Photographic elements comprising a support having on one side thereof at least one image-forming layer and on the opposite side an antistatic layer comprising a phosphate ester antistatic agent are provided with a magnetic stripe that is useful for sound recording by applying a magnetic striping composition over the antistatic layer. The magnetic striping composition is comprised of finely-divided magnetic particles and a polymeric binder in a solvent medium and contains an adhesion-promoting amount of a metal salt which provides strong bonding of the magnetic stripe to the photographic element and thereby overcomes problems of stripe separation.

This invention relates in general to photography and in particular to photographic elements provided with a magnetic stripe that is useful for sound recording. More specifically, this invention relates to photographic elements having a magnetic recording stripe overlying an antistatic layer, to a process for the manufacture of the aforesaid elements, and to a coating composition for use in the manufacture of the aforesaid elements.
It is well known to form magnetic recording stripes on photographic elements, such as motion picture films, and a variety of procedures have been developed to accomplish this objective. The magnetic recording stripe can be applied to the image-forming side of a photographic element, for example, it can be applied within a narrow groove formed within a silver halide emulsion layer. More typically, the magnetic recording stripe is applied to the side of the element opposite to the image-forming layer(s). Since photographic elements which require magnetic striping typically have a functional layer, such as an antihalation layer or an antistatic layer, on the side of the element opposite to the image-forming layer(s), the application of a magnetic recording stripe on this side presents a difficult problem. Thus, for example, localized removal of the functional layer to permit the striping composition to be applied directly to the support is usually impractical, whereas application over the functional layer frequently results in problems of inadequate bonding and resulting stripe separation.
Anti-halation layers which are located on the side of a photographic element opposite to the image-forming layer(s) are usually designed to be removed during processing of the element, and, accordingly, are comprised of a binder which is soluble in alkaline photographic processing solutions. Thus, if the magnetic stripe is applied over the anti-halation layer, it will be removed along with the anti-halation layer during processing unless suitable procedures are utilized to avoid such removal. Among the procedures which are known for this purpose is that of U.S. Pat. No. 3,220,843. As described in this patent, a magnetic stripe which is composite with the anti-halation layer and firmly adhered to the support so as to resist removal by alkaline photographic processing solutions can be formed by incorporating an N,N-dialkylamide in the magnetic striping composition. By use of the N,N-dialkylamide, the anti-halation layer is partially or completely dissolved in the region of the stripe and the striping composition is thereby able to reach the support and anchor thereto. A similar procedure is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,647,541 in which the magnetic striping composition contains a combination of 2-methoxy ethanol and a dioxane. A different approach to the problem of applying a magnetic striping composition over an anti-halation layer is to incorporate in the magnetic striping composition an agent which is capable of reacting with the binder in the anti-halation layer to thereby insolubilize the anti-halation layer in the region of the stripe and prevent its removal in photographic processing solutions. This technique has been the subject of several patents, each of which relates to the use of particular insolubilizing agents; for example, the diazomethanes of U.S. Pat. No. 3,227,555, the compounds with reactive aldehyde groups of U.S. Pat. No. 3,840,374, the compounds having isocyanato or thioisocyanato groups of U.S. Pat. No. 3,870,525, the carbodiimides of U.S. Pat. No. 3,891,444, the m-benzene disulfofluorides of U.S. Pat. No. 3,999,992, and the combinations of bis-epoxides or polyepoxides with formamide or a sulfoxide of U.S. Pat. No. 4,008,088.
In the case where it is desired to apply a magnetic recording stripe over an antistatic layer which is on the side of the support opposite to the image-forming layer(s), the problem is somewhat different, since the antistatic layer is not usually intended to be removed during processing but rather is intended to be a permanent layer. However, it is frequently very difficult to achieve good adhesion of a magnetic stripe applied over an antistatic layer and, as a result, the stripe will often exhibit a tendency to separate from the element during handling and/or processing of the element. This is particularly the case with photographic elements in which the antistatic layer contains a phosphate ester which functions as an antistatic agent. Such use of phosphate ester antistatic agents is well known and is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,658,573. The phosphate ester antistatic agents provide excellent antistatic protection to the photographic element, but typically make it very difficult to achieve good adhesion of an overlying magnetic stripe. Moreover, procedures which are effective in applying a magnetic striping composition over an anti-halation layer are generally ineffective when it is desired to stripe over the aforesaid phosphate-ester-containing antistatic layers; for example, the degree of adhesion may be inadequate or excessive curl in the region of the stripe may occur.
It is toward the objective of providing an improved composition and method for magnetic striping of photographic elements, in which the magnetic stripe is applied over an antistatic layer containing a phosphate ester which functions as an antistatic agent, that the present invention is directed.

Photographic element having a magnetic recording stripe overlying an antistatic layer


The present invention described a system for an energized ophthalmic device with a media insert that includes microfluidic elements upon or within the media insert. In some embodiments, the microfluidic elements may be useful for the purpose of analyzing an analyte such as glucose in a fluid sample. In addition, some embodiments can function with a medicament administering device to treat an abnormal condition identified during the analyte analysis in the fluid sample.

Traditionally, an ophthalmic device, such as a contact lens, an intraocular lens, or a punctal plug, included a biocompatible device with a corrective, cosmetic, or therapeutic quality. A contact lens, for example, may provide one or more of vision correcting functionality, cosmetic enhancement, and therapeutic effects. Each function is provided by a physical characteristic of the lens. A design incorporating a refractive quality into a lens may provide a vision corrective function. A pigment incorporated into the lens may provide a cosmetic enhancement. An active agent incorporated into a lens may provide a therapeutic functionality. Such physical characteristics are accomplished without the lens entering into an energized state. An ophthalmic device has traditionally been a passive device.
Novel ophthalmic devices based on energized ophthalmic inserts have recently been described. These devices may use the energization function to power active optical components. For example, a wearable lens may incorporate a lens assembly having an electronically adjustable focus to augment or enhance performance of the eye.
Moreover, as electronic devices continue to be miniaturized, it is becoming increasingly more likely to create wearable or embeddable microelectronic devices for a variety of uses. For example, in one unrelated field, components which include microfluidic regions have become useful tools for diverse purposes. Amongst those purposes, the function of performing the analysis of an analyte in a fluid sample may be possible.
Testing of ocular fluid samples have demonstrated that it contains various chemical constituents that can be useful to identify biomarkers therein. However, the sampling and testing of ocular fluid requires abrasive procedures to the patient and complex equipment. As a result, an ophthalmic device that can incorporate microfluidic elements to perform ocular fluid analytical procedures in convenient and useful ways that are innocuous to a user are desired.

Ophthalmic lens with a microfluidic system


A rotation angle detecting device according to the present invention comprises: a sensor having a first yoke made of a magnetic material on which a magnet is mounted, a second yoke made of a magnetic material on which a magnetic flux detector is mounted, which is disposed opposite to the first yoke with a predetermined space, and a housing for supporting the first yoke and the second yoke, and a vane secured on a camshaft of an internal combustion engine, having a wall portion which passes through space between the first yoke and the second yoke, and a rotation angle of the internal combustion engine is detected in accordance with a signal produced at said magnetic flux detecting device by passage of the wall portion of said vane through said space.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a rotation angle detecting device, provided at an end of a camshaft of an internal combustion engine, which detects a rotation angle of the camshaft.
2. Description of the Prior Art
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view showing a structure of a conventional rotation angle detecting device. In FIG. 4, the reference numeral 1 denotes a housing of a rotation angle detecting device. The housing is composed of an aluminum casting or the like, and mounted on an internal combustion engine 4 while being positioned by a mounting surface 2 and a spigot portion 3 in the axial direction and the radial direction respectively. Reference numeral 5 denotes a shaft of the rotation angle detecting device. The shaft 5 is supported on the housing 1 with bearings 6 and 7, and connected to a camshaft 9 of the internal combustion engine 4 through a coupling 8. Further, the shaft 5 is rotated in synchronism with the camshaft 9, and a vane 10 which acts as a rotor of the rotation angle detecting device is secured to an end of the shaft 5.
The vane 10 is made of a magnetic material and cup-shaped. As shown in FIG. 5, one or more wall portions 12 are provided on the cylindrical portion 11 of the vane 10. The reference numeral 20 denotes a sensor mounted on the housing 1. The sensor 20 is composed of a first yoke 21 of a magnetic material, a second yoke 22 of the same magnetic material, which is opposite to the first yoke 21, a magnet 23 secured on the first yoke 21, a magnetic flux detector 24 such as a Hall element or the like, which is opposite to the magnet 23, and a subhousing 25 which holds them. The subhousing 25 is molded with synthetic resin and at the same time, a connector portion 26 which projects outside the housing 1 is integrally molded. Further, a terminal 27 is formed at the interior of the connector portion 26. The subhousing 25 is also molded so that a plurality of conductors 28 form an interconnection to the Hall element. A slit 29 is provided between the first yoke 21 and the second yoke 22 which is opposite thereto, and between the magnet 23 and the magnetic flux detector 24 which is opposite thereto. In the slit 29 rotates the wall portion of the cylindrical portion 11 of the vane 10 while keeping space. A cover 30 shields the second yoke 22 and the magnetic flux detector 24: a top cover 31 of the housing 1, an oil seal, 32 an O-ring 33, and a packing 34 are provided in order to insulate the sensor from water or oil.
In thus formed conventional rotation angle detecting device, when the shaft 5 is driven by means of the camshaft 9, the vane 10 is rotated, and the wall portion 12 provided in the cylindrical portion 11 of the vane 10 passes through the slit of the sensor 20, in accordance with a rotation angle. When the wall portion 12 of the vane 10 is not inside the slit 29, the magnetic flux of the magnet 23 passes through a magnetic path formed by means of the first yoke 21 and the second yoke 22 which is opposite thereto, and also by means of the magnet 23 and the magnetic flux detector 24 which is opposite thereto. The output signal of the magnetic flux detector 24 reaches a low level L. When the wall portion 12 enters the slit 29, the magnetic flux of the magnet 23 passes through a magnetic path formed by the first yoke 21, the wall portion 12 of the vane 10 and the magnet 23. However, since the magnetic flux does not pass through the magnetic flux detector 24, the output signal is changed to a high level H.
Thus, the rotation angle detecting device is constructed in a manner that it transmits a signal H and a signal L repeatedly, in accordance with the rotation angle of the camshaft 9, and detects the rotation angle of the camshaft 9, i.e., the crank shaft of the internal combustion engine. Further, lubricating oil is required for the bearings 6 bearing the shaft 5, and the bearings 6 are supplied with the lubricating oil from the camshaft 9 side. In order to prevent the lubricating oil leak, an oil seal 32 and an O-ring 33 are provided. Further, in order to prevent the entry of water from the outside, the packing 34 is provided for the top cover 31, so that the space where the magnet 23, the magnetic flux detector 24 and vane 10 are located has a waterproof construction.
Thus formed conventional rotation angle detecting device has a number of components other than the sensor 20 and the vane 10 which are needed for essential functions, and requires many man-hours in additional manufacture and work of parts other than the essential functional parts. Further, many parts requires many man-hours in the assembly of the rotation angle detecting device.

Rotation angle detecting device for a camshaft provided in an internal combustion engine


A sensor includes: an integrated circuit having a power supply lead, a ground lead and a signal lead; a power supply terminal connected to the power supply lead; a ground terminal connected to the ground lead; a first signal terminal connected to the signal lead; a second signal terminal connected to the first signal terminal; a filter member having one end connected to one of the terminals and another end connected to another one of the terminals; and a sealing body sealing the integrated circuit, the terminals and the filter member. A part of each terminal is exposed from the sealing body.

Up to now, a sensor has been known which includes an integrated circuit that outputs an electric signal corresponding to a physical quantity relating to an object to be detected, multiple terminals that are connected to leads of the integrated circuit, capacitors disposed between the respective terminals, and a sealing body that molds the integrated circuit and the capacitors. The sensor disclosed in Patent Literature 1 uses a hall IC as the integrated circuit. A power supply terminal is connected to a power supply lead of the Hall IC, a ground terminal is connected to a ground lead, and a signal terminal is connected to a signal lead. Each capacitor is disposed between the ground terminal and the power supply terminal and between the ground terminal and the signal terminal.
An output signal of an integrated circuit compatible with a communication method such as a SENT communication is a digital signal. In the case of using the integrated circuit that outputs a digital signal in this way, a frequency of the output signal becomes higher as compared with the case of using an integrated circuit that outputs an analog signal. For that reason, an electric noise emitted to the outside of the sensor becomes relatively large. In order to reduce the noise, for example, a countermeasure for providing a π-type filter between the signal terminal and the ground terminal can be considered.
As described above, in order to provide the π-type filter, there is a need to connect a resistor in series in a middle of the signal terminal. For example, it is conceivable that the signal terminal is divided into two parts on an integrated circuit side and an external connection side, and a resistor is connected between those parts. However, when the signal terminal is divided into two parts at the time of soldering electronic components to the terminal, one component easily moves relative to the other component, and accurate soldering becomes difficult. For that reason, there is a problem that it is difficult to produce the sensor.
On the other hand, it is conceivable to solder the electronic components excluding the resistors to the terminal, then cut off the middle of the signal terminal, and connect the resistor in series to a cutting portion. However, when cutting the signal terminal, a stress is applied to the electronic components that have already been soldered, and the electronic components may be damaged. Further, there is a need to carry out a process of cutting the signal terminal during a soldering process, resulting in a problem that producing is difficult.


The present invention relates to the synergistic combination of the short and long Rod-Derived Cone Viability Factors and to methods for treating retinal degenerative diseases.

Neurodegenerative disorder encompasses a range of seriously debilitating conditions that are characterized by neuron degeneration.
Rod-cone dystrophies, such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), are genetically heterogeneous retinal degenerative diseases characterized by the progressive death of rod photoreceptors followed by the consecutive loss of cones. RP is one of the most common forms of inherited retinal degeneration, affecting around 1:3,500 people worldwide (1). Over 54 mutations causing RP have been identified to date with the majority of these mutations in rod-specific transcripts. RP patients initially present with loss of vision under dim-light conditions as a result of rod dysfunction, with relative preservation of macular cone-mediated vision. As the disease progresses, however, the primary loss of rods is followed by cone degeneration, and a deficit in corresponding cone-mediated vision. In modern society, in which much of the environment is artificially lit, and many activities rely on high acuity color vision, retention of cone-mediated sight in RP patients would lead to a significant improvement in quality of life.
The loss of cones in RP subsets caused by rod-specific mutations is poorly understood, although several mechanisms, which are not necessarily mutually exclusive, have been proposed. Some hypothesized mechanisms implicate a 'neighbor effect' whereby cone death is a consequence of the release of endotoxins from the degeneration of surrounding rods, or as a result of the loss of contact with rods, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) or Müller glia. Alternatively, activation of Müller cells and the release of toxic molecules may play a role. Another hypothesis is that the quantities of oxygen or retinoids delivered to the photoreceptor layer by the RPE from the choroidal blood circulation are excessive and toxic as the metabolic load of rods is lost (2). Punzo et al. showed evidence that in murine models of retinal degeneration cones die in part as a result of starvation and nutritional imbalance, driven by the insulin/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway (3). Additionally, it has been suggested that the loss of a survival factor secreted by rods and required for cone survival may contribute to cone loss (4, 5).
In agreement with the last hypothesis, transplanted healthy retinal tissue has been shown to support cone survival in areas distant from the grafted tissue in the rd1 mouse (6, 7).
International patent application WO2008/148860A1 describes a family of trophic factors, called rod-derived cone viability factor (RdCVF) and RdCVF2 that are able to increase neuron survival and are useful for treating and/or preventing neurodegenerative disorders such as RP.
The rod-derived cone viability factor (RdCVF) was originally identified from a high-throughput method of screening cDNA libraries as a candidate molecule responsible for this rescue effect (4). Rods secrete RdCVF, and therefore, as rods die, the source of this paracrine factor is lost and RdCVF levels decrease. The loss of expression of RdCVF, and secreted factors like it, may therefore contribute to the secondary wave of cone degeneration observed in rod-cone dystrophies. RdCVF has been shown to mediate cone survival both in culture (8) and when injected subretinally in mouse and rat models of recessive and dominant forms of retinitis pigmentosa (4, 9). Disruption of Nxnl1, the gene encoding RdCVF, renders mouse photoreceptors increasingly susceptible to photoreceptor dysfunction and cone loss over time (10).
Nxnl1 codes for two isoforms of RdCVF through differential splicing. The isoform mediating cone survival is a truncated form of its longer counterpart, RdCVFL, which includes a C-terminal extension conferring enzymatic function (11). RdCVFL, which contains all the amino acids of RdCVF, is encoded by exons 1 and 2 of the Nxnl1 gene and is a member of the thioredoxin family (12). Thioredoxins have diverse functions, including maintaining the proper reducing environment in cells and participating in apoptotic pathways. These functions are accomplished via thioloxidoreductase reactions mediated by a conserved CXXC catalytic site within a thioredoxin fold (13).
However, there is still a need for additional neuroprotective treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.

Synergistic combination of neuronal viability factors and uses thereof

INSERM (INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE)

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE—CNRS

UNIVERSITE PIERRE ET MARIE CURIE (PARIS 6)

THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

THE TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA


Cooperating top and bottom die assemblies for use in a press to fold the edges of a non-rigid workpiece. The top die comprises a horizontal support plate having a radiused folding plate affixed to its underside. A spring biased stripper in association with the support plate is shiftable vertically relative thereto between a retracted position and a normal extended position below the radiused folding plate. The top die assembly support plate has a plurality of upstanding support posts on its upper surface together with means to affix the top die assembly to the upper platen of the press with the free ends of the upstanding support posts in abutment thereagainst. The bottom die assembly comprises a horizontal base plate adapted to rest on the bottom platen of the press. The base plate has a first set of downwardly depending hollow posts mounted on its underside to either side of the press bottom platen. This first set of posts is adapted to telescopically receive spring biased pins attached to a horizontal floating plate located above the base plate and shiftable by the top die assembly relative to the base plate between a normal position and a depressed position. The floating plate carries a male plug on its upper surface. The base plate has a second set of downwardly depending hollow post mounted on its underside to either side of the press bottom platen and adapted to telescopically receive spring biased pins attached to a horizontal cavity plate located above the floating plate. The cavity plate has a female cavity formed therein of such size and shape as to receive the male plug with close tolerance. The cavity plate is shiftable by the top die assembly relative to the base plate and the floating plate between a normal position and a depressed position.

The cooperating top and bottom die assemblies of the present invention have many applications and can be used whenever it is desired to fold one or more edges of a non-rigid workpiece. While not intended to be so limited, for purposes of an exemplary showing the present invention will be described in its application to the manufacture of parts for the shoe industry.
It is usual practice in the manufacture of shoes to fold some at least of the edges of the individual parts making up the shoe upper so that they present finished edges. The edges of the workpiece to be folded are generally coated with a rubber base adhesive or the like so that they become temporarily bonded after the folding step. Thereafter, the folded edges are additionally stitched together. Alternatively, the edges may be coated with a permanent adhesive and the stitching step eliminated. The various types of adhesive used by the industry are well known and do not constitute a part of the present invention. They may be contact adhesives, heat reactive adhesives or the like.
Heretofore, prior art workers have provided cooperating top and bottom die assemblies for folding the edges of parts such as shoe vamps and the like. Exemplary top and bottom die assemblies are taught, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,073,141 and 3,382,687. Such die assemblies performed well but were characterized by certain drawbacks. First of all, they were relatively heavy and complex in construction and, in order to complete a 180.degree. fold in the workpiece edge, it was necessary to cycle the press once, shift a portion of the bottom die assembly, and then recycle the press.
Thereafter, prior art workers developed top and bottom die assemblies of such nature that the workpiece edges could be folded a full 180.degree. with a single cycle of the press. A modified version of this type of top and bottom die assemblies is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,051,569. The top and bottom die assemblies of the last mentioned patent differed from the more usual type of such top and bottom dies assemblies in that the top die assembly had a stripper mounted on a floating plate independently operated by additional cylinders mounted on the press, rather than a stripper spring-mounted on the top plate of the top die assembly. This last mentioned patent also taught further modifications for the die assemblies whereby they could be used to seal the folded edges of the workpiece by means of high frequency electricity.
While top and bottom die assemblies of the type just discussed represented significant advances in the art, they two were characterized by certain deficiencies. First of all, the die assemblies were complex in construction and heavy, making handling of the top and bottom die assemblies during die assembly change-over more difficult. The top die, for example, required the presence of not only an intermediate floating plate to support the stripper, but also a top plate. Furthermore, the post and pin arrangement of the bottom die assembly frequently required that clearance holes be provided in one or more plates of the top die assembly to accommodate the pins of the bottom die assembly. This, among other things, limited the useful surface area of the top and bottom die assemblies.
The present invention is directed to improvements in the top and bottom die assemblies of the general type taught in the above mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,051,569. The die assemblies of the present invention are easier to manufacture, easier to service and lighter in weight, making them easier to handle during die assembly change-over. The post and pin arrangement of the bottom die assembly eliminates any need for clearance holes in the top die assembly for the pins of the bottom die assembly. This not only gives more working area on both die assemblies, but also eliminates the danger of having a portion of the operator's hands punctured or severed by the pins of the bottom die assembly, if his hands are inadvertently caught between the die assemblies. Furthermore, the post and pin arrangement of the bottom die assembly enables the provision of a deeper pocket (i.e. a thicker cavity plate) in a bottom die of preset overall dimensions. The normal position of the male plug of the bottom die assembly can readily be adjusted to accommodate for the application of a lining or the like to the workpiece, if desired.
The particular arrangement of posts on the top die assembly enables the elimination of a top plate and in many instances the elimination of an intermediate or floating plate as well. This greatly reduces the weight of the top die assembly.
The top and bottom die assemblies of the present invention provide fewer problems of alignment of parts. The die assemblies can readily be modified to apply heat to the folded edges of the workpiece, as will be described hereinafter. The construction of the top die assembly is such that it can readily accommodate a very thin, narrow stripper as will be shown.
In the normal use of such die assemblies, the stripper remains in contact with the workpiece throughout the folding procedure. There are instances, however, when it would be desirable to disengage the stripper from the workpiece during the final portion of the folding procedure. This is true, for instances, when the edges of a very narrow workpiece are being folded and the stripper would be in the way of the final folding step. It has also been found that when the die assemblies are used to apply heat to the workpiece edges, if the stripper remains in contact with the workpiece it will cause undesirable marking of the rear side of the workpiece or of the lining for the workpiece, if a lining is present.
The die assemblies of the present invention may readily be provided with means for causing the stripper to be disengaged from the workpiece during the final portion of the folding procedure and/or during the application of heat to the folded edges of the workpiece or to a lining being applied to the workpiece. These stripper disengagement means constitute parts of the die assemblies, themselves, and no additional cyliners, or the like, are required for the press. Finally, the die assemblies of the present invention can be both of the cavity and plug types, as will be described.

Top and bottom die assemblies for folding the edges of a non-rigid workpiece


A method and an apparatus for programming data of memory cells considering coupling are provided. The method includes: calculating a change of a threshold voltage based on source data of the memory cells; converting source data which will be programmed based on the calculated change of the threshold voltage; and programming the converted source data.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to programming of data of memory cells, and more particularly, to an apparatus of programming data of memory cells considering a change of a threshold voltage by floating poly coupling among memory cells, and a method using the apparatus.
2. Description of Related Art
A threshold voltage of a flash memory cell is controlled to program data in the flash memory cell. That is, the threshold voltage of the flash memory cell indicates programmed data. As data of neighboring memory cells is programmed, the threshold voltage of the flash memory cell becomes greater due to floating poly coupling with the neighboring memory cells. Accordingly, a probability of an occurrence of errors may be increased. To reduce the occurrence of errors being generated due to the floating poly coupling, a shadow programming method is used. The shadow programming method is a scheme of programming data in a memory cell in order to prevent the floating poly coupling from reaching a maximum. The occurrence of errors due to the floating poly coupling may be reduced by programming data which is required to be programmed by a programming process many times. However, the shadow programming method has problems in that, a lifetime of a memory cell is shortened, and a programming time is increased since a programming process is repeatedly performed many times to program a single data.

Method and apparatus for programming data of memory cells considering floating poly coupling


Provided is a control device that includes a plurality of communication units that receive data from measurement control devices; a control unit that calculates an operation signal for controlling a controlled device on the basis of the data from the communication units and that outputs the operation signal to the controlled device; a storage unit that stores the data; a first monitoring unit and a second monitoring unit that perform a calculation on the basis of the data to calculate a calculation value, that determine whether the calculation value satisfies a blocking condition, and that output a blocking signal when the calculation value satisfies the blocking condition; and a first blocking unit and a second blocking unit that block the operation signal to the controlled device upon receiving the blocking signal output from at least either one of the first monitoring unit and the second monitoring unit.

Control devices exist that control controlled devices, such as mechanical devices, equipment and machinery, and that double monitor for improved safety communication data transmitted and received through a communication network (see, for example, Patent Literature 1). The safety control system described in Patent Literature 1 is connected to an external controller through a network and includes a duplex system of double processing a safety signal from the external controller by using two processors to ensure safety.

Control device and control method for blocking a control signal to a target device


A method for knock control of an internal combustion engine, in which values are provided by an adaptive characteristics map for retarding an ignition angle is proposed, the values of the adaptive characteristics map being assigned to at least one operating parameter. Upon occurrence of a dynamic in the at least one operating parameter, a characteristics map value (wkra) is read from the adaptive characteristics map as a function of the instantaneous value of the at least one operating parameter. In this context, a previous value for the ignition angle adjustment (wkr(old)) is only replaced by the characteristics map value (wkra) when the amount of the difference between the previous value for the ignition angle adjustment (wkr(old)) and the characteristics map value (wkra) is less than a predefinable ignition angle difference (KRDWAA) (|wkr(old)xe2x88x92wkra| less than KRDWAA).

The present invention relates to a method for adaptive knock control and a corresponding device.
German Published Patent Application No. 40 08 170 describes a characteristics map for the ignition angle retard that is used as a function of the operating parameters. When a specific characteristics map range is exited due to changes in the operating parameters, this characteristics map is then updated with the value of the ignition angle retard assumed prior to exiting the characteristics map range. If the operating parameters of the internal combustion engine change in such a manner that they correspond to a new characteristics map range for the ignition angle retard, the value already included in this new range is read out as the starting value for an ignition angle retard.
German Published Patent Application No. 195 32 504 describes a method in which, when a specific dynamic threshold in an operating parameter is exceeded, the characteristics map value of the new characteristics map range corresponding to the operating parameters is selected as the starting value for the ignition angle retard.
In contrast, the method according to the present invention and the corresponding device have the advantage that ignition angle jumps occurring as a result of a starting value being read out from a new characteristics map range under unfavorable conditions are minimized. Thus, there is only a minimal occurrence of torque jumps, which do not result in the loss of ride comfort.
Therefore, it is advantageous that the maximum allowable jump in the value of the ignition angle adjustment is actually achieved, because, as such, the ignition angle can be adapted as quickly as possible to the knock limit in this range. It is also advantageous to provide the load and the engine speed as operating parameters that are also subject to a dynamic, because these two operating parameters most directly describe the state of the internal combustion engine. It is equally advantageous to provide an additional ignition retard that is dependent upon the intensity of the dynamic. Thus, an additional knocking tendency of the internal combustion engine only occurring as a result of a strong dynamic can be countered. It is also advantageous that an adaptive characteristics map for ignition angle adjustment is provided for every cylinder, so that the ignition angle can be individually adjusted for each cylinder. Further advantages result from the following description.

Method for controlling the knocking of an internal combustion engine and a corresponding device


An arrangement for receiving and transferring liquid specimens has a plurality of receiving vessels each formed as a closed cell provided with two conduits including a first conduit open below and a second conduit open above into an interior of the cell, two pairs of connecting conduits, and a mechanical switching device which is bringable in three positions for each group of the cells so as to alternatingly tightly close the first and second conduits, connect the first and second conduits with the first pair of connecting conduits, and connect the first and second conduits with the second pair of connecting conduits.

The present invention relates to specimen collectors.
For series tests, or in other words, for series studies of physical and chemical reactions in or of liquid media, so-called specimen collectors are utilized. Such arrangements are used for example when it is necessary to test how fast an effective substance available in a pellet is converted into a liquid after the pellet has been introduced into the liquid. It is, for example, known to collect the specimens of such liquids with the effective substance in test-tube-like receiving vessels of a fractionating collector and later remove them from the vessels for further treatment, for example for measurement of the effective substance concentration. Such fractionating collectors have known disadvantages in that their capacity is limited by the number of the available test tubes and the test tubes must be removed from the arrangement for cleaning. Another arrangement is also known in which the specimens are transported by a multi-position valve so that the volumes to be tested are supplied in a loop. Then they can be withdrawn from the device for further treatment. The devices which operate in this manner cannot, however, be used when the treatment time is longer than the test interval time.


A method of manufacturing a thin film transistor array panel is provided, the method including: forming a gate line on a substrate; forming a gate insulating layer on the gate line; forming a data line and a drain electrode on the gate insulating layer; forming an organic semiconductor layer on the data line, the drain electrode and an exposed portion of the gate insulating layer between the data line and the drain electrode; forming a protective member fully covering the organic semiconductor layer; forming a passivation layer on the protective layer, the data line, and the drain electrode; forming a contact hole in the passivation layer to expose a portion of the drain electrode; and forming a pixel electrode on the passivation layer, the pixel electrode connected to the drain electrode through the contact hole.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a thin film transistor array panel and a manufacturing method thereof, and in particular, to an organic thin film transistor array panel and a manufacturing method thereof.
2. Description of Related Art
Electric field effect transistors including organic semiconductors have been vigorously researched as driving devices for next generation display devices. Organic semiconductors may be classified into low molecule compounds such as oligothiophene, pentacene, phthalocyanine, and C60; and high molecule compounds such as polythiophene and polythienylenevinylene. The low molecule semiconductors have a high mobility in a range of about 0.05-1.5 msV, as well as superior on/off current ratios.
However, conventional processes of manufacturing organic thin film transistors (TFTs), including low molecule semiconductor compounds, can be complicated in that it requires formation of a low molecule semiconductor pattern using a shadow mask and vacuum deposition in order to avoid solvent-induced, in-plane expansion caused by organic solvents.
In addition, the conventional organic semiconductor devices have drawbacks such that their structures and/or properties are subject to damage and/or changes during or after the manufacturing processes. As a result, the conventional organic TFTs are inevitably subject to deterioration in their characteristics.
In order to protect the organic semiconductor, an organic semiconductor layer may be patterned using a photoresist. However, this protection of the organic semiconductor is still insufficient. What is needed, therefore, is an improved organic thin film transistor array panel and a simplified manufacturing process thereof.

Organic thin film transistor array panel and manufacturing method thereof


A circuit pattern is formed with an electrically conductive paste composed by mixing electrically conductive fillers, the shapes of which have aspect ratios, and a magnetic material, a shape of which has an aspect ratio, in a resin 4. In addition, a circuit pattern is formed with complexes 10 of electrically conductive fillers, the shapes of which have aspect ratios, and a magnetic material 2, and the circuit pattern 21 is hardened while a magnetic line of force is applied in the thickness direction of the circuit pattern 21.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a method for forming a circuit by use of an electrically conductive paste for forming a printed circuit on a baseboard.
2. Related Art
As one of methods for producing printed circuit boards, an electrically conductive paste is coated on an insulating base board in accordance with a predetermined circuit pattern, and is heated or dried to be hardened, said electrically conductive paste comprising electrically conductive fillers such as metallic powder, metallic short fiber or carbon black dispersed in a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin.
However, in this method, in case the content of the electrically conductive fillers is increased for heightening electrical conductivity, the content of the resin is relatively decreased and the adhesive strength between the electrically conductive paste and the insulating base board is lowered to easily cause the circuit to separate from the insulating base board. Further, a coating property of the paste when forming the circuit pattern or maintenance of the shape of the circuit pattern will be worsened.
Further, as to the content of the electrically conductive fillers, a unique electric characteristic is generally known that the content thereof up to about 600 to 700 phr in relation to the resin will decrease the electric resistance rate, but 800 phr or more will reversely increase the electric resistance rate. The content of the fillers is limited for increasing the electric conductivity.
The invention has been made in consideration of such situations. It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a method for forming a circuit which is excellent in the coating property of the electrically conductive paste when forming a circuit pattern or maintenance of the shape of the circuit pattern as well as excellent in the electric conductivity and the adhesive strength with a base board.
For attaining the object, the method of the invention for forming a circuit is characterized in that a circuit pattern is formed with an electrically conductive paste (sometimes called briefly as xe2x80x9cpastexe2x80x9d hereafter) composed by mixing, in a resin, electrically conductive fillers (sometimes called briefly as xe2x80x9cfillerxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cfillersxe2x80x9d hereafter) whose shapes have aspect ratios and a magnetic material whose shape has an aspect ratio, and said circuit pattern is hardened while a magnetic line of force is being exerting in the thickness direction of said circuit pattern. Further, for attaining the same object, the method for forming a circuit is characterized in that a circuit pattern is formed with the paste composed by mixing, in a resin, complexes of fillers whose shapes have aspect ratios and a magnetic material, and said circuit pattern is hardened while a magnetic line of force is being exerting in the thickness direction of said circuit pattern.


An information processing apparatus may include a detecting unit to detect a pointing object in a captured image, and a generation unit to generate pointing information based on detection of the pointing object by the detecting unit. The pointing information may indicate a position of the pointing object determined using a pointable range set based on a user in the captured image. The apparatus may further include a communication unit to transmit the pointing information to an external apparatus.

In the related art, a television conference system is known which transmits and receives images and audio sounds between a plurality of distant user terminals. By the way, there are some occasions in television conferences that images and audio sounds are transmitted and received referring to common image information displayed on a plurality of user terminals.

Information processing apparatus, information processing system and information processing method


This resistant starch product is characterized by a specific melting endotherm over a temperature range of 95.degree.-140.degree. C. with a peak in the range of about 115.degree.-135.degree. C. The product is obtained by gelatinizing and then debranching amylose or a high amylose starch with pullulanase or isoamylase.

It is known that the amylose fraction of starch retrogrades to form a starch resistant to alpha-amylase digestion, and that this resistant starch is beneficial as a dietary component contributing to the total dietary fiber content in food products. See, for example, C. S. Berry, "Putting a figure on dietary fibre," Nutrition and Food Science 93 (1985) 8-10; C. S. Berry, "Resistant Starch: Formation and Measurement of Starch that Survives Exhaustive Digestion with Amylolytic Enzymes during the Determination of Dietary Fibre," Journal of Cereal Science 4 (1986) 301-314; and N-G. Asp, et al., "Formation of Enzyme Resistant Starch During Autoclaving of Wheat Starch: Studies in vitro and in vivo," Journal of Cereal Science 6 (1987) 159-172.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,729,380 and 3,324,760 disclose a method for preparing a low molecular amylose by gelatinizing starch, cooling it, and selectively hydrolyzing the branched parts in amylopectin with alpha-1,6-glucosidase. U.S. Pat. 5,051,271, and PCT application WO 90/15147 of Pomeranz et al. call for a cycle, or repeated cycles, of heating and cooling to form an alpha-amylase resistant starch that can be further purified by enzyme or chemical hydrolysis.
The starch material obtained by these methods is reported by Sievert and Pomeranz, Cereal Chemistry 67 (1990) 21, to exhibit a melting transition over two zones: one at 80.degree.-107.degree. C. with a 95.degree. C.; the other at 120.degree.-166.degree. C. with a peak at 153.degree. C. The peak at 95.degree. C. disappear sample was defatted indicating this peak corresponded to the lipid complexation of amylose. The peak at 153.degree. C. corresponded to a melting endotherm exhibited by the amylase resistant fraction (i.e. retrograded amylose). These data are consistent with those shown by Ring, et al. in Carbohydrate Research 162, (1989) 277, describing the melting of an amylopectin gel at 59.degree. C. and of an amylose gel at 153.degree. C.

Amylase resistant starch product form debranched high amylose starch

National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation


An exemplary storage system for storing data from a host system and emulating a storage tape device is presented. In one example, the storage system includes a compression device configured to associate with a controller of a plurality of storage devices. The compression device is adapted to receive a sequence of data to be stored, divide the sequence of data into two or more blocks, and compress at least two of the two or more blocks in parallel. The system may further create an index associated with the blocks of data to output the data as a continuous stream of data. The compression device may further include dual or multiple ports.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to storage devices and methods for storing and retrieving computer data, and more particularly to systems and methods for use in emulated tape drive storage systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the increasing popularity of Internet commerce and network centric computing, businesses and other entities are becoming more and more reliant on large amounts of information. Protecting critical data from loss due to systems failures, virus attacks, and the like is therefore of primary importance.
Tape drives have long been a choice for storing archival back-up data in information systems. Historically, many such tape drives have used data compression to maximize the amount of data that can be stored on the tape. Tape, however, is a relatively slow and inefficient storage medium compared to hard drives or disks. Consequently emulated "tape" drives that use arrays of hard drives or disks have become more popular. For example, a hard drive may appear to a host computer or storage system as a storage tape device where data is stored, organized, and retrieved as if the hard drive is a tape storage device. The actual data may be stored in any of a variety of fashions, but will emulate or appear to the host processor and applications running that the data is stored on a physical tape storage device. For instance, the data will be stored and retrieved as a long serial sequence of data from the storage system similar to that of a physical tape storage device.
Emulated tape drive storage systems often rely on software-based data compression techniques to enable the storage of more data. Although, such compression techniques may increase the capacity of the drives and assist in emulating a tape drive capacity, the software compression techniques generally decrease the performance or speed of the input/output (I/O) operations of the storage devices because of the delay caused to serially compress the data. Therefore, software compression techniques are generally utilized, or turned "on" only when emulating tape drives and turned "off" otherwise.
Conventional storage systems that may emulate tape storage systems generally include high-speed servers having a Redundant Array of Independent Discs (RAID). Additionally, such systems may perform data protection features such as Error Correction Codes (ECC) or Cyclic Redundancy Codes (CRCs) through software based solutions. Such software-based systems generally reduce performance and speed as well.
It is desired that emulated storage tape systems have compression comparable to tape drives in order to approximately double (on average) the storage capacity of the systems while also increasing their performance. It is further desired for inexpensive RAID (either ATA or SATA) systems to have higher reliability for use in storage tape systems.

Data storage and protection apparatus and methods of data storage and protection


An EEPROM for storing multi-level data includes a memory cell array in which electrically erasable and programmable memory cells are arranged in matrix and each of the memory cells has at least three storage states, a write circuit for writing data to the memory cells, first and second write verify means each constituted of a sense amplifier, a data latch circuit and a detection circuit, for verifying an insufficient-written state of a memory cell and an excess-written state of a memory cell, respectively, an additional write circuit for additionally writing data to the memory cell in the insufficient-written state, and an additional erase circuit for additionally erasing data from the memory cell in the excess-written state.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to semiconductor devices, and more particularly to an electrically erasable and programmable non-volatile semiconductor system including an array of memory cell transistors, and, more specifically, to a multi-level memory system wherein one memory cell has at least three memory states.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the increasing needs for high performance and high reliability of digital computer systems, it is demanding more and more to develop a large-capacity non-volatile semiconductor memory that can be an alternative to the existing external data-storage medium, such as a magnetic diskette, a fixed disk unit (which is also called the "hard disk unit"), or the like.
Recently, to fulfill the demand, a specific electrically erasable programmable non-volatile read-only memory (EEPROM) has been developed, wherein the integration density of memory cells is greatly enhanced by reducing the number of transistors required to form the cell array on a chip substrate of limited size. The EEPROM of this type is generally called a "NAND-cell type EEPROM" or "NAND type EEPROM," wherein a plurality of series circuits of floating gate tunneling metal oxide semiconductor (FATMOS) field effect transistors each serving as a 1-bit storage cell are arranged so that each of these circuits is connected to a corresponding bit line via a switching transistor. The switching transistor is rendered conductive, when designated, thereby to selectively connect a series circuit of memory cell transistors to a corresponding bit line associated therewith, and is called a "select transistor." The series cell-transistor circuits with the select transistors are called the "NAND cell units" in most cases.
Each NAND cell unit may include four, eight, or sixteen memory cell transistors, each of which has a control gate connected to a corresponding word line and a floating gate that may be charged with charge carriers selectively. Since each "memory cell" includes only one transistor, the integration density of the EEPROM can be improved to increase the total storage capacity thereof.
With presently available NAND type EEPROMs, the remaining non-selected memory cell transistors in each NAND cell unit serve as the "transfer gates" for transferring a data-bit to a target cell being presently selected during a write operation. Looking at a certain NAND cell unit, a select transistor turns on, causing this cell unit to be coupled to a corresponding bit line associated therewith. When a given cell transistor is selected, those non-selected memory cell transistors located between the select transistor and the selected cell transistor are rendered conductive (turn on). If a 1-bit data to be written (write-data) is of a specific logical level ("1" or "0," typically "1"), a data voltage supplied from the bit line is transferred to the selected cell transistor through the non-selected cell transistors. Charge carriers are injected from the drain to the floating gate of the selected cell transistor, charging the floating gate. The resultant threshold voltage of the selected cell transistor changes, causing the write-data to be programmed into the selected cell transistor.
To improve the operating reliability, the non-selected cell transistors serving as "data-transfer gates" during a write (program) or read operation are compelled to meet the following specific requirement: They are limited in variation of threshold voltages thereof. The threshold voltages of these cell transistors should not vary to fall out of a predetermined range (allowable variation range). Otherwise, the write-data to be programmed in the selected cell transistor itself will be varied in potential among the NAND cell units, with the result of the programming reliability being decreased.
With a presently available programming technique for NAND type EEPROMs, it is not easy to meet the above requirement. This may be based on the fact that a number of memory cell transistors on a chip substrate tend to differ from one another due to inherent deviation either in the manufacturing process or in the physical conditions or in the both thereof. Such threshold-voltage variation undesirably permits the coexistence of an easy-to-write cell and a difficult-to-write cell on the same chip substrate, which makes it difficult for an access operation to maintain consistency and uniformity throughout the cell transistors. The resultant operating reliability can no longer be excellent as required.
A similar problem lies behind the case of an erase operation. The resulting threshold voltage of a once-erased cell transistor--i.e., a cell transistor into which a logic "0" has been written-should be potentially greater than a predetermined negative level. Otherwise, a sufficient erase performance cannot be achieved; in the worst case, this may lead to the generation of an erase error. The threshold voltage of the erased cell transistor will affect the actual amount of a current (readout current) that may flow therein during a read period, which amount has strong concern with the data-accessing speed of EEPROMs. In this respect, the threshold-value control is very important. If an insufficiently erased memory cell remains after the erase operation, its resulting threshold voltage will increase beyond the upper-limit of the allowable variation range when a logic "1" is written thereinto during a subsequent program period. Such surplus of the threshold voltage causes the excess-write generation ratio to rise undesirably. As the integration density of the NAND type EEPROMs increases, the threshold-voltage control architecture for memory cells during write/erase operations will become more important and more serious.
The operation of the NAND type EEPROM and its problems will now be described more specifically.
A memory cell array having a FATMOS structure is integrated within a P-well formed in a p- or n-type substrate. The drain of a NAND cell is connected to a bit line through a select gate, while the source thereof is connected to a common source line through the select gate. The control gates of memory cells are arranged continuously in the row direction to serve as a word line.
To write data, a high voltage Vpp1 (=about 20 V) is applied to the control gate of a selected memory cell, an intermediate voltage Vppm (=about 10 V) is applied to the control and select gates of non-selected memory cells, and 0 V or intermediate voltage Vm (=about 8 V) is applied to the bit line. When 0 V is applied to the bit line, the voltage is transferred to the drain of the selected memory cell, and electrons are injected into a charge storage layer. The threshold voltage of the selected memory cell is thus shifted in the positive direction. For example, this state is defined as "1". In contrast, when Vm is applied to the bit line, no electrons are injected and thus the threshold voltage of the selected memory cell does not vary but remains negative. This is an erase state defined as "0". The data write operation is performed at once for memory cells having a common control gate.
The data erase operation is performed at once for all memory cells in the NAND cell. If 0 V is applied to all the control gates of the memory cells and Vpp2 (=about 20 V) is applied to the p-well, then the select gate, bit line and source line are all set to 20 V. Electrons are therefore discharged from the charge storage layers of all the memory cells to the P-well, and the threshold voltages of the memory cells are shifted in the negative direction.
The data read operation is carried out by applying 0 V to the control gate of the selected memory cell, applying a power supply voltage V.sub.CC (e.g., 5 V) to the control and select gates of the non-selected memory cells, and detecting whether a current flows through the selected memory cell.
After data "1" is written to a memory cell, the threshold voltage thereof has to be controlled to range between 0 V and V.sub.CC in view of the restriction of the read operation. For this reason, a write-verify is performed to detect only a "1" insufficient-written memory cell and set additional write data such that "1" data is additionally written to the insufficient-written memory cell (bit-by-bit verification).
The "1" insufficient-written memory cell can be detected by performing a verify read operation by setting the control gate of a selected memory cell to, e.g., 0.5 V (verify voltage). More specifically, if a memory cell has a margin for threshold voltage "0" and does not exceed 0.5 V, a current flows through a selected memory cell, it is detected as a "1" insufficient-written memory cell. Since a current naturally flows through a "0" written memory cell, a verify circuit for compensating the current flowing through the memory cell is provided in order to prevent the memory cell from being mistaken for a "1" insufficient-written memory cell. The verify circuit increases the speed of the write-verify.
If data is written by repeating the write and write-verify operations, the write time for each of the memory cells is optimized and the threshold voltage of the "1"-written memory cell is controlled to range between 0 V and V.sub.CC.
Let us consider that three write states "0", "1" and "2" are set when the power supply voltage V.sub.CC is, e.g., 5 V in order to achieve multi-level storing in the NAND type EEPROM. The threshold voltage in the "0" write state is not higher than 0 V, that in the "1" write state ranges, e.g., from 0 V to 2.5 V (=1/2 V.sub.CC), and that in the "2" write state ranges, e.g., from 2.5 V (=1/2 V.sub.CC) to 5 V (=V.sub.CC). In this EEPROM, therefore, the threshold voltages are set appropriately in the "0", "1" and "2" write states.
The threshold voltage of a memory cell varies as time elapses. For example, if a memory cell to which data is written is left alone, the charges of the charge storage layer are decreased by leakage current of an insulation film formed around the charge storage layer. The appropriate threshold voltage thus changes to a neutral threshold value. Consequently, the threshold voltage in the "0" write state is not higher than 0 V, that in the "1" write state ranges, e.g., from 0.5 V (0 V+0.5 V) to 2.0 V (=1/2 V.sub.CC -0.5 V), and that in the "2" write state ranges, e.g., from 3.0 V (=1/2 V.sub.CC +0.5 V) to 4.5 V (=V.sub.CC -0.5 V).
The threshold voltages cannot be sometimes set within a predetermined range even though the conventional bit-by-bit verify write operation is performed as described above. More specifically, since additional data is written to each insufficient-written memory cell in the bit-by-bit verify write operation, the lower limit of the threshold voltage of the memory cell is always secured, whereas the upper limit thereof is not verified and thus an excess write may occur. The following problem will therefore arise. Though an operator intends to write data "1", data "2" is actually written. In other words, whenever data "i" is written, data "i+1" and the following will be written.

Electrically erasable and programmable non-volatile and multi-level memory systemn with write-verify controller


A developing device is provided with a developer vessel for storing therein a developer material composed of toner particles and carrier granules and a developer material supply section for gradually supplying a carrier developer including the carrier granules from above the developer vessel, wherein a discharge opening for discharging therethrough the developer material is formed on a side face of the developer vessel. When a tilt detection unit provided with the developing device detects the tilt of the developing device, an alarm lamp is set ON for sending a warning. In the meantime, the discharge opening is closed for preventing an excessive overflow of the developer material from the developer vessel.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a developing device for storing therein a developer material composed of toner particles and carrier granules. The device supplies the developer material onto a surface of a photoreceptor in order to visualize an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor provided in an electrophotographic printing machine such as a copying machine.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Developer devices for visualizing ( developing ) an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of a photoreceptor using a developer material composed of carrier granules and toner particles are used, for example, in many dry-type copying machines. In such developing devices, the quantity of the toner particles is reduced while being used in the developing process; whereas, the quantity of carrier granules in the developer material remains the same. Therefore, the quality of the carrier granules being stirred with toner particles in the developer vessel deteriorates because a resin coating layer on the surface thereof is peeled, or toner particles adhere onto the surface thereof. As a result, the charging ability of the developer material gradually deteriorates, thereby presenting the problem that the copied image quality deteriorates.
A device designed for the trickle system which prevents the deterioration of the charging ability by supplying additional carrier granules separately from the refill for the used toner particles is disclosed (see, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 21591/1990 (Tokukouhei 2-21591)). In such a device, when adding additional carrier granules, excessive developer material in the developer vessel overflows and is discharged through a discharge opening formed on the side face of the developer vessel to be collected in a collecting case. By repeating the above refill and discharge of the developer material, the developer material in the developer vessel whose charging ability has deteriorated can gradually replace. Thus, the required charging ability of the developer material can be maintained, and the copied image quality is prevented from being lowered.
However, in the above developing device, the developer material in the developer vessel overflows and is discharged through the discharge opening provided on the side face of the developer vessel. Thus, depending on the tilt of the developing device, a quantity of the developer material to be discharged through the discharge opening changes. For example, when moving the copying machine, as being tilted, a large quantity of the developer material may be discharged through the discharge opening at one time, or an appropriate quantity of the developer material in the developer vessel may not be discharged. If this occurs, there arises a great difference from appropriate quantity of the developer material in the developer vessel, thereby presenting the problem that the copied image quality is lowered.
More specifically, when moving the copying machine, if the copying machine is tilted in the direction where the discharge opening is placed at lower position than the reference position, a large quantity of the developer material is discharged through the discharge opening, and the quantity of the developer material in the developer vessel becomes much less than the appropriate quantity. The above situation may occur even after the copying machine is moved if the developing device is being used in the above tilted position.
If the above situation occurs, the charging ability of the developer material deteriorates, thereby presenting the problem that the copied image quality is lowered. Moreover, in the case of controlling the ratio of the toner particles to the carrier granules by the output from a permeability sensor, the ratio of the toner particles cannot be detected accurately due to a reduced quantity of carrier granules in contact with the permeability sensor, thereby presenting the problems that the ratio of the toner particle drops and the image density is reduced. Furthermore, if the quantity of the developer material in the developer vessel is greatly reduced, a magnetic brush may not be formed, and therefore the developing process may not be carried out desirably. Moreover, the image may be blurred, or the image may not be developed. Furthermore, even after the tilt of the developing device is set back to the horizontal position, an appropriate quantity of the developer material cannot be achieved immediately, and thus a desirable quality of the copied image cannot be ensured for a while.
On the other hand, if the developing device is being used in the tilted position in the direction where the discharge opening is placed at upper position than the reference position after the copying machine is moved, the developer material is not discharged through the discharge opening, and thus an excessive quantity of the developer material exists in the developer vessel.
If this occurs, the drive torque for driving a developer material supply section provided in the developer vessel increases, and the developing device may not be activated properly, thereby presenting the problem that the developer material may not be supplied onto the photoreceptor surface appropriately. Furthermore, in the case of controlling the ratio of the toner particles to the carrier granules by the output from the permeability sensor, the quantity of the developer material becomes excessive with respect to the appropriate quantity, thereby presenting the problem that the copied image quality is lowered.
Namely, in the arrangement where the developer material overflows and is discharged through the discharge opening, if the developing device is tilted, an appropriate discharge of the developer material through the discharge opening may not be ensured, and thus the developer material may not be supplied onto the photoreceptor surface appropriately, thereby presenting the problem that the copied image quality deteriorates.

Developing device with a tilt detecting function designed for a trickle system


A steering wheel heater device including: a heating wire; a power line connected in series to the heating wire, for supplying the heating wire with power; a ground line connected in series to the heating wire; a lead-out wire connected to a point along a wiring pattern formed of the heating wire; and a contact detection circuit electrically connected to the wiring pattern formed of the heating wire through the lead-out wire, wherein a portion of the wiring pattern is connected in series between the ground line and the contact detection circuit.

Patent Literature (PTL) 1 discloses a detection device which detects whether a human hand is in contact with a steering wheel, taking advantage of characteristics of an oscillator circuit in that the frequency of the oscillator circuit changes as capacitance changes.
Meanwhile, PTL 2 discloses a vehicle seat apparatus which makes use of a seat heater to detect whether a passenger is being seated. The vehicle seat apparatus serves as a seat heater and also as an electrode for detecting whether the passenger is being seated. Thus, an oscillator circuit is obviated, and cost is reduced.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the vehicle seat apparatus disclosed in PTL 2.
Seat heater 8 is provided in a seat of vehicle seat apparatus 1, and connected via coupling capacitor 22 to seating detection circuit 14. Seat heater 8 is supplied with power via seat-heater release switches 11 and 12. Seating detection circuit 14 detects passenger's action of seating himself/herself on vehicle seat apparatus 1, when seat-heater release switches 11 and 12 are off.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit at a time when the vehicle seat apparatus shown in FIG. 17 detects whether the passenger is being seated.
Seating detection circuit 14 is connected via coupling capacitor 22 to seat heater 8, parasitic capacitance C11 and C12, and capacitance C13, as shown in the figure. Herein, parasitic capacitance C11 and C12 represent parasitic capacitance generated by seat-heater release switches 11 and 12, respectively, when seat-heater release switch 11 and seat-heater release switch 12 are off. Capacitance C13 has one electrode corresponding to seat heater 8 and the other electrode corresponding to a human body.
Capacitance C13 when a person is being seated on vehicle seat apparatus 1 is greater than when the person is not seated on vehicle seat apparatus 1. Seating detection circuit 14 detects whether the person is being seated, based on the magnitude of capacitance C13.
Typically, seat-heater release switches 11 and 12 are placed into a conductive state (on) to warm the heater, and placed into a blocked state (off) to operate seating detection circuit 14.

Steering wheel heater and steering wheel

PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.


Memory devices and methods are described and shown that are capable of being configured in a chain. In one configuration, a single data input port and a single data output port are utilized at a host to communicate with the chain of memory devices. Methods for assigning identifiers to memory devices in the chain are described that include detection of a presence or absence of downstream memory devices. In selected examples, identifiers are assigned sequentially to memory devices in the chain until no additional downstream memory devices are detected.

Peripheral devices such as memory devices are frequently coupled to a single host device, such as a computer. Examples of memory devices include flash memory, DRAM memory, one or more NAND devices or a Managed NAND implementation (NAND controller+NAND(s)), or other devices for data storage. One configuration for coupling multiple memory devices includes a radial arrangement. Radial configurations have a number of drawbacks such as increased pin counts required to attach all the memory devices. Other multi-drop or multi-bus configurations have been proposed, however problems exist with these configurations, such as bus contention among connected devices, and unacceptable signal integrity. An improved device arrangement and method of addressing the multiple memory devices is desired.


To provide a photocurable fluorinated polymer composition which has a high curing rate, shows little shrinkage before and after photocuring and requires no post treatment such as heat treatment after photocuring and whereby it is possible to obtain a cured resin excellent in heat resistance and weather resistance. According to the photocurable fluorinated polymer composition comprising a fluorinated polymer (A) containing polymerized units derived from a fluoroolefin and polymerized units derived from an unsaturated monomer having an oxetanyl group or a substituted oxetanyl group, and a photoreaction initiator (B), of the present invention, it is possible to provide a photocurable fluorinated polymer composition which has a high curing rate, shows little shrinkage before and after photocuring and requires no post treatment such as heat treatment after photocuring and whereby it is possible to obtain a cured resin excellent in heat resistance and weather resistance.

A method for forming a coating film by applying a coating material in order to protect the surface of various materials such as metals, inorganic materials, plastics, woods, paper, etc. or in order to impart a special function such as water and oil repellency, has been used since a long time ago. As a method for curing a coating film, a curing method by heating and a curing method by irradiation with active energy rays have been known. The latter has merits in that as compared with the former, the time required for curing is short, the occupying area in the coating line may be small, and since no heating is required, the substrate is not restricted, and therefore, it is recently widely used for the coating of various substrates as described above, and its application is actively studied in the field of coating of displays, covering of optical fibers or special coating of e.g. electronic components, electric wires, etc.
Heretofore, photocurable fluorinated polymer compositions have been proposed which comprise a fluorinated polymer having polymerizable unsaturated groups, an acrylic acid ester and a photoreaction initiator (Patent Documents 1 to 4). Such photocurable fluorinated polymer compositions have such a problem that they are susceptible to an inhibition reaction by oxygen in air, since the photocuring reaction proceeds by a radical polymerization mechanism, or such a drawback that the shrinkage at the time of curing is substantial.
On the other hand, photocurable fluorinated polymer compositions comprising a fluorinated polymer having epoxy groups, an epoxy compound and a photoreaction initiator, have been proposed (Patent Documents 5 and 6).
These photocurable fluorinated polymer compositions have such a merit that they are not susceptible to an influence of oxygen in air, since the photocuring reaction proceeds by a photocation polymerization mechanism of epoxy groups, and a cured product excellent in chemical resistance or adhesion to the substrate can be obtained, and thus, in recent years, they have been used in many applications. However, the photocation polymerization of epoxy groups is poor in the polymerization reactivity or photosensitivity as compared with photoradical polymerization of unsaturated groups, and after the treatment by irradiation with light, heat treatment was further required as post curing. Further, the epoxy compound or the epoxy group-containing monomer as the main material for the epoxy group-containing fluorinated polymer gives an influence to the working environment and thus presents difficulties in handling.

Photocurable fluorinated polymer composition


A golf green repair tool is mounted within the shaft of a golf club. The repair tool has a elongated support member mounted within the shaft and is secured to a housing having a slot in a wall thereof and being secured within the hand grip end of the shaft. A prong element is hingedly secured within the housing and includes a first member, a second member, and a base element having and engagement notch. The first member of the prong element includes an elongated depression providing a grip for hand operated extension of the prong element from the housing to a golf green repair orientation. A prong lock includes an engagement bar secured within the housing and mounted adjacent to the prong element and positioned so that the prong element presses against and pivots about the engagement bar as the prong element is extended form the housing so that when the prong element is in an opened, extended position, the engagement bar engages the engagement notch in the base element of the prong.

1. Field of Invention The present invention relates to golf clubs, and more particularly to a golf club mounted and operated turf repair tool for repairing a damaged golfing green surface from ball and club marks.
2. Description of Prior Art Numerous tools for repairing ball and club marks on golfing greens have been proposed and implemented. Representative examples of such prior repair tools are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,185,483 issued to Klynman and 3,774,913 issued to Dien. Of more recent vintage are combination golf club and repair tools as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,799,684, issued to Rango, 4,892,314 issued to Rango, and 4,925,190 issued to Learned.
Such prior tools were either provided as a separate implement which the golfer would take from his or her pocket or purse, or provided as a part of a golf club. Although the tools provided in combination with the golf club were an improvement over the prior art, they all suffer from significant limitations. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,314 issued to Rango disclosed a golf club having a removeable divit repair device secured within the handle of the club. The user would have to unscrew a cap, remove the tool, and then bend down to repair the turf. Such golf club tool combination therefore could not be used from a standing, upright position. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,190 issued to Learned a cap element housing a turf repair tool is disclosed where the tool is housed in a removeable cap at the handle end of the golf club. To use the tool, the cap was removed and the tool extended out of the club. Such tool could be used from a standing upright position, however, the cap extension having a hollow interior detracted from the feel and balance of the club, thereby significantly limiting its application. Moreover, such combination did not provide a stable tool for turf repair due to a somewhat unstable mounting within the shaft. Such limitations have undoubtedly been a reason these combination golf club and tools have not received widespread acceptance.
The basis of the present invention is the recognition by the inventor herein that the problem of turf and golf green repair is intimately linked to the lack, in the prior art, of a turf repair tool which may be used by the user while standing in an erect position, which does not require significant alterations in the balance, look, or "feel" of the golf club, and which is efficient and convenient to use regardless of the age or physical capability of the user.
Accordingly, it is the primary object of this invention to provide an improved golf club putter and turf repair tool for repairing damaged golf greens which is extremely reliable, efficient and easy to use, which may be used while standing in an upright position, and which does not significantly alter the golf club's balance, weight, appearance, or "feel".
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Combination golf club putter and repair tool


The present invention provides a method of receiving a timing advance command by a user equipment in a wireless communication system. A terminal receives information on a time advance group from a base station, and also receives the timing advance command corresponding to the time advance group from the base station.

3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) long term evolution (LTE) is an improved version of a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) and is introduced as the 3GPP release 8. The 3GPP LTE uses orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) in a downlink, and uses single carrier-frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) in an uplink. The 3GPP LTE employs multiple input multiple output (MIMO) having up to four antennas. In recent years, there is an ongoing discussion on 3GPP LTE-advanced (LTE-A) that is an evolution of the 3GPP LTE.
The 3GPP LTE-A employs various techniques such as carrier aggregation, relay, etc. The 3GPP LTE system is a single carrier system supporting only one bandwidth (i.e., one component carrier) among {1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20}MHz. On the other hand, the LTE-A employs multiple carriers using carrier aggregation. The component carrier is defined with a center frequency and a bandwidth. The component carrier may correspond to one cell. A multiple carrier system uses a plurality of component carriers having a narrower bandwidth than a full bandwidth.
To decrease interference caused by uplink transmission between user equipments (UEs), it is important for a base station (BS) to maintain uplink time alignment of the UEs. The UE may be located in any area in a cell. An uplink signal transmitted by the UE may arrive to the BS at a different time according to the location of the UE. A signal arrival time of a UE located in a cell edge is longer than a signal arrival time of a UE located in a cell center. On the contrary, the signal arrival time of the UE located in the cell center is shorter than the signal arrival time of the UE located in the cell edge.
To decrease interference between the UEs, the BS needs to performing scheduling so that uplink signals transmitted by the UEs in the cell can be received within a boundary every time. The BS has to properly regulate transmission timing of each UE according to a situation of each UE. Such a regulation is called maintenance of time alignment.
As multiple carriers are introduced, uplink time alignment needs to be maintained in each component carrier (or serving cell). A signaling overhead for maintaining the uplink time alignment may increase in proportion to the number of component carriers.
Accordingly, there is a need for a method of maintaining uplink time alignment for a plurality of component carriers.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and apparatus for receiving a timing advance command in a wireless communication system


A salt represented by formula (I):

1. Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates to a salt, an acid generator, a resin, a resist composition and a method for producing resist pattern.
2. Related Art
A method for synthesizing a salt represented by the following formula is described in Patent document of JP 2011-215619A.

A resist composition which contains a resin having a structural unit derived from a salt represented by the following formula is described in Patent document of JP2014-197168A.

Salt, acid generator, resin, resist composition and method for producing resist pattern

Abstract: A salt represented by formula (I):

Abstract: wherein Q1 and Q2 independently represent a fluorine atom or a C1 to C6 perfluoroalkyl group, R1 and R2 in each occurrence independently represent a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom or a C1 to C6 perfluoroalkyl group, z represents an integer of 0 to 6, X1 represents *—CO—O—, *—O—CO— or —O—, * represents a binding position to C(R1)(R2) or C(Q1)(Q2), A1 represents a C4 to C24 hydrocarbon group having a C4 to C18 divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon moiety, A2 represents a C2 to C12 divalent hydrocarbon group, R3 and R4 independently represent a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C6 monovalent saturated hydrocarbon group, R5 represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or a C1 to C6 alkyl group where a hydrogen atom may be replaced by a fluorine atom, and Z+ represents an organic cation.


A Multi Level Cell (MLC) nonvolatile memory is tested and, if it fails to meet an MLC specification, is reconfigured for operation as an SLC memory by assigning two of the MLC memory cell states as SLC states in a first SLC mode, according to predefined sets of criteria. Subsequently, different MLC memory cell states are assigned as SLC states in a second SLC mode.

This application relates to the operation of re-programmable non-volatile memory systems such as semiconductor flash memory that can store more than one bit per cell by writing multiple states, and more specifically, to using fewer than all such states, and using different states in different modes in an adaptive manner.
Solid-state memory capable of nonvolatile storage of charge, particularly in the form of EEPROM and flash EEPROM packaged as a small form factor card, has recently become the storage of choice in a variety of mobile and handheld devices, notably information appliances and consumer electronics products. Unlike RAM (random access memory) that is also solid-state memory, flash memory is non-volatile, and retains its stored data even after power is turned off. Also, unlike ROM (read only memory), flash memory is rewritable similar to a disk storage device. In spite of the higher cost, flash memory is increasingly being used in mass storage applications.
Flash EEPROM is similar to EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable read-only memory) in that it is a non-volatile memory that can be erased and have new data written or "programmed" into their memory cells. Both utilize a floating (unconnected) conductive gate, in a field effect transistor structure, positioned over a channel region in a semiconductor substrate, between source and drain regions. A control gate is then provided over the floating gate. The threshold voltage characteristic of the transistor is controlled by the amount of charge that is retained on the floating gate. That is, for a given level of charge on the floating gate, there is a corresponding voltage (threshold) that must be applied to the control gate before the transistor is turned "on" to permit conduction between its source and drain regions. Flash memory such as Flash EEPROM allows entire blocks of memory cells to be erased at the same time.
The floating gate can hold a range of charges and therefore can be programmed to any threshold voltage level within a threshold voltage window. The size of the threshold voltage window is delimited by the minimum and maximum threshold levels of the device, which in turn correspond to the range of the charges that can be programmed onto the floating gate. The threshold window generally depends on the memory device's characteristics, operating conditions and history. Each distinct, resolvable threshold voltage range within the window may, in principle, be used to designate a definite memory state of the cell.
In some memory systems, a memory cell is operated with two threshold voltage ranges representing two different memory states to store one bit per cell. Such memory systems may be referred to as Single Level Cell (SLC) memory systems. In other memory systems, a memory cell is operated with three or more threshold voltage ranges representing three or more different memory states to store more than one bit per cell (e.g. four threshold voltage ranges representing four different memory states to store two bits per cell). Such memory systems may be referred to as Multi Level Cell (MLC) memory systems. In some cases, a memory system, or a portion of a memory system, that is designed for MLC operation may be configured for SLC operation.
When an MLC memory, or a portion of an MLC memory, is reconfigured for SLC operation, it is desirable to provide good data retention and to avoid problems of overprogramming over the lifetime of the memory.

Adaptive operation of multi level cell memory


A method for optical signal amplification in an optical communication system is presented. The optical communication system comprises an optical line terminal, a plurality of optical network units, an optical splitter and a plurality of circulators. The optical network units comprise each an optical amplifier. A first optical signal is sent in a downstream direction from the optical line terminal to a first circulator from the plurality of circulators. The first optical signal is further sent from the first circulator to a first optical network unit from the plurality of optical network units and it bypasses the optical splitter. The first optical signal is amplified in the optical amplifier of the first optical network unit to generate an amplified optical signal. The amplified optical signal is sent from the first optical network unit to the first circulator through the optical splitter and is further sent from the first circulator to a further of the plurality of optical network units.

A passive optical network (PON) is a network architecture employing fiber cables from a central office to local premises. It employs passive optical components to enable a single optical feeder fiber to serve multiple premises. A PON consists of a central office node, where the optical line terminal (OLT) equipment is located, one or more termination nodes at customer premises, called optical network terminations (ONT) or optical network units (ONU) and further infrastructure such as fiber, power splitters (PSs), filters, etc. which connect the central office node to the termination nodes. This infrastructure is called the optical distribution network (ODN). In other words, the ODN provides the optical transmission medium from the OLT towards the ONUs and vice versa. The ODN comprises a plurality of optical links and passive optical components arranged so as to form a point to multipoint structure whose root is connected to the OLT. In a passive optical network, a single optical fiber, referred to as feeder fiber and acting as an optical path, guides the light towards the remote node (RN) where it is delivered to the different drop sections by means of data splitters, filters, or any other passive equipment. More specifically, the optical path may split at an optical splitter or power splitter into several branch paths, with each branch path connected to a single ONU by a port of the splitter. From the RN the light is guided through the optical path towards the customer premises which are considered as endpoints. These are referred to as ONT if the unit serves one single endpoint or ONU if the unit serves multiple endpoints. On the uplink, the ONT/ONU sends user data back to the OLT using the same or a different wavelength. With the term uplink or upstream we refer to signals travelling from the ONUs to the OLT. With the term downlink or downstream we refer to signals travelling from the OLT to the ONUs.
The optical attenuation caused by the various components of the ODN adds up to values, which nowadays are bridged by transmitters and receivers from the endpoints of this ODN. Typical performance data for 10 Gbit/s are a reach of up to 40 km and split up to 64. There is a need to extend the reach and split factors in ODNs, especially due to the introduction of long reach PONs. Today the reach and split ratio of an ODN can be extended by inserting an optical amplifier (OA) in the network. The most usual position of the OA is in the remote node (RN) after the typically 60-90 km feeder line and before the power splitter (PS) of 128-512 and 0-10 km drop fiber. In the current state of the art an optical amplifier for each direction (downstream and upstream) is added.
To have optical amplification in the RN has the disadvantage that the OA needs to have access to an electrical power supply in order to operate. As the existing RN is based on passive components, it typically does not have access to electrical power.


A bucket elevator filter apparatus including a filter unit for removing fugitive airborne particles from air; the filter unit having an inlet for receiving air, a filtered air outlet for discharging filtered air, and a filtered particles outlet for discharging filtered particles; and structure for attaching the filter unit to the hollow casing of a bucket elevator, for forming a passageway between the interior of the hollow casing of the bucket elevator and the inlet of the filter unit, and for allowing air to pass from the interior of the hollow casing of the bucket elevator into the inlet of the filter unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates, in general, to a filter apparatus for controlling the dust on material elevators, such as typical bucket elevators.
2. Background Art
Bucket elevators are predominantly used in the grain, feed, and mining industries, and in various other industries, as a means to handle raw material. When handling, or elevating, such raw material by use of a bucket elevator, an abundance of fugitive dust particles is created causing air pollution, potential harm and injury to workers and machinery, and dangerous effects.
Nothing in the known prior art discloses or suggests the present invention. More specifically, nothing in the known prior art discloses or suggests a material elevator filter apparatus including a filter means for removing fugitive airborne particles from air; the filter means having an inlet for receiving air, a filtered air outlet for discharging filtered air, and a filtered particles outlet for discharging filtered particles; and inlet for attaching the filter means to the hollow casing of a material elevator, for forming a passageway between the interior of the hollow casing of the material elevator and the inlet of the filter means, and for allowing air to pass from the interior of the hollow casing of the material elevator into the inlet of the filter means.


A process for making a hyperbranched polyethylene. The process has the steps of (a) reacting a multifunctional acrylate monomer with an α,ω-diene monomer in the presence of a first catalyst to form an alternating acrylate/diene copolymer and (b) reacting the alternating acrylate/diene copolymer with a late transition metal α-diimine catalyst to form a multi-nuclear initiator for chain walking polymerization of ethylene. There is also a process for forming a multi-nuclear initiator. There is also a hyperbranched polymer.

Hyperbranched polyethylenes are amorphous (extensive short- and long-chain branching prevent polyethylene segment crystallization) and exhibit many useful properties. Hyperbranched polyethylenes can be used as lubricant base stocks or as viscosity index improvers in lubricants or as viscosity modifiers in hydrocarbon fluids. Hyperbranched polyethylenes exhibit favorable anticipated temperature invariant coil dimension, shear and oxidative stability, and incompressibility at high pressure. The hyperbranched topology results in small coil dimension. Thus, the polyethylenes must be of very high molecular weight in order to thicken the lubricant when used as viscosity index improvers.
Hyperbranched polyethylenes have been synthesized previously by chain-walking polymerization catalyzed by late transition metal α-diimine catalysts. Due to the transitional state nature of the late transition metal catalyst and the requirement of low ethylene pressure to achieve hyperbranching, the molecular weight that can be achieved is limited. Raising the ethylene pressure can increase molecular weight, but branching density is severely compromised. Thus, attainment of both high molecular weight and hyperbranching has not been possible with the chain-walking polymerization mechanism. Difunctional acrylate crosslinking agents can be used to boost molecular weight in hyperbranched polyethylenes, but even a slight excess can result in gelation.
It would be desirable to have a method for making hyperbranched polyethylenes of high molecular weight.

Hyperbranched polyethylenes and a process for making

ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company