example, if the reference cycle is denoted the "M" cycle, the immediately prior cycle is the "M−1" cycle and the next cycle is the "M+1" cycle.
RFPGA 20 generally includes an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) 28, or other (re)programmable logic elements, interconnected to one another via interconnect resources 32. CLBs 28 are the reconfigurable functional elements, e.g., logic gates, used to implement the logic of each functional block of the desired function and the storage elements needed to store data being passed from one functional block to the next. Each CLB 28 programmed as a functional element is shown as a square containing an "F," each CLB programmed as a corresponding "M−1" storage element is shown as a square containing an "M−1" and each CLB programmed as a corresponding "M" storage element is shown as a square containing an "M." RFPGA 20 is in electrical communication with I/O cells 24, which provide communication between the RFPGA and other circuits (not shown), e.g., memory, processor, communication or other circuits.
As shown in FIG. 1, conventional RFPGA programming techniques result in storage elements M−1, M of the first functional block being scattered across the array of CLBs 28 at locations that locally optimize the logic paths through functional elements. The problem with this approach begins to appear, however, when a programmer 36 responsible for reconfiguring (programming) RFPGA 20 with each set of functional block and storage elements goes to reprogram the RFPGA with the second (and subsequent) functional blocks and corresponding storage locations. To reprogram RFPGA 20, programmer 36 must take into account the locations of scattered storage elements M so as to not interfere with the data stored there, which is the input to the next functional block. The process of optimizing a functional block and its storage elements is hampered by the scattered nature of the storage elements from the previous functional block.
The scattered nature of storage elements M−1, M also degrades the overall performance and cycle time of the function being processed by RFPGA 20. The length of delay from a storage element to the worst-case entry point into the next functional block becomes the limiting factor in the cycle time of RFPGA 20. Moreover, depending upon the path delay per cycle, the cycle time would vary from one cycle to the next. This could cause the worst cycle frequency to determine the overall processing speed of the function. This problem is directly dependent on the placement of the storage elements to determine the operating frequency of the function.
The ability of the programmer to place storage elements at appropriate locations to facilitate fast cycle times becomes dependent on not just the current functional block configuration requirements, but also on all subsequent functional block configuration requirements. That is, the locations of storage elements for the current functional block configuration affects the locations of the storage elements for the next functional block configuration, which affects the locations of storage elements for the following functional block configuration, and so on. This creates a combinatorial explosion of possible options for which the programmer must find a maximum cycle time for each cycle and an overall cycle time. For complex functional blocks, conventional RFPGA programmers can take several hours to produce a viable solution for one functional block configuration or cycle. It is readily seen that achieving a viable solution for multiple functional block configurations can require a prohibitive amount of time. A need therefore exists for configuring functional blocks in an efficient manner.

System and method for dynamically executing a function in a programmable logic array

International Business Machines Corporation


The present invention relates to a supercapacitive storage system (10) for the electricity of a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a control device (12) arranged to allow charging of capacitive storage elements (11) or the storage system (10) when the voltage of the capacitive storage elements (11) is below or equal to a maximum voltage value of the operating range of a driving and energy recovery system (20), and to prohibit charging of the capacitive storage elements (11) when the voltage of the electricity distribution grid (2) is above a maximum operating voltage value of the capacitive storage elements (11), a driving and energy recovery system (20) and a control method.

Most of the used recent electric vehicles, either road vehicles or naval vehicles or vehicles in public transport networks, include an electrical power distribution network also called DC bus on which is connected a drive and energy recovery system configured to operate in a given operating voltage range, and a storage system.
The present invention focuses on vehicles whose storage system comprises capacitive storage elements likely to be charged by a charging voltage delivered by the electrical power distribution network and comprised in the range of operation of the drive and energy recovery system.
The drive and energy recovery system generally comprises a reversible electric machine enabling an operation according to a mode called <<motor>> so as to ensure the driving or the traction/propulsion of the vehicle using a supplied electrical energy and enabling alternately an operation according to a mode called <<generator>> so as to ensure the conversion of the mechanical energy due to the braking or to the deceleration of the vehicle into electrical energy.
In the motor mode, the motor consumes electrical energy supplied thereto by the capacitive storage elements of the storage system.
In the generator mode, the motor produces electrical energy and charges the capacitive storage elements of the storage system.
The thermal/electric hybrid vehicles further comprise a thermal motor that can ensure by itself the driving of the vehicle but may also drive the reversible electric machine so as to make it operate in the generator mode.
Electrical energy supplied by the motor in the generator mode is then transmitted to the electrical power distribution network of the vehicle and recovered by the capacitive elements of the storage system in the same manner as during a braking or a deceleration of the vehicle.
In a known manner, the capacitive storage elements comprise in particular an assembly of double layer capacitances, also called supercapacitances, supercapacitors or EDLC (Electrolytic Double Layer Capacitor) in which electrical energy is stored.
This electrical energy stored in the capacitive storage elements may then be used as main or auxiliary energy for supplying the electric motor of the electric vehicle.
Furthermore, it is known to have a storage system comprising a DC-DC converter connected to the electrical power network of the vehicle and a drive and energy recovery system comprising a means for converting the current also connected to the electrical power network of the vehicle.
The DC-DC converter enables adapting the variable voltage of the capacitive storage elements of the storage system to the operating DC voltage of the drive and energy recovery system of the vehicle.
Furthermore, the DC-DC converter must be able, on the one hand to transfer in the motor mode the traction/propulsion total power from the capacitive storage elements of the storage system to the reversible electric machine via the electrical power network of the vehicle, and on the other hand to transfer in the generator mode the total braking power from the reversible electric machine to the capacitive storage elements of the storage system via the electrical power network of the vehicle.
As for the current converter, it allows to make the power supplied to the reversible electric machine in the motor mode vary depending on a control caused by a user for example by means of the accelerator pedal of the vehicle or any other controller.
The current converter must also be able to transfer the electrical energy coming from the reversible electric machine when it operates in the generator mode to the capacitive storage elements of the storage system via the DC-DC converter.
In a known manner per se, the current converter may either be a speed variator or an inverter.
A storage system connected to such drive and energy recovery system via the power distribution network of the vehicle is satisfactory in that it can be easily adapted to an existing traction/propulsion chain and enables decoupling the traction/propulsion and the storage functions.
These two functions are generally processed by two different sectors within a same company and the integration of a storage system and a drive and energy recovery system on the same electrical power distribution network of a vehicle does not require the intervention of the skilled in the art having carried out the traction/propulsion function of the vehicle.
However, a coupling between such storage system and such drive and energy recovery system has the drawback of accumulating the efficiencies of two converters, the one of the DC-DC converter and the one of the current converter which also comprises a static converter.
This cumulation of efficiencies decreases strongly the energy efficiency of the coupling between a storage system and a drive and energy recovery system due to cumulative conversion losses.
Moreover, such storage system also has the drawback of having to use a DC-DC converter having a significant overall dimension and mass.

Energy storage system and driving and energy recovery system


An apparatus for conveying articles such as cigarettes transversely to the axis thereof and for temporarily storing the articles between a machine for continuously feeding the articles to the apparatus and a removal device for periodically removing said articles from the apparatus. The apparatus includes a feeder to receive an accumulation of articles coming from the machine, a transfer conveyor to receive articles from the accumulation, a grooved belt to receive articles from the transfer conveyor, a common regulable drive to drive the transfer conveyor and the grooved belt and a gear disposed between the common drive and the grooved belt and operable to have a periodically changing gear ratio to oscillate the transfer conveyor along the grooved belt and to provide the grooved belt with a varying conveying speed. At a given instant the oscillation of the transfer conveyor has a speed equal to any difference between the speed of the grooved belt and the speed of the transfer conveyor.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for conveying articles such as cigarettes transversely to the axis thereof and for temporarily storing the articles between a machine for continuously feeding the articles to the apparatus and a removal device for periodically removing the articles from the apparatus.
Such an apparatus may be arranged between a cigarette strand machine or filter-attaching machine and a threstle filler and in that case serves two tasks in which the cigarette strand machine or other upstream machine delivers the cigarettes in a continuous stream in which the cigarettes are irregularly spaced due to damaged cigarettes being, for example, separated out. The removal device must, however, always be presented with complete sets of a predetermined number of cigarettes substantially at standstill. The interposed apparatus therefore forms an accumulation of the cigarettes delivered by the upstream machine, from which stream the cigarettes are then withdrawn batchwise. Secondly, the upstream machine and the removal device are driven from separate drives and therefore not synchronized in advance. For that reason, the drive of the removal device is re-regulated in dependence on the length of the accumulation.
DE-AS No. 12 98 427 discloses an apparatus in which a grooved belt is at one place constantly driven with a regulated rotational speed, but periodically stopped at the removal location. For this purpose, a loop of the grooved belt arrangement is formed, which under the control of a cam disc is pivotable together with a transfer conveyor around the axis of a smooth drum, on the peripheral surface of which an accumulation path is provided. At the downstream end of the accumulation, the cigarettes are subjected to an appreciable pressure which leads to disturbances in the removal. Furthermore, control by the cam disc is not entirely precise so that additional compensating devices must be provided.
DE-OS No. 26 18 905 discloses an apparatus, in which the cigarettes are accumulated on a horizontal path, whereby the cigarettes are preserved. The cigarettes are accumulated on a smooth conveyor belt and then transferred to a belt provided with grooves. The cigarettes taken over from the accumulation by this constantly running grooved belt are then conveyed around a deflection roller thereof to the run below the roller. Between this and the upper run of a grooved belt an intermediate conveyor in the shape of a grooved wheel is rotatably and displaceably arranged and which is driven into a superimposed circulatory and translatory motion in such a manner that the path speed of the cigarettes at the transfer location is equal to that of the removal belt. The drums of the grooved belts form storage means.
The plurality of the conveying means is disadvantageous since there is a danger of faults and damages occurring on each transfer of the cigarettes, the necessary overhead transport of the cigarettes additionally requiring expensive retaining means. It has proved to be advantageous in this apparatus to take the cigarettes over from the accumulation at constant speed.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which with a simple construction, without overhead transport action of the cigarettes and with a cigarette take-over from a horizontal accumulation path operates reliably at constant speed.

Maschinenfabrik Alfred Schmermund GmbH & Co.


The invention provides a torque feedback shift control device for an engine control system including an engine, an engine torque controller, an automatic transmission for changing output speed of the engine, and a transmission controller for controlling gear shifting in the transmission. A target torque generator is provided for generating a signal indicative of a target torque pattern in shifting of the automatic transmission according to a shifting signal from the transmission controller. A drive shaft torque detector detects an output torque of the automatic transmission, and the engine controller performs feedback control of the engine torque so that the output torque detected by the drive shaft torque detector in downshifting of the automatic transmission follows up the target torque pattern.

The present invention relates to a torque feedback shift control device and method, and more particularly to a torque feedback shift control device and method designed to reduce torque fluctuation (shift shock) occurring in shifting in a vehicle with an automatic transmission.
A control device for reducing shift shock is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 63-254256, wherein an input speed of an automatic transmission (an output speed of a torque converter) becomes an input speed for determination of shift start, so that engine output reduction control for reducing the shift shock is started. Another control device for reducing a shift shock is known from Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 64-4544, for example, wherein it is determined whether or not a shift command is present, and if so, a gear ratio is computed from input and output speeds of an automatic transmission and shift start is determined according to the gear ratio computed.
In the prior art mentioned above, engine torque control and timing control are performed in accordance with a predetermined look-up table provided for each shift position, thereby reducing shift shock in shifting. In such control, engine output is controlled to a value that is predetermined for every operational condition of the transmission; and hence the engine torque can be reduced only by a fixed quantity. Accordingly, it is necessary to preset various control quantities corresponding to various conditions to be considered. As a result, various parts must be tuned, requiring much time and labor and making a complete reduction in shift shock difficult

Torque feedback shift control device and method

Hitachi Automotive Engineering and Co., Ltd.


An endotracheal tube stabilizer avoids the pain of repeatedly stripping tape from the face of a patient, which affixes an endotracheal tube in position, and avoids damage caused by continuous pressure on one spot of a patient's mouth and teeth on a bit block by providing a straight mouthpiece with an outwardly projecting, integral fixation flange held in position by strands around the head which are received in holes in the fixation flange. The entire mouthpiece including the fixation flange is longitudinally slit with an opening substantially smaller than the outside circumference of the tube, so that the tube may be compressed for sidewise insertion.

Endotracheal tube holders, clamps or retainers have long been known and have usually consisted of a faceplate, tied by a strap around the back of the patient's head, and covering the mouth area of the patient, there being a single aperture in the faceplate for receiving the endotracheal tube. Such devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,820,457 to Phillips of Jan. 21, 1958 wherein the faceplate is a flange integral with the mouthpiece and bite block and in U.S. Pat. No. 2,908,269 to Cheng of Oct. 13, 1959 wherein the faceplate has a tubular integral bite block on the side and an open slot on the other side for the tube.
The Cheng device provides a slot opening of greater outside circumference than that of a rigid tube so that a locking plate, locking arm and locking spring are required to retain the tube in the slot.
The prior art also reveals a line of clamp type faceplates for clamping on an endotracheal tube as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,602,227 of Aug. 31, 1971 and No. 3,760,811 of Sept. 25, 1973 to Andrew wherein the two sections of the clamp lock together around the tube but must be broken to remove the tube. A pivoted jaw type clamp is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,993,081 to Cussell of Nov. 23, 1976 wherein there may be two holes for two tubes but the device makes use of adhesive tape on the skin of the patient which applicant has found to be objectionable.
It is also known to provide a curved, elongated, airway, having a lateral slot opening to permit sidewise insertion of a tube before insertion of the airway into the trachea as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,068,658 to Berman of Jan. 17, 1978. Also to provide a straight, tooth shield member of unsplit tubular cross section with a side support of generally U-shaped configuration for receiving a medical instrument as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,167,946 to Sundstrom of Sept. 18, 1979.
However, these patents do not disclose any means for stabilization of the tube in the mouth laterally or side wise and presumably must be taped directly onto the skin of the patient's face.


A method and apparatus for dental procedures using a dental hydrojet tool having a cannula extending therefrom. The cannula is connected to a source of high pressure liquid, and delivers a high velocity, high pressure jet. For root canal procedures, the cannula is directed through an opening formed in the crown of the tooth, and the hydrojet is directed at the pulp, nerve and vascular tissue within the interior chamber. The jet may comprise medical-grade saline, disinfectant, antibiotic or abrasive solutions. All the soft tissue within the tooth is cut, excised, emulsified, and aspirated out of the tooth. The time required to excise, emulsify, and aspirate all the soft tissue within a typical molar is on the order of 10-240 seconds. The interior chamber of the tooth is completely aspirated and verified visually for completion of removal of all soft tissue, and then packed with an appropriate filler material, and the opening in the top of the tooth is filled or provided with a prosthetic crown. The fluid jet may comprise a pulsed jet formed by a pulse intensifier device in the handpiece of the dental hydrojet tool, or a steady stream jet emanating from the orifice. The jet may be used for caries removal, plaque and calculus removal, and soft tissue surgery.

The present invention relates to instruments for carrying out dental procedures, and more specifically to carrying out such procedures using a high pressure liquid jet.
It is known in the prior art and in common dental practice to carry out most treatments using mechanical techniques. For example, in endodontics, which often involves many root canal procedures, a diseased tooth is first diagnosed, and then an opening is drilled through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber thereof. After the tooth is isolated and the field sterilized, the pulp, consisting primarily of blood-rich tissue and nerve fiber and necrotic components, is then aspirated. There remains within the pulp chamber the primary nerve fibers and blood vessels that sustain the tooth. These tissues extend from extremely fine openings in the apex of the root(s) of the tooth through a narrow channel(s), and cannot be removed solely by aspiration.
Typically, a file is then inserted into the narrow channel(s) to displace and abrade the nerve and blood vessel tissue. Increasingly larger files are inserted, whereby the narrow channel(s) is cleared of all soft tissue. After cleaning and preparation, the pulp chamber and root channel(s) are filled with a sterile solid material, and the drilled opening is filled with standard gold, silver, or other dental filling preparations.
This typical procedure is labor-intensive, resulting in a high cost factor for the dentist's time as well as skill and experience. Moreover, the procedure may be painful, and sufficient local anesthetic must be injected to completely numb the area of the tooth for the relatively long time that the procedure requires.
Complications known to result from a root canal procedure may include infection arising from incomplete removal of the diseased tissue within the canal and pulp chamber, or the introduction of other infectious bacteria into those spaces during the procedure. In addition, the dentist may inadvertently perforate the tooth; e.g., by driving a file instrument through the apical opening at the base of the root, and the opening thus formed may provide a vector for renewed infection and inflammation. Not infrequently, drug therapy including a strong antibiotic is prescribed after the procedure to forestall these complications. Other complications include broken instruments lodged in the tooth, or fracture of the root or body of the tooth.
Recent innovations in this dental procedure include the use of laser light delivered into the pulp chamber and root channel by an optical fiber. The high power optical energy vaporizes the pulp and nerve tissue, and is inherently sterilizing. However, the products of tissue combustion may contaminate the interior of the chamber and root channel, and the laser pulses may not contact all of the tissue in the narrow root channel, causing very unsatisfactory results. To avoid these results, there is a tendency to apply an excess of laser energy, which may overheat the tooth and surrounding tissue and cause necrosis. In addition, laser energy impacting on pre-existing metallic fillings may cause dangerous reflected beams and unforeseen damage.
As another example, in periodontal practice, which typically includes gingivectomy procedures, the gingiva are usually resected using a scalpel, and scaling and root planing are accomplished with specialized steel tools. These procedures and most other dental procedures are executed with mechanical drills, burrs, and cutting wheels.
Innovations such as ultrasound-driven scaling instruments, high power lasers for caries removal, and the like have not substantially altered the reliance of the dental profession on the same mechanical tools that have been in use for almost a century. All such mechanical tools generate high levels of vibration and sound that are directly conducted through bone to the ears of the patient, resulting in patient comfort problems. Also, the mechanical tools, as well as ultrasound tools, generate substantial amounts of heat in very localized areas, causing direct pain stimulation. Water spray devices are provided to remove this heat, but may not be effective at the point source of the heat. In this regard, the heat generated by dental lasers may pose the greatest problem.
Clearly the prior art shows an unmet need for improved dental instruments that can carry out a wide range of dental treatment procedures without generating heat, noise, and vibration as they operate on the patient's teeth.

Method and apparatus for dental treatment using high pressure liquid jet


A looped-cord system includes a beaded cord having a set of beads connected in series to form a loop with a space between each pair of adjacent beads. In one embodiment a stop sized to fit within the space between a pair of adjacent beads is attached to a housing. A resilient finger located opposite the stop pushes a portion of the beaded cord adjacent to and not engaging the sprocket against the stop so the stop is within a space between a pair of adjacent beads, thereby preventing movement of the cord loop. Applying tension to the cord loop overcomes the resilient finger and moves the cord away from the stop enabling movement of the cord loop. In another embodiment a key engages the sprocket preventing the sprocket from turning until tension is applied to the cord loop by proper installation of the tensioner on the cord loop.

Many types of architectural coverings and treatments, such as Venetian blinds, cellular or pleated shades, and variants of these utilize an actuator known as a looped-cord or continuous looped-cord. Such cords are distinct from the basic pull cord style shades in that the looped-cord does not connect directly to the shade material, but rather engages a clutch on a rotating shaft in a headrail of the shade. Movement of the looped-cord in a first direction operates that clutch to accumulate shade material when opening, and movement of the looped-cord in a second direction lets out shade material. The looped-cord may be made at different lengths than the shade and may be configured to make multiple circulations during opening and closing of the shade. Often a beaded cord is used in a looped-cord drive. The benefits of a looped-cord system versus a standard pull cord system are that the exposed cord loop remains at a constant length whether the shade is open or closed (avoiding the problem of stowing the long exposed pull cord when the shade is opened). Moreover, a looped-cord system also provides a mechanical advantage to raise relatively large, heavy shades with reasonable cord forces.
However, looped-cord systems also have a significant disadvantage. The cord loop may hang freely along a side of the shade which is operated by the looped-cord system. Many looped-cord systems have been installed such that the cord loop extends to or below the bottom of the window and the cord is easily grasped by young children. A dangling cord loop has proved to be a health hazard to young children. In recent years, cases of death or injury have been documented in which a small child has become entangled in a cord loop and has choked or become asphyxiated when the cord became wrapped around the child's neck and constricted the child's airway. All of these incidents involved looped-cord systems which did not have a cord tensioner or the cord tensioner was not attached to the wall and the cord loop hung freely.
Current safety regulations in the United States require that looped-cord style shades be supplied with a tensioner. A tensioner typically includes a two-piece housing with a through passage for a cord and is configured for attachment to a wall or other fixed structure. A properly installed tensioner pulls the cord loop downward away from the headrail so that the cord is taut when used to raise and lower a blind and when not in use. When the cord is taut it should be difficult to spread the two runs of the cord loop apart a sufficient distance for a child's head to fit within the loop, thereby preventing injury and possibly death. However, some tensioners have been installed with a dangerous amount of slack in the cord loop and some tensioners have not been installed at all.
To minimize the limitations of known tensioners, improved tensioner designs have been developed. One design includes a tensioning spring between a cord contacting member and a tensioner mounting body. This improved design allows the tensioner to be mounted with the cord loop fully taut and the tensioning spring partially loaded. The pre-loaded spring holds the cord loop taut while not in operation, thus preventing a young child from spreading the cord loop wide enough to pass his or her head through the loop. During operation of the looped-cord system, an adult operating the cord will be able to overcome the remainder of the spring loading and easily pull the cord to open or close the shade. However, even this improved tensioner design has not fully addressed the safety concerns associated with the looped-cord systems because there is no requirement that the tensioner be installed for the shade to be operable. The end user may elect not to mount the tensioner to the wall or other non-moveable structure and instead use the tensioner as a weight at the bottom of the cord loop. Although new tensioner designs include safety improvements, if the tensioner is not mounted to the wall, as discussed above, it will not prevent the opening of the cord loop to a dangerous width.
Therefore, a need exists for a looped-cord system which will prevent the window covering from being raised and lowered if the tensioner has not been properly installed.