Disclosed here is a user interface for a robotic hand. The user interface anchors a user's palm in a relatively stationary position and determines various angles of interest necessary for a user's finger to achieve a specific fingertip location. The user interface additionally conducts a calibration procedure to determine the user's applicable physiological dimensions. The user interface uses the applicable physiological dimensions and the specific fingertip location, and treats the user's finger as a two link three degree-of-freedom serial linkage in order to determine the angles of interest. The user interface communicates the angles of interest to a gripping-type end effector which closely mimics the range of motion and proportions of a human hand. The user interface requires minimal contact with the operator and provides distinct advantages in terms of available dexterity, work space flexibility, and adaptability to different users.

Teleoperation involves operation of a machine at a distance, and is commonly associated with robotics. Early applications were originally intended for manipulation of radioactive, biohazardous, or otherwise inaccessible materials using robotic arms, however in more recent developments they have been used in applications such as robotically-assisted surgery and in space.
A particular variety of teleoperated devices utilize user control of a gripping-type end effector intended to closely approximate the digits of a human hand. Typically these gripping-type end effectors are designed to replicate the hand motion and posture of the controlling operator. Correspondingly, commonly used mechanical human-machine interfaces include a variety of devices worn by the operator, such as exoskeletal mechanical devices, instrumented gloves, motion tracking sensors, or muscular activity sensors. These devices inevitably require direct or close contact with the operator, and as a result may hinder dexterous human motion due to the presence of sensors, attached cables, or other instruments associated with the interface. Other mechanical human-machine interfaces have involved approaches such as dials, joysticks, a computer mouse, or computer graphical interfaces, however these require unnatural operator motions which do not directly translate to the motions of the gripping-type end effector itself. This situation greatly limits the realizable dexterity of the gripping-type end effector, that may be unnatural and must be learned
Natural movements are important elements in using teleoperated equipment if complex and speedy manipulation tasks are to be accomplished, particularly if the manipulation is required to take place in hazardous environments such as hot cells, glove boxes, explosives disarmament, space, and others. It would be advantageous to provide a user interface requiring minimal contact with the operator, in order to allow for a wide working space and range of motions. It would be additionally advantageous if such an interface could operate in a manner that adapts to each specific user through calibration, in order to accommodate the wide range of hand physiologies that might be encountered among differing operators. Such an interface would provide distinct advantages in terms of available dexterity, work space flexibility, and adaptability of different users.
Disclosed here is a user interface for a robotic hand intended to monitor and discern the posture of a user's hand during typical grasping and/or manipulation motions, based on tracking the locations of the user's fingertips relative to some fixed reference point. The user interface substantially anchors a user's palm in a relatively stationary position, and relay various angles of interest to a robotic hand having substantially the same configuration and proportions. The user interface acts to anchor the user's palm in a relatively stationary position and orientation, conducts a calibration procedure to determine the user's applicable physiological dimensions, and determines the angles associated with the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of the user's finger necessary to achieve the specific fingertip location. The user interface communicates the respective angles to a gripping-type end effector which will typically closely mimic the user's available range of motion and a typical human proportion.
These and other objects, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the accompanying description and claims.

User interface for a tele-operated robotic hand system


An electronic memory component provides a plurality of access-secured sub-areas. Each access-secured memory sub-area has at least one assigned parameter, for example, an address. The memory encrypts the assigned parameters of the access-secured sub-areas in such a way that on the one hand the security of such devices is increased considerably and on the other hand the associated expense and technical complexity are not too great. The encryption allows access to at least one sub-area dependent on at least one further sub-area.

The present invention relates to a data processing device, in particular an electronic memory component, comprising a plurality of access-secured sub-areas, in particular a plurality of access-secured memory areas, each having at least one assigned parameter (an, an−1, . . . , a1, a0), in particular address.
The present invention further relates to a method of encrypting at least one parameter (an, an−1, . . . , a1, a0), in particular the address, of at least one access-secured sub-area, in particular at least one access-secured memory area, of at least one data processing device, in particular at least one electronic memory component.
In known methods of encrypting confidential data, such as personal data, key data or otherwise sensitive data, a non-volatile memory unit can only be encrypted as a complete physical memory in a generally fixed manner; this means that access can only be denied to memories in their entirety.
This method, known from the prior art, of encrypting entire integrated circuit (IC) areas is considered disadvantageous in view of the high cost together with its technical complexity and lack of flexibility. For this reason, it is desirable to develop alternative methods of encrypting access-secured memory areas or sub-areas.
If, for instance, to control a memory of the size M=2i=2n+1 with i=n+1 address buses, when these address buses are encrypted over the entire address space, modification of one address bus would have the possible effect of modifying a plurality of address buses, indeed even those address buses which ensure that a physically remote memory cell is addressed.
This is not sensible for a number of a memory types, including in particular memories that are organized into areas, such as erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) or Flash memory. Separation of the address buses into a number of areas and subsequent independent encryption of each of the individual areas is inadequate, however, with regard to security.
Taking as basis the above-described disadvantages and shortcomings and acknowledging the outlined prior art, it is an object of the present invention to develop a data processing device, in particular an electronic memory component, of the above-mentioned type, together with an encryption method related thereto, that the security of the device is increased considerably and the expense associated therewith and the technical complexity are not too great.

Address encryption method for flash memories


This invention provides apparatus and a method which self-adjust the pressure response of a digitizer pointing device or other device incorporating a pressure transducer according to the characteristics of the particular device and/or particular user of the device. For example, a digitizer user when inputting with a stylus pointing device may use different writing styles in simulated paint brush and in simulated chalk, or, the user may use the stylus device entirely differently when using it in a game or in a graphic arts application, or different users may use the same stylus device differently for the same application. Certain pressure parameters of the device are not set on a fixed basis, which would provide for an average, typical or generic pressure range and resolution. Instead, the particular user's use of the device is monitored, and the pressure range and/or sensitivity of the device are automatically, or semi-automatically adjusted to provide a suitable pressure range and maximum resolution for the particular user.

The invention disclosed herein relates generally to reporting information to a host computer relating to the pressure applied to a transducer of a pressure-sensitive input device. The transducer has a raw pressure range and sensitivity, and the invention more specifically relates to adjusting the pressure range and sensitivity reported to the host computer. In a specific embodiment, the input device is a pointing device such as a stylus or cursor which is part of an absolute position determining system. The pressure may be applied to the transducer by pressing the device against a surface or by pressing a button or like element carried by the device. When used as part of an absolute position determining system, the transducer inputs the raw pressure-related information to a processor of the position determining system. The absolute position determining system may be a digitizer which includes a processor coupled to receive the raw pressure-related information from the transducer.
Although a pressure-sensitive device incorporating the invention may be employed as an input device with many types apparatus, its presently preferred use is as a pointing device for a digitizer. Examples of pressure-sensitive styli for digitizers are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. Re. 34,095 (Padula et al.) and 5,004,871 (Purcell). The disclosures of those two patents are incorporated herein by reference. A pressure sensitive pointing device has a transducer for detecting the pressure being applied to its tip, or to one or more finger-operated switches. The transducer is ultimately coupled to a processor, typically located in a digitizer tablet which also contains means which cooperate with the pointing device for determining the position of the pointing device relative to a surface of the tablet. The pointing device transmits information related to the detected pressure via a signal conductor or other means (e.g., telemetry) to the digitizer tablet, which in turn processes the raw information and reports it via a signal conductor or other means (e.g., telemetry) to the host computer.
The invention is described below in connection with a digitizer, specifically an electromagnetically coupled digitizer, which includes a pointing device incorporating a pressure transducer and a digitizer tablet incorporating a processor and other circuits. However, the invention is not limited to use with pointing devices got digitizers, and when used in a digitizer, the invention is not limited to any particular digitizer technology or to any particular processing configuration. For example, the digitizer may employ any suitable technology including, but not limited to electromagnetic, electrostatic, magnetostrictive, resistive, ultrasound, optical, etc., and the processor ultimately coupled to the transducer in the pointing device may be part of the pointing device or part of the host computer. Also, the processor of the digitizer may be incorporated in the host computer rather than in the digitizer tablet.
There is considerable variation on the pressure response of pressure-sensitive pointing devices. However, to keep costs low, digitizer manufacturers did not heretofore calibrate the responsiveness of pressure-sensitive pointing devices and did not compensate for manufacturing variations in the pressure response of the pointing devices. Instead, as discussed below, they set the pressure sensitivity and range to accommodate an "average" user. This has the drawback that all users, whether heavy-handed or light-handed, must adjust to a pre-defined pressure response, which for many users is not optimal.
In order to facilitate understanding of the operation of a pressure-sensitive pointing device and the manner in which its range and sensitivity are set, conventionally and in accordance with the invention, certain terms used below are defined. Also, pressure (or force) applied to the tip or a finger-operated switch of the pressure-sensitive pointing device will be referred to below simply as pressure applied to the pointing device. Further, the information related to the pressure applied to the pointing device which is transmitted by the pointing device for use by the processor is described herein in terms of "counts" of arbitrary units which monotonically increase with the amount of pressure applied.
Raw Pressure Count: The count transmitted by the pointing device, which may be a number between 0 and M where M is some maximum number. Typically, the maximum is a power of 2 (less 1), conforming to, for example, the maximum value which can be held in some fixed number of bits, e.g. 127 for 7 bits, 255 for 8 bits, etc..
Minimum Raw Pressure Count: The count transmitted by the pointing device with no external pressure applied thereto. To allow for mechanical tolerance and lack of calibration, this number is "designed" to be non-zero.
Maximum Raw Pressure Count: The count transmitted by the pointing device with "maximum pressure" applied thereto. To allow for mechanical tolerance and lack of calibration, this number is "designed" to be less than M, where M is described above.
Maximum Pressure: The pressure applied to the pointing device at which the raw pressure count remains constant with no discernible change with increased pressure applied to the pointing device.
Raw Pressure Range: Maximum Pressure minus zero.
Raw Pressure Count Range: Maximum Raw Pressure Count minus Minimum Raw Pressure Count. ##EQU1##
Reported Pressure Count: The count provided to the application program as an indication of the amount of pressure that the user is applying to the pointing device. The application program typically uses this count to determine, for example, the width of the line to be drawn on the screen (simulating a paint brush in a graphic arts application), or the darkness of the line (simulating artist chalk), or the speed of animation (simulating an accelerator in a game-like program).
Maximum Reportable Pressure Count: The count which, by convention, represents "saturation". Typically, this limit is set by the "format" established for representing pressure to the application program. In the application program, for example, when this count is reached, the application will draw the "widest" line, the "darkest" line, or apply the "maximum" acceleration.
Minimum Reportable Pressure Count: Typically, this count, by convention, should be zero. But, due to manufacturing variations and lack of calibration, some pressure-sensitive pointing devices (and the associated system for processing raw counts and providing count reports to the applications program) report a non-zero value (a "pre-load" value) when no external pressure is being applied to the pointing device.
Reportable Pressure Range: Maximum minus Minimum Reportable Pressure Counts
Report Pressure Sensitivity: The change of Reported Pressure Counts per change of applied User Pressure (defined immediately below).
User Pressure: The pressure applied to the pointing device by the user.
User Pressure Range: The range of pressure a particular user will apply in using the pointing device.
Heavy-Handed User: Uses large User Pressure Range
Light-Touch User: Uses small User Pressure Range
The drawbacks of prior pressure sensing systems will be discussed for ease of discussion in connection with a graphic arts application program in which the Reported Pressure Count represents the width of a line to be drawn by the applications program running in the host computer. Assume that the widest line that the application program will draw is 20 pixels (or dots in a matrix display or printer) wide, and that convention establishes a Maximum Reportable Count of 100. Thus, the application program will transform (perhaps, although not necessarily, by linear interpolation) the 100 reported counts into 20 pixel line widths.
Since an application program is designed to work with a variety of commercially available pressure-sensitive pointing devices, and some have a pre-load so that the pointing device transmits a non-zero, positive Raw Pressure Count without any pressure being applied to the pointing device, a typical Reported Pressure Count to line width transformation (interpolation) might be:
______________________________________ Reported Pressure Count line width ______________________________________ 0-5 0 (no drawing for counts caused by pre-load) 6-9 1 10-14 2 {. . .} . . . 95-97 19 97-100 20 ______________________________________
For a particular pointing device with a Minimum Raw Pressure Count of 1000, a Maximum Raw Pressure Count of 9000 and a Maximum Pressure produced with two pounds of force applied, and, for simplicity, having a linear response, the Raw Pressure Count Sensitivity would be 250 Raw Pressure Counts per ounce of force applied. (9000-1000)/(2*16). Assume that this particular pointing device was from a lot of pointing devices whose characteristics vary, due to manufacturing tolerances, etc., and that the particular pointing device's characteristics are within the range expected for the lot. Since the reporting system was not calibrated for the particular pointing device, the transformation from raw counts to reported counts was heretofore based on a "typical" pointing device or a "worse case" pointing device, or on some other statistical representation of a pointing device's performance (collectively referred to below as a "generic" pointing device). Thus, for example, the statistical representation of a generic pointing device used to determine the transformation may have used 800 as the Minimum Raw Pressure Count, and 6800 as the Maximum Raw Pressure Count at 30 ounces of force for a Raw Pressure Count Range of 6000 counts (for a calculated "generic" resolution of 200 counts per ounce). To transform the Raw Pressure Count Range of 6000 into a maximum Reportable Pressure Count of 100, by linear interpolation (other interpolations may be used) each 60 raw counts equals 1 Reported Pressure Count. Thus, the pre-load count of 1000 on the particular pointing device results in a Reported Pressure Count of 3.33 ((1000-800)/60)), which is reported as a "3". To draw a one pixel wide line, the Reported Pressure Count would have to reach 6, which equates to a user-applied force of 0.64 oz. (Raw Pressure Count of 1160=1000+(250 cts/oz.*0.64 oz); transformed by (1160-800)/60 to a count of 6). To draw a two pixel wide line, the user would have to apply 1.6 oz., which produces a Raw Pressure Count of 1400. (1000+250* 1.60) A Raw Pressure Count of 1400 produces a Reported Pressure Count of 10 ((1400-800)/60). Thus, changing the line width by one pixel requires a change of force of one ounce, using the above example.
To draw a maximum width line, the user would have to apply about 221/2 oz. of force, which is too much pressure to require while drawing a line. Therefore, most applications (or drivers which buffer the information between the digitizer processor and the application) allow the user to scale the values up or down. Thus, for example, a Light-Touch User may want to scale the range down by a factor of 10, so that 2.2 ounces is sufficient to draw the widest line. Or a Heavy Handed User may want to scale down by a factor of 2, for an 11 ounce maximum User Pressure Range.
However the Light Touch User will lose some ability to draw lines of particular widths if the user scales down by 10. Since the pre-load value reported by the pointing device of the above example is 3, scaling down by 10 produces a count of 30 which would produce a line about 5 pixels wide. Even if the application or the driver allowed the user to offset the count by the pre-load amount (to produce 0 instead of 30), by subtracting 3 from the reported count, a problem remains. When the user applies pressure and a count of 4 is produced, it will be scaled up to 10 [(4-3)*10], producing a two pixel wide line. When a 5 count is produced, a four pixel wide line is produced. Thus, by scaling by a factor of 10, the user is precluded from obtaining the desired degree of control over the widths of the line. (In this example, lines of 1 or 3 pixels width can not be selected).
To scale and still allow for the selection of each line width, the user would have to limit the scaling to a factor of 3 or 4. With a factor of 3, the user would have to apply over 7 ounces to draw a widest width line, and 7 ounces may not be comfortable to a Light Touch User.
Alternatively, some systems allow the user to change the internal transformation factors. Thus, in the above example, the user could direct the system to set 1000 as the Minimum Raw Pressure Count (instead of the 800 default), and 1600 as the Maximum Raw Pressure Count, which, for the particular pointing device in the above example, would equate to a Maximum Pressure of 2.4 oz. needed to achieve the Maximum Reportable Pressure Count. This, however, is not a simple process, as it requires the user to understand the basic operations of the pointing devices and the mechanics of a mathematical transformation. The typical user of a pressure-sensitive pointing device is not a mathematician, and requiting the user to perform these tasks would seriously detract from the system's acceptability.
Other systems set the transformation parameters lower than the achievable Raw Pressure Maximum, thereby increasing the pointing device's sensitivity for the Light Handed User, but in so doing, they reduce the Raw Pressure Range. A reduction in the Raw Pressure Range will be disadvantageous to a Heavy Handed User--a person who normally leans hard on a pen is not going to be satisfied by a pointing device that produces the maximum line width at 2 or 3 ounces, and may not be able to modify his/her drawing style to control the line width at this low pressure/high sensitivity range.
Because of these human factors, most pressure-sensitive pointing device manufacturers adjust the transformation parameters not only for the genetic pointing device's performance, but also for the typical user's preferences. As a result, the pointing device may be acceptable to most people, but is less than optimal to most people also.

Dynamic pressure adjustment of a pressure-sensitive pointing device for a digitizer


A simulation system for a current collecting surface of a C-shaped contact rail includes a double-headed rail and a limiting plate. A current collecting end surface of the double-headed rail has a same current collection area as an actual C-shaped contact rail. The limiting plate matches the inner contour of the C-shaped contact rail. A constructed test line can simulate the current collecting status of the C-shaped contact rail. The limiting plate and the existing double-headed rail are combined, and compared with reproduction of the C-shaped contact rail, the manufacturing cycle is short, the costs are low, and it is applicable to the test line.

A contact rail, also referred to as a third rail, is a system laid along a line for supplying electrical energy to an electric vehicle. In order to ensure safety and reliability of a train before being formally delivered to operation, a series of tests are required to be applied on the train in a test line, which includes a test for the power supply system.
In the power supply system, the contact rail supplies power to the train, and the train collects current via a collector shoe. Currently, in actual lines, the contact rail is an early steel C-shaped rail, production of this kind of contact rails has been stopped domestically at present, and re-production of the C-shaped contact rails will definitely result in a long production cycle, high cost and inapplicability to the test line. Hence, it is urgent to provide a simulation system to replace the C-shaped contact rail for testing the positional relationship between a collector shoe of a current collector of a newly manufactured train and an actual contact rail, and the matching status therebetween in dynamic current collecting condition on the test line.

Simulation system for current collecting surface of C-type contact rail


A drive mechanism for the reciprocating meat supporting carriage of a meat slicing machine wherein the carriage supports the meat product to be sliced and moves the meat product relative to a power driven knife, and which includes an endless belt trained over longitudinally spaced apart pulleys, thereby defining upper and lower horizontal belt runs extending between the pulleys, a drive member connected along the belt and having a driving lug mounted intermediate the ends thereof, the driving lug slidably engaging a drive slot formed in a driven bar extending from the carriage, the slot extending perpendicular to the direction of movement of the carriage, and the ends of the drive member being connected to the belt such that the path of the driving lug during the time the connected ends of the drive member traverse the pulleys follows a path substantially longer than the path of either connected end of the drive member, whereby the deceleration and acceleration forces of the driving lug are substantially less than those of the connected ends of the drive member.

This invention relates in general to a driving mechanism for the reciprocating carriage of a meat slicing machine, and more particularly to an improved drive mechanism capable of decreasing the deceleration and acceleration forces applied to the carriage at the ends of the slicing and return strokes of the carriage to thereby reduce the speed and inertia forces occurring during the driving of the carriage.
Heretofore, it has been well known to provide a drive mechanism for the carriage of a meat slicing machine on which the meat product to be sliced is reciprocably driven toward and away from a power driven meat slicing knife in a meat slicing machine. Such a machine typically includes a rotary driven circular meat slicing knife with the meat supporting carriage movable along a straight horizontal line toward and away from the knife through slicing and return strokes or cycles. It has also been known that the drive mechanism may be constructed by having an endless flexible belt trained over longitudinally spaced apart pulleys to define upper and lower horizontally extending belt runs or reaches between the pulleys and extending generally parallel to the direction of movement of the carriage. Such a belt then has mounted thereon a drive lug which follows the path of the belt over the horizontal runs and the circumferences of the pulleys and which drive lug engages in slidable fashion a drive slot formed in a driven bar connected to the carriage such that the slot extends generally perpendicular to the direction of carriage movement. One of the pulleys is power driven which then transmits the power to the endless belt. Such a drive for the pulleys may consist of a motor and a reduction gear assembly. For compactness and economic reasons, the pulleys have a small diameter, thereby requiring the pulleys to traverse a large number of revolutions for one complete revolution of the endless belt. Since the drive lug follows the endless belt, it is subjected, as is the carriage and driven bar extending therefrom, to high deceleration and acceleration forces when the drive lug traverses the pulleys. These deceleration and acceleration forces or speed variations cause undesirable inertia forces to be transmitted to the moving parts of the machine which have an adverse affect on the life of the machine. In order to avoid these undesirable inertia forces, it has been heretofore necessary to employ more complex and therefore more expensive drive mechanisms or to use this type of drive mechanism with oversized pulleys which require a great deal of space and are otherwise more satisfactory for driving the endless belt.

Drive mechanism for the reciprocating meat supporting carriage of a meat slicing machine


A spectroscopy method and system, the method comprising irradiating an object with a laser-accelerated particle beam and detecting photons emitted by the object as a result of the interaction between the laser-accelerated particle beam and the object. The system comprises a laser; a particle source, positioned at a distance from the object; and a spectrometer and a detector; wherein the particle source generates a laser-accelerated particle beam under irradiation by the laser; and the spectrometer and the detector detect photons emitted from the object under irradiation by the laser-accelerated particle beam.

In the last decades, a strong effort has been put into research of innovative techniques in the field of physics and chemistry applied to Cultural Heritage for both analysis and conservation. Currently, many groups worldwide explore the possibility of developing equipment for the analysis and conservation of artifacts [1, 2], the main challenge being to obtain the more information possible without causing damage to the artifacts [3].
Classical techniques for diagnosis and conservation, as well as for restoration and consolidation, typically require transferring the artworks to be analyzed from a museum or an archeological site to a laboratory, or collecting micro-objects of the artworks [4]. Chemical information on the artworks, in relation for example to ceramic, bronzes, metals and/or pigments, may be obtained using surface spectroscopies, such as photoluminescence, Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray-fluorescence (XRF), energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDX) in scanning electron microscopy SEM, while morphological information may be obtained with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) [5]. A complete chemical characterization of bulk material may be obtained using more sophisticated, and therefore expensive, nuclear physical techniques such as particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and particle-induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) [6, 7].
Classical particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and particle-induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) comprises using heavy charged particles, such as protons, alfa-particles or sometimes heavy ions, to create inner-shell vacancies in the atoms of the object under analysis. As in the X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and electron probe microanalysis, the X-rays and Gamma-rays produced by de-excitation of the vacancies can be measured by an energy-dispersive detection system, yielding a characteristic fingerprint of each chemical element present in the analysed bulk specimen. The incident charged-particle beam, typically consisting of protons with a mean energy of 1-5 MeV, is classically produced by a small Van de Graff accelerator or a compact cyclotron.
The advantage of using particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE)—in the following only PIXE will be mentioned, but the same applies for PIGE when considering Gamma-rays—compared to other X-ray spectroscopies is that protons, as opposed to X-rays, can be focused and transported by electrostatic or electromagnetic devices and optics and thus can be transported over large distances without loss in the beam intensity (pencil scanning). As a result, the incident fluences on the objects are generally much higher in the particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) than in ordinary, true-excited X-ray Fluorescence (XRF).
Moreover, particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) allows performing analysis with variable spatial resolution, since protons can be focused and guided down to a beam diameter in the micrometer range. Also, the relative detection limits of particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) are typically two orders of magnitude better than in X-ray-fluorescence (XRF) and other electron spectroscopies such as energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDX) or Auger.
Currently, PIXE is used for the analysis of a wide range of materials from proteins to cells and tissues, from polymers to ancient pigments and artefacts. Typically, in the classical particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis of proteins or tissues, an incident proton beam, of a mean energy of about 2.5 MeV and beam current ranging from 10 nA to 150 nA, generates a spectrum with an X-ray count rate in the order of 800-2000 counts/seconds [8].
All above-mentioned techniques suffer limitations. For example, Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy techniques require sophisticated spectrometers and lasers [9]; SEM and XPS require vacuum conditions; PIXE and PIGE require conventional particles using conventional particle accelerators, with beam energies typically ranging from a few keV to a maximum of a few MeV, which are typically available only in dedicated laboratories, since their operation requires particular analysis conditions, such as ultra-high vacuum conditions and strongly controlled temperatures [10].
Moreover, these techniques allow studying only the first superficial layers of the pieces, therefore limiting the analysis to the corrosive surface patina or to the decoration of the surface thereof, without yielding important information about the bulk material. Moreover, as they involve beam spot of a size generally of the order of μm2, they are only able to efficiently analyze small surfaces, which makes a complete analysis of larger surfaces very time consuming in so-called pencil-scanning analysis.
For example, PIXE and PIGE spectroscopy, performed on ones of the most relevant facilities in the field Cultural Heritage studies, such as the AGLAE [5] facility located at the French Louvre Laboratory C2RMF [11] or INFN-LABEC laboratory [12, 13] located in Florence, with a conventional accelerator producing proton energies ranging from 1 to 5 MeV and a beam current of the order of tens of pA to few nA, use spot sizes of the order of a few tens of microns, up to 500 μm, and require scanning the regions of interest using between tens and hundreds of points, each point taking about 100-9000 s of measuring time, to yield a complete information. A drawback of a long analysis time is that accumulation of the proton dose can damage the artifacts [14]. Moreover, the maximum analysis depth that can be obtained using these accelerator facilities is between 2 and 20 microns for typical biological film or bronze "cancer", i. e. cuprite and malachite.
Finally, these classical techniques discussed hereinabove are typically not very easily tunable and adaptable, i.e. typically, tuning the energy of the accelerated beam takes at least tens of minutes, and their use is limited to only a certain field of energy range and to micrometric surface areas.
Scanning large bulk volumes is useful as it allows quickly identifying the presence of chemical elements, such as harmful elements for example, in the bulk. If needed, a more precise investigation can then be performed with a higher resolution, i.e. a smaller spot size and a more precise depth, in the considered volume in order to find harmful elements for example on the one hand. On the other hand, for example if no harmful elements could be detected on the larger volume, the scanned area may be characterized as "clean/healthy", and the analysis can continue on another part of the artefact.
There is still a need in the art for a system and a method for spectroscopy of an object.

Method and system for analysis of objects

INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE


The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating and preventing conditions characterized by infection and/or inflammation, especially of the eyes, ears, nose, and/or throat. The methods of the invention involve administering hypohalous acid to the patient, such as in the form of a composition described herein.

Many health conditions are characterized by infection and/or inflammation, such as various conditions of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat. While often difficult to discern underlying causes in a particular case, such conditions may be treated with, for example, topical or systemic antibiotics, antivirals, and/or anti-inflammatory agents depending on the suspected etiology. Such treatments are however limited by microbial resistance, drug toxicity, irritation, and/or hypersensitivity that may develop. Methods and compositions for broadly, effectively, and safely treating infected regions and/or inflammatory conditions of the body are needed.
For example, conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the outer-most layer of the eye that covers the sclera. While many of the signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis are relatively non-specific, there are several etiologies that may be causative in a given case. The three most common causes of conjunctivitis are bacterial infection, viral infection, or an allergic reaction.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is commonly caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria, and in the case of newborns, may result from vertical transmission of Neisseria or Chlamydia from an infected mother. The symptoms and the severity of bacterial conjunctivitis depend on the bacteria involved. For example, when caused by a pyogenic bacteria, the infection may produce a stringy, opaque discharge that may cause matting of the eyelids. There may be severe crusting of the infected eye and surrounding skin. Where bacterial conjunctivitis is suspected, the condition is treated with an antibiotic effective for a broad range of bacteria. Where initial antibiotic treatment is unsuccessful, bacterial cultures can be initiated to guide treatment, although negative results are fairly common since some bacteria implicated in conjunctivitis are not easily cultured by usual laboratory culturing methods. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be quite contagious, and easily spreads from one eye to the other and from person to person. Ear infections commonly occur in children with persistent bacterial conjunctivitis.
Viral conjunctivitis may be associated with an upper respiratory tract infection, cold, or sore throat and may be caused by adenovirus. Viral conjunctivitis sometimes produces a water discharge. While the infection runs its course, the symptoms of viral conjunctivitis can be relieved with cool compresses and artificial tears. For more severe cases, topical steroid drops may be prescribed to reduce the discomfort from inflammation. These are not without side effects, especially with prolonged use.
Allergic conjunctivitis occurs more frequently among those with allergic conditions and may be caused by intolerance to substances such as cosmetics, medications or fumes. For allergic conjunctivitis, cool compresses and artificial tears sometimes relieve discomfort in mild cases. In more severe cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and antihistamines may be prescribed. Some patients with persistent allergic eye infections may also require topical steroid drops.
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid margins, and is usually caused by an infection of Staphylococcus aureus. Treatment generally involves cleaning the lid and applying a topical antistaphylococcal antibiotic. Blepharitis can lead to a chalazion, or lead to a stye (hordeolum).
A chalzion is a cyst in the eyelid caused by inflammation of a blocked meibomian gland, usually on the upper eyelid. A chalazion may spawn bacterial infection. When the condition does not resolve on its own, a chalazion may be injected with corticosteroid or be surgically removed.
Hordeola include both external hordeolum, or "stye", and internal hordeolum (acute meibomianitis). Styes are lesions at the base of the eyelashes and are predominantly caused by infection of Staphylococcus aureus. Treatment may involve draining and topical application of an antibiotic to the lesion.
Infections may afflict the lacrimal system of the eye, such as canaliculitis and dacrocystitis. Canaliculitis can be caused by Actinomyces infection and treatment typically involves mechanical expression of the exudative or granular material from the canaliculi, combined with probing and irrigation of the nasolacrimal system with a penicillin eyedrop solution. Dacrocystitis is often due to streptococci or Staphylococcus aureus and is usually treated with antibiotics.
Rhinitis, an inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane, may produce nasal decongestion and rhinorrhea. Rhinitis is typically of viral origin, but may involve secondary bacterial infection. Acute rhinitis may be treated for symptoms, for example, with decongestants such as pseudoephedrine. Where bacterial superinfection is involved, antibiotics may be administered.
Rhinorrhea and nasal congestion are typically of viral or allergic origin. In certain instances, congestion is observed as an after-effect of topical decongestants (rhinitis medicamentosa). Allergic congestion and rhinorrhea are treated with antihistamines. While topical or oral decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine) can provide some symptomatic relief, prolonged use is not recommended.
Otitis media, inflammation of the middle ear structures, can lead to loss of equilibrium and deafness. Otitis media is generally of bacterial or viral origin. Viral infections may spawn secondary bacterial infections, including infections of Streptococcus pneumonia, Moraxella catarrhalis, and non-typable Haemophilus influenzae. Where bacterial infection is suspected, the condition may be treated with antibiotics, as well as analgesics.
External otitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the external ear canal, and may involve bacterial (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, and Staphylococcus aureus) or fungal (e.g., Aspergillus and Candida) infection. External otitis may be treated with, for example, antibiotics and corticosteroids.
Pharyngitis (sore throat) is characterized by pain and swelling in the posterior pharynx. Pharyngitis is commonly caused by bacterial (e.g., Streptococcal) or viral infection, and may be treated with topical anesthetics.
Stomatitis is a painful ulcer or inflammation of the oral mucosa. Stomatitis may be caused, for example, by infection (bacterial, viral, or fungal), chemical irritant, or allergic reaction, and may be common for patients having Xerostomia. Some common infectious agents include herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster, Epstein-Barr virus, influenza, cytomegalovirus, Gonorrhea, and Candida. Treatments for stomatitis include anesthetics, corticosteroids, antihistamines, and/or antibiotics.
It is an object of the invention to provide a broadly effective and safe treatment for conditions characterized by infection (bacterial, viral, or fungal), and/or inflammation (including acute and chronic inflammation, as well as delayed-type and immediate-type hypersensitivity), so as to avoid development of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, and so as to avoid toxicity, irritation, and/or hypersensitivity that may occur with conventional agents.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Methods and compositions for treating conditions associated with infection and/or inflammation


This invention relates to an improved prepasted wallpaper trough assembly having a thin walled polystyrene tray with a horizontal bar. The bar is engaged in place in the tray by forcing the ends of the bar downward into channels formed in the ends of the tray. The width of the bar is slightly larger than the width of the channels and therefore the channels resiliently engage the ends of the bar. Thus, the "memory" factor of the plastic which, when deformed attempts to return to its original shape holds the bar in place during the wallpapering operation. The assembly is simple and its shape enables it to be made extremely economically by vacuum forming.

The present invention relates to an improved wallpaper trough assembly wherein a vacuum-formed plastic tray for wetting wallpaper has molded-in gripping channel to engage, under pressure two ends of a horizontal bar, channel, or tube which in turn holds prepasted paper under the water as it is drawn under the bar and through the water of the trough.
By using the natural flexibility and elasticity of thin walled plastic, considerable economy is gained in the overall cost of manufacturing plastic wallpaper troughs by eliminating the need for lenthy galvanized wire and the complex bending normally required for clipping.
Another object of the invention is to take advantage of the natural qualities of plastics. Although more costly than their corrugated cardboard counterparts, they will last longer and be useful as window box planters when the wallpaper job is completed or indeed may be used over and over as wallpaper troughs. Currently cardboard troughs are discarded after using. This is wasteful and a source of pollution.
Furthermore, plastic trays are purchased ready to use whereas their cardboard counterparts must be assembled.
In addition, plastic trays do not require packaging as small quantities may simply be bundled because of their superior resistance to weather and nestable design.


Compositions and methods for enriching glycocompounds are disclosed which can comprise a glycocompound bound to a boronic acid compound which can be conjugated to a dendrimer.

Protein glycosylation is ubiquitous in biological systems and essential for cell survival. However, the heterogeneity of glycans and low abundance of many glycoproteins complicate their global analysis. Glycosylation is one of the most common and essential protein modifications in cells. It often determines protein folding, trafficking and stability, and regulates many cellular events, especially cell-cell communication, cell-matrix interactions, and cellular response to environmental cues. Glycoproteins contain a wealth of information related to cellular developmental and diseased statuses, and aberrant protein glycosylation is directly related to human disease, including cancer and infectious diseases. Global analysis of protein glycosylation is critical in understanding glycoprotein functions and identifying glycoproteins as biomarkers and drug targets. However, due to the low abundance of many glycoproteins and heterogeneity of glycans, it is extraordinarily challenging to comprehensively analyze glycoproteins in complex biological samples.
Currently mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics provides a unique opportunity to globally analyze protein modifications, including glycosylation. However, effective enrichment prior to MS analysis is imperative for each type of protein modification. For example, with the maturity of phosphoprotein enrichment methods, the global analysis of protein phosphorylation has advanced tremendously, from the identification of several hundred phosphorylation sites a decade ago to over ten thousand sites in recent studies.
In order to comprehensively analyze protein glycosylation in complex biological samples, several glycoprotein/glycopeptide enrichment methods have been reported, including lectin-based and hydrazide chemistry-based methods, and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC). Currently lectin-based methods are most commonly used to enrich glycopeptides prior to MS analysis. Due to the inherent specificity of lectins, each type of lectin can only recognize a specific glycan structure, and thus, no single lectin or a combination of several lectins can universally enrich all glycosylated peptides or proteins. HILIC has also been extensively used to enrich glycopeptides based on their increased hydrophilicity by glycans. However, this method lacks specificity because it cannot distinguish glycopeptides from many hydrophilic non-glycopeptides. Additionally, two methods, isotope-targeted glycoproteomics (IsoTaG) and solid phase extraction of N-linked glycans and glycosite-containing peptides (NGAG), have been reported. By using IsoTaG, several N-glycopeptides and intact and fully elaborated O-glycopeptides from several proteins across three human cell lines were identified. NGAG was designed for N-glycopeptide enrichment, and several unique N-glycopeptides were identified in mammalian cells. According to prediction and computational results, protein glycosylation is the most common modification. Despite the considerable progress that has been made in the past decade, there is still a substantial gap between the number of glycoproteins reported in the literature and those existing in complex biological samples. Effective enrichment of glycopeptides/glycoproteins will profoundly advance the global analysis of protein glycosylation through MS-based proteomics.
Previously, boronic acid (BA) was demonstrated to have potential in enriching glycopeptides for the global analysis of protein glycosylation because of its reversible covalent interactions with glycans. However, the method suffers from relatively weak interactions; therefore, low-abundance glycoproteins are not effectively enriched. Accordingly, methods and compositions for enriching glycoproteins are needed that overcome the problems of the low abundance of many glycoproteins and heterogeneity of glycans.

Methods for enriching glycopeptides for global analysis of glycoproteins


The present invention pertains to methods for preventing metal or metal-derived material from flaking during sputter processing of substrates. Methods of the invention are particularly useful for non-planar sputter targets. The magnetic field configuration in a sputter apparatus is modulated during a pasting process. Flaking from regions of the target, shield, or other internal components of the sputter apparatus is inhibited by pasting methods which include encapsulation and optionally removal of material, for example by erosion via high density plasma.

The present invention pertains to methods for preventing flaking of metals or metal-derived materials from interior surfaces of a sputter apparatus during a sputter process. More specifically the invention pertains to pasting methods for sputter apparatus that use non-planar sputter targets.
Magnetron sputtering is often used to coat substrates with materials. Magnetron sputtering is particularly useful because higher sputter rates can be achieved relative to sputtering methods that do not use magnetic fields. Magnetron sputtering is particularly useful for integrated circuit fabrication, more specifically depositing thin films onto semiconductor substrates.
Traditionally, a planar target made of a particular metal, alloy, or other conductive material is used as a source of material to be sputtered onto a substrate. During sputtering, the target serves as a cathode in an electrical circuit, and a magnetic field is established for confinement of electrons (from the target) near the target surface. This magnetic confinement greatly increases the possibility of ionizing collisions and thus the sputter rate. In conventional systems, a fixed magnetic field configuration is used.
A significant problem that arises in magnetron sputtering is build-up and flaking of sputtered material from interior surfaces of sputter apparatus to substrates within the sputter apparatus. This is particularly problematic in semiconductor fabrication. For example a metal target is used for sputtering a metal nitride onto a wafer. The target is sputtered in the presence of a small amount of nitrogen gas to produce the metal nitride in-situ during sputtering. Over time, metal nitride is deposited on, for example, shielding plates within the sputtering process chamber. Inherent stress in the deposited film of metal nitride causes it to flake off. When this flaking occurs during a sputter process, the substrate is contaminated with the particles of metal nitride, damaging delicate circuitry.
One method to control flaking is termed xe2x80x9cpasting.xe2x80x9d For example, with respect to a metal nitride flaking problem as described above, periodically a layer of the target metal is sputtered over metal nitride material deposited on process chamber interior surfaces in order to encapsulate the metal nitride. When planar targets are sputtered, full-face erosion of target material from the targets"" planar surface is typically achieved, that is, during sputtering target material is evenly removed from the target surface and no material is re-deposited onto the target. In such examples, only deposited material on surfaces other than the target require encapsulation.
More recently, non-planar targets have found use in magnetron sputtering. For example, in hollow cathode magnetron (HCM) sputtering, cup-shaped targets are used. With non-planar targets such as these, fixed magnetic field configurations often cause uneven erosion profiles on the target surface due to the variation in the target sputter surface. During sputtering, sputtered material is re-deposited onto some target surface areas where the magnetic field configuration does not permit erosion. Flaking of re-deposited material from such areas of non-planar targets is problematic. Traditional pasting methods do not prevent flaking from these target areas.
What is needed therefore are improved methods of preventing flaking of metals and metal-derived materials from interior surfaces of a sputter apparatus during a sputter process. More specifically, methods that prevent flaking from non-planar sputter targets as well as other interior surfaces of sputter apparatus that use such targets.
The present invention pertains to methods for preventing metal or metal-derived material from flaking during sputter processing of substrates. Methods of the invention are particularly useful for non-planar sputter targets. The magnetic field configuration in a sputter apparatus is modulated during a pasting process. Flaking from regions of the target, shield, or other internal components of the sputter apparatus is inhibited by pasting methods which include encapsulation and optionally removal of material, for example by erosion via high density plasma.
Thus one aspect of the invention is a method of preventing a metal or a metal-derived material from flaking from a surface within a sputter apparatus during a sputter process that uses a non-planar target. Such methods may be characterized by modulating the magnetic field configuration in the sputter apparatus during a pasting process. Preferably modulating the magnetic field configuration in the sputter apparatus during the pasting process includes pasting using a first magnetic field configuration; and pasting using a second magnetic field configuration. Preferably each of a plurality of electromagnetic coils used for pasting using the first magnetic field configuration have the same polarity as when used for the sputter process. In preferred embodiments, the order of pasting process elements is interchangeable. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pasting process begins with pasting using the second magnetic field configuration, followed by pasting using the first magnetic field configuration. In this way, once the pasting process is complete, apparatus are more readily configured to continue the sputter process as before. Preferably, the second magnetic field configuration is produced by changing the polarity of at least one of the plurality of electromagnetic coils used for pasting using the first magnetic field configuration.
Preferably the second magnetic field configuration is used to create a high-density plasma at a region of the non-planar target where a deposit of a sputtered material exists, the deposit created during a previous sputter process. In some embodiments, the second magnetic field configuration is used to create a high-density plasma at a region of the non-planar target where a deposition-erosion boundary exists, the deposition-erosion boundary created during a previous sputter process.
Preferably pasting using the first magnetic field configuration takes between about 60 and 200 seconds, more preferably about 120 seconds; and pasting using the second magnetic field configuration takes between about 10 and 60 seconds, more preferably about 20 seconds.
Preferably the metal includes at least one of tantalum, titanium, tungsten, copper, cobalt, molybdenum, zirconium, chromium, and alloys thereof. Preferably the metal-derived material is a metal nitride. Metal nitrides of the invention preferably include at least one of tantalum nitride, titanium nitride, and tungsten nitride.
Preferably the sputter process is used to deposit the metal-derived material sequentially on a plurality of semiconductor wafers and the pasting process is repeated after between about 25 and 500 wafers have been exposed to the sputter process, more preferably between about 200 and 500 wafers. Put another way, preferably pasting methods of the invention are performed after the target has been used for between about 10 and 200 kWh, more preferably between about 80 and 200 kWh.

Pasting method for eliminating flaking during nitride sputtering


Nuclear fuel compacts, containing thousands of individually coated fuel particles in a carbonaceous matrix, are provided with an overcoating of silicon carbide which can be readily inspected for defects. This overcoating helps retain fission products within the compact should any of the fuel particles have damaged or defective coatings, and provides an outer secondary barrier that can be 100% inspected.

In nuclear power generation, a graphite fuel element block typically contains a multitude of fuel channels each containing 15 or more fuel compacts stacked end-to-end to form fuel rods within the graphite block. Each fuel compact, in turn, typically contains thousands of U-235 isotopically enriched uranium ceramic fuel particles which, through fission, generate heat. In some reactor designs, uranium 238 or thorium 232 ceramic particles are also included. These convert to plutonium or uranium 233 respectively which are fissionable. Other elements can also be incorporated for neutron absorption control or production of special isotopes such as tritium. The designation "ceramic" refers typically to oxide, nitride, carbide, oxycarbide or other high temperature compounds.
To impart strength to these fuel particles and to retain fission products during normal (and sometimes abnormal) operating conditions, each individual particle is coated with a variety of products such as silicon carbide (U.S. Pat. No. 3,776,759 to Ford et al.), a pyrolytic carbon compound (U.S. Pat. No. 3,945,884 to Freck) or a combination of the two (U.S. Pat. No. 3,249,509 to Blocher, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 3,276,968 to Ingleby, and many others).
A current fuel compact manufacturing specification calls for a 95% confidence level that no more than 5 particles out of 100,000 have a coating defect. This level of quality control requires extensive sampling and destructive examination of the compact and/or particles to assure compliance.
It is thus an object of this invention to provide a means of achieving the above level of quality and confidence. It is another object of this invention to provide a final coating that can be subjected to a quick, non-destructive method of inspecting the fuel compact in order to assess whether this compact complies with the required specifications or not. A further object of this invention is to provide an additional barrier of silicon carbide so as to contain fission products released during operation or postulated accident condition. Another object of this invention is to enable the silicon carbide coating thickness to be varied as needed under the expected conditions. Still a further object of this invention is to provide a means for curing any defects should such be found. These and other objects of this invention will become obvious upon further investigation.

Sic barrier overcoating and infiltration of fuel compact


Platinum complexes of unsaturated siloxanes, substantially free of inorganic halogen and inhibitory compounds, provide superior hydrosilation catalysts when the unsaturated siloxane comprises, per gram-atom of platinum,. (i) a combination of one mole of (CH.sub.2 .dbd.CH)((R).sub.2 Si).sub.2 O, and one mole of (CH.sub.2 .dbd.CH) (R).sub.2 SiOSi(R.sub.2)OH; PA0 (ii) two moles of (CH.sub.2 .dbd.CH)((R).sub.2 Si).sub.2 O; or PA0 (iii) a mixture of (i) and (ii),. wherein R is free of aliphatic unsaturation and is selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl, and aryl groups.

In Willing, U.S. Pat. No. 3,419,593, and in Karstedt, U.S. Pat. No. 3,775,452, are described complex catalysts comprised of platinum and unsaturated siloxanes, and their use in the so-called hydrosilation reaction between compounds containing silicon-bonded hydrogen and aliphatically unsaturated organic compounds, especially aliphatically unsaturated organopolysiloxane compounds. It is also known to use such catalysts in the reaction of organo silanol compounds with hydrogenosiloxanes to produce a new siloxane and hydrogen gas. Curable compositions useful as encapsulants for electronic components, and the like, comprise organopolysiloxanes having at least two aliphatically unsaturated groups or at least two silicon-bonded hydroxyl groups, a silicon hydride, and such platinum complex catalysts and these can be provided in foamable modifications, as well as filled modifications, containing e.g., from 10 to 300 parts of filler per 100 parts of organopolysiloxane. The disclosures of the above-mentioned patents are incorporated herein by reference, and the latter-mentioned ones as well.
The Willing patent describes, typically, the heating together of symmetrical divinyltetramethyldisiloxane in large excess with chloroplatinic acid then cooling, diluting with still more of the disiloxane, filtering and then washing with water to remove acidity. Adding trace amounts of this composition to a mixture of a polyhydrogenmethyl siloxane and a vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane, followed by gentle heating produces a gel, indicating that the known reaction between the .tbd.Si and CH.sub.2 .dbd.CH- linkages has taken place.
Karstedt discloses that superior catalysts can be formed if pains are taken to remove all, or substantially all, of the inorganic halogen which is produced in the reaction between a platinum halide and an unsaturated siloxane. The use of a compound like sodium bicarbonate is specified to remove inorganic halogen before the platinum-siloxane complex is used as a catalyst.
In the present state of the art, catalysts prepared by the Willing method have been found to be somewhat less than satisfactory in terms of rate of cure, for example, due to the presence of detectable amounts of inorganic halides, and catalysts prepared by both the Willing and the Karstedt method are less than optimum because they contain numerous intermediate structures and they appear to be encumbered by inhibitory impurities. While both patents appear to recognize the need to remove undesirable materials, such as starting reactants, reaction by-products, etc., neither contemplates the presence, much less the need to avoid anticatalysts, i.e., the inhibitory impurities. See, for example, inhibitors as described in Nielsen, U.S. Pat. No. 3,383,356.
It has now been found that two types of olefinic siloxanes of a very specific nature can be used alone, or in combination, as complexes with platinum to produce superior catalysts, e.g., in the hydrosilation reactions of hydrogenosiloxanes with olefinically unsaturated and/or hydroxylated organic compounds and the hydrosilation reactions of hydrogensiloxanes with olefinically unsaturated and/or hydroxyl-substituted organosiloxanes. The olefinic siloxanes each are disiloxanes, one having one vinyldiorganosilyl group and one hydroxyldiorganosilyl group; and the second having two vinyldiorganosilyl end groups. It is essential that the complexes (i) be free of detectable inorganic halogen and (ii) be free of inhibitory impurities. These requirements can be met in either of two ways: (i) prepare the complex catalyst from a non-halogen-containing intermediate, e.g., the platinum bis-1,5-cyclooctadiene complex of Green et al., J. Chem. Soc., Chem-Comm. 1975, p. 3 and the respective disiloxane; or (ii) follow the procedure of the above-mentioned patents and isolate the complex catalyst free of halogen and inhibitory impurities by new techniques, such as preparative high pressure liquid chromatography. As will be seen hereinafter, the resulting complexes produce high cure rates and activity at low levels of platinum which are unattainable by following the teachings of the prior art.


Modal frequencies of known good sample parts (SN) are analyzed to determine a pattern which will identify acceptable material and dimensional variations. The data obtained by analysis is then archived. Production parts are then measured at the modal frequencies and the production parts are accepted or rejected after pattern analysis of each part by comparing the production part with response to the pattern identified as acceptable for material and dimensional variations. Production part data is archived for future testing. This procedure is repeated throughout the lifetime of a part, and may be used on parts which are part of an assembly, including other unmeasured parts.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) and more particularly to the use of the data generated by RUS for developing testing criteria and pattern analysis; testing of production parts using pattern analysis; and use during maintenance procedures of archival resonant frequency records and pattern analysis for subsequent comparison testing of each individual part compared to its unique archived previous measurements, as identified by serial number.
2. The Prior Art
Resonant ultrasound testing is known in the prior art as exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,148 Migliori et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,296 Migliori et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,351,543 Migliori et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,355,731 Dixon et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,495,763 Rhodes et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,880 Rhodes et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,272 Rhodes et al., plus recent issued cases, all of which are incorporated therein by reference.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,355,731 teaches measurement of sphericity utilizing resonant ultrasound spectroscopy. In this disclosure, a first set of calculations are used to determine resonant frequencies as the functions of Poisson's ratio where the spherical objects have an ideal dimension. Next, calculations are made to determine a set of resonant frequencies where there is a deviation from dimensions of the ideal object dimensions. Then a production object is measured by resonant ultrasound (RUS), and is compared to the calculated values to determine the deviation from the ideal object dimensions.
Migliori U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,148 teaches the use of resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) for determination of elastic constants of a sample.

Method of resonant life cycle comparison inspection by serial number


The present invention relates to a lightweight, anti-scratch and fracture resistant material for use in manufacture of jewelry prepared by sintering a powered mixture consisting essentially of 20% by weight of titanium carbide, 25% by weight of tungsten carbide, 35% by weight of titanium nitride, and balance being a binder consisting essentially of nickel, molybdenum and cobalt.

The present invention relates to a lightweight, anti-scratch and fracture resistant material for use in the manufacture of jewelry.
Traditionally, jewelry items such as finger rings are made of precious metals such as gold, silver and so forth. Such precious metals are malleable and it is easy to form the precious metals into different shapes. Jewelry designers may work with the precious metals easily to accommodate various designs. However, the malleability of such precious metals also renders the jewelry items easy to be deformed or damaged even during normal course of use by users.
To overcome such problems, the market has offered jewelry items made of hard materials such as tungsten carbide. Such materials indeed have a high hardness and render the jewelry items unscratchable. However, such materials also have a high density, making the jewelry items too heavy and thus uncomfortable to wear. More importantly, such materials have a low breaking resistance, making the jewelry items easy to break during normal course of use as well as during the manufacturing process when the semi-finished jewelry items are required to be grinded or polished.

Lightweight, anti-scratch and fracture resistant material for use in the manufacture of jewelry


Provided are systems, methods, and computer-readable media for encoding, transmitting and decoding content having high fidelity and high motion content. In one aspect, a device includes at least one processor and at least memory having computer-readable instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to receive an encoded frame; determine whether the encoded frame includes at least one region having high fidelity content; and upon determining that the encoded frame includes at least one region having high fidelity content, perform a first decoding process for decoding the at least one region having high fidelity content, display a previous version of the high fidelity content on a display while the first decoding process is being performed, and display a decoded version of the at least one region having the high fidelity content on the display when performing the first decoding process is complete.

Successive generations of compression schemes have increased the efficiency of video compression, particularly for camera-origin video with small differences between adjacent frames. However, detailed content with sharp edges (such as text) requires many high-frequency components to represent the content with high fidelity. Even under the most recent compression schemes a large number of bits are required to provide an accurate and satisfactory representation of the detailed content at a receiving device.
Bidirectional communication requires low-bitrate and low-latency coding. For a fixed bitrate, an encoder can either (1) spend more bits per frame on fewer frames per second, for high fidelity content that is desired to look sharp (e.g., text such as web pages, documents, spreadsheets, etc.), or (2) spend fewer bits per frame on more frames per second for high motion content (e.g., content for which motion representation takes priority over detail and sharpness such as camera-origin video, or highly animated graphics).
A combination of high fidelity and high motion content is typically communicated in a conferencing session between two or more users (e.g., an online video conferencing session, where high fidelity content (e.g. a PDF document) is presented simultaneously with a video collaboration window present on the screen presenting one or more of the participating users in the conference). During such conferencing, typically one channel of each of high fidelity and high motion content are transmitted, and the signaling and management of multiple channels adds complexity. The available bandwidth has to be split between the two kinds of content in a rigid way. The same problem arises in remote virtual desktop services, and conceivably in the rendering of semi-static interfaces alongside video content in any other kind of low-latency streaming service, such as broadcasting and gaming.

Encoding, transmission and decoding of combined high motion and high fidelity content


A fiber optic inline connector includes mating connector bodies each of which has a concentric protrusion at a connector end and a concentric cable passage that extends through the connector body from the connector end to a cable end. The concentric protrusions include a pair of diametrically opposed prongs and a pair of diametrically opposed slots that are orthogonally related to the diametrically opposed prongs so that the slots of each protrusion receive the prongs of the other protrusion to align the cable passages when the connector bodies are mated. The mated connector bodies are locked together by a pair of diametrically opposed stiff lock tongues and a pair of diametrically opposed flexible lock fingers at the connector end of each connector body that are spaced radially outwardly of the respective protrusions. The flexible lock fingers are orthogonally related to the stiff lock tongues so that the flexible lock fingers of each connector body engage the stiff lock tongues of the other connector body to lock the connectors together. A one-way connector and several interconnectable multi-way connectors are disclosed. An alternate three-way connector has three equally circumferentially spaced prongs, slots, flexible lock fingers and lock tongues.

This invention relates generally to fiber optic distribution systems and more particularly to fiber optic inline connectors for such systems.
A fiber optic distribution system can be used, for example, for interior lighting in automobiles. An automotive fiber optic interior lighting (FOIL) system generally comprises a light source and a fiber optic harness assembly that has a bundle of jacketed fiber optic cables for conveying light from the light source to courtesy lights, indicator lights and other lit devices at various locations in the automobile. Practical considerations require that the fiber optic harness assembly is made up of a number of fiber optic sub-harnesses that are connected together. This usually takes the form of a main fiber optic harness that is split into two branches that run down opposite sides of the automobile. These branches of the main fiber optic harness are then connected by fiber optic inline connectors to several fiber optic sub-harnesses that may be installed in doors, headliners, instrument panels or other parts of the automobile. In some instances a fiber optic sub-harness may be connected to another fiber-optic sub-harness.
The fiber optic sub-harness may have one or several fiber optic cables that need to be connected to one or several fiber optic cables of the main fiber optic harness or another fiber optic sub-harness. Thus there is a need for a family of fiber optic inline connectors for connecting one or more fiber optic cables to the same or a different number of fiber optic cables.

Fiber optic inline connector with hermaphroditic alignment and lock means


A data processing apparatus and method are provided for performing a reciprocal operation on an input value d to produce a result value X. The reciprocal operation involves iterative execution of a refinement step to converge on the result value, the refinement step performing the computation: Xi=Xi−1*M, where Xi is an estimate of the result value for the i-th iteration of the refinement step, and M is a value determined by a portion of the refinement step. The data processing apparatus comprises a register data store having a plurality of registers operable to store data, and processing logic operable to execute instructions to perform data processing operations on data held in the register data store. The processing logic is responsive to a single refinement instruction to implement the portion of the refinement step by performing at least a multiply-accumulate operation in which the input value, a value derived from the previous estimate of the result value, and a constant are used as inputs of the multiply-accumulate operation. The constant is determined from the single refinement instruction without reference to the register data store. Such an approach improves code density, and improves efficiency of use of registers of the register data store.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus and method for performing a reciprocal operation on an input value to produce a result value.
2. Background
There are a number of data processing applications where it is often required to perform reciprocal operations, a reciprocal operation being an operation of the form 1/Fn(d), where d is the input value. Two such reciprocal operations that are often required involve computing the reciprocal of the input value, i.e. 1/d, or the reciprocal square root of the input value, i.e. 1/√{square root over (d)}. These particular two reciprocal operations are often used, for example, in graphics processing applications.
Dedicated hardware may be developed to perform such reciprocal operations but typically it is desirable to keep the data processing apparatus as small as possible, and to re-use hardware logic wherever possible.
A known technique for determining the results of complex functions such as reciprocal and reciprocal square root functions, which does not require dedicated hardware, employs iterative execution of a computation in order to converge on the result value. One particular such iterative process is commonly referred to as the Newton-Raphson method. In accordance with the Newton-Raphson method, an initial estimate of the result value is made, and then a refinement step is iteratively executed in order to converge on the actual result value.
The Motorola AltiVec technology uses such a Newton-Raphson refinement technique for evaluating reciprocal and reciprocal square root functions. In accordance with the approach taken by the Motorola AltiVec technology, a number of instructions are issued to load required constant values into registers, and then to determine an initial estimate value for the result value, whereafter a sequence of multiply-accumulate instructions are issued to perform the refinement step.
In a data processing apparatus it is typically desired to reduce the power consumption of the data processing apparatus whilst also increasing the speed of operation of the data processing apparatus. With regard to the handling of reciprocal operations such as those discussed above, it would be desirable to increase the code density of the code required to implement the reciprocal operation and also improve the efficiency of use of the registers, to thereby yield a reduction in power consumption and an improvement in speed of operation. With regard to the use of registers, it should be noted that efficiency is particularly impacted, since each time the refinement step is performed, any constant value that has been loaded in a working register will typically be overwritten during execution of the refinement step, and accordingly if the refinement step needs to be repeated again, the required constant needs to be loaded again into a working register.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,115,733 describes a technique for calculating reciprocals and reciprocal square roots. The Newton-Raphson approach is again used, and the refinement step includes as part of its process the multiplication of two values to produce a product, which is then subtracted from a constant. This would typically be implemented by some form of multiply-accumulate operation, with the required constant having been first loaded into a working register. However, in accordance with the technique in U.S. Pat. No. 6,115,733, such a multiply-accumulate operation is not performed, and instead an estimate of the result of such a multiply-accumulate operation is generated by instead merely performing the required multiplication, and then inverting the result to generate an approximation of the result of the multiply-accumulate operation. This avoids the need to load the required constant into a register and hence makes more efficient use of the register file, and also removes the need for a load instruction to be performed to load a constant into a register.
Hence, the technique in U.S. Pat. No. 6,115,733 will provide some improvement in code density, and will make more efficient use of the working registers. However, to enable this improvement to be obtained, the technique in U.S. Pat. No. 6,115,733 replaces the required computation of a portion of the refinement step with a different computation which will produce an approximation of the result that would have been performed had the true computation been performed.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to develop a technique which enabled such improvements in code density and efficient use of registers to be achieved, but without the need to replace the required computation with a different computation that merely produces an approximation of the result that would have been produced by the true computation performed as part of the refinement step.

Data processing apparatus and method for performing a reciprocal operation on an input value to produce a result value


An enhanced performance field programmable gate array integrated circuit comprises a field programmable gate array and other functional circuitry such as a mask-programmable gate array in the same integrated circuit. A circuit interface provides communication between the field programmable gate array, the mask-programmable gate array and the integrated circuit I/O.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). In particular it relates to a method and apparatus of extending the functionality of FPGAs by providing a means for the inclusion of user-specified functions through inclusion of other functional circuitry on the integrated circuit die with the FPGA circuitry, and particularly with such circuitry implemented as mask programmable circuit regions on the integrated circuit.
2. The Prior Art
An integrated circuit uses a network of metal interconnects between the individual semiconductor components, which are patterned with standard photolithographic processes during wafer fabrication. Multiple levels of metallized patterns may be used to increase the flexibility of the interconnect.
It has long been recognized that a user-programmable interconnect technique or manufacturer programmability just prior to shipment would allow lower tooling costs and faster delivery time. To such an end, gate array circuits were developed.
A gate array circuit is an array of uncommitted gates with uncommitted wiring channels. To implement a particular circuit function, the circuit is mapped into the array and the wiring channels and appropriate connections are programmed to implement the necessary wiring connections that form the circuit function.
A gate array circuit can be programmed to implement virtually any set of functions. Input signals are processed by the programmed circuit to produce the desired set of outputs. Such inputs flow from the user's system, through input buffers, then through the circuit, and finally back out to the user's system via output buffers. Such buffers provide any or all of the following input/output (I/O) functions: voltage gain, current gain, level translation, delay, signal isolation, or hysteresis.
If the wiring channels and appropriate connections are programmed by the manufacturer according to the construction masks, then the gate array circuit is described as a mask-programmable gate array.
If the wiring channels and appropriate connections are programmed by the user according to programmable circuit elements, then the gate array circuit is described as an FPGA.
There are essentially two configurations of programmable circuit elements used to provide flexibility to the user for programming the FPGA. In the first configuration, an example of which is disclosed by El Gamal, et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,758,745, the FPGA can be permanently programmed by the user. In the second configuration, an example of which is disclosed by Freeman in U.S. Pat. No. 4,870,302, the FPGA can be changeably programmed by the user.
By comparison, a mask-programmable gate array offers higher functionality and performance and more efficient use of space while an FPGA offers lower design costs and greater user flexibility. Also, a mask-programmable gate array can implement any variety of I/O function and often at a higher speed than an FPGA. Other dedicated functional circuitry may also offer higher functionality and performance than its equivalent configured from FPGA components.


An example package is disclosed for carrying a load external to a UAV. The package may be generated by folding a sheet of material and include a cavity formed by a top surface section, a bottom surface section, a first side surface section, a second side surface section, a leading edge section, and a trailing edge section of the sheet. The top surface section may include an attachment feature for attaching the package to the UAV. The leading edge section may include leading edge surfaces formed from folds along creases of the sheet to define a front end of the cavity and deflect airflow over a top surface and under a bottom surface of the package. The trailing edge section may include upper and lower surfaces formed from folds along creases and extend from the top and bottom surfaces to intersect and define a back end of the cavity.

An unmanned vehicle, which may also be referred to as an autonomous vehicle, is a vehicle capable of travel without a physically-present human operator. An unmanned vehicle may operate in a remote-control mode, in an autonomous mode, or in a partially autonomous mode.
When an unmanned vehicle operates in a remote-control mode, a pilot or driver that is at a remote location can control the unmanned vehicle via commands that are sent to the unmanned vehicle via a wireless link. When the unmanned vehicle operates in autonomous mode, the unmanned vehicle typically moves based on pre-programmed navigation waypoints, dynamic automation systems, or a combination of these. Further, some unmanned vehicles can operate in both a remote-control mode and an autonomous mode, and in some instances may do so simultaneously. For instance, a remote pilot or driver may wish to leave navigation to an autonomous system while manually performing another task, such as operating a mechanical system for picking up objects, as an example.
Various types of unmanned vehicles exist for various different environments. For instance, unmanned vehicles exist for operation in the air, on the ground, underwater, and in space. Examples include quad-copters and tail-sitter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), among others. Unmanned vehicles also exist for hybrid operations in which multi-environment operation is possible. Examples of hybrid unmanned vehicles include an amphibious craft that is capable of operation on land as well as on water or a floatplane that is capable of landing on water as well as on land. Other examples are also possible.
UAVs may be useful for many applications. For example, UAVs may be helpful for delivering objects. Several factors may affect the quality of the delivery of items by UAV. One factor may be the design of packaging containing the items delivered by a UAV. Thus, improvements in the design of packaging may improve delivery of objects by a UAV.


Briefly, embodiments of claimed subject matter relate to devices and methods for modifying, such as decreasing rise time and/or fall time, of a driver signal output. To achieve such modifications in driver output signals, additional gates may be positioned at PMOS and/or NMOS regions of a semiconductor film. In addition, at least in particular embodiments, etching of portions of one or more semiconductor regions may increase compressive or tensile stress, which may further operate to modify driver output signals.

In many computing devices, such as laptop or desktop computers, smart phones, gaming devices, and so forth, a signal driver may be utilized to activate, for example, one or more other devices, such as memory devices. These devices may, for example, bring about changes in memory states of a nonvolatile memory circuit in response to the signal driver providing an output waveform having a magnitude sufficient to initiate a memory operation. Thus, it may be appreciated that if an output waveform of a signal driver does not achieve a sufficient magnitude in a timely fashion, memory operations, such as reading memory states of a device and/or writing memory states to a device, may be delayed.
While some signal drivers may provide output waveforms that rapidly achieve a sufficient magnitude to initiate memory operations, for example, many such signal drivers may not be capable of providing such waveforms at increased current levels. Accordingly, to provide output signal waveforms capable of driving, for example, two or more memory devices operating in parallel, additional signal drivers may be required. Thus, providing signal drivers capable of providing output waveforms having relatively short rise times, for example, at increased current levels continues to be an active area of investigation.
Reference is made in the following detailed description to accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, wherein like numerals may designate like parts throughout that are corresponding and/or analogous. It will be appreciated that the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale, such as for simplicity and/or clarity of illustration. For example, dimensions of some aspects may be exaggerated relative to others. Further, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized. Furthermore, structural and/or other changes may be made without departing from claimed subject matter. References throughout this specification to "claimed subject matter" refer to subject matter intended to be covered by one or more claims, or any portion thereof, and are not necessarily intended to refer to a complete claim set, to a particular combination of claim sets (e.g., method claims, apparatus claims, etc.), or to a particular claim. It should also be noted that directions and/or references, for example, such as up, down, top, bottom, and so on, may be used to facilitate discussion of drawings and are not intended to restrict application of claimed subject matter. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken to limit claimed subject matter and/or equivalents.

Transistor gate arrangement to modify driver signal characteristics


An apparatus to manufacture or produce articles such as printed circuit boards comprising at least one module having an entry and exit opening formed on opposite ends thereof and a transport mechanism comprising a continuous conveyor including a plurality of interconnected conveyor links to support the articles thereon and an entry and exit roller seal assembly each including a pair of rotatable seal rollers disposed to seal the entry and exit openings respectively and engage the articles passing through the entry and exit openings respectively, an article guide to maintain the articles in a substantially vertical position as the articles transverse the apparatus and a fluid supply to expose both sides of the article uniformly with fluid.

1. Field of the Invention
An apparatus for producing articles such as printed circuit boards.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Printed circuit boards are normally formed of a relatively inert material such as fiberglass reinforced board cladding on both sides thereof. A photoresist is then applied to one or both sides of the board. The photoresist is essentially inert to the plating processes that, after being exposed to a circuit pattern and developed, defines a pattern in developed voids of the photoresist. The boards may be electrically charged and placed in a solution including a metal to be deposited. After the metal is deposited the boards are rinsed.
The photoresist is removed and the cladded layer is etched off the board, leaving the circuit plated on the board.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,620,894 relates to a method and apparatus for etching and otherwise chemically treating electronic printed circuit board substrates comprising a hollow tubing to engage and transport the circuit board substrates.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,611,554 discloses a device and method for the treating of vertically disposed printed circuit boards comprising a transport conveyor above an accumulating reservoir and below spraying nozzles applying a process solution to the side surfaces of each printed circuit board.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,620,894 shows a method and apparatus for chemically treating vertically disposed circuit board substrates comprising a conveyor system for transporting the vertically disposed circuit board substrates through a plurality of adjacent spray chambers employing hollow slack tubing to engage and transport the substrates.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,401,522 relates to a continuous metal exchange for workpieces such as a printed circuit board comprising a continuous horizontal transport and plating tank. Opposite ends of the plating tank include slots to receive and discharge the workpieces sealed by opposed rollers. The workpieces are held by a non-conductive hanger coupled to the upper portion thereof.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,427,019 discloses a continuous processing of flat workpieces such as printed circuit boards suspended by a hanger on a conveyor for continuous horizontal transport. The conveyor transports the workpieces through a plurality of chambers having slotted-end members.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,910,406 relates to a two-part clip each including a base and leg having a socket for receiving the outer end of a connecting pin of an articulated roller chain conveyor. A support surface is formed from a rod extending outwardly from the two-part clip. The two-part clip may include a drive engaging member to permit an articulated roller chain carrying the two-part clip to be driven by a drive mechanism.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,530,433 discloses a pincer comprising a plate having lateral openings on one side thereof and a center opening on the other side thereof coupled to adjacent plates to form a conveyor chain for bottles gripped by a pair of jaws. The pincer cooperates with a half-collar fitting the outline of the neck of a bottle being processed.

Apparatus to manufacture printed circuit boards


An apparatus is proposed for measuring the mass of a flowing medium, and in particular for measuring the air mass of internal combustion engines. The apparatus includes a resistor arranged in the stream of the flowing medium, the temperature and/or resistance parameter of this resistor being controlled in dependence on the mass of the medium, the extent to which the parameter is controlled being a measure of the mass of the flowing medium. The resistor is an element of a bridge circuit comprising at least one further resistor arranged in the stream of the flowing medium. Also included is a tubular member which has an inner surface defining the flow cross section of the flowing medium. Within this tubular member there is situated a probe ring to which both resistors are mounted to be exposed to the flowing medium. Connected to the tubular member is a terminal box within which a hybrid switching circuit is situated. The hybrid switching circuit is mounted to a mounting board and is connected, by a printed circuit board, to a multiple contact plug and to the bridge circuit.

The invention relates to an apparatus for measuring the mass of a flowing medium, and in particular to measuring the intake air mass of internal combustion engines which includes at least one temperature-dependent resistor arranged in the flow of the medium, the temperature and/or resistance of this temperature-dependent resistor being controlled in dependence on the mass of the flowing medium, and wherein the control variable is a measure for the mass of the flowing medium. The temperature-dependent resistor comprises a hot wire which is mounted to a probe ring mounted in a tubular member through which the medium flows. The temperature-dependent resistor forms part of a bridge circuit which comprises at least one additional temperature-dependent resistor also arranged in the flow of the medium. The bridge circuit is connected to a source of D.C. voltage by way of a multiple contact plug.
An apparatus wherein a hot wire is utilized as the temperature-dependent resistor for measuring the mass of a flowing medium is known. This hot wire is stretched taut in a probe ring at several clamping points and serves as an element of a bridge circuit. The hot wire, and the further elements of the bridge circuit, are connected to contacts of a multiple contact plug, and the multiple contact plug is mounted to a tubular member which defines the flow cross section, the probe ring being arranged within this tubular member.
Certain disadvantages are associated with this known apparatus due to the fact that the contacts become loose, induction tube resistance must be taken into account, and, when used in the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, interferences, for example from the ignition unit, lead to measuring inaccuracies.

Apparatus for measuring the mass of a flowing medium


Provided is an electrode assembly which may be manufactured by providing a first substrate and a second substrate, plasma treating the first substrate, forming an electrode on the first substrate, and thermally compressing the first substrate and the second substrate, with the electrode therebetween, wherein each of the first substrate and the second substrate includes a fluorine-based polymer.

The present disclosure herein relates to an electrode assembly and a method for manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to an electrode assembly including a plasma surface-treated fluorine-based polymer substrate, and a method for manufacturing the same.
Polymer film-metal assemblies have both the flexibility of polymers and the electrical conductivity of metals. Thus, such polymer film-metal assemblies are used in various applications such as bio-implantable, wearable, or bio-attachable elements and systems, flexible touch screens, and metal corrosion prevention.
Stable metals such as gold (Au) and platinum (Pt) have the disadvantage of having weak bonding strength, and thus of being easily detached, when attached to polymers. Thus, typically, in order to increase the adhesion strength between a metal such as gold (Au) and platinum (Pt), and a polymer, an adhesive layer, composed of chrome (Cr) or titanium (Ti) and the like, having relatively good adhesion strength with polymers is interposed between the metal and the polymer.
However, assemblies that utilize an adhesive layer composed of chrome (Cr) or titanium (Ti) and the like have the limitation of being corroded or having weakened adhesion strength when used for extended periods of time, due to bodily fluids, sweat, moisture, or repeated mechanical stimulation, etc. Moreover, ultimately, the metal such as gold (Au) or platinum (Pt) and the like is delaminated from the polymer film. In particular, the adhesive layer is ineffective for fluorine-based polymers having low surface energy, and thus such fluorine-based polymers are characterized in having inherently weak bonding with metals.

Electrode assembly and method for manufacturing same

ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTIT