A process is disclosed for strengthening and sizing paper which comprises the step of applying a composition comprising (a) an isocyanate and (b) an isocyanate-reactive component comprising at least one polyol having an ethylene oxide content of at least 1%, wherein said composition does not contain water to the paper by means of an electrostatic spraying device having a linear orifice.

The treatment of paper with isocyanates is known. For example, a process for treating paper with isocyanates is disclosed in EP 140537. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,505,778, a process for applying an aqueous emulsion of an aromatic isocyanate to a wet paper web is disclosed. However, the application of isocyanates to paper by conventional methods has inherent disadvantages.
Isocyanates emulsified with water have conventionally been applied to paper using a size press and unemulsified isocyanates have been applied using a rotogravure coating machine. When conventional means of spraying isocyanates are used, they are characterized by low transfer efficiencies. As a result, significant amounts of isocyanate are released into the atmosphere, thereby creating potential health problems. In addition, when the isocyanate that is applied to paper is not sprayed, solvent diluted, or emulsified, it is very difficult to apply the isocyanate at levels below 5 to 10 percent by weight based upon the weight of the paper. Lower isocyanate levels can be achieved by using emulsified isocyanates. However, pot life problems with the isocyanate can arise when the isocyanates are emulsified since the water begins to react with the isocyanate groups. Furthermore, depending upon the stage of the process at which the emulsion is added, it can result in additional drying requirements. There is therefore a need for a process for efficiently applying isocyanates to paper substrates at levels below 5 percent by weight based upon the weight of the paper substrates and a process that does not require the use of emulsified isocyanates, although emulsifiable isocyanates may be used.
Although the application of isocyanates both strengthens and sizes paper, concerns have arisen regarding possible adverse health effects which may result from isocyanate which may extract from the paper. Such concerns are particularly relevant to paper which may come into contact with food. Thus, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set guidelines for amounts of any additive which may extract from paper which may be repulped into food packaging or wrap. Therefore, there also exists a need for a process which reduces the amount of isocyanate which extracts from the paper product(s) to which it is applied.
Surprisingly it has been found that these needs can be met by using an electrostatic spraying device to apply isocyanates to paper. By using this electrostatic spraying device, transfer efficiencies above 90 percent can be achieved and the isocyanate can easily be applied to paper substrates at levels well below 5 percent by weight. The amount of isocyanate needed according to the invention can be as low as 0.5 g/m.sup.2. However, in commercial production settings, the amount of isocyanate applied is generally about 1.0 to 1.5 g/m.sup.2.
Electrostatic spraying devices are known (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,854,506 and 4,846,407 and EPA-193348). The electrostatic spraying of various polymeric materials onto paper has also been disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,930,614, 4,609,686 and 4,837,057. However, none of these patents disclose the electrostatic spraying of isocyanates onto paper.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a means for efficiently applying an isocyanate to a paper substrate.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a means for improving the crush strength, water resistance and wet strength of paper products.
It is an even further object of this invention to provide a means of applying a uniform coating of isocyanate onto a paper substrate.
It is yet another object to apply an isocyanate to paper in an environmentally safe manner.
It is a further object of the present invention to apply an isocyanate to paper in such a manner so as to reduce the amount of isocyanate which may extract from the paper over time.
These and other objects are obtained by the process of this invention.

Process for treating and sizing paper substrates


There is provided an X-ray nondestructive testing device which irradiates X-rays to an article, the article including a substrate having a predetermined X-ray absorption coefficient and a measurement target object disposed therein and having another X-ray absorption coefficient differing from that of the substrate, the device including: an X-ray source configured to irradiate the X-rays to the article; a detector configured to detect the transmission amounts of the X-rays passed through the article at at least paired different locations; a detection position specifying designator configured to specify the paired different locations as a set of paired locations based on a pre-stored design information; a driving mechanism configured to move the detector to the set of paired locations; and an operation calculator configured to calculate the thickness of the measurement target object based on the transmission amounts of the X-rays detected by the detector.

As a method of measuring a thickness of an article having a predetermined X-ray absorption coefficient in a nondestructive manner, there is a method which includes irradiating X-rays to the article, measuring a transmission amount of X-rays passed through the article, and measuring a thickness of the article based on the transmission amount and the absorption coefficient.
In general, an article to be tested is provided with members made of various substances so that X-rays pass through the members along a path defined in the article. This makes it difficult to measure only a thickness of a member made of a certain substance inside the article.
In recent years, an article such as an electronic substrate, a wafer and the like, has a structure in which members formed of various substances are stacked in plural layers. In this case, the measurement of a thickness of each member placed within the article requires preparing a slice of the article as a specimen and observing a cross-section of the specimen with an optical microscope or an electron microscope. However, the preparation and the observation of the specimen from pre-shipment goods, e.g., a semiconductor chip, a printed substrate, a battery and the like, entails significant loss in terms of time and cost. Thus, a method of testing an article in a nondestructive manner has been in demand.
However, a conventional testing method using X-rays requires a reference specimen as described above. In addition, the testing method requires a technique for accurately irradiating the X-rays to the specimen based on design diagrams of the semiconductor chip, the printed substrate, the battery and the like, while such a technique has not been developed. This makes it difficult to enhance throughput of testing.


Systems and methods for facilitating emergency call service are provided. The method can include modifying a configuration parameter of a user equipment (UE), wherein the configuration parameter is related to at least one of: network selection, cell selection or reselection or service selection within a wireless communication system, and wherein a modified configuration parameter results in a preference by the UE for a network, cell or service configured to support emergency calls at the UE. The method can also include prioritizing circuit-switched services over packet-switched services, utilizing the circuit-switched voice service preferentially or exclusively and/or prioritizing a network configured to offer emergency call service over the original serving network of the UE, based, at least, on the modifying the configuration parameter. Modifying the configuration parameter can be performed autonomously by the UE. The modified configuration can also enable callback services to a UE from the network.

I. Field
The following description relates to wireless communications, in general, and to facilitating emergency call service in wireless communication systems, in particular.
II. Background
Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication. For instance, voice and/or data can be provided via such wireless communication systems. A typical wireless communication system, or network, can provide multiple users access to one or more shared resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmit power). For instance, a system can use a variety of multiple access techniques such as Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), Code Division Multiplexing (CDM), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), and others.
Generally, wireless multiple access communication systems can simultaneously support communication for multiple user equipment (UEs). Each UE can communicate with one or more base stations (BSs) via transmissions on forward and reverse links. The forward link (or downlink (DL)) refers to the communication link from BSs to UEs, and the reverse link (or uplink (UL)) refers to the communication link from UEs to BSs.
UEs that move from an Long-Term Evolution (LTE) system to another radio access technology (RAT) to originate an emergency call may autonomously return to the LTE system after the emergency call ends or if the emergency call fails, due to the circuit-switched (CS) or packet-switched (PS) mode for the UE or due to the setting of the cell reselection priorities settings for the UE. As such, callback services may not be able to be provided for the UE, and performance may suffer if the UE needs to re-originate the emergency call.
Accordingly, systems, apparatus and methods for facilitating emergency call service for the UE are desirable.

Systems, apparatus and methods for facilitating emergency call service in wireless communication systems


The invention pertains to the use of a preparation for the manufacture of a composition for preventing or treating impaired plasma levels of one or more polar lipids such as phosphatidylcholines [PC] selected from the group consisting of phosphatidylcholine diacyl C36:6 [PC aa C36:6], phosphatidylcholine diacyl C38:0 [PC aa C38:0], phosphatidylcholine diacyl C38:6 [PC aa C38:6], phosphatidylcholine diacyl C40:6 [PC aa C40:6] and phosphatidylcholine acyl-alkyl C40:6 [PC ae C40:6] in a preclinical AD or MCI subject or a subject with a high likelihood of developing AD or MCI, and wherein said subject is administered with a composition comprising at least one, preferably at least two, most preferably all B vitamins selected from the group consisting of vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and vitamin B9.

In the art there is a need for detecting neurodegenerative disorders and particularly AD already in pre-clinical stages, before AD symptoms such as cognitive dysfunction can be diagnozed. Amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, the neuropathological hallmarks of AD, are not limited to individuals with dementia. Preclinical subjects also encompass those not suffering from amyloid plaques or neurofibrillary tangles. Pathologic changes can also be present in the brains of cognitively normal older adults—a condition that is commonly defined as preclinical AD. Similar definitions hold for preclinical MCI. Reference is made to Sperling et at. "Toward defining the preclinical stages of Alzheimer's disease: Recommendations from the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association workgroups on diagnostic guidelines for Alzheimer's disease" Alzheimer's & Dementia 9 (2011) 280-292; the contents hereof incorporated by reference. This way such subjects could specifically be targeted at much earlier stages. The art is searching for ways to identify and treat such preclinical subjects as early as possible.
Subjects, including preclinical AD or MCI subjects, suffering from impaired plasma polar lipid levels, preferably PC levels have an extremely high likelihood of developing mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's Disease. For some phospholipids, impaired levels can be associated with a 90% likelihood of developing such pathological conditions, long before symptoms such as cognitive dysfunction could even be diagnosed.
Advantageously, monitoring for changes in plasma phospholipid levels, preferably PC levels does not require any tedious brain imaging techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG).

Method for assessing and treating or preventing impaired plasma polar lipid levels


A drive apparatus overcomes the problems of ensuring accurate mounting of a plurality of armature coils relative to a plurality of magnetic pole position detectors, limitations concerning the location for mounting, and the extension of primary-side length. The drive apparatus comprises a primary side including an arrangement of a plurality of armatures each having a core made of a magnetic material with coil windings. It also comprises a secondary side including a permanent magnet movably supported relative to the armatures via a gap. A magnetic pole position detector is disposed between adjacent armatures.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a drive apparatus utilizing electromagnetic force. It also relates to an XY table that uses the drive apparatus as a drive source and that is used in apparatuses for the manufacture of semiconductors, for example.
2. Background Art
JP Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2001-28875A discloses a drive apparatus used as a drive source in a conventional semiconductor manufacturing apparatus. In this example, a plurality of permanent magnets are disposed on a needle such that their directions of magnetization alternate. A stator includes two kinds of magnetic cores, and a plurality of armatures with coil windings are arranged in series. Another example of the drive apparatus is disclosed in JP Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 11-262237 A (1999), in which, for achieving higher accuracy in needle position control and in order to decrease thrust ripples, a position sensor for detecting the position of the needle is disposed toward the stator.
When a drive apparatus utilizing electromagnetic force is fitted with a magnetic pole position detector to achieve higher position control accuracy and reduce thrust ripples, for example, the overall size of the drive apparatus could become excessively large, possibly limiting the available location for its installation. This problem is particularly relevant in the case of using the drive apparatus as a drive source in apparatuses for manufacturing semiconductor-based electronic devices, for example, which are required to be as compact as possible.

Drive apparatus and XY table utilizing the same


A compact photonic radio frequency front end receiver system including a laser chip source, radio frequency and LO inputs, an optical modulator chip coupled to the laser source and the radio frequency and LO inputs, a millimeter scale optical radio frequency multi-pole filter coupled to the optical modulator, an optical switch array chip coupled to the optical radio frequency multi-pole filter, and a detector chip coupled to the optical switch array, all with micro-optic coupling, heterodyne signal recovery, and wavelength locking.

The present invention generally relates to receivers, and more particularly to compact photonic radio frequency receivers used in the front end of space flight and airborne communications and EW/ISR systems.
Space and airborne communications systems can benefit from a significant increase in data rates and coverage on the ground, in addition to an increase in the number of antenna apertures and receiver channels. Conventional front end receivers can limit the capacity in each of these areas. The front end of a receiver for space flight communication applications typically take up about 30% of the payload mass of a space communication system. A compact, low mass receiver could reduce that value or increase the capacity of the system. However, while a compact receiver is desirable, creating the compact receiver may be difficult because available components and packaging are too large, do not provide needed functionality, and may not be designed for space applications.

Photonic radio frequency front end receiver


A frame assembly, such as for an awning or canopy, includes a master rib having identical keyways running the longitudinal length of the rib. Each keyway is defined by an opposing pair of sidewalls extending lengthwise in the longitudinal direction. The sidewalls are each formed integrally with a plurality of threadlines extending in the longitudinal direction which face opposite from and are offset in the depthwise direction by a given pitch from those of the other sidewall, so as to form threadable surfaces for a screw to be threaded therein. A cleat member has a body portion with a depthwise bore so that a threaded screw can be inserted depthwise and project from its lower end into the keyway and the master rib. The cleat member can be fastened to the master rib at any position along its longitudinal length. The cleat member preferably has a mating cleat which projects from the lower end into the keyway, or brackets against the sides of the master rib wall, so as to guide and hold the cleat member firmly in position. The cleat member can then be fastened to a lateral arm, cross rib, angle rib, hinged member, or other frame part. The frame assembly is used to construct an awning support system or a canopy system without any need for welding at the installation site, and can be readily disassembled and reassembled. In a further embodiment, the keyway is provided with smooth walls and a self-tapping or similar screw forms threads in the walls as the screw is advanced into the keyway.

Frame assemblies for awning, canopy, or side enclosure systems may be free-standing or mounted to the wall or frame of a building and generally have struts or ribs which are joined at their ends to a cross rib or rail so as to create a support for stretching and holding an awning, canopy or cover thereon. In conventional systems, the cross rib and ribs or struts are manufactured in fixed lengths and must be welded together at the installation site. This makes it difficult to adapt the awning structure to different sizes of storefronts or areas to be covered. One proposed system, shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,605 to Milliken et al., avoids the problem of fixed sizes by providing tubular rails and support arms which can be cut to the desired dimensions and welded together at the building site. However, welding of the awning structure requires that welding equipment be available, thereby making installation of the awning inconvenient.
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a frame assembly for an awning or canopy which is readily adaptable to different lengths and sizes and is capable of installation without the need for any welding.

Frame assembly using master rib with positionable cleats


The multiple load sensing multi-load cell scale is described that provides improved utility to scales with multiple decks that share load cells near supports so that more than one load may be determined at the same time on a single scale. In more detail, the scale uses the sectional sensitivities to load movement on the scale decks, load position and individual normalized load cell outputs to provide separate load magnitude measurements on these individual decks. According to the present invention, more than two load cells associated to form a single scale provide outputs that are converted to individual digital representations of the relative force magnitude on each. These magnitudes are related to the effective location of each load cell to provide the load centroid location on the scale when the sum of the products of the effective location and magnitude of each is divided by the sum of the magnitudes. The scale in accordance with the invention provides the sensitivity of each load cell to load movement on each deck. In particular, the portion of the total scale load on each deck is resolved when these deck loads are moved equally. Individual deck loads are determined by taking advantage of the fact that the change in total load magnitude across a load bearing section of the scale is the result of the product of the sum of products of sectional moment sensitivity, the deck load and the distance the load moves on the deck to cause the change. Equations for section forces supporting each deck provide a set of simultaneous interdependent equations that have a linear solution for the set of individual deck loads.

The invention relates generally to a weighing system and method and in more detail to a multiple load cell scale that is capable of simultaneously sensing multiple loads on the scale.
When two or more decks share load cells, such as in long scales used to measure truck weights, one weight and its associated centroid position may be determined for each deck if the individual load cell force measurements are available. This is typically accomplished by determining each load cell""s sensitivity to weight movement on each deck. This sensitivity is then used in conjunction with the centroid position to determine what load (or portion of the load) is being supported by each deck. The individual deck loads and their centroid positions may also be determined, if the total centroid position is available and there is equal movement of the deck loads so that each load remains on a separate deck during movement. A truck""s individual axle loads may be determined as well as its weight on a normal truck scale by utilizing a special multi-load cell output analysis. More than one load may be determined at the same time on a multi-deck scale if the centroids of the loads are defined. This enables a single scale to accomplish what would have required multiple scales, saving on scale cost and installation.
A truck""s individual axle loads must not exceed road limits and drivers are frequently fined if axle weights are found above these limits. It is therefore desired that axle weights be determined as well as weight on a normal truck scale. Scales with more than one load cell can sense centroid position as well as weight when individual load cell forces are available as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,750,937 to Johnson. Scales with two load cells can only determine the centroid position in one dimension. Scales with three or more load cells can determine the total load""s centroid position in two dimensions. When more than one simply connected decks support the total weight on more than two load cells, the load cells share a portion of the load on each deck. The individual deck loads are not isolated to a set of load cells that are unaffected by another deck load. Thus, the load on each deck is not directly equal to the sum of the forces on any of the individual load cells supporting the deck. The load cell forces are dependent on more than one deck load and a direct solution using only the force measurements is not possible.
Accurate axle weights of trucks have been measured on multiple scales in the past as a general rule. This method is accurate, but requires a scale for each axle on a truck, increasing the cost of the facility. Weighing the total load as the axles were added to the scale and then using the incremental changes in weight to determine the axle weights also was used. This only works if the truck is moving slowly without acceleration or the truck stops after each axle boards the scale and there are level approaches to the scale without bumps. Axle loads can also by measured by tipping the vehicle according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,753,865 to Lechman. This requires two scales with an unusual arrangement. The prior art also describes movable scales such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,583,777 to Power that allow various configurations of wheel loads to be measured. These scale measure the load centroid but require multiple scales.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,667,757 to Johnson discloses a method of determining the spacing between axles using a scale with only two load cells and requires that time measurements be timed to occur when the second axle boards the scale. Centroid measurements are not available in this scale operation. U.S. Pat. No. 5,004,058 to Langford and U.S. Pat. No. 4,804,052 to Griffen address the problem of load position compensation provided a multiple load cell scale. These scales provide individual load cell force information for scale diagnosis and calibration, but do not provide the means of measuring ether centroid positions or multiple loads. U.S. Pat. No. 5,750,937 to Johnson provides a multi-load cell forcing apparatus for measuring the force and its position, but does not provide the means to measure multiple loads and positions.
Thus, it is desirable to provide a multiple load sensing multi-load cell scale that overcomes the above problems and limitations of the prior art and it is to this end that the present invention is directed.
The multiple load sensing multi-load cell scale in accordance with the invention provides many advantages over conventional systems and provides capabilities not achievable with the typical systems. For example, the invention provides improved utility to scales with multiple deck s that share load cells near supports so that more than one load may be determined at the same time on a single scale. In more detail, the scale in accordance with the invention uses the sectional sensitivities to load movement on the scale deck s, load position and individual normalized load cell outputs to provide separate load magnitude measurements on these individual deck s.
According to the present invention, more than two load cells associated to form a single scale provide outputs that are converted to individual digital representations of the relative force magnitude on each. These magnitudes are related to the effective location of each load cell to provide the load centroid location on the scale when the sum of the products of the effective location and magnitude of each is divided by the sum of the magnitudes. The scale in accordance with the invention provides the sensitivity of each load cell to load movement on each deck. In particular, the portion of the total scale load on each deck is resolved when these deck loads are moved equally. Individual deck loads are determined by taking advantage of the fact that the change in total load magnitude across a load bearing section of the scale is the result of the product of the sum of products of sectional moment sensitivity, the deck load and the distance the load moves on the deck to cause the change. Equations for section forces supporting each deck provide a set of simultaneous interdependent equations that have a linear solution for the set of individual deck loads.
The scale in accordance with the invention also provides, on the above scale, a measure of load position on each deck derived from the magnitude of the deck loads, sectional moment sensitivities, relative load cell locations and intercepts for force versus position dependencies. The intercepts are the effective locations where the force due to a sectional sensitivity is zero. These intercepts are determined by moving a load to a place on one deck at a time and solving for the positions for null force on each load cell section. The positions of the deck loads are then solved for by utilizing the set of equations for the sectional forces with zero intercept compensations equal to the sum of the products of the deck load, deck load position, and moment sensitivity.
The scale in accordance with the invention also provides, on the above scales, a measure of deck load width position on each deck derived from load cell outputs, sectional moment sensitivities, relative load cell locations and zero intercepts for force versus position dependencies. The scale in accordance with the invention also provides another object of the invention, which is to provide the portion of the total scale load on each deck when the position of deck load on each deck between supports is known. Individual deck loads are determined by taking advantage of the fact that the total load magnitude across a load bearing section of the scale is the result of the sum of products of sectional moment sensitivity, the deck load and the distance the load is from the sectional force intercept. Equations for section forces supporting each deck provide a set of simultaneous interdependent equations that have a linear solution for the set of individual deck loads.
Thus, in accordance with the invention, a force sensing apparatus is provided. The force sensing apparatus comprises an operating surface having one or more decks connected together for receiving an applied force from one or more objects and the applied force has a position relative to the operating surface and a magnitude. The force sensing apparatus further comprises a plurality of load cells located adjacent an edge of a deck, each load cell receiving at least a portion of the applied force on the operating surface and providing a force value representative thereof. The force sensing apparatus further comprises a control system that simultaneously determines, based on the force values from the load cells, the location and weight of the one or more objects and outputs one or more signals corresponding to the magnitude of the one or more objects on the force sensing apparatus.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a force sensing apparatus is provided comprising a load receiving means having an operating surface with one or more decks connected together that receives an applied force from one or more objects wherein the applied force has a position relative to the load receiving means and a magnitude. The force sensing apparatus further comprises load cell means having a plurality of load cells located adjacent an edge of a deck wherein each load cell receives at least a portion of the applied force on the operating surface and provides a force value representative thereof The apparatus further comprises means for simultaneously determining, based on the force values from the load cells, the location and weight of the one or more objects, and means for outputting one or more signals corresponding to the magnitude of the one or more objects on the force sensing apparatus.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a force sensing apparatus for determining the total weight and axle loads of a truck is provided. The apparatus comprises an operating surface having one or more decks connected together for receiving an applied force from the truck wherein the applied force has a position and a magnitude corresponding to each axle of the truck. The apparatus further comprise a plurality of load cells located adjacent an edge of a deck wherein each load cell receives at least a portion of the applied force on the operating surface and providing a force value representative thereof The apparatus further comprises a control system that simultaneously determines, based on the force values from the load cells, the location and load for each truck axle and the total weight of the truck and outputs one or more signals corresponding to the magnitude of the total weight of the truck and the load on each axle.

Multiple load sensing multi-load cell scale and method


A method for drying a moist organic material which is continuously supplied in a stream includes passing hot air through the moist organic material in a part of the stream to absorb an amount of moisture, whereby the moist organic material cools the hot air into warm air. The warm air is reheated after it exits the moist organic material to form reheated air with increased capability of absorbing moisture, and the reheated air is passed through the moist organic material further upstream, which has a greater moisture content. The drying can preferably be performed in five minutes or less. A method for drying moist organic material using hot air includes providing the moist organic material in a continuous material stream, and providing the hot air in a continuous air stream. The air stream flows in a direction generally opposite to that of the material stream. The air stream is passed perpendicularly through the material stream at a plurality of zones, whereby the hot air absorbs an amount of moisture from the moist organic material in each zone. The air stream is reheated after it exits the material stream at one zone and before it enters the material stream at another zone further upstream.

The present invention relates to a method for drying moist organic material, in particular for drying forage crops.
Forage crops and other moist organic materials not harvested for silage are typically dried to obtain a desired moisture level to facilitate storage over extended periods of time. Drying usually occurs naturally outdoors in the field where it is cut and sometimes crimped to aid the drying process. There are several problems with this drying method; (1) natural drying relies on atmospheric temperatures (which are low compared to what can be achieved by artificial means), (2) the relative humidity of the air (which typically varies from a low of 50% to 100% in many areas of the world), (3) movement of the air which can typically vary from 30 mile an hour winds to no wind (and even during relatively high wind conditions the air does not necessarily move rapidly at ground level), and (4) some of the crop is necessarily close to or on the ground where drying occurs slowly because of the moisture coming from below. Though not typical, several methods have been tried to dry forage crops indoors. This always involves transporting a high volume type crop that has a high moisture content thus high mass. Typically two drying methods have been used. One dries by moving atmospheric air (sometimes heated) through the hay placed over open floors until dried. Another method moves the hay through a rotating drum via very hot air blowing through that drum. The latter has achieved energy efficiencies of 1600 to 1700 B T U per pound of water removed. Again, besides the high amount of energy used, the high moisture (thus high mass) forage products need to be hauled considerable distances to achieve a reasonable level of operation for a plant that requires a substantial capital investment.
If the drying process is intended to be used in a timely and efficient connection with harvesting of the organic material, it is imperative that the drying process can be carried out in synchronization with the harvesting. There have been attempts to dry forage crops in the field after cutting such as with the use of microwave heating or squeezing moisture out of the product but all have resulted in low throughput, high energy costs, high equipment cost or loss of product value.
The present invention solves these and other problems associated with existing apparatus and methods for drying moist organic materials.


A window glass in a motor vehicle body is slidable in a vertical direction within a window frame by means of an electric motor controlled by "up" and "down" switches. The window glass slides with reference to a window guide channel. The window guide channel incorporates a metal carrier or other electrical conductor which receives the output from electrical oscillating means. If a human hand, or other part of the human body, is present within the frame of the window, when the window is open, and within a predetermined distance from the window guide channel, the resultant capacitive effect will change the output of the oscillator. This output change is detected by a detecting unit and opens a switch. This switch is connected in series with the "up" switch for the window drive motor and thus either stops the motor, if it is driving the window glass upwards, or prevents the window glass from being so driven.

The invention relates to a system for controlling a power-driven window movable in a window opening between closed and open positions.
One such system is shown, for example, in French patent specification No. 2,098,871. In this system, for controlling a power-driven window in a motor vehicle, an electrical conductor is incorporated into insulating material and mounted on or around the frame of the window. The conductor is connected to the non-grounded terminal of the vehicle's electrical battery so as to produce a difference in potential between that conductor and the remainder of the vehicle's body. An electrical capacitor is thus produced such that the entry of a part of the human body into the window opening alters the dielectric of the capacitor. This may be detected by a Wheatstone bridge circuit and stops the movement of the window glass.
An object of the invention, however, is to produce a system with greater sensitivity to the detection of the presence of a part of the human body (or other object), but also with the possibility of being less sensitive to the effects of ambient conditions.
Another system for controlling a power-driven window glass slidable in a window frame is known from German patent specification No. 3,724,085. This system comprises electrically conductive means adapted to be mounted in use adjacent to the window opening so as to be physically moved by direct or indirect contact with part of the human body positioned between the moving window glass and its frame during power-driven closure of the window. This system requires electrical contact to be made between two conductors. Such contact interrupts power-driven movement of the window glass.
Another object of the invention, therefore, is to produce a system which is not affected by ageing and similar effects which may alter the force necessary to achieve the necessary contact in such a system between the conductors.


A three wheeled vehicle has a steered front wheel and two driven rear wheels. A novel suspension has inner and outer members keyed to rotate in lockstep, but to accommodate axial travel of only the inner member. The inner member rises and falls with the front wheel as the vehicle negotiates uneven terrain, and the outer member is axially immobilized. Steering inputs are imposed on the outer member, which passes rotational movement to the inner member. The novel suspension incorporates a spring and shock absorber, and enables steering linkage to avoid vertical displacement imposed upon the suspension. In various embodiments, the vehicle accommodates one, two, or three passengers, and includes open or fully enclosed bodies.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a three wheeled vehicle, and more particularly to a three wheeled vehicle having two driven rear wheels and a steered front wheel.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Powered vehicles which are uncomplicated and economical have been the subject of considerable efforts of design and manufacturing. One avenue of realizing a feasible light duty, economical vehicle has been to provide three wheels in lieu of the customary four wheel design. Depending upon the purpose, three wheeled vehicles having various steering and driving configurations have been proposed.
The particular combination of a single steered front wheel and two driven rear wheels is seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,356,658, issued on Oct. 26, 1920 to Albert D. Ray; U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,624, issued on Jun. 4, 1991, to Elain M. Nesterick et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,313, issued on Mar. 10, 1992 to Laurence J. Mauws. Ray discloses a tractor wherein a steering shaft is disposed at an angle to a steering fork, the former turning the latter by mutual geared engagement. The front wheel is not sprung.
Novelty of the scooter disclosed in Nesterick et al. '624 resides in its simple construction. The steering shaft is directly connected to the front wheel, which is unsprung. The same characteristics are seen in the utility vehicle shown in Mauws '313, which features a tubular frame to which panels are attached to complete the body.
Other three wheeled vehicles having various steering and driving configurations are known in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 1,242,500, issued to Newton K. Wilcox on Oct. 9, 1917, discloses a tractor having two rear wheels and one front wheel. The front wheel is steered, and all three wheels are driven. Two spring towers accommodate vertical displacement of axle travel. U.S. Pat. No. 2,966,951, issued on Jan. 3, 1961 to Ivan R. Lang discloses a golf cart having a steered front wheel and two rear wheels, one of which is driven. Lang attaches the front wheel to a steering fork by means of an intermediate, sprung, pivoting member.
A self-propelled mower is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,263,977, issued to Paul E. Willett on Apr. 28, 1981. A single front wheel is driven and steered. Two rear wheels support weight, but do not contribute to steering or driving.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,510, issued to Dierk Duerwald et al. on May 20, 1986, discloses an arrangement for steering all wheels of a three wheeled vehicle. A rod or cable is disposed longitudinally, or front-to-rear, to impose a steering input simultaneously on all wheels. A primary example is related to a vehicle having a single, driven front wheel and two rear wheels. However, the steering system is also adapted for reverse operation of such a vehicle, and which wheels are driven, and whether there are two front and one rear wheel, or the opposite, are not important.
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.


A method for forming a droplet interface bilayer (DIB) comprises the steps of: (1) providing an assembly that includes a housing contained within an enclosure, wherein the housing includes at least one aperture that comprises a cis portion and a trans portion, at least one cis electrode receptacle and at least one trans electrode receptacle, wherein the cis electrode receptacle is operatively connected to the cis portion, and the trans electrode receptacle is operatively connected to the trans portion; (2) inserting an electrode into each of the cis and trans electrode receptacles; (3) introducing an oil/lipid phase to the enclosure such that the oil/lipid phase flows into the housing through the aperture; (4) delivering at least two aqueous droplets to the oil/lipid phase in such a manner that at least one aqueous droplet is disposed within the cis portion of the aperture and at least one aqueous droplet is disposed within the trans portion of the aperture; and (5) lowering a level of the oil/lipid phase in the cis and trans portions of the aperture to cause the aqueous droplets in the cis and trans portions to expand and move closer to one another until the aqueous droplets contact one another thereby forming the lipid bilayer at the location at which the aqueous droplets contact one another.

An understanding of ion channels is fundamental to the study of many biophysical systems, yet several challenges hinder the ability to study ion channels. While more than 50% of all major drug targets are membrane-associated proteins, and over 400 ion channels have been identified in the human genome, only a small percentage have been cloned and functionally studied. As a result, many experimental methods have been developed for the study of ion channels. Current methods for studying ion channels consist of those that analyze ion channels at the single molecule level and those that analyze them at the ensemble level. Further, methods for studying ion channels can be separated into those that analyze ion channel behavior in synthetic settings, and those that study ion channels in biological or native-like settings.
Conventional methods using native-like or biological settings include traditional patch clamp electrophysiology systems such as those that utilize X. laevis oocytes as a platform for heterologous ion channel expression. Methods using the X. laevis oocyte are typically used to replicate and study large numbers of ion channels.
Conversely, conventional methods that use synthetic settings are typically designed for studying ion channels at the single molecule level. For example, the planar lipid bilayer technique is a method in which synthetic phospholipids are applied to a micrometer-sized opening separating two aqueous compartments, thereby forming a lipid bilayer film. The application of the phospholipids to the opening is described as "painting." After painting with the synthetic phospholipids, proteoliposomes are added to one or both aqueous compartments, and ion channel activity is then monitored using an amplifier, usually under voltage clamp conditions.
Although use of the planar lipid bilayer method for the research of ion channels has been widespread, there are several drawbacks associated with this technique and other similar methods. For example, the planar lipid bilayer method is technically demanding, and is neither robust nor scalable. Further, the lipid bilayers produced via this technique are delicate, and thus susceptible to rupture.
More recently, a droplet interface bilayer (DIB) method has been developed as an alternative to the planar lipid bilayer method. This DIB method comprises the insertion of aqueous droplets into a bulk/oil lipid phase. This DIB method, however, requires both operation in the microfluidic regime and micromanipulation. Because manipulation of nanoliter volume droplets is technically demanding and micromanipulators are bulky, expensive and preclude scalable DIB assembly, this alternative method possesses many of the drawbacks as the planar lipid bilayer method. Importantly, while improvements to the DIB assembly have been described, including droplet dielectrophoresis and digital microfluidics, these strategies require expensive, complicated and not readily accessible clean room device fabrication, iterative rapidly prototypable device design is not possible.
Although there are several contributing factors as to why so few ion channels have been studied, two predominant factors are the technical expertise needed to perform the studies and the high expense of studying ion channels in synthetic environment—drawbacks that remain a concern for conventional methods such as the planar lipid bilayer technique and the previous DIB method. Thus, there is a need for a method for producing lipid bilayers that is inexpensive, scalable, and does not require a high level of technical expertise on the part of the performer, in order to more efficiently study ion channels.


A computer receives image data from a star-shaped optical target in the object plane and calculates angle-dependent boundary sharpness. The horizontal, x-direction, amplitude derivative and the vertical, y-direction, amplitude derivative are computed over a portion of each star pattern image from a Z panning sequence. A microscope slide stage, carrying the target, is moved vertically from a level just below where the target is in focus to a level just above where the target is in focus. For each small increment of vertical motion, Z panning, an image of the star pattern is captured for analysis. Computations are performed on the differentiated images to search for evidence of elongation of the point spread function and variation with stage Z position of the angle of long axis of such an out-of-round point spread function. The presence of a distorted point spread function that varies along the optical axis indicates astigmatism.

An ideal optical path, such as a system of lenses for a microscope, would provide undistorted magnification of features in the object with uniform resolution over an entire field of view. However, practical lenses, mirrors, and camera systems introduce aberrations that cause the image resolution to vary over the image plane. One such well known aberration is astigmatism. Astigmatism is defined as the presence of separate focal lengths, along the principal axis, for rays of light traveling in different rotational planes through the optics system. Optical paths of all types suffer from astigmatism.
A method is needed to measure the severity of this aberration so that optical paths that are excessively degraded by astigmatism can be repaired or adjusted. Therefore, the invention provides an automated system that measures astigmatism in an optical path and provides an optical quality signal to alert other system components that the optical path is so effected.

Separation apparatus and method for measuring focal plane


A combined stairway and hoist so constructed that it can be adapted in many fields of use, especially for handicapped people in buildings and public transportation. The stairway together with the platform can be raised and lowered by means of parallel stays which at one end are pivotally connected to a support at the upper end of the stairway, the parallel stays along their length being pivotally connected to a number of additional stays which are connected to respective steps and are vertical in operating position.

The invention relates to a combined stairway and lift apparatus, comprising a stairway which, by a lifting means, can be raised and lowered at least at one end, and which is designed so that the steps all the time are horizontal during the raising or lowering movement, the stairway in a horizontal position forming a planar surface flush with a raisable and lowerable platform.
An apparatus of the above-mentioned type is known from SE laying-open print No. 462 335. This known apparatus consists of an elevator portion and a stairway portion connected thereto, wherein the elevator portion comprises an elevator platform which is raisable and lowerable between at least two levels, and wherein the stairway portion is connected to the elevator portion in such a manner that the stairway portion automatically follows the movements of the elevator portion, so that the stairway portion in a lowered position forms a planar surface on which a load can be run onto the elevator platform. The apparatus may be used as a stairway and/or a lift between stories in a house, as a loading platform with side stairway at a loading quay, as a freight elevator in storage premises, etc. The construction of the apparatus implies, however, substantial restrictions with respect to fields of use. Among other things, it cannot be adapted for use as, e.g., a wheelchair lift in public means of transportation, such as buses, railway cars, etc., with a varying entering height.
In the recent time, there has been carried out some research activity with respect to the possibilities of arranging the conditions for handicapped persons in public means of transportation. In this connection, it has become clear that today there do not exist sufficiently good and quick solutions for lifts which can be recommended for short-distance traffic with buses or the like. In public means of transportation for short-distance traffic, there must be made heavy demands on regularity, and it will then not be of current interest to install lifts which become too time-consuming and make too heavy demands on drivers/conductors.
A combined stairway and lift apparatus for public means of transportation should also have a flexible construction which, in operation, can be adapted to varying operating conditions, especially with regard to varying entering height. Thus, the apparatus should be able to be adapted to city buses and trams with a very low entering height, and further to buses, trams, railway cars, etc., having a relatively high entering height, and, moreover, to varying platform heights in connection with railway cars.
Transport of handicapped persons, and especially wheelchair users, is a big problem also in airplanes, ships, and ferries. For example, the operation of bringing a passenger which is a wheelchair user on board an airplane, implies a physically great load on the personnel, and in addition it is degrading for the passenger. In practice, it often takes place in the manner that the wheelchair user has to appear at the air terminal a long time before the other passengers, in order then to be placed in another wheelchair. He or she is then carried up the aircraft stairway by two persons of the staff, in order thereafter to be lifted over into a usual chair.
When using a combined stairway and lift apparatus as a gangway in seagoing vessels, there is, at the starting point, also a need to be able to vary the height of the apparatus because of the tide.
Thus, there is a need for a combined stairway and lift apparatus which is suitable for solving the above-mentioned problems in different fields of transportation.
There is also a need for an improved, combined stairway and lift apparatus which is suitable for use by wheelchair users in buildings, indoor as well as outdoor. The usual alternative today in connection with low stairways is a fixed ramp, indoor as well as outdoor. These are very bulky because of the severe demands to a limited upward gradient, and in many cases are not considered as an acceptable solution. This applies, e.g., in churches where, as a rule, there are several steps from the church room to the altar, but where the authorities for aesthetic reasons do not accept a permanent ramp. In many cases a ramp neither is of any interest in private residences, and a scissors-type lift may also be an expensive and space-demanding solution.


A sterile filter module/dialyzer packaging including a filter module, preferably a dialyzer, sterile-packaged in a primary packaging. The filter module having an essentially cylindrical central section and a filter module connection formed at the end of the central section. The primary packaging is a blister packaging with a plastic molded part as a lower section forming a receiving compartment for the filter module and a soft upper foil which, with the lower section, closes the receiving compartment for the filter module. The upper foil is fixed onto the lower section so as to be hermetically sealed and the filter module is fixed at least in sections by means of form fit.

In the manufacture of sterile medical products, in particular filter modules/dialyzers, care must be taken to ensure that the product remains sterile until used on a patient or applied as part of a treatment. For this purpose, it must be ensured that either the sterile barrier is applied to the product itself or that the packaging forms a sterile barrier to the environment which remains intact for the shelf-life time shown on the product, assuming realistic storage conditions.
In terms of their external shape, filter modules/dialyzers are designed solely from the point of the demands of production and application technology. Obviously this shape creates particular demands in terms of the packaging of the filter module/dialyzer. An especially problematic feature of the packaging are the standardized, protruding and sharp-edged connectors on the filter module/dialyzer, as well as edges on the filter module/dialyzer and protection caps on the filter module/dialyzer.
Known packagings for medical products, especially for filter modules/dialyzers, primarily consist of a bag made of plastic or aluminium tube or a seal edge bag (as primary packaging), also a tray made of plastic, cardboard or molded pulp and if necessary an external box (as secondary packaging). The tray in particular generally corresponds to the shape of the product packaged in the primary packaging, resulting in a kind of form fit which aims to achieve positionally stable packaging.
Some medical products, in particular filter modules/dialyzers, have to be sterilized in oxygen-free conditions where applicable. This means that at the time of sterilization, the inside of the primary packaging has to be absolutely oxygen-free. This is normally realized by absorption of the oxygen with a suitable medium, a so-called getter. The medium material can be iron powder or a polymer, for example. The absorber can be added to the primary packaging as a so-called sachet or integrated in the structure of the packaging material (foil).
It is a significant disadvantage that the binding of molecular oxygen in the closed system of the primary packaging results in a volume reduction or negative pressure (in an environment which does not change shape). Known packaging systems are not dimensionally stable, so that after closure of the packaging, their volume is uncontrollably reduced to an extent that corresponds to the oxygen binding. Such a volume reduction of primary packaging allows relative movement to occur between the packaged filter modules/dialyzers inside the secondary packaging as well as between the packaged filter modules/dialyzers and the secondary packaging, wherein this relative movement can in turn result in damage to the sterile barrier.
In known filter module/dialyzer packagings, the above-described problem of relative movement as a result of volume reduction in the case of sterilization and the consequential potential damage to the sterile barrier is countered by the use of appropriately thick foils and/or an oxygen-reduced atmosphere during a packaging process. Both methods disadvantageously incur high material and processing costs. Another disadvantage is that volume reductions cannot be entirely ruled out by providing an oxygen-reduced atmosphere in the packaging process, since in this type of packaging, in particular in a filter module/dialyzer packaging, it is necessary to guarantee an atmosphere which is 100% oxygen-free. As a result, the use of an absorber and the resulting volume reductions are unavoidable. Thicker, mechanically resilient packaging materials for the primary packaging increase the product costs while still failing to provide a 100% guarantee that the sterile barrier will not be damaged.


A method and system process transform blocks according to quantization matrices in a video coding system. The method includes obtaining an initial quantization matrix having a first width and a first height, obtaining a derived quantization matrix having a second width and a second height, wherein the second width is different from the second height, and the derived quantization matrix is derived from the initial quantization matrix, receiving a transform block having a block size, where the transform block is associated with a picture, and selecting the initial quantization matrix or the derived quantization matrix for processing transform coefficients of the transform block according to the block size.

Quantization matrix has been utilized in various video coding standards, such as MEPG2 and H.264/AVC to improve the subjective video quality. Each of transform coefficients is quantized according to an individual quantization step as specified by the quantization matrix (or scaling matrix). Due to its effectiveness, the quantization matrix has also been adopted by the emerging High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) system. The quantization matrix usually has the same dimension as the transform used by the system. For example, in MEPG2 and H.264/AVC, the transform sizes include 8×8 and 4×4. Therefore, the sizes of quantization matrix also support 4×4 and 8×8. Default quantization matrices as well as user-defined quantization matrices are used in H.264/AVC. Furthermore, separate quantization matrices are selected for Intra mode and Inter mode in H.264/AVC. The quantization matrices for Intra 4×4, Inter 4×4, Intra 8×8 and Inter 8×8 are shown in FIGS. 1A-D respectively. The encoder can decide whether the current picture will use a flat quantization matrix, default quantization matrix or user defined quantization matrix. If a user-defined quantization matrix is selected, information associated with the quantization matrix has to be incorporated in the bitstream so that the decoder can recover the corresponding quantization matrix.
In MEPG2 and H.264/AVC, the maximum size of quantization matrix is 8×8. The memory requirement for storing default quantization matrix is relatively small and it won't pose any significant issue to the coding system. When a user defined quantization matrix is used, the data size associated with the user defined quantization matrix is not a big issue either. Nevertheless, in HEVC, more transform sizes have been adopted and the transform size can be as large as 32×32. For example, to store two (Intra and Inter) 4×4 default quantization matrices and two 8×8 default quantization matrices only require 160 bytes. Using the same way to store two 32×32 default quantization matrices alone will require 2048 bytes. The total storage requirements of quantization matrices for MPEG2/H264/AVC and HEVC are shown in Table 1 and Table 2 respectively. As shown in the tables, the data size requirement for the quantization matrices in HEVC is increased substantially (more than 18 times). For high-speed hardware-based implementation, the quantization matrices may be hardwired and the data size associated with the quantization matrices will have significant impact on the device. Therefore, it is very desirable to develop a new quantization matrix representation scheme that can reduce the data size required to store the quantization matrices. When user-defined quantization matrices are used, large quantization matrices may consume sizeable precious bitrate. Therefore, it is also desirable to develop a new quantization matrix representation scheme that can reduce the data rate for transmitting the user-defined quantization matrices.
TABLE 1Memory SizeMatrix sizeNum of valuesPU TypeComponent(byte)4 × 416Intra/InterY/Cb/Cr968 × 864Intra/InterY128Total224
TABLE 2NumMemory SizeMatrix sizeof valuesPU TypeComponent(byte)4 × 416Intra/InterY/Cb/Cr968 × 864Intra/InterY/Cb/Cr38416 × 16256Intra/InterY/Cb/Cr153632 × 321024Intra/InterY2048Total4064(1814%)

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and system of transform block processing according to quantization matrix in video coding


Communication between chips is provided using a transmission line. Any one of the chips may tap into the transmission line, and communicate with another chip tapped into the transmission line by transmitting a radio frequency (RF) signal to the other chip via the transmission line or receiving an RF signal from the other chip via the transmission line. The transmission line may include a microstrip transmission line, a waveguide, a stripline transmission line, or another type of transmission line. The chips may use the transmission line to communicate data, control and/or clock signals with one another.

Multiple chips or dies may be packaged together in a multi-chip integrated circuit (IC) package. The chips in the IC package may communicate with one another via a digital interface. For example, a radio transceiver chip may communicate with a baseband chip in the IC package via a digital interface. The digital interface may include multiple lines for communicating multiple bits in parallel between chips. However, the digital interface may add complexity to the IC package by requiring multiple lines between chips and/or electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuitry. Also, the digital interface may suffer from harmonic interference and/or other types of interference.

Transmission line for an integrated circuit package


A method for supplying consumable items to an automated sample analyzer is presented. The automated analyzer comprises a consumable repository including two or more storage areas. Each area is configured to store a plurality of consumable items. The method comprises receiving one or more orders for analytical tests to be carried out by the analyzer, reserving consumable items corresponding to one or more sets of consumable items required for the analytical tests in a first area, switching to a second area for reserving consumable items in response to determining that a predetermined consumable item in the first area has been reserved, supplying the reserved consumable items for use in the one or more analytical tests and indicating that the first area can be replenished in response to determining that a particular consumable item of the first storage area has been used.

The present disclosure relates to methods for supplying consumable items to an automated sample analyzer for biological samples and apparatuses for analyzing samples including a consumable item repository.
Automated analyzers for analyzing samples (e.g., automated analyzers deployed in a clinical laboratory environment) frequently use consumable items during operation. These consumable items have to be replenished regularly to secure that the analyzers can operate properly.
For instance, some automated sample analyzers include automated pipettors which manipulate biological samples and reagents. During these operations, the analyzers might use disposable pipette tips and reaction vessels and possibly additional consumable items. Pipette tips and reaction vessels can be provided to the analyzer in racks or other containers. These containers have to be replenished by a user of the automated sample analyzer in some examples.
While operating these devices, a user might forget to replenish the consumable containers in time, or might make a mistake in the course of a refill process (e.g., replace an empty container of disposable items by another empty container). As a consequence of such errors, the analyzer might not find the consumable items needed to perform a particular scheduled analytical test at some point in time. This might lead to an increased idle time of the analyzer.

Supplying consumable items to an automated sample analyzer


Accuracy and speed of biometric identity verification are significantly improved by use of multiple simultaneous scans of biometric features of a user, such as multiple fingerprints, using multiple scanners (40, 50) of smaller size than would be needed to accommodate all of the fingerprints in a single scanner (30), and using multiple parallel processors (42, 52), or a single higher speed processor, to process the fingerprint data more efficiently. Obtaining biometric data from multiple user features by use of multiple scanners increases verification accuracy, but without the higher cost and slower processing speed that would be incurred if a single large scanner were to be used for improved accuracy.

This invention relates generally to identity verification techniques using biometric data and, more specifically, to the use of biometric data, such as fingerprints, to provide identity verification in real time. Although techniques for biometric verification of personal identity have been widely disclosed, widespread application of biometric identity verification systems to consumers has not occurred, largely because of the relatively high cost and lack of practical usability of such systems for high-speed or real-time identity verification. To be usable in a practical application, a biometric verification system must meet requirements of accuracy, size and convenience. "Accuracy" pertains principally to the percentage of access requests that are granted to legitimate users on a first attempt. "Size" refers to the size of scanning and verification equipment, and particularly the size of the fingerprint scanner. As will be further discussed, the scanner size has an impact on cost, speed of operation, and convenience for the user. "Convenience" includes ease of use as well as speed of operation. A fingerprint scanner may be easy to use, but a long processing delay will reduce its overall convenience. Low accuracy also negatively impacts convenience of use.
Devices using fingerprint scanning of a single finger, with either rolled or flat scanning, have a single trial accuracy limit of 95–99% using any currently known fingerprint matching algorithm. Thus, between one and five of every one hundred attempts at identity verification by legitimate users will result in failure to gain access to whatever is being protected by the biometric device. Upon rejection, the user must make another attempt, possibly using an alternate finger if the system has been set up to accommodate this type of action. In many important applications of biometric verification, this level of accuracy is not acceptable from a convenience standpoint.
Although accuracy can be improved by increasing the size of the fingerprint scanner to accommodate a larger area of the finger, or possibly two fingers, there is an important tradeoff that designers of such systems face. Larger scanning devices cost significantly more and require a significantly longer processing time. In fact the cost of a fingerprint scanner increases at greater than a linear rate. That is to say, the cost of one large sensor will be significantly greater than the combined cost of two sensors of half the size of the large sensor. The processing time for virtually all verification algorithms is roughly proportional to the square of the sensor size. Accordingly, improvements in accuracy obtained by using a larger fingerprint sensor are accompanied by both a higher sensor cost and a longer processing time. In other words, accuracy is improved only at the expense of economy and convenience.
All commercially available fingerprint identity verification systems available at the time of the present invention utilize single finger collection and verification, with two possible exceptions. Both arise in law enforcement applications, where real-time identity verification is rarely a concern. Some police agencies use a single fingerprint capture device to capture images of all ten fingers in succession. The images are not captured simultaneously and the purpose is not to support real-time verification of identity. Police may also use a large fingerprint scanner to simultaneously record the fingerprints of all four fingers on each hand, referred to as a "slap." The purpose of a slap, on a conventional (ink-on-paper) fingerprint card, is to verify that each fingerprint image has been placed in the correct box on the card. When a "slap" is obtained with a scanner, the purpose is the same, i.e., to verify that the correct fingers have been used to obtain of each of four separately scanned fingerprints. A very large and expensive scanning device is used to obtain the "slap."
It will be apparent from the foregoing that there is a need for alternative technique or improving the accuracy and convenience of fingerprint identity verification systems. The present invention is directed to this end.

Method and system for identity verification using multiple simultaneously scanned biometric images


Embodiments include a toner having a polyester resin derived from a terephthalic material, 2,2-ethyl-butyl-1,3-propanediol and bis-(4-hydroxycyclohexyl)-dimethylmethane, a wax, and an optional colorant.

The present disclosure is generally related to toners comprising polyester resins, and in embodiments, to toners made by emulsion aggregation (EA) and coalescence processes. The toners herein, in embodiments, are environmentally friendly, as they do not use the endocrine disruptor Bisphenol A. The toners herein, in embodiments, provide improved carbon/oxygen ratios. In addition, the toners herein, in embodiments, exhibit stable charge and low relative humidity sensitivity. In embodiments, the toners comprise a wax, and are useful in oil-less fusing applications (requiring little or no fusing oil for release).
Current polyester based toners are derived from Bisphenol A monomer. Bisphenol-A has been identified as an endocrine disrupter resulting in adverse developmental health effects. Several European Countries, as well as Canada and several U.S. states have targeted the ban for Bisphenol A.
Toners that do not use bisphenol-A polyester resins are known, such as those derived from aliphatic glycols and terephthalic acids. Although these resins may provide the suitable fusing performance, the toners display poor electrical performances due to their hydrophilic nature. As a design rule for obtaining good electrical performance, a successful model that has been used in polyester resins, is to calculate the carbon/oxygen (C/O) ratio of the resin. For example, known toners using Bisphenol A and/or styrene based resins have been shown to have a C/O ratio of from about 4.2 to about 4.95. These toners show stable charge and low RH sensitivity. Previous designs using terephthalic-glycol based resins showed a C/O ratio of from about 2.75 to about 3, and displayed poor electrical and RH sensitivity results. Therefore, it is desirable that the C/O ratio of polyester resins be at least 4.0 or greater, or 4.2 or greater, in embodiments from about 4.2 to about 5.5, to result in stable charge and low RH sensitivity similar to that of styrene-based resins.
Thermal properties are a necessary part of the design of a suitable toner. Toners should be designed to help prevent the occurrence of "hot offset." The resin useful in the toner should be amorphous, in embodiments, with a glass transition temperature ranging from about 50° C. to about 65° C., in embodiments from about 52° C. to about 60° C. The softening point, as measured by Mettler Softening point apparatus, should be desirable ranges for high gloss application, or for matte applications.
Illustrated in U.S. patent application Publication No. 2008/0236446, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, are toner preparation processes, and more specifically, a process for the preparation of toner including i) generating an emulsion including water and resin containing from about 5 to about 70 percent solids of amorphous polyester resin particles with a particle diameter size of from about 50 to 250 nanometers; (ii) generating an emulsion of crystalline polyester resin particles with a particle diameter size of from about 50 to about 250 nanometers; (iii) aggregating said resulting mixture of amorphous polyester resin particles, crystalline polyester resin particles, and colorant including from about 25 to about 45 weight percent solids dispersion and wax dispersion with a coagulant at a pH of from about 2.5 to about 4, which pH is achieved with a dilute acid, and shearing the resulting mixture with a homogenizer at from about 2,000 to about 10,000 rpm; and (iv) subsequently heating the mixture to a temperature of from about 40° C. to about 55° C. to thereby generate toner aggregates of from about 3 to about 9 microns in diameter; followed by freezing said aggregate size by the addition of alkaline base at a pH of from about 6.3 to about 9, and adding a metal sequestering agent; heating the resulting aggregate composite to a temperature below the onset melting point of the crystalline resin to enable coalescence; decreasing the pH of the mixture from about 5.7 to about 6.3 with an acid or buffer to coalesce the toner components; and thereafter cooling, washing, isolating, and drying the toner product.
Emulsion/aggregation/coalescence processes for the preparation of toners are illustrated in a number of Xerox patents, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,290,654, 5,278,020, 5,308,734, 5,370,963, 5,344,738, 5,403,693, 5,418,108, 5,364,729, and 5,346,797; and also of interest may be U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,348,832; 5,405,728; 5,366,841; 5,496,676; 5,527,658; 5,585,215; 5,650,255; 5,650,256; 5,501,935; 5,723,253; 5,744,520; 5,763,133; 5,766,818; 5,747,215; 5,827,633; 5,853,944; 5,804,349; 5,840,462; 5,869,215; 5,863,698; 5,902,710; 5,910,387; 5,916,725; 5,919,595; 5,925,488; 5,977,210; 5,994,020; 6,020,101; 6,130,021; 6,120,967 and 6,628,102, 6,664,015, 6,780,560, 6,818,723, 6,824,944, 6,830,860, 6,849,371, 7,208,253, 7,329,476, 7,402,371, 7,416,827 7,425,398, and 7,442,740.
In addition, the following U.S. patents relate to emulsion aggregation processes of forming toner compositions, the disclosures of each of which are totally incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,807 describes processes for the preparation of toner compositions including: (i) preparing an emulsion latex comprised of sodio sulfonated polyester resin particles of from about 5 to about 500 nanometers in size diameter by heating said resin in water at a temperature of from about 65° C. to about 90° C.; (ii) preparing a pigment dispersion in a water by dispersing in water from about 10 to about 25 weight percent of sodio sulfonated polyester and from about 1 to about 5 weight percent of pigment; (iii) adding the pigment dispersion to a latex mixture including sulfonated polyester resin particles in water with shearing, followed by the addition of an alkali halide in water until aggregation results as indicated by an increase in the latex viscosity of from about 2 centipoise to about 100 centipoise; (iv) heating the resulting mixture at a temperature of from about 45° C. to about 80° C. thereby causing further aggregation and enabling coalescence, resulting in toner particles of from about 4 to about 9 microns in volume average diameter and with a geometric distribution of less than about 1.3; and optionally (v) cooling the product mixture to about 25° C. and followed by washing and drying.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,402,371 describes a method for forming a low melt toner, the method including: forming a pre-toner mixture including (i) an emulsion resin including a first alkali sulfonated polyester resin and a second alkali sulfonated polyester resin, (ii) a colorant, and (iii) optionally a wax; adjusting the pH of the pre-toner mixture to between about 4 to about 5; homogenizing the pre-toner mixture; forming an aggregate mixture of aggregate toner particles by adding an aggregating agent over a period of from about 10 to about 60 minutes; adjusting the pH of the aggregate mixture to between about 5 and about 7; heating the aggregate mixture to a temperature of from about 50° C. to about 80° C. thereby forming a mixture coalesced toner particles; controlling toner particle size by adjusting the pH of the mixture of coalesced toner particles to between about 5 and about 7; and cooling the mixture of coalesced toner particles to room temperature.
Illustrated in U.S. patent application Publication No. 2008/0107989 is a process for forming particles, including forming a latex by generating an emulsion of a polyester resin initially having an acid value of from about 16 mg/eq KOH to 40 mg/eq KOH; optionally adding thereto a colorant dispersion, a wax dispersion, and/or a surfactant; shearing and adding an aqueous solution of acid until the pH of the mixture is from about 3 to about 5.5, followed by optionally adding an aqueous solution of coagulant; heating to a temperature of from about 30° C. to about 60° C., wherein the aggregate grows to a size of from about 3 to about 20 microns; raising the pH of the mixture to from about 7 to about 9; heating the mixture to about 60° C. to about 95° C.; and optionally decreasing the pH to a range of about 6 to about 6.8.
Therefore, it is desired to provide a toner having a polyester resin, which is not derived from the endocrine disruptor Bisphenol-A. It is further desired to provide a polyester resin toner which has a suitable glass transition temperature, softening point, C/O ratio, improved electrical characteristics, and RH sensitivity. In addition, it is desired to provide a toner that can be used in an oil-less fusing system, requiring little or no fusing oil.


An electrophotographic member whose performances are hardly changed even after a long-term use is provided. An electrophotographic member having a mandrel, an elastic layer and a surface layer, wherein the surface layer contains a titanium oxide film having chemical bonds represented by the following formula (1) and formula (2) is provided.O—Ti—O  Formula (1)Ti—O—C  Formula (2)

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrophotographic member for use in a developing member, a charging member and the like, a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
In an electrophotographic apparatus, a developing roller is generally configured to have an elastic layer so as to ensure a sufficient nip width with respect to a photosensitive drum to thereby stably rotate. The developing roller has a surface layer formed in order to make the toner conveying ability of a surface better and suppress toner fixation on the surface.
A charging roller which is placed while being in contact with the photosensitive drum and which allows the photosensitive drum to be charged at a predetermined potential is also generally configured to have an elastic layer and a surface layer as in the developing roller.
Meanwhile, as there is an increasing demand for more improvement in durability of an electrophotographic apparatus, there is also a demand for electrophotographic members such as a developing roller and a charging roller whose changes in performance after a long-term use are smaller.
In regard to such demands, in order to improve durability of a conductive roller in the vicinity of a surface, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H01-257881 has proposed a developing roller provided with a ceramics coating layer having a thickness of 5 μm or less on the surface of the roller. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H01-142749 has proposed a developing roller and a developer regulating member whose surfaces are coated with ceramics having titanium and tungsten atoms.

Electrophotographic member, process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus


The measurement of the width of a pattern on a semiconductor wafer or a flat panel is carried out in an optical microscope or a scanning electron microscope in a number of measuring steps, By a computing rule, the quality of the correlation between the measured data obtained in the individual measurement steps, as well as reference data taken from the design, the value for the parameter is calculated and compared with a limiting value obtained from experience. In the event of violation of the limiting value, a signal is generated and the further processing of the object is interrupted.

The proportion of outlay on quality assurance is gaining in importance given the continuously reducing pattern sizes on semiconductor products, as also in the field of flat panel displays. In general, for a product consisting of many planes, a measurement of test structures or component structures is carried out at least for each lithographically patterned plane, followed by comparison with desired or reference limiting values.
The corresponding measurements can be carried out with reference to absolute positional accuracy (registration), relative positional accuracy (overlay), layer thickness or pattern height, pattern width or pattern length, pattern edge angle, etc. An important subgroup of these measured data, which corresponds to a distance measurement between two points on the surface of a wafer slice, a mask, a flat panel display, etc., is denoted as CD (Critical Dimension) measurement. Because the optical resolution limit is being reached due to the continuously reducing pattern sizes, increasing use is also being made of scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) instead of photooptical measuring instruments. Such a CD measurement for determining the characteristic dimensions, for example, of predefined patterns such as lines, rectangles, slits, etc., can validate the quality of a preceding lithographic step.
A series of aligning and measuring steps are generally carried out in order to perform the CD measurement in an optical or scanning electron microscope. A sequence of such measuring steps is illustrated schematically, for example in FIG. 1. After lithographic patterning has been carried out in a lithography cluster including resist coating, hot and cool plates, exposing the resist, cooling down, developing and hardening, as well as cleaning, etc. The first step, in this case, is to carry out an overlay measurement to check the accuracy of the alignment of the currently patterned plane with reference to preceding planes. Such measurements are usually accomplished in measuring instruments specifically set up therefore.
After the overlay measurement, the product to be measured, for example, a semiconductor wafer, is transferred to the CD measuring instrument, in which the semiconductor wafer is aligned on a stage, i.e., a substrate holder. A first measuring step includes a global alignment. In this measuring step, alignment marks set up specifically for this purpose are used to align the stage with the wafer into a defined co-ordinate position relative to the optical or electronic lens system.
The stage with the wafer is positioned by positional data taken from the pattern design such that the structure to be measured passes roughly into the raster image field of the lens system. With digital image processing, the targeted pattern is detected in this image field by pattern recognition methods, and the semiconductor wafer is subsequently readjusted.
In a further step, the lens system is aligned such that as high as possible a resolution or sharp definition is achieved for the imaging. Like the step of pattern recognition, this step, known as autofocus, is sufficiently well known from the prior art to the average person skilled in the art. Autofocus steps can be implemented in the case of optical microscopes by varying lens separations, and in the case of scanning electron microscopes, by varied current intensities or induction intensities in the lens coils.
A further measuring step, which relates chiefly to scanning electron microscopes, is the checking of the stigmation quality, i.e., the astigmatism. In this case, the setting values, determined from a first measuring curve in a first direction, for example, "X", for the focus are compared with those of a second one, in a second direction, for example, "Y", orthogonal to the first direction. Depending on a result to be achieved, which is a function of the pattern design to be imaged, the lens system can be readjusted here once more.
Only after this step does the actual CD measurement take place, for example, by selecting two opposite edge points for the purpose of measuring the width of a pattern as characteristic dimension, and measuring their spacing.
The measured value of the pattern width is then fixed as CD value for this pattern and, if appropriate, compared, by averaging together with further pattern width measurements, to a tolerance band, prescribed from the design rule, for CD values. When the limits of this tolerance band are exceeded, the semiconductor wafer must be passed on for reworking in the normal case after the lithography step.
The subsequent process step, in this case, an etching step, can be carried out when the tolerance limits are observed.
Whereas in past years the measuring accuracy of the scanning electron microscopes has sufficed completely for distinguishing different dimensions of patterns within a prescribed tolerance band, this is becoming more difficult nowadays with the continuously decreasing pattern sizes. For example, a typical 10% tolerance band of a 150 nm wide gate stack of a transistor, for example, of a memory product, is 15 nm. Consequently, an accuracy of 3 nm is to be achieved by the scanning electron microscope given the requirement of a 20% resolution within this tolerance.

Method for measuring a characteristic dimension of at least one pattern on a disc-shaped object in a measuring instrument


Use of inverse transforms regarding chirp-Z analysis is circumvented to ence the chirp-Z output gain. Forward chirp-Z transform pulses relating to individual CW frequency components of interest in a composite signal, are gated to circuitry which replicates those pulses to recreate each such component for the time necessary to accomplish the intended analysis. This circuitry operates at the replicating rate necessary to separate the pulse replications by one-half the width of the pulses.

The present invention relates generally to signal spectrum analyzers and more particularly, to such analyzers wherein Chirp-Z forward transforms are utilized.
Conventional Chirp-Z signal analyzers utilize forward transforms to compress the individual continuous wave (hereinafter CW) components of the signal into segregated pulses or time intervals from which such components are then selectively reconstructed or expanded with inverse transforms. Considerable gain is inherent with Chirp-Z forward transforms, however, high attenuation is inherent with Chirp-Z inverse transforms. Consequently, Chirp-Z inverse transforms encumber the overall sensitivity of signal analyzers.

Sequential circuitry for recreating CW components from chirp-Z pulses

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


We introduce a general designing procedure that allows us, for any given photonic crystal slab, to create an appropriate line defect structure that possesses single-mode bands with large bandwidth and low dispersion within the photonic band gap region below the light line. This procedure involves designing a high index dielectric waveguide that is phase matched with the gap of the photonic crystal slab, and embedding the dielectric waveguide as a line defect into a crystal in a specific configuration that is free of edge states within the guiding bandwidth. As an example, we show a single mode line defect waveguide with a bandwidth approaching 13% of the center-band frequency, and with a linear dispersion relation throughout most of the bandwidth.

This invention relates in general to waveguides in photonic-crystals and, in particular, to a structure where dielectric waveguides are incorporated in photonic crystal slabs.
Photonic crystal slab structures are constructed by introducing strong two-dimensionally periodic refractive index contrast into a high-index dielectric guiding slab. See, for example, Two-dimensional photonic-bandgap structures operating at near-infrared wavelengths, by T. F. Kraus, R. M. DelaRue, and S. Brand, Nature 383, 699 (1996). With sufficient refractive index contrast in the vertical direction, such structures support an in-plane photonic band gap that lies below the light line. For more information, please see High Extraction Efficiency of Spontaneous Emission from Slabs of Photonic Crystals, by S. Fan, P. R. Villeneuve, J. D. Joannopoulos, and E. F. Schubert, Phys. Rev. Lett. 78, 3294 (1997); and Three-dimensional control of light in a two-dimensional photonic crystal slab, by E. Chow et al, Nature 407, 983 (2000). This allows the structures to function as a fundamental substrate for large-scale integrated micro-photonic circuit applications. For photonic integrated circuits, an essential building block is the waveguide structure. In order to function as an effective information carrying channel, the waveguide should possess several necessary properties: It should have its dispersion curve lying within the gap region below the light line to ensure low loss propagation within the guide and around sharp corners. The waveguide is preferably also single-moded, possesses sufficient bandwidth to accommodate the incoming signal, and displays minimal dispersion within the signal bandwidth. In a photonic crystal slab, a waveguide is typically created by introducing a line defect into the periodic lattices. These structures have been studied extensively with experiments and three-dimensional simulations. See, for example, any one of the following references:
1. Linear waveguides in photonic-crystal slabs, by S. G. Johnson, P. R. Villeneuve, S. Fan and J. D. Joanopoulos, Phys. Rev. B 62, 8212 (2000);
2. Demonstration of highly efficient waveguiding in a photonic crystal slab at the 1.5-mm wavelength, by S. Y. Lin, E. Chow, S. G. Johnson and J. D. Joannopoulos, Opt. Lett. 25, 1297 (2000);
3. Waveguides and waveguide bends in two-dimensional photonic crystal slabs, by A. Chutinan and S. Noda, Phys. Rev. B 62, 4488 (2000);
4. Methods for controlling positions of guided modes of photonic-crystal waveguides, by M. Loncar, J. Vuckovic, and A. Scherer, J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 18, 1362 (2001);
5. Clear correspondence between theoretical and experimental light propagation characteristics in photonic crystal waveguides, by T. Baba, N. Fukuya and A. Motegi, Electron. Lett. 37, 761 (2001);
6. Extremely Large Group-Velocity Dispersion of Line-Defect Waveguides in Photonic Crystal Slabs, M. Notomi, K. Yamada, A. Shinya, J. Takahashi, C. Takahashi, and I. Yokohama, Phys. Rev. Lett. 87, 253902 (2001); and
7. Large-bandwidth planar photonic crystal waveguides, by T. Sondergaard and A. Lavrinenko, Opt. Commun. 203, 263 (2002); and
8. Light-propagation characteristics of Y-branch defect waveguides in AlGaAs-based air-bridge-type two-dimensional photonic crystal slabs, Y. Sugimoto, N. Ikeda, N. Carlsson, K. Asakawa, N. Kawai, and K. Inoue, Opt. Lett. 27, 388 (2002).
However, many of the proposed waveguide structures exhibit relatively small guiding bandwidth and large group velocity dispersion. Developing ways to enlarge the waveguide bandwidth is therefore an important direction of research in photonic crystal structures. For examples of such effort, please see Demonstration of highly efficient waveguiding in a photonic crystal slab at the 1.5-mm wavelength, by S. Y. Lin, E. Chow, S. G. Johnson and J. D. Joannopoulos, Opt. Lett. 25, 1297 (2000); Methods for controlling positions of guided modes of photonic-crystal waveguide, by M. Loncar, J. Vuckovic, and A. Scherer, J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 18, 1362 (2001); and Large-bandwidth planar photonic crystal waveguides, by T. Sondergaard and A. Lavrinenko, Opt. Commun. 203, 263 (2002).
None of the above-described approaches are entirely satisfactory. It is therefore desirable to provide an improved waveguide structure, a method of making the structure, with characteristics that are improved over those described above.

Creating large bandwidth line defects by embedding dielectric waveguides into photonic crystal slabs

The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University


A mitre joint for picture frames and the like, wherein abutting portions of two members have pockets milled therein that are spaced a predetermined distance inwardly from their abutting surfaces. In addition, channels connect the pockets with the abutting surfaces. A foreshortenable fastener comprising a four sided hollow body, having front, back, top and bottom sides, is positioned in the adjacent channels, with the front and back sides positioned in the pockets. The front and back sides are wider than the top and bottom sides, which extend through the channels, and a screw extends through a hole in the top side into threaded engagement with the bottom side to bow the bottom side inwardly when the screw is tightened. This foreshortens the fastener and pulls the mitre joint together.

The present invention arose from a long standing problem that has existed in mitre joints and particularly the mitre joints of picture frames and the like. Picture frames may be glazed or unglazed, but in either case, a need exists for an inexpensive fastener which will permit the frames to be put together and taken apart easily. In the case of unglazed frames, the invention permits what would otherwise be a bulky structure, to be shipped and stored in knocked down form, thereby greatly reducing their cost to the ultimate consumer.
The picture frames with which we are more particularly concerned are fragile structures that may be quite thin in certain areas, and which may be made of relatively soft materials. In many instances, the prior art has abutted the members to be joined, and has driven fasteners into their ends to hold the mitre joint together. The prior art structures have included corrugated strips, and variously shaped wedges; and the driving of such fasteners into the ends of the members forming the mitre joint will split the members, if the wedges are not driven into the adjoining structures in a delicate manner.
An object of the present invention, therefore, is the provision of a construction of mitre joint having pockets in each of the ends of the members to be joined, and a foreshortenable fastener bridging the pockets in such manner that the fastener can be easily foreshortened to bring and hold the two ends of the members together.
Another object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved joint of the above described type in which the pockets have a configuration that can be easily formed by a routing or milling operation that guides off of the joining surfaces.
Another object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved foreshortenable fastener that is preferably made of a yieldable material that will accommodate and distribute the foreshortening forces over considerable areas of the members to be joined.
Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved fastener of the above described type which is made of a relatively soft material such as plastic so that it will not damage the end of the members being joined.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention relates from the following description of the preferred embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings.


An inkjet recording apparatus includes an image forming device and a controller. The image forming device includes a recording head unit and forms on paper a fold line image representing a fold line. The controller includes a first selection section. The first selection section selects formation of the fold line image in a “first manner” or a “second manner”. In the “first manner”, the fold line image is formed so as to become invisible after a first period elapses from a first time point at which the fold line image is formed on the paper. In the “second manner”, the fold line image is formed so as not to become invisible even after a second period elapses from the first time point. The second period is longer than the first period.

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus.
A fold line image and a folding sequence image are printed on some origami paper. The fold line image indicates a to-be-folded position and a folding manner. The folding sequence image indicates sequential order of folding of a fold line. The fold line image is distinguished by color in a manner that fold lines that are to be simultaneously folded in the same folding manner are colored in the same color.