A blend of a rubber and a rubber modifier, the rubber modifier comprising an ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A) composed of one or more copolymers selected from the group consisting of a copolymer of ethylene and an xcex1-olefin having 3-20 carbon atoms and a copolymer of ethylene, an xcex1-olefin having 3-20 carbon atoms and a non-conjugated polyene, the copolymer rubber (A) having the parameters:

The present invention relates to a rubber modifier for improving workability in roll kneading, extrusion and so on by admixing to rubber and, more specifically, to a rubber modifier superior in the effect of modification of workability and in the handling.
Ethylene/propylene copolymer rubber (EPR) and ethylene/propylene/diene copolymer rubber (EPDM) are superior in the heat resistance and weatherability, as compared with generally used rubbers based on diene, since they do not have unsaturation bond in the main chain, so that they find application in many products including automobile parts, industrial structural materials and parts and so on.
In accordance with the increased requirement for the performance of rubber products in recent years, the molecular weights of EPR and EPDM tend to become increased. However, EPRs and EPDMs having higher molecular weights are inferior in the workability in, for example, roll kneading and extrusion, whereby a problem results in the production efficiency.
A lower molecular weight ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber is known to have an ability to improve the above-mentioned workability without deteriorating the material properties of the rubber.
However, such a lower molecular weight ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber exhibits too high of a viscosity to handle it as a flowable mass but is too soft to handle it as a solid mass, so that its handling performance is too low to be used widely.
Therefore, it has been expected to find a novel rubber modifier which is superior in the handling performance and which can afford to improve the workability of an ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber, such as EPR or EPDM, in roll kneading and in extrusion without deteriorating the material properties intrinsic for such a copolymer rubber by simply admixing thereto.
An object of the present invention is to obviate the problem incidental to the prior technique mentioned above and to provide a rubber modifier which is easy to handle and which can improve the workability of ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber, such as EPR and EPDM, without deteriorating the material properties of the copolymer rubber to be blended with the rubber modifier.
Thus, the present invention is directed to a rubber modifier which comprises an ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A) composed of one or more copolymers selected from the group consisting of a copolymer of ethylene and an xcex1-olefin having 3-20 carbon atoms and a copolymer of ethylene, an xcex1-olefin having 3-20 carbon atoms and a non-conjugated polyene, wherein the copolymer rubber (A) has the parameters of
an ethylene/xcex1-olefin mole ratio in the range of 51/49 to 87/13,
an intrinsic viscosity [xcex7] determined in decahydronaphthalene at 135xc2x0 C. in the range of 0.8 to 2.5 dl/g and
an iodine value in the range of 0 to 40.
A preferred rubber modifier according to the present invention comprises
60-90% by weight of an ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A1) having the parameters of
an ethylene/xcex1-olefin mole ratio in the range of 50/50 to 85/15,
an intrinsic viscosity [xcex7] determined in decahydronaphthalene at 135xc2x0 C. in the range of 0.2 to 0.9 dl/g and
an iodine value in the range of 0 to 40 and
10-40% by weight of an ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A2) having the parameters of
an ethylene/xcex1-olefin mole ratio in the range of 60/40 to 90/10,
an intrinsic viscosity [xcex7] determined in decahydronaphthalene at 135xc2x0 C. in the range of 3 to 6 dl/g and
an iodine value in the range of 0 to 40.
 less than The Ethylene/xcex1-Olefin Copolymer Rubber (A) greater than
The ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A) to be used according to the present invention as the rubber modifier is composed of one or more copolymers selected from the group consisting of (1) a copolymer of ethylene and an xcex1-olefin having 3-20 carbon atoms, preferably 3-8 carbon atoms, and (2) a copolymer of ethylene, an xcex1-olefin having 3-20 carbon atoms, preferably 3-8 carbon atoms and a non-conjugated polyene.
For the xcex1-olefin having 3-20 carbon atoms, there may be enumerated concretely, for example, propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene and 1-eicosene. These xcex1-olefins can be used alone or in a combination of two or more of them. Among them, particular preference is given to xcex1-olefins having 3-8 carbon atoms, such as, propylene, 1-butene and 1-octene.
As the non-conjugated polyene, there may be enumerated, for example, cyclic dienes, such as, 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene, 5-propylidene-5-norbornene, di-cyclopentadiene, 5-vinyl-2-norbornene, 5-methylene-2-norbornene, 5-isopropylidene-2-norbornene and norbornadiene; chain-formed non-conjugated dienes, such as, 1,4-hexadiene, 4-methyl-1,4-hexadiene, 5-methyl-1,4-hexadiene, 5-methyl-1,5-heptadiene, 6-methyl-1,5-hepta-diene, 6-methyl-1,7-octadiene and 7-methyl-1,6-octa-diene; and trienes, such as, 2,3-diisopropylidene-5-norbornene and 4-ethylidene-8-methyl-1,7-nonadiene. Among them, 1,4-hexadiene, dicyclopentadiene and 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene are preferred.
The ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A) has an ethylene/xcex1-olefin mole ratio in the range from 51/49 to 87/13, preferably from 55/45 to 80/20, especially preferably from 55/45 to 75/25, an intrinsic viscosity [xcex7] determined in decahydronaphthalene at 135xc2x0 C. in the range from 0.8 to 2.5 dl/g, preferably from 1.0 to 2.0 dl/g, especially preferably from 1.2 to 1.8 dl/g, and an iodine value in the range from 0 to 40, preferably from 0 to 20, especially preferably from 0 to 10.
The ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A) to be used as the rubber modifier according to the present invention may be composed of one single copolymer rubber of ethylene/xcex1-olefin or a composition of two or more copolymer rubbers of ethylene/xcex1-olefin, so long as the three parameters of the ethylene/xcex1-olefin mole ratio, the intrinsic viscosity [xcex7] and the iodine value thereof are in the above-defined ranges, respectively.
For the ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A) consisting of a composition of two or more copolymer rubbers of ethylene/xcex1-olefin, it is permissible not only that all the parameters of ethylene/xcex1-olefin mole ratio, intrinsic viscosity [xcex7] and iodine value of each individual copolymer rubber are in the above-defined ranges, respectively, but also that one or more of these parameters of individual copolymer rubber are outside the above-defined respective range, so long as the three parameters as regards the composition are in the above-defined respective range.
It is permissible to incorporate any voluntary combination of individual ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubbers for such a composite copolymer rubber (A), so long as the above-mentioned three parameters as regards the composition are in the above-defines ranges, respectively. Concrete examples of such a composite copolymer rubber (A) include the followings:
1) A composition composed of two or more of ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubbers in which all the three parameters of ethylene/xcex1-olefin mole ratio, intrinsic viscosity [xcex7] and iodine value of each individual copolymer rubber are in the above-defined ranges, respectively.
2) A composition composed of two or more of ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubbers in which one or two of the above three parameters are in the above-defined respective range.
3) A composition composed of two or more of ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubbers in which all the above three parameters are outside the above-defined respective range.
4) A composition composed of one or more of ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubbers in which all the above three parameters are in the above-defined respective range and of one or more of ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubbers in which one or two of the above three parameters are in the above-defined respective range and/or all the above three parameters are outside the above-defined respective range.
5) A composition composed of one or more of ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubbers in which one or two of the above three parameters are in the above-defined respective range and of one or more of ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubbers in which all the above three parameters are outside the above-defined respective range.
For the ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A) to be used as the rubber modifier of the present invention, a composition composed of an ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber having a relatively lower molecular weight and of an ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber having a relatively higher molecular weight is preferred and a special preference is given to a composition which comprises
60-90% by weight of an ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A1) having the parameters of
an ethylene/xcex1-olefin mole ratio in the range of 50/50 to 85/15,
an intrinsic viscosity [xcex7] determined in decahydronaphthalene at 135xc2x0 C. in the range of 0.2 to 0.9 dl/g and
an iodine value in the range of 0 to 40 and
10-40% by weight of an ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A2) having the parameters of
an ethylene/xcex1-olefin mole ratio in the range of 60/40 to 90/10,
an intrinsic viscosity [xcex7] determined in decahydronaphthalene at 135xc2x0 C. in the range of 3 to 6 dl/g and
an iodine value in the range of 0 to 40.
 less than The Ethylene/xcex1-Olefin Copolymer Rubber (A1) greater than
The ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A1) is composed of one or more copolymers selected from the group consisting of a copolymer of ethylene and an xcex1-olefin having 3-20 carbon atoms, preferably 3-8 carbon atoms, and a copolymer of ethylene, an xcex1-olefin having 3-20 carbon atoms, preferably 3-8 carbon atoms and a non-conjugated polyene and has a molecular weight lower than that of the ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A2) which is referred to afterwards.
For the xcex1-olefin having 3-20 carbon atoms and for the non-conjugated polyene, those exemplified previously for the ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A) may be used.
The ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A1) has an ethylene/xcex1-olefin mole ratio in the range from 50/50 to 85/15, preferably from 55/45 to 80/20, especially preferably from 60/40 to 75/25, an intrinsic viscosity [xcex7] determined in decahydronaphthalene at 135xc2x0 C. in the range from 0.2 to 0.9 dl/g, preferably from 0.3 to 0.7 dl/g, especially preferably from 0.35 to 0.65 dl/g, and an iodine value in the range from 0 to 40, preferably from 0 to 20, especially preferably from 0 to 10.
 less than The Ethylene/xcex1-Olefin Copolymer Rubber (A2) greater than
The ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A2) is composed of one or more copolymers selected from the group consisting of a copolymer of ethylene and an xcex1-olefin having 3-20 carbon atoms, preferably 3-8 carbon atoms, and a copolymer of ethylene, an xcex1-olefin having 3-20 carbon atoms, preferably 3-8 carbon atoms and a non-conjugated polyene and has a molecular weight higher than that of the ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A1).
For the xcex1-olefin having 3-20 carbon atoms and for the non-conjugated polyene, those monomers exemplified as for the ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A) may be employed. The xcex1-olefins and the non-conjugated polyenes employed may either be identical with or different from those used for the ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A1).
The ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A2) has an ethylene/xcex1-olefin mole ratio in the range from 50/50 to 90/10, preferably from 60/40 to 85/15, especially preferably from 65/35 to 80/20, an intrinsic viscosity [xcex7] determined in decahydronaphthalene at 135xc2x0 C. in the range from 3 to 6 dl/g, preferably from 3.3 to 5 dl/g, especially preferably from 3.5 to 4.5 dl/g, and an iodine value in the range from 0 to 40, preferably from 5 to 35, especially preferably from 10 to 30. The iodine value of the ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A2) may either be identical with or different from that of the ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A1).
 less than Blending Proportion greater than
For the ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A) which is a composition comprising the ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A1) and the ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A2), the content of the ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A1) may be 90-60%, preferably 85-70%, based on the total weight of the component rubbers (A1) and (A2), and the content of the ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer (A2) may be 10-40%, preferably 15-30%, based on the total weight of the component rubbers (A1) and (A2).
If the content of the component rubber (A2) is less than 10% by weight of the total of the component rubbers, the viscosity or tenacity of the composition becomes low and handling thereof becomes difficult, whereas, if it exceeds 40% by weight, the effect of the improvement becomes insignificant.
For the ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A) which is a composition comprising the ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A1) and the ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A2), those component rubbers (A1) and (A2) in which the three parameters identified previously are in the respective range defined previously may be employed, wherein those in which all the three parameters are in the respective preferable range are at the most preferred. However, those in which certain parameters are in the respective preferable range and others are in the respective defined but not preferable range may also preferably be employed.
 less than Rubber Modifier greater than
The rubber modifier according to the present invention comprises the ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A) and is blended to a practical general rubber (B) to improve the workability of such a rubber (B).
The rubber modifier (A) according to the present invention is superior in the effect of improving the workability in roll kneading, extrusion and so on of the rubber (B) to be blended with the rubber modifier (A) without deteriorating the material properties of the rubber (B). Moreover, it is superior in the handling performance, so that it can be processed by a Bale slicer used commonly in rubber processing and can be weighed on a weighing apparatus.
For the rubber (B) to which the rubber modifier (A) according to the present invention is blended, there is no special restriction so long as it deals with any rubber to be subjected to an improvement in the workability in roll kneading or extrusion molding, though preference is given for ethylene/propylene copolymer rubber (EPR) and ethylene/propylene/diene copolymer rubber (EPDM).
The blending proportion of the rubber modifier (A) according to the present invention may desirably be chosen in the range of 20-200 parts by weight, preferably 40-150 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the rubber (B) to be modified.
As described above, the rubber modifier according to the present invention can modify the workability of the rubber (B) to which the rubber modifier is blended, without deteriorating the material properties of the rubber blended with the rubber modifier, since it consists of a specific ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber (A). Moreover, the rubber modifier according to the present invention is easy in handling and is superior in the effect of improvement of the working performance of the rubber modifier.
In the following, the present invention will be described by way of Examples, wherein these Examples should not be understood as imparting to the invention any restriction.
The material properties and the working performance of the composite ethylene/xcex1-olefin copolymer rubber employed as the rubber modifier are recited in Table 1.
The composition of the rubber modifiers (1) to (5) as given in Table 1 are recited in Table 2 below.
In the Examples and Comparative Examples using the rubber modifiers given in Table 1, the testing of the unvulcanized rubber compositions and the vulcanized rubbers was performed as follows:
(1) Workability Test in Roll Kneading
Kneading of the unvulcanized rubber composition was effected at a roll temperature for both the fore and aft rollers of 55xc2x0 C. for 5 minutes, whereupon the performances in the gripping of the rubber in between the rollers and in the wrapping around the roller were observed, in order to evaluate the workability in roll kneading by the following 5 grades:
Grade 5: Rubber band fits the roller completely closely and the bank rotates smoothly.
Grade 4: Rubber band detaches sometimes from the roller in the region between the apex and the bank of the roller.
Grade 3: Rubber band detaches from the roller in the region between the apex and the bank of the roller.
Grade 2: Rubber band does not adhere onto the roller surface and roll kneading cannot be realized so long as the rubber band is not supported by hand.
Grade 1: Rubber band does not adhere at all onto the roller surface and hangs down so that roll kneading cannot be realized so long as the rubber band is not supported by hand.
(2) Tesnile Test
A No. 3 dumbbell test piece defined according to JIS K 6301 was punched out from a vulcanized rubber sheet, with which a tensile test was performed by the method prescribed in the norm of JIS K 6301 (3) at a temperature of 25xc2x0 C. at a towing velosity of 500 mm/min, in order to determine the tensile breaking stress (TB) and the tensile breaking elongation (EB).
(3) Hardness Test
In the hardness test, the spring hardness HB (the JIS A-Hardness) of the vulcanized rubber was dertermined in accordance with the method prescribed in JIS K 6301.
(4) Compressive Permanent Strain Test
In the compressive permanent strain test, a low temperature compressive permanent strain (CS) was determiend by the method prescribed in JIS K 6301 at a temperature of 120xc2x0 C. after 72 hours.

Rubber modified with ethylene/xcex1-olefin(/diene) rubber(s)


A semiconductor structure includes a substrate having a plurality of semiconductor devices disposed therein. A dielectric layer is disposed over the substrate. A plurality of substantially parallel metal lines are disposed in the dielectric layer. The metal lines include active lines for routing signals to and from the devices, and dummy lines which do not route signals to and from the devices. Signal cuts are disposed in the active lines. The signal cuts define tips of the active lines. Assist cuts are disposed exclusively in the dummy lines and do not define tips of the active lines. The assist cuts are located proximate the signal cuts such that a first density of assist cuts and signal cuts in an area surrounding the signal cuts is substantially greater than a second density of signal cuts alone in the same area.

Self-aligned multiple patterning, such as self-aligned double patterning (SADP), self-aligned quadruple patterning (SAQP) and direct self-assembly (DSA), are a class of technologies that are typically used to print very dense lines, such as lines having 80 nanometers (nm) pitch, 40 nm pitch or less, during the fabrication of ultra-high density semiconductor integrated circuits. These technologies generally pattern a sea (or large array) of parallel metal lines into back-end-of-line (BEOL) dielectric layers during the formation of interconnect systems for front-end-of-line (FEOL) semiconductor devices, such as transistors, resistors, capacitors or the like. The semiconductor devices are formed in an FEOL substrate layer of the semiconductor integrated circuit.
Cut masks are then utilized in a photolithographic process to pattern signal cuts into predetermined locations (or targets) of the sea of metal lines to define the tips of active metal lines and dummy metal lines. The active lines are used to route electric signals, or electric power, to and from the semiconductor devices.
The dummy lines are inactive and do not carry any signals or electric power. The dummy lines are patterned into the BEOL dielectric layer because the self-aligned multiple patterning techniques cannot distinguish between dummy and active lines. Additionally, it would become very expensive to develop a complex mask to pattern exclusively active lines.
However, due to the high density of the metal lines and the small tip to tip distances (widths), e.g. 30 nm or less, between the signal cuts, it is a significant challenge to control the cut mask's edges to prevent undercuts or unwanted cuts of a signal cut target on a specific section of a metal line. An undercut is where a targeted line may only be partially cut. An unwanted cut is where lines adjacent to the targeted line may inadvertently be cut. Both the undercuts and unwanted cuts will adversely affect system performance.
Further, a light source passing through a cut mask during a photolithographic process to illuminate a target is always subject to a certain magnitude of process errors such as focus and exposure errors that cause distortion in the images that are used to form the signal cuts. The processed images often appear with irregularities such as line widths that are narrower or wider than the design of the target image.
This distortion problem is significantly exacerbated when the signal cuts form a sparsely distributed pattern, as opposed to a densely distributed pattern, within the highly dense sea of metal lines. This is because it is virtually impossible to optimize illumination conditions in a photolithographic process for both dense lines and sparse cut patterns. Therefore, in a sparse pattern of signal cuts, the variations in the critical dimensions and other measurable features of the cuts may be three times or more than that of a dense pattern of signal cuts.
For purposes herein, a dense pattern of signal cuts is where the spaces between the cuts will approach the width of the cuts themselves. For example, in a dense pattern of signal cuts the spaces between the cuts may be less than three times the width of the cuts and preferably less than two times the width of the cuts. Also for purposes herein, in a sparse pattern of signal cuts the spaces between the cuts may be greater than three, five or more times the width of the cuts. Also, by comparison, the density of signal cuts (i.e., the number of signal cuts per unit area) for a dense pattern of cuts will generally be at least two times the density of a sparse pattern of signal cuts.
Optical proximity correction (OPC) technology can be used to reduce the above described image variations and errors by moving edges or adding features, such as sub-resolution assist features, to the pattern written into the cut masks used during the photolithographic process. However, even with the most sophisticated OPC techniques, the variations in a sparse signal cut pattern will still be on the order of three times greater than that of a dense signal cut pattern for the same size cuts.
Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus and method to improve the resolution of metal signal cuts in active lines of a semiconductor structure. More specifically, there is a need to improve the resolution and variation of signal cuts in a sparse pattern of signal cuts. Further there is a need to improve the resolution of signal cuts which define the tip ends of active metal lines in a sea of metal active and dummy lines, wherein the metal lines have a pitch of 80 nm or less.

Assist cuts disposed in dummy lines to improve metal signal cuts in active lines of a semiconductor structure


A work machine includes an engine, a pilot pump to be driven by the engine to supply a pilot fluid, an operation pump to receive a first pilot fluid to change an output power in accordance with the first pilot fluid, a pilot fluid tube provided between the pilot pump and the operation pump, an operation valve connected to the pilot fluid tube to output the first pilot fluid, the first pilot fluid being a part of the pilot fluid supplied from the pilot fluid, a temperature sensor to measure a temperature of at least one of an operation fluid including the pilot fluid, a cooling water, an engine oil, and an outside air, and a pressure controller to control a first pilot pressure of the pilot fluid outputted from the operation valve when a temperature measured by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a first temperature.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a work machine.
Discussion of the Background
Japanese Patent Publication No. 3308019 has disclosed a technique for a work machine to control a hydraulic pump on the basis of a temperature such as a water temperature. Japanese Patent Publication No. 3308019 discloses a hydraulic control device for a hydraulic construction machine including a variable displacement pump, a hydraulic actuator configured to be driven by a discharged fluid of the pump, and a control valve configured to control a flow rate of a pressured fluid in accordance with a switching amount, the pressured fluid being introduced to the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic control device includes a detection means configured to detect that a cooling water temperature of a motor or a temperature of an engine oil is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature and then to output a high temperature signal, and a discharge amount control means configured to reduce the switching amount of the control valve to be lower than the switching mount of a state not outputting the high temperature signal, when the high temperature signal is outputted.


A method of configuring an RF transceiver to receive a geographic-region specific message within a RF signal from a communications network, includes detecting the geographic-region specific message in a first RF transceiver operating in a first RF frequency spectrum; associating the detected geographic-region specific RF signal with a geographic region; generating a configuration command signal for the geographic region; and configuring a second RF transceiver to receive and transmit RF signals in a second RF frequency spectrum particular to the geographic region from the configuration command signal. A system for configuring an RF transceiver for use with a communications network, wherein the network includes transmitters which transmit a geographic-region specific message unique to the geographic region in which the transmitter is located, includes a mobile appliance having plural RF transceivers therein, including a first RF transceiver operating in a first RF frequency spectrum and a second RF transceiver operating in a second RF frequency spectrum, wherein the first RF transceiver receives the geographic-region specific message from a transmitter; a configuration mechanism for receiving the geographic-region specific message from the first transceiver, generating a configuration command signal, and transmitting the configuration command signal to the second RF transceiver; wherein the second RF transceiver, upon receipt of the configuration command signal, changes an associated RF configuration to operate in the second RF frequency spectrum associated with the geographic region.

This invention relates to wireless communication for mobile communications and computing appliances, and specifically to devices which incorporate both cellular communications capability, for wide area, mobile connectivity, and industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band RF communications connectivity, for short range, mostly indoor connectivity, such as a cellular-personal digital assistant (PDA), or cell phone.
The industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) RF band, at 2.4 GHz, permits non-licensed operation of wireless communication devices, subject to certain constraints in terms of transmit power, modulation and bandwidth. Although the ISM band is broadly available worldwide, there are regional variations in the spectrum available, due to the existence of legacy RF systems in this band in certain countries. Specifically, France uses significantly less of the ISM band than do the rest of Europe and the United States of America. Although Japan now uses the same ISM frequency band as the United States of America and Europe, certain portions of that country still use a different spectrum of the ISM band, beginning and ending higher in the 2.4 GHz spectrum. The allowed bands for non-licensed operation are as follows:
A number of new and existing communications systems are designed to operate in these non-licensed bands. Some examples are:
802.11 This is a wireless IEEE standard and protocol for use with LAN systems, designed as a wireless replacement for office LAN communications. It comes in both Direct Sequence (DS) and Frequency Hopping (FH) variants both operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM bands. Variation of this standard are identified as 802.11a and 802.11b. 802.11b is an unlicensed national information infrastructure (UNII) protocol and operates in the 5 GHz band.
HomeRF This is a new wireless ISM band protocol for Shared Wireless Access Protocolxe2x80x94SWAP-CA Cordless Access, which specification is just undergoing completion. It is intended to provide cordless communications for voice and data for home networking applications, particularly for multimedia applications.
Bluetooth(trademark) Bluetooth(trademark) is a new short-range communications standard, designed for operation in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. Bluetooth(trademark) is intended primarily as a replacement for cables, providing connectivity over a short range between, for example, a PDA and Laptop or a Laptop and Cellular Phone. Bluetooth(trademark) is an RF alternative for IrDA connectivity. Bluetooth(trademark) is a trademark/service mark of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, of Stockholm, Sweden for telecommunication equipment, computer communication equipment, including radio modems; and telecommunication and computer communication services.
Each of these protocols is constrained to operate within the allowed regulations of the non-licensed ISM band, which regulations vary according to the country of operation. The specifications of these systems define the frequencies of operation and allowable carrier frequencies and further define how the protocols differ between France, Japan, the USA and the rest of Europe.
In order to support the movement of portable equipment between different countries, which have differing ISM band allocations, it is necessary for an ISM band communications module in a device to be configured to the appropriate country in which the device is being operated. This is necessary to comply with national regulatory schemes and to avoid interference with other devices operating in the same portion of the ISM spectrum in a particular country or geographical region. For example, in moving a Bluetooth(trademark)-enabled device from the USA to France, the country_code within the Bluetooth(trademark) module must be reconfigured from the USA RF spectrum to the French RF spectrum, to avoid interference from devices operating in the USA ISM spectrum and outside of the French ISM spectrum. Reconfiguration is also required to avoid violating French regulations for non-licensed RF devices.
In most cases, such reconfiguration requires the user to manually alter the device configuration for a specific country using some kind of driver software. Some devices may be hard-configured to comply with the non-licensed frequency spectrum in only a single country, or geographical region, and are not capable of being re-configured. It is desirable, however, for an ISM band communications device to automatically configure itself to the RF spectrum of the country in which it is located, without user intervention.
ISM systems have historically not needed to roam between different regulatory regions, as they have traditionally been part of a fixed wireless system, such as a LAN. They are configured to function with the local RF spectrum, generally upon initial activation, by manual user intervention, e.g., configuration of device driver options.
Licensed, wide area cellular systems have provided automatic regional configuration to local spectrum variations by supporting multi-band terminals and/or subscriber identification module (SIM) roaming. This requires redundant hardware, such as a new terminal for SIM roaming, or additional RF hardware for multi-band terminals. SIM roaming requires manual intervention i.e., insertion of the SIM into a new terminal, in order to function. Multi-band devices adapt to the local band by scanning possible frequencies to detect the frequency of transmission of the local cell-sites. Prior art in non-licensed technology is either permanently configured to one country""s regulation or requires manual reconfiguration to change to a new country.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,729,680, to Belanger et al., granted Mar. 17, 1998, for Ad hoc initialization for wireless local area network, describes a method for bootstrapping unlicensed band communications devices from cold start, so that they are able to communicate, but does not teach or suggest a system or method for adapting to different geographic spectral differences.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,838,730, to Cripps, granted Nov. 17, 1998, for Radio transmitted/receiver for wireless local area network, describes a system which complies to the non-licensed band regulations of the United States of America.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,867,766, to Dinc et al., granted Feb. 2, 1999, for Technique for performing an automatic channel search and switch during talk-time in mobile transceivers, describes a system incorporating a single RF module, which configures its transmission frequencies by measuring the locally used transmission frequencies.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,372, to Kruys, granted Mar. 9, 1999, for Radio Communication Device and Method, describes a system which forces the radio module to only use the set of frequencies which are common globally and denies operation in any frequency which is not available in every country. This restricts the performance because only a small subset of channel frequencies are available globally in the ISM band.
The prior art in the ISM device field does not provide such an automatic configuration capability, in which information from a regulated/licensed wide area wireless technology, such as GSM, is used to configure a short-range, non-regulated wireless module in order to meet local frequency band variations in the non-licensed band.
A method of configuring an RF transceiver to receive a geographic-region specific message within a RF signal from a communications network, includes detecting the geographic-region specific message in a first RF transceiver operating in a first RF frequency spectrum; associating the detected geographic-region specific RF signal with a geographic region; generating a configuration command signal for the geographic region; and configuring a second RF transceiver to receive and transmits RF signals in a second RF frequency spectrum particular to the geographic region from the configuration command signal. A system for configuring an RF transceiver for use with a communications network, wherein the network includes transmitters which transmit a geographic-region specific message unique to the geographic region in which the transmitter is located, includes a mobile appliance having plural RF transceivers therein, including a first RF transceiver operating in a first RF frequency spectrum and a second RF transceiver operating in a second RF frequency spectrum, wherein the first RF transceiver receives the geographic-region specific message from a transmitter; a configuration mechanism for receiving the geographic-region specific message from the first transceiver, generating a configuration command signal, and transmitting the configuration. command signal to the second RF transceiver; wherein the second RF transceiver, upon receipt of the configuration command signal, changes an associated RF configuration to operate in the second RF frequency spectrum associated with the geographic region.
It is an object of the invention to provide automatic configuration of an non-licensed band RF module to local variations in allocation of the non-licensed RF spectrum, without user intervention.
Another object of the invention is to provide an ISM device which uses the country code broadcast information in a geographic region to reconfigure device RF capability to accommodate region specific messages.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become more fully apparent as the description which follows is read in conjunction with the drawings.

Method and apparatus for automatic adaptation of communications systems to regional spectrum variations


A method and apparatus are provided for isostatically bulge forming tube stock. The tube is assembled in sealing arrangement with a split die. The assembly is placed in a pressure vessel wherein an non-compressible fluid is pressurized to form the tube into the die cavities. Because the force on the tooling is compressive in nature, relatively low strength, low cost tools may be used.

Many metal ducts and tubes having very irregular bends, bulges and indentations are used in commercial aircraft. These are principally used to duct air from one location to another. The most harsh environment, and the one requiring the most convoluted metal tubes, is the ducting of hot exhaust gases from jet engines.
Some such ducts which are relatively straight and not harshly bulged or indented are shaped by conventional bulge forming methods. U.S. Pat. No. 2,372,917 to Tuttle shows a conventional method of bulge forming a tube in a split female tool. A liquid is pressurized in the interior of the tube while pressure is vented from the tool cavities. German 24 42 801 to Seizo also shows a bulge forming method featuring an intermediate fluid filled chamber to accomplish pressurization of the forming liquid. U.S. Pat. No. 3,564,886 shows a similar bulge-forming method in a vented tool. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,359,624 and 3,462,821, both to Cours et al., are of general interest as background for pipe forming using certain bulge forming techniques.
Prior art FIG. 1 shows a conventional bulge forming apparatus 1. Apparatus I consists of an upper platen 2 and lower platen 4. Jig collar 6 holds first die half 8 and second die half 10 together with tube 12 therebetween. Tube 12 is formed to match interior contour 14 of dies 8 and 10 by pushing bottom a piston 16 and top piston 22 together. An incompressible fluid 20 is fed into to 12 through inlet 18 in piston 16. Air is simultaneously evacuated through outlet 24 in top piston 22. When all the air is gone, a valve 26 on outlet 24 is closed and pressure is applied to fluid 20 causing tube 12 to bulge into dies 8 and 10. While this method is effective, it has a number of limitations. It requires a high tonnage press and high strength machined tools that will withstand the application of hydraulic pressures up to 20,000 psi. While the method may be cost effective where thousands of parts are to be made, it is very expensive to provide a high tonnage press and such tooling for short run pads. Moreover, the process generally lends itself only to the manufacture of rather straight tubes of rather short length and small interior volume. The method also generates substantial scrap above and below the bulge formed section of pipe.
Most part runs of large tubes and ducts for commercial airplanes are short, forming has conventionally been done by hammer forming small segments and then welding them together. While tooling costs for this method are relatively low, it is very labor intensive and difficult to control quality.
It is the object of this invention to provide novel, isostatic bulge forming equipment and methods which overcome the shortcomings of this prior art.


An illumination unit that can illuminate a drug having a stamped character thereon in a plurality of illumination directions surrounding the drug sequentially switches the direction in which the drug is illuminated. An imaging unit repeatedly captures the image of the drug whenever the illumination direction of the illumination unit is switched. A feature image extraction unit analyzes the captured image in each illumination direction and extracts a feature image corresponding to the shadow of the stamped character from each captured image. A feature image integration unit integrates the feature images in each illumination direction which are extracted by the feature image extraction unit to generate an integrated image. The recognition unit recognizes the stamped character included in the integrated image which is generated by the feature image integration unit and recognizes the type of drug on the basis of the result of recognizing the stamped character.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a drug recognition device and a drug recognition method which recognize the type of drug having a stamped character thereon.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, for example, when a doctor prescribes a plurality of types of drug which are taken at different times (for example, after breakfast, after lunch, and after dinner) for a patient in hospitals, unit-dose packaging which dispenses and packages a plurality of types of drug (for example, tablets or capsules) corresponding to one dose in one packet has been generally performed. Unit-dose packaging means that drugs corresponding to each dose which are picked by the pharmacist according to a prescription are set in a tray (also referred to as a tablet case) of a packaging machine and the packaging machine automatically packages the drugs in the tray in each packet. In the unit-dose packaging, in some cases, the pharmacist manually performs the picking of the drugs or the setting of the drugs in the tray. Therefore, the type of drug or the number of drugs which is different from that written in the prescription is likely to be erroneously packaged in a packet. For this reason, in order to determine whether the drugs packaged in a packet match those written in the prescription, the type of drug or the number of drugs is automatically recognized before or after the drugs are packaged in the packet.
For example, JP2012-165876A discloses an inspection device which captures the image of each packet of drugs set on a transparent plate, using cameras that are provided in a direction perpendicular to the transparent plate, and performs imaging processing for the captured images obtained by each camera to automatically recognize characters printed or stamped on the drugs. It is possible to recognize the type of drug on the basis of the result of recognizing the characters printed or stamped on the drug.
JP2013-148454A discloses a tablet inspection device which irradiates drugs packaged in a packet with parallel light and diffuse light at different times, captures the image of the drugs illuminated with each light component, generates a difference image between the image captured when the parallel light is emitted and the image captured when the diffuse light is emitted, and counts the number of drugs on the basis of the difference image.
JP2010-190786A discloses a print inspection device which illuminates a drug while switching the set amount (illumination conditions) of light from an illumination unit, captures the image of the drug whenever the illumination conditions are switched, and performs image processing (binarization process) for the image captured under each illumination condition to extract characters printed on the drug. Then, the print inspection device determines the optimum illumination condition in which the contrast between the printed characters and the background is the maximum among the illumination conditions and performs a process of capturing the image of the drug and image processing under the optimum illumination condition to recognize the characters (type name) printed on the drug.
JP2010-117331A discloses a granular article type inspection device which illuminates a drug in one illumination direction, using an illumination unit that can illuminate the drug in a plurality of illumination directions, captures the image of the drug to acquire a captured image, and performs image processing for the captured image to extract characters printed or stamped on the drug. Then, in a case in which the extraction of the printed characters or the stamped characters from the captured image has failed, the granular article type inspection device switches the illumination direction of the illumination unit, performs the imaging process and image processing again, and recognizes the characters printed or stamped on the drug.


A system includes an image capture device configured to capture an image of at least a portion of an industrial device or machinery. The system also includes a display configured to display the image. The system further includes a processor communicatively coupled to the image capture device and the display and configured to cause the display to display a graphical user interface (GUI) on the display, wherein the GUI comprises a first indicator located in user selectable first portion of the display and a window configured to display a portion of the image corresponding to a location of the first indicator, wherein the processor is configured to cause the first indicator to move to a second portion of the display in response to receiving an indication of a user interaction with the window.

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to non-destructive testing devices, and more specifically, to providing selectable functionality of displayed images to facilitate the use of the non-destructive testing devices.
Certain devices may be used to inspect a variety of systems and facilities, such as power generation equipment and facilities, oil and gas equipment and facilities, aircraft equipment and facilities, manufacturing equipment and facilities, and the like. The inspection equipment may include various non-destructive inspection or non-destructive testing (NDT) devices. For example, video boroscopes (or endoscopes), portable eddy current inspection devices, portable X-ray inspection devices, and the like, may be used to observe or otherwise inspect the systems and facilities using non-destructive inspection techniques. These devices may display a video picture of an object situated within a remote cavity.
The image displayed by the NDT devices may be displayed on a video screen and may vary in magnification, apparent size, and detail, depending upon how close the end of the insertion tube carrying the lens system is from the object being viewed. Likewise, particular regions of the image may be presented as a magnified portion in the display. Additionally, the NDT devices may include user interfaces useful in allowing users to perform various monitoring functions. Unfortunately, such user interfaces may be complex, cumbersome, and time-consuming for users. Additionally, these user interfaces may not allow for ease of viewing of an enhanced portion of an image. Accordingly, it may be useful to provide NDT devices with improved user interfaces.

Selectable enhancement window for incremental measurement adjustment


Techniques are described for providing an MFP device with access to external Web services. According to embodiments, an MFP Web application receives a registration request to register a particular user of an MFP with the MFP Web application. The MFP peripheral Web application uses at least one external Web service. In response to receiving the registration request, the MFP Web application performs at least one of sending to an email address associated with the particular user an email that includes a registration code and a link to the MFP Web application or sending to the MFP the registration code and encoded data including a link to the MFP Web application. After receiving an access token and the registration code, mapping data is stored at the MFP Web application that maps MFP device user identification data for the particular user to the access token for accessing the external Web service.

The approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section.
Some multi-function peripherals (MFPs) include sophisticated computing platforms that support built-in applications and services, such as printing, scanning, faxing, etc., as well as access to Web applications and/or Web services. In order to access Web-based services via the MFP, a user may be required to input authentication credentials, such as a user identifier (ID) and password pair, through a control panel on the MFP. These authentication credentials may vary for each Web service that a user may wish to access. For example, the user may use a particular user ID and password for one Web service, and a different user ID and/or password for another Web service. Entering such credentials each time a user wishes to access these services via an MFP may be a cumbersome and time-consuming process. In addition, the user may not trust the security of third-party MFPs to store or access authentication credentials for external cloud services.
OAuth is a protocol that allows applications developed by third-parties to access a service consumer's account. Within the OAuth workflow, the consumer/user is redirected from a third-party application to an authentication endpoint for the cloud service, where the user provides authentication credentials and authorizes access by the third-party application. This process enables the third-party application to access the Web service without requiring the user to share their authentication credentials with the third-party application. The OAuth protocol can be challenging for some MFPs, which may only support limited-capability browsers or embedded applications for connecting to Web services. For example, the MFP's browser may not be able to connect directly to external Web services, browse the World Wide Web and/or fully support authorization protocols such as OAuth.

Card authentication for OAuth supported cloud services on a multi-function device


An adjustable breakaway neck noose for retaining an end of a cylindrical container comprising a flexible cord of a predetermined length having an exterior surface of a woven material and having a first end and a second end which can form a noose therebetween. A holder is incorporated for holding the end of the cylindrical container having a top surface defining a raised tab and a hole transversely defined therethrough of sufficient size to receive the first and second ends of the cord, yet frictionally engage the exterior surface of the cord. The holder can be positioned along a locus of points along the length of cord so as to change the size of the noose. A bottom surface of the holder defines a cup with interior cylindrical walls sized to receive and frictionally engage the end of a cylindrical container. A clip is incorporated for clipping the first and second ends of the cord together and frictionally holding the first and second ends of the cord. The clip releases the ends of the cords when a predetermined amount of tension above one pound is exerted between the clip and the cord.

This invention relates generally to neck leashes or nooses for retaining objects around the neck, and more particularly to those that are adjustable and can breakaway from the neck under predetermined amounts of tension.
A number of different types of various neck worn retaining devices have been available. These types of devices do not have the unique adjustability and safety of the instant invention.
A preliminary patentability search conducted in the Patent and Trademark Office was directed to the field of search encompassing Classes 224/202, 207, 219, 251, 257, 267, 901, 206/37, 38, and 540.
Below are patents found and thought to be relevant to the instant invention.
______________________________________ Pat. No. Inventor Issue Date ______________________________________ 1,004,968 I. L. Baugh Oct. 3, 1911 2,704,961 E. Weil Mar. 29, 1955 2,756,912 A. T. Armstrong July 31, 1956 3,225,982 C. M. Melton Dec. 28, 1965 3,545,659 W. J. Libby Dec. 8, 1970 3,567,085 J. G. Flores Mar. 2, 1971 3,977,638 J. M. Woodward Aug. 31, 1976 4,674,298 S. Wimmershoff-Caplan Jun. 23, 1987 4,733,807 R. E. Porter et al Mar. 29, 1988 4,795,069 H. M. Ferrill Jan. 3, 1989 ______________________________________
The Wimmershoff-Caplan, U.S. Pat. No. 4,674,298 patent is directed to an assembly including a pen having a cap designed so that the pen can be worn as part of an ornamental necklace. The assembly has a precious metal ring portion into which the cap of a writing implement such as a fountain pen can be slideably engaged or fitted.
The Ferrill, U.S. Pat. No. 4,795,069 patent is directed to a clip collar for security badges. A type of clip or clasp 22 is mounted to the badge 21 for grasping the clip 20. The clip 20 is insertable within the bore 11 of the collar 10 which passes around the neck of the user. The badge 21 is removable or releasable from the clip 20 in an easy manner.
The Porter et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,807 patent is directed to a container for medicinals which passes around the neck of the user. A bottle 20 may be inserted within the holder 20 and retained thereby. Additionally, this device includes a chain 38 which passes around the neck of the user. The bottle 20 is apparently frictionally held within the holder system.
The Flores, U.S. Pat. No. 3,567,085 patent is directed to a neck-supported pill container 6 which includes an endless cord 8. The container 6 is coupled to a vial 10 and the entire device is mounted around the neck of the user, as is shown in FIG. 1. Although directed to a pill container, this device is a container member adapted for mounting around the neck of the user.
The remaining references cited above are all directed to other systems having one or more of the elements of the present invention in common. However, none of them appear to be any more relevant than those previously discussed above.
More particularly, the Wimmershoff-Caplan patent fails to disclose an adjustable neck noose and fails to disclose a neck noose that is breakaway. The Ferrill patent fails to disclose an adjustable neck noose and fails to show a breakaway noose of the type in operation in the searched invention. Just like the Wimmershoff-Caplan patent, the Porter et al patent also fails to have an adjustable neck noose and is not breakaway. Furthermore, the orientation of the holder is upward as opposed to downward and can interfere with the proper utilization of the item retained. Finally, the Flores device cannot be quickly utilized and the vial 10 must be unscrewed from its upper end. Also, no provision is made for the adjustability of the neck noose, nor does it have the breakaway aspect of the instant invention.
Other types of neck worn devices are known to be available having a cord which is securely retained to a holding means which can grasp a cylindrical object relying upon frictional engagement between inner walls of the holding device and the cylindrical object. However, the device has no adjustability in terms of the size of the neck noose and the neck noose presents danger, particularly to skiers. During skiing and other active sports often times a noose around the neck can lead to serious injury as the noose can accidentally hook on to a piece of personal equipment or a mechanical device, proving injurious and possibly fatal to the wearer. Also, during active sports or the like, the object on the end of the noose can fly up and hit the wearer in the face.
Especially considering the more active environment for outdoors sports and activities, there is a great demand for an adjustable neck noose which is breakaway under a predetermined amount of tension, yet safely retains various objects that are necessary for purposes of personal hygiene, skin protection, or lighting, among other things.
There is a potential interest in the personal products industry for such a device which can retain a object around the neck, being entirely adjustable for each individual wearer, and prevent the neck noose or object held from injuring the wearer. It is equally important that the overall appearance of the device must be aesthetic pleasing and fashionable, as well as easily and inexpensively manufactured, assembled and shipped.
The features identified above as being desirable for neck leashes for retaining objects are all provided by the present invention.

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A microcomputer compares a low voltage LV and a middle voltage MV to a predetermined voltage Vth set at a value in the vicinity of the grounded voltage (0 V) on the basis of detected phase voltages Vu, Vv and Vw, and thus, detects a break in a power supply line.

Conventionally, there have been motor control devices for controlling the operation of a motor (brushless motor) through the supply of a drive power of three phases (U, V, W). These motor control devices include, for example, a device for supplying drive power by switching the energized phase and the direction of the energization for every 60 degrees, that is, the energized pattern in terms of the electrical angle of the motor which is the object of the control as shown in FIG. 4 (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
In the case where there are two energized phases (drive phases) in the driving of the motor through such an energization with rectangular waves, the voltage on the drive phase power supply side becomes a high voltage HV, the voltage on the drive phase grounded side becomes a low voltage LV, and the voltage of the non-drive phase becomes a middle voltage MV. That is, the following relational expression is theoretically established between the respective phase voltages. The respective phase voltages are monitored to determine whether this relational expression is established, so that a break in a power supply line to the motor can be detected.HV+LV−2×MV=0  (1)    Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2005-295688


An inkjet printing apparatus, comprising: a recording head; an ink reservoir; an ink receiver; a first waste liquid reservoir comprising a first holding body; a second waste liquid reservoir comprising a second holding body; and a housing, wherein: the second waste liquid reservoir is movable between a first position where the first and second holding bodies contact and a second position; in a state where the second waste liquid reservoir is at the second position, the first holding body overlaps with the second holding body in an intersecting direction intersecting with a moving direction in which the second waste liquid reservoir moves; and in a state where the second waste liquid reservoir is disposed at the first position, the first and second holding bodies contact such that at least one of the first and second holding bodies elastically deforms to show an restoring force in the intersecting direction.

Technical Field
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an inkjet printing apparatus having a waste liquid reservoir for storing ink sucked from a recording head.
Related Art
An inkjet printing apparatus which forms an image on a sheet by ejecting ink from nozzles of a recording head is known. Such an inkjet printing apparatus includes a sucking unit in which, in order to remove foreign substances from the nozzles of the recording head, the foreign substances in the nozzles of the recording head are sucked by a pump and are stored in a waste ink reservoir.
In the inkjet printing apparatus, the waste ink reservoir is divided into a fixed waste ink reservoir which is fixedly disposed and a detachable waste ink reservoir which is detachably attachable to the fixed waste ink reservoir. In a state where the detachable waste ink tank is attached to the fixed waste ink reservoir, a fixed waste ink storing body of the fixed waste ink reservoir and a detachable waste ink storing body of the detachable waste ink reservoir contact with each other.


This invention discloses an illumination device for use in image reading applications. The illumination device comprises a light guide and a light source attached to one end of the light guide, which consists of a rod-shaped body with two end light reflectors made of metal clips. The two lateral surfaces of the light guide causes total internal reflection of light rays impinging upon the surface from within the light guide. The curved top surface of the light guide serves the function of focusing. The narrow bottom surface along the light guide reflects the light with a series of highly reflective paint stripes of varying widths applied upon it. The light source comprises a plurality of light emitting elements and at least a center of the light emitting elements is placed along a normal line passing through a center of the reflection area when viewed in a longitudinal direction of the light guide. A light beam applied from the light source is scattered and reflected by a scatter and reflection area of the light guide to illuminate an original document.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an illumination device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an illumination device having a light guide to provide uniform illumination to a target as used in an image reading apparatus such as copying apparatus, facsimile apparatus, scanner and electronic blackboard.
2. Related Background Art
A variety of image reading apparatus having various types of illumination devices have been proposed for image input and conversion of an original document into image signals. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,808,295 and 5,499,112 disclosed a reading apparatus of an information processing system such as a scanner as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, in which Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are used to light up the front end of a long, thin light guide that creates a narrow strip of light on a paper target scanned by a linear imaging system.
Referring to FIGS. 1A to 1C, a preferred embodiment of the prior art illumination device is discussed. Numeral 100 denotes the read position of an original, numeral 10 denotes a light transmissive sensor substrate on which a plurality of photo-electric conversion elements formed by using a thin film semiconductor layer are arranged in one dimension. The light transmissive sensor substrate 10 is packaged on a light transmissive packaging substrate 15 by bonding and is electrically connected with a drive circuit. Numeral 30 denotes an illumination means (light source) which comprises LED light sources. Numeral 3 denotes a light transmissive member such as Acrylic, having a 5-sided cross-section as shown in FIG. 1B, the tilted side, which is a 45-degree planar surface that intersects the left side and top side, is named as the illuminating face. The topside is also called top face, and the left side, right side, top face and bottom side would make a rectangle without the intersection of the illuminating face. Numeral 4 denotes the illuminating face. Numeral 9 denotes an incident plane through which a light beam emitted from the illumination means 30 is applied to the illuminating face 4 and top face, and numeral 5 denotes a scatter and reflection area for scattering and reflecting the light beam. The scatter and reflection area 5 is formed by applying light diffusion reflective paint. Numeral 20 denotes a white plastic holder that surrounds all sides of the light guide except incident plane 9, top face and illuminating face 4.
A light beam L emitted from the LEDs in light source 30 enters the light transmissive member 3 from the incident plane 9 of the light transmissive member 3 and repeatedly reflected via the process of total internal reflection ("TIR") at the inner surface of the light transmissive member 3 and propagates therein, until finally reaches the opposite plane to the incident plane 9, where it is again reflected and propagates in the light transmissive member 3. While propagating down the length of the light transmissive member 3, some light reaches the scatter and reflection area 5 where it is diffused and a portion L1 as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1C, is emitted out of the illuminating face 4 located opposing area 5 with an 45-degree angle and it passes through the light transmissive packaging substrate 15 and the illumination window in the light transmissive sensor substrate 10 and irradiates the document sheet located at the read position of an original 100. Another portion L2 as shown in FIG. 1C, of the diffused light beam is directed to the top face and exits. Still another portion L3, as shown in FIG. 1C of the diffused light beam, is directed to the exit plane obliquely so that it is totally reflected as shown as L4 in FIG. 1C of the reflected light beam to exit the illuminating face 4, and another portion L5 as shown in FIG. 1C, of the reflected light beam is again directed to the top face and exits, and some portion of L3 may pass through light transmissive member 3 and hit white plastic holder and bounce back into light transmissive member 3 after suffering an approximately 10% loss, then propagates along with the rest of the reflected light beam in the light transmissive member 3, it repeats the propagation and finally reaches the incident plane 9 where it is emitted out.
The light beam which irradiates the document sheet 100 is reflected by the document sheet 100 and directed to the photo-electric conversion elements on the light transmissive sensor substrate 10 where it is photoelectrically converted to produce an image read signal which is outputed to an external device.
In the example described above, the device may be an efficient extractor of light, but it has some significant problems in regards to its ability to couple the light efficiently with the imaging system. Since the imaging system only receives an extremely narrow line on the scanned paper at any given time came out of the illuminating face 4, the best illumination device should be provided with an illuminating face capable of focusing a scattered light onto the target paper to form a very narrow line. The device as disclosed apparently lacks such ability because the illuminating face of the aforementioned light guide is flat.
The aforementioned devices are further disadvantaged with several more notable problems. First, a large percentage of light leaks out of the top of the light guide as indicated as L2 and L5 in FIG. 1C. Second, the paint stripe surface 5 is not perpendicular to the aim direction of the illuminating face, reducing the amount of directly scattered light out of the light guide towards the center of the target. Thirdly, a white plastic holder that covers substantially the entire surfaces of the light guide except for the top illumination surface contributes further to the loss of light because of absorption of the light by the plastics. As a result of these arrangements, the device as disclosed relies significantly on indirect scatter, which is a less efficient way to illuminate the paper target and widens the illumination pattern.
Referring to FIGS. 2A to 2C, there is shown a perspective view of an additional embodiment of the prior art illumination system. In particular, in FIGS. 2A to 2C, numeral 30 denotes a light source which comprises LED chips 81G and 81R which are light emitting elements having different light emission wavelength ranges. The read position of the document sheet 100, the position of an illumination window and an optical axis along the array direction of the scatter and reflection area 5 of the light transmissive member 3 are set such that they are in a normal plane passing through the read position of the document sheet 100. The light beam L emitted from the LED chips 81G and 81R is scattered and reflected by the scatter and reflection area 5 and a portion L1, of the light beam goes out of the light transmissive member 3, passes through the illumination window to illuminate the original 100. Another portion L2, of the scattered and reflected light beam further propagates through the light transmissive member 3.
In this example, centers of the LED chips 81G and 81R of the respective light emission wavelength ranges of the light source 30 are deviated from a normal line passing through the center of the scatter and reflection area 5, By arranging the light source in this manner, better illumination uniformity along the light guide is achieved, and the high color discrimination ability and multi-tone output image are attained without providing an illumination compensation circuit is produced. In this example, the paint stripe, the scatter and reflection area 5 in FIGS. 2A to 2C, is aligned perpendicular to the aim direction and consequently improved illumination efficiency over the previous example. But the rectangular cross-section of the light guide, which determines the top face of the light guide through which portion L1 of the reflected and scattered light beam travel to the target, is still flat, thus still lacking the ability to focus the light scattered from the paint stripe onto the target.
In addition, while the device as disclosed achieves better illumination uniformity along the light guide by placing the centers of the LED chips 81G and 81R deviated from the normal line, it nevertheless suffers substantial drawbacks as, by its design, it imposes a significant limitation as to the physical location as well as the number of the LED chips permissible on the light guide without compromising illumination uniformity. According to this design, the placement of a third LED chip such as the Blue chip would be difficult, if is not impossible, without compromising its illumination uniformity.
There is therefore an apparent need for an illumination device that has an illumination face capable of forming a focused illumination on the target paper to produce a very narrow line and reduces undesirable light loss from the non-illuminating faces of the light guide, increasing its ability to couple the light efficiently with the imaging system.
There is a further need for an illumination device that can provide greater flexibility as to the placement of LED chip and permits more LED chips without compromising its ability to achieve illumination uniformity along the light guide.
In particular, there is a need for an illumination device to achieve better illumination uniformity along the light guide without the necessity of deviating a center of the LED chips of the respective light emission wavelength ranges of the light source from a normal line passing through the center of the scatter and reflection area.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an illumination device which has an improved light extraction efficiency through better light guide geometry, providing a highly uniform illumination on a target and does not suffer any aforementioned setbacks.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an illumination device to achieve better illumination uniformity along the light guide where LED placement does not have to deviate from the normal line passing through the center of the scatter and reflection area.

Illumination device for use in image reading applications


A current control circuit (208) for a power converter (200) to control the switching thereof, wherein the current control circuit comprises a digital controller (210) using a logical input signal (226) to produce a logical control signal (212) with a fixed fundamental frequency for the power converter.

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) may be used to provide emergency power in situations where the main power supply fails or performs in an unusual manner. The UPS is designed to switchover in a near instantaneous or instantaneous fashion, due to the nature of the batteries used and the circuitry of the UPS. A UPS can be used to deal with a number of unusual events occurring at the mains power supply, such as: power failure; surge; sag; spikes in the power supply; noise; frequency instability; harmonic distortion; etc.
A UPS can be used to protect any type of equipment, however generally a UPS is most often found in computers, data centres, telecommunication systems and any other electrical equipment which could cause serious consequences such as damage to the person or to a business interest if there were no power.
A UPS can take many different forms and relate to various different technologies. The most common general categories of UPS are online, line interactive, and standby. Each of these is well-known in the art as are the other alternatives such as hybrid topologies and ferro-resistant technologies.
A UPS includes three main power converters. A DC to AC converter is used to supply the load with a clean AC voltage. That DC to AC converter is called an inverter and could be supplied by two different input sources. Firstly, the inverter could be supplied by an AC to DC converter used to convert an AC input source voltage into a DC voltage, which in turn is used to supply an output DC to AC converter. Secondly, a bi-directional DC to DC converter could be used in any circumstance where there is a failure in the input AC source to thus supply the DC to AC converter from the batteries.
The three power converters in a UPS are controlled by a control board in order to reach objectives defined for the UPS. One such objective may be summarised as: supplying an output customer load with a high quality voltage, whatever the state of the input AC voltage source, in a secure and safe manner. To achieve these objectives, certain physical signals need to be controlled using regulation algorithms or the like. On each converter, output voltage and driven current are regulated. Generally, all regulation algorithms used to control output voltage and driven currents in a UPS are embedded in the same control board.
One problem with using the same control board is that the control board has to be re-designed for any new UPS requirements (power topology, product architecture, etc.). This problem occurs each time there is a new project. The re-use of control boards from older products is difficult due to a high level of reliability expected for the control and UPS specific requirements.
In order to design a new product in which controls can be re-usable in future products, regulations or control functions have been classified into two categories. The first category contains regulations common to all UPS product requirements; the second category contains regulations specific to each new UPS product requirement.
In order to improve future re-use of control, the two categories of regulation or control function have to be embedded in two different circuit boards. The first is a common re-usable circuit board containing first category regulation (common to all UPSs) and the second is a specific circuit board containing second category regulation (specific to one particular UPS), which will be re-designed for each new product.
Generally, the specific circuit boards are of an on-chip design since the number of manufactured units will be low and may only be relevant to one product.
The common re-usable circuit board will contain all the common regulations and complex algorithms. As the manufactured number will be high, the cost optimisation will be a lower priority than is the case for the specific board.
The present invention provides a way of implementing current regulation in a cost effective manner in a specific control circuit board.
A number of proposals have been tried in the past in order to address the problem. One proposal relates to a fixed frequency linear analogue current controller, however this has been found to be difficult to tune, with a limited reliability and flexibility. Another proposal relates to a fixed frequency linear digital current controller. This requires expensive and fast A to D converters which have limited dynamic range. As a result, the solution is expensive and has reduced performance. A third proposal relates to a variable frequency sliding mode controller, with or without a variable hysteresis band. This is not suitable for situations where fixed switching frequencies are demanded. A fourth proposal relates to a fixed frequency peak current controller. However, this gives rise to dynamic error and requires a complex analogue implementation to deal with all the compensation requirements.
Generally, current controllers can be classified into two main types, these are linear and non-linear.
Linear current controllers compare a current reference with a current measure and compute an error. A linear function, usually comprising gain or integration, is applied to the error and the result of the linear function is provided to a control board to control the current. A binary command signal is generated by the control board to control the output current of an inverter and thereby controls a supply current. The command signal has a pulse width that is altered to control the inverter, but is set to 0 at a regular period and is therefore considered a "fixed frequency".
Non-linear controllers determine the current error in the same way and switch a command control signal between 1 and 0 if the error exceeds certain boundary conditions. If the error is greater than an upper threshold then the command is set to reduce the current, and if the error is less than a lower threshold then the command is set to increase the current. In this case the command signal is considered to be of "variable frequency" as it is switched based only on the threshold values and without any timing considerations.
As previously mentioned, hybrid controllers also exist, which use non-linear control with a fixed frequency command. In this case there are two constraints on the command: staying within the error thresholds and the period of the command. An algorithm used in the control board considers the two constraints and decides whether to switch the command signal.
The above mentioned controllers are useful in many situations, but they do not address all the problems of the prior art.

Power converter with digital current control circuit


This invention is directed to novel aryl sulfonamide and sulfamide compounds which bind selectively to and inhibit the activity of the human Y5 receptor. This invention is also related to uses of these compounds for the treatment of feeding disorders such as obesity, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and abnormal conditions such as sexual/reproductive disorders, depression, epileptic seizure, hypertension, cerebral hemorrhage, congestive heart failure or sleep disturbances and for the treatment of any disease in which antagonism of a Y5 receptor may be useful.

The peptide neurotransmitter neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36 amino acid member of the pancreatic polypeptide family with widespread distribution throughout the mammalian nervous system (Dumont et al., 1992). The family includes the namesake pancreatic polypeptide (PP), synthesized primarily by endocrine cells in the pancreas; peptide YY (PYY), synthesized primarily by endocrine cells in the gut; and NPY, synthesized primarily in neurons (Michel, 1991; Dumont et al., 1992; Wahlestedt and Reis, 1993). All pancreatic polypeptide family members share a compact structure involving a "PP-fold" and a conserved C-terminal hexapeptide ending in Tyr.sup.36 (or Y.sup.36 in the single letter code). The striking conservation of Y.sup.36 has prompted the reference to the pancreatic polypeptides' receptors as "Y-type" receptors (Wahlestedt et al., 1987), all of which are proposed to function as seven transmembrane-spanning G protein-coupled receptors (Dumont et al., 1992).
NPY and its relatives elicit a broad range of physiological effects through activation of at least five G protein-coupled receptor subtypes known as Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4 (or PP), and the "atypical Y1". While the Y1, Y2, Y3, and Y4 (or PP) receptors were each described previously in both radioligand binding and functional assays, the "atypical Y1" receptor is unique in that its classification is based solely on feeding behavior induced by various peptides including NPY.
The role of NPY in normal and abnormal eating behavior, and the ability to interfere with NPY-dependent pathways as a means to appetite and weight control, are areas of great interest in pharmacological and pharmaceutical research (Sahu and Kalra, 1993; Dryden et al., 1994). NPY is considered to be the most powerful stimulant of feeding behavior yet described (Clark et al., 1984; Levine and Morley, 1984; Stanley and Leibowitz, 1984). The stimulation of feeding behavior by NPY is thought to occur primarily through activation of the hypothalamic "atypical Y1" receptor. For example, direct injection of NPY into the hypothalamus of satiated rats can increase food intake up to 10-fold over a 4-hour period (Stanley et al., 1992). Similar studies using other peptides has resulted in a pharmacologic profile for the "atypical Y1" receptor according to the rank order of potencies of peptides in stimulating feeding behavior as follows: NPY.sub.2-36.gtoreq.NPY.about.PYY.about.[Leu.sup.31,Pro.sup.34 ]NPY>NPY.sub.13-36 (Kalra et al., 1991; Stanley et al., 1992). The profile is similar to that of a Y1-like receptor except for the anomalous ability of NPY.sub.2-36 to stimulate food intake with potency equivalent or better than that of NPY. A subsequent report in J. Med. Chem. by Balasubramaniam and co-workers (1994) showed that feeding can be regulated by [D-Trp.sup.32 ]NPY. While this peptide was presented as an NPY antagonist, the published data at least in part support a stimulatory effect of [D-Trp.sup.32 ]NPY on feeding. In contrast to other NPY receptor subtypes, the "feeding" receptor has never been characterized for peptide binding affinity in radioligand binding assays. The fact that a single receptor could be responsible for the feeding response has been impossible to validate in the absence of an isolated receptor protein; the possibility exists, for example, that the feeding response could be a composite profile of Y1 and Y2 subtypes.
This problem has been addressed by cloning rat and human cDNAs which encode a single receptor protein, referred to herein as Y5, whose pharmacologic profile links it to the "atypical Y1" receptor. The identification and characterization by applicants of a single molecular entity which explains the "atypical Y1" receptor allows the design of selective drugs which modulate feeding behavior. It is important to note, though, that any credible means of studying or modifying NPY-dependent feeding behavior must necessarily be highly selective, as NPY interacts with multiple receptor subtypes, as noted above (Dumont et al., 1992).
As used in this invention, the term "antagonist" refers to a compound which decreases the activity of a receptor. In the case of a G-protein coupled receptor, activation may be measured using any appropriate second messenger system which is coupled to the receptor in a cell or tissue in which the receptor is expressed. Some specific but by no means limiting examples of well-known second messenger systems are adenylate cyclase, intracellular calcium mobilization, ion channel activation, guanylate cyclase, and inositol phospholipid hydrolysis. Conversely, the term "agonist" refers to a compound which increases the activity of a receptor.
In order to test compounds for selective binding to the human Y5 receptor the cloned cDNAs encoding both the human and rat Y2 and Y4 (or PP) receptors have been used. The human and rat Y5 receptors were disclosed in PCT International Application No. PCT/US95/15646, published Jun. 6, 1996, and filed as a continuation in part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/349,025, filed Dec. 2, 1994, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference into this application. The human and rat Y2 receptors were disclosed in PCT International Application US95/01469, published Aug. 10, 1995, as WO 95/21245, and filed as a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/192,288, filed Feb. 3, 1994, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference into this application. The human and rat Y4 receptors were disclosed in PCT International Application PCT/US94/14436, published Jul. 6, 1995, as WO 95/17906, and filed as a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/176,412, filed Dec. 28, 1993, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference into this application. The Y1 receptor has been cloned from a variety of species including human, rat and mouse (Larhammar et al, 1992; Herzog et al, 1992; Eva et al, 1990; Eva et al, 1992).
The synthesis of novel aryl sulfonamide and sulfamide compounds are disclosed which bind selectively to the cloned human Y5 receptor compared to the other cloned human NPY receptors, and inhibit the activation of the cloned human Y5 receptor as measured in in vitro assays. The in vitro receptor binding and activation assays described hereinafter were performed using various cultured cell lines, each transfected with and expressing only a single Y-type receptor. In addition, the compounds of the present invention were shown to inhibit in animals either NPY-induced feeding behavior or feeding behavior exhibited by food-deprived animals.
This invention is also directed to the treatment of feeding disorders such as obesity and bulimia nervosa using the compounds described herein. In addition, the compounds of the present invention may also be used to treat abnormal conditions such as sexual/reproductive disorders, depression, epileptic seizure, hypertension, cerebral hemorrhage, congestive heart failure or sleep disturbances, or any condition in which antagonism of a Y5 receptor may be useful.

Aryl sulfonamides and sulfamide derivatives and uses thereof


An integrated circuit provides a complete electronic ballast control with power factor correction for fluorescent lamps. The integrated circuit contains a simplified power factor correction (PFC) circuit to reduce component count and supply voltage requirements to reduce manufacturing costs while providing a robust control. The PFC circuit has a variable gain for fast response at high gain and optimized power factor control at low gain. An increased on time for the PFC switch when the input line voltage approaches zero dynamically reduces crossover distortion, thereby reducing total harmonic distortion. The integrated circuit incorporates a number of fault protections.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to ballast controllers, and relates more particularly to ballast control for gas discharge lamps with power factor correction.
2. Description of Related Art
Ballasts have been used for many years as part of lighting systems and gas discharge lamps, and in particular for fluorescent lamps. Fluorescent lamps pose a load control problem to the power supply lines that provide lamp power, because the lamp load is non-linear. Current through the lamp is zero until an applied voltage reaches a starting value, at which point the lamp begins to conduct. As the lamp begins to conduct, the ballast ensures that the current drawn by the lamp does not increase rapidly, thereby preventing damage and other operational problems.
A type of electronic ballast typically provided includes a rectifier to change the alternating current (AC) supplied by a power line to direct current (DC). The output of the rectifier is typically connected to an inverter to change the direct current into a high frequency AC signal, typically in the range of 25-60 kHz. The high frequency inverter output to power the lamp permits the use of inductors with much smaller ratings than would otherwise be possible, and thereby reduces the size and cost of the electronic ballast.
Often, a power factor correction circuit is inserted between the rectifier and the inverter to adjust the power factor of the lamp circuit. Ideally, the load in an AC circuit should be equivalent to pure resistance to obtain the most efficient power delivery for the circuit. The power factor correction circuit is typically a switched circuit that transfers stored energy between storage capacitors and the circuit load. The typical power inverter circuit also employs switching schemes to produce high frequency AC signal output from the low frequency DC input. Switching within the power factor correction circuit and the rectifier circuit can be accomplished with a digital controller.
By controlling the switching in the power inverter circuit, operating parameters of the lamp such as starting, light level regulation and dimming can be reliably controlled. In addition, lamp operating parameters can be observed to provide feedback to the controller for detection of lamp faults and proper operational ranges.
A diagram of a conventional electronic ballast circuit is shown generally as circuit 18 in FIG. 1. A power factor correction (PFC) circuit 20 accepts a line input and provides regulated power to an output stage 22. PFC circuit 20 provides a sinusoidal input current to output stage 22, while also providing a regulated DC bus voltage. Output stage 22 receives the regulated power signal from PFC circuit 20, and provides appropriate control for powering lamp 26. Output stage 22 includes the components and operational ability for preheating, igniting and regulating power to lamp 26.
PFC circuit 20 is typically realized as a boost-type converter that requires a high voltage switch, an inductor, a diode, a high voltage DC bus capacitor and an associated control circuit to produce the desired power signals with the components provided. Output stage 22 is typically realized with a half-bridge driven resonant load to provide appropriate power to lamp 26. Output stage 22 typically requires two high voltage switches, a resonant inductor, a resonant capacitor, a DC-blocking capacitor and an associated control circuit for regulating circuit resonance and power delivery. A block 24 provides a representative diagram of such a conventional control.
In the conventional configuration shown in FIG. 1, a switch Mpfc, a diode Dpfc and an inductor Lpfc are connected in a boost type arrangement. The PFC circuit components Lpfc, Mpfc and Dpfc are operated to charge Cbus during an initial stage, such as during a power-on state. Upon being charged, bus capacitor Cbus supplies power to half-bridge resonant output stage 22 for the remainder of the operation of the circuit. By supplying power to output stage 22, bus capacitor Cbus is rated for high capacitance and high voltage operation, thereby increasing the cost and size of the electronic ballast circuit. In addition, switches M1, M2 are also rated for high voltage operation, and therefore have increased cost and size as well.
A number of faults can occur in the conventional electronic ballast circuit shown in FIG. 1. For example, over-current conditions can occur on the input power line and on the output to lamp 26. In addition, undervoltage conditions can occur on the DC bus. With regard to lamp 26, various faults can occur including failure to strike, physical removal of lamp 26 or when lamp 26 approaches the end of its useful life.
Aside from the above-mentioned faults, the ballast circuit in FIG. 1 can have different operational characteristics based on the tolerances of the components that make up the circuit. Tolerances of the components can also change over time, making it difficult to provide a robust ballast control with good PFC characteristics.
In addition t the above drawbacks, the ballast circuit of FIG. 1 uses 3 control IC's, 21, 23 and 24. Control IC 21 controls switching in PFC stage 20 to correctly modulate the input current to provide good power factor characteristics. Control IC 23 provides overall control of the ballast, including providing control signals to control IC 24. Control IC 24 provides switching signals for the half-bridge composed of M1 and M2 to regulate power delivered to lamp 26. The use of 3 separate control ICs to control the ballast increases the circuit complexity and cost.

Single chip ballast control with power factor correction