A lateral bipolar transistor and method of making which is compatible with making BICMOS circuits are disclosed. The method includes: Forming on a substrate of one conductivity type at least one layer of a semiconductor material of opposite conductivity type. Forming a first region of opposite conductivity type into one portion of the layer and a highly conductive contact region to the layer in another portion, forming a layer of an insulating material over the layer and providing an aperture therethrough to the first region. Depositing a layer of polycrystalline silicon over the insulating layer and in the aperture so that it is in the aperture and extends a short distance beyond the aperture but not beyond the edge of the first region. Ion implanting a dopant of the opposite conductivity type into the polycrystalline silicon and into the portion of the first region which extends beyond the edge of the polycrystalline to form a second region of opposite conductivity type in the layer and around the first region. Annealing the substrate to drive the dopant from the conductive layer into the first region to form a third region of opposite conductivity type.

Lateral bipolar transistors, in general, comprise three separate semiconductive regions of alternating conductivity types, such as n-p-n or p-n-p, extending along a common surface of a semiconductor substrate so that all of the electrical contacts to the various regions are at the same surface of the substrate. Such lateral bipolar transistors have many applications, particularly in integrated circuits. Bipolar transistors were generally used in analog circuits whereas MOS transistors were generally used in digital circuits. However, there have been circuits developed which require both MOS transistors and bipolar transistors in a single circuit and on a single substrate. These circuits are generally known as BICMOS circuits. To make such BICMOS circuits, it is necessary to have a fabrication process by which both MOS transistors and bipolar transistors can be formed during a common process sequence.
One type of lateral bipolar transistor is shown and described in the article of S.P. Gaur et al., entitled "Optimum Lateral PNP Transistor," published in IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, Vol. 26, NO. 9, Feb. 1984, pages 4584 and 4585. However, the lateral bipolar transistor described in this article has a number of problems. It includes a double layer polycrystalline silicon contact system with the first level making contact to the base and the collector and the second level making contact to the emitter. This double level system makes the surface topography thicker so that the photolithograhic process used to form the contacts becomes less accurate. Also, the double level system is not compatible with normal MOS processing so that it would be difficult to make this lateral bipolar transistor in a BICMOS device. Also, this lateral bipolar transistor uses a sidewall spacer to define the spacing across the base region between the emitter region and the surrounding collector region. In forming a sidewall spacer, the thickness of such a sidewall spacer can be changed only a very little amount and its width along the surface of the base region is limited. Therefore, the spacing between the emitter region and the collector region can be varied only a little. Since this spacing controls the beta of the transistor, the beta of this type of lateral bipolar transistor can be varied only over a narrow range and has a maximum value. Thus, the lateral bipolar transistor disclosed in this article is not suitable for use in making some BICMOS integrated circuits and can form transistors having only a limited variation in beta.
Processes have been developed for making BICMOS integrated circuits which include a bipolar transistor disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,808,548 to M. Thomas et al., issued Feb. 28, 1989, and entitled "Method of Making Bipolar and MOS Devices on Same Integrated Circuit Substrate" and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,824,796 to Tzu-Yin Chiu et al., issued Apr. 25, 1989, and entitled "Process for Manufacturing Semiconductor BICMOS Device." However, in the BICMOS circuits of each of these patents the bipolar transistor is a vertical bipolar transistor and not a lateral bipolar transistor.
Therefore, it is desirable to have a method for making bipolar transistors which is compatible with a method for making MOS transistors so as to permit forming BICMOS integrated circuits.

Lateral bipolar transistor with insulating trenches

International Business Machines Corporation


A magnetically driven gear pump having a housing, a rotatable annular magnetic drive assembly magnetically coupled to but spaced from an annular driven magnet and rotor gear assembly with an annular canister disposed therebetween, and wherein when the annular magnetic drive assembly is rotated, the annular driven magnet and rotor gear assembly rotate on a first shaft portion of an offset stationary shaft and the rotor gear drives an idler gear that rotates on a second shaft portion of the offset stationary shaft.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to positive displacement gear pumps, and more particularly to a magnetically driven gear pump of simplified construction having a magnet and rotor assembly and an offset stationary shaft on which two respective gears rotate.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
In many pumping applications, it is desirable to avoid potential seal leakage by not using seals in conjunction with rotating parts. Accordingly, it has become more common in the pump arts to employ a magnetic drive system to eliminate the need for seals along rotating surfaces. While such pumps may still employ static seals, because of their lack of dynamic or rotational seals, they have become known as a "sealless" pump. Indeed, magnetic drive structures have been used in the design of positive displacement gear pumps as well.
In some prior art magnetically driven gear pumps, it is common to have a driven shaft on which is mounted at least one of the gears, generally referred to as a rotor. In turn, to support such a rotatable shaft, it is common to use an additional pump housing section or bracket between the magnetic drive components and the portion of the pump housing that contains the gears. Such pumps also tend to have the second or idler gear rotate on a fixed shaft. The fixed shaft may be mounted at one end within the head of the pump housing.
In the prior art pumps, the bracket that is needed to support the rotatable shaft for the rotor, along with the extra length of components including the rotatable shaft, add to the overall length and weight of such pumps. Moreover, the separate rotating rotor shaft and stationary shaft for the idler gear add to the complexity of the structures and tolerances necessary to make a successful, reliable pump. It would be desirable to simplify and reduce the size and weight of such magnetically driven gear pumps.
The present invention addresses shortcomings in prior art gear pumps, while providing the above mentioned desirable features in magnetically driven gear pumps.


An actuator structure includes an arm portion carrying a predetermined number of heads for recording/reproducing information, provided on one side of a rotary shaft, and at least two coil support portions, each of which supports a coil member for moving the heads on recording media, provided on the other side of the rotary shaft relative to the arm portion. Each of the at least two coil support portions extends from either side of a line passing through the head and the rotary shaft, and the at least two coil support portions are formed asymmetrically relative to the line.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to an actuator structure and a recording-reproducing apparatus, and more particularly, to an actuator structure which is capable of moving a head for recording and/or reproducing information to a predetermined position of a recording medium and a recording-reproducing apparatus provided with such an actuator structure.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, a recording-reproducing apparatus such as a magnetic disk apparatus has been downsized and its capacity has been increased. Due to the increase of its capacity, in particular, TPI (track per inch) has also increased and so a track pitch has narrowed. For this reason, demands have been increased for a high-speed seek and a high-accuracy positioning.
FIG. 1 is a plan view of an actuator portion of a conventional magnetic disk apparatus 11. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the actuator portion shown in FIG. 1. In FIGS. 1 and 2, a predetermined number of magnetic disks 13 (two in FIG. 2) are rotated by a spindle motor (not shown) in a base 12 of the magnetic disk apparatus 11. A magnetic head 14 is moved in a radial direction by an actuator 15 on each surface of the magnetic disks 13.
The actuator 15 is comprised, integrally, of a rotary shaft 18, which is formed by a shaft 16 and bearings 17, and arms 19, a number of which corresponds to a number (of recording surfaces) of the magnetic disks 13, provided for each of the magnetic disks 13. A gimbal 20 is fixed to a tip of each of the arms 19 and the magnetic head 14 is formed on each of the gimbals 20 so as to oppose each recording surface of the magnetic disks 13.
On the other hand, two coil support portions 21a and 21b are integrally and symmetrically formed on the other side of the magnetic disk 14 and a voice coil 22 is fixed to a U-shaped end portion formed by the coil support portions 21a and 21b using an adhesive 23. The voice coil 22 is formed by winding the coil a predetermined number of times.
A magnet 25 fixed to a yoke 24 is provided above the voice coil 22 and a magnet 27 fixed to a yoke 26 is provided underneath the voice coil 22. Each of the magnets 25 and 27 is placed so that opposed polarities face each other. Studs 28a and 28b covered by rubber members 29a and 29b, respectively are provided at left and right sides of the yokes 24 and 26. Each of the rubber members 29a and 29b, respectively, functions as a stopper which contacts the coil support portion 21a or 21b when the actuator 15 rotates around the rotation shaft 18. In addition, the numeral 30 indicates an FPC (flexible printed circuit) which supplies current to the voice coil 22 and send/receive signals to/from the magnetic head 14.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another conventional actuator structure. In FIG. 3, a cradle 21c for the voice coil 22 is provided at a lower portion between the coil support portion 21a and 21b. The cradle 21c is formed of, for example, a resin or an aluminum plate, and fixed by bolts. Other configurations are the same as the ones shown in FIG. 2. The cradle 21c prevents a generation of resonance during a driving of the actuator 15 (during power supply to the voice coil 22) by enhancing a fixation state of the voice coil 22.
The reason that the voice coil 22 is supported by the coil support portions 21a and 21b at each end is to improve an accuracy of positioning, seek speed, etc., since the track pitch is shortened due to a high TPI associated with a high-capacity magnetic disk apparatus. Also, the doughnut shape of the voice coil 22 contributes to minimize inertia.
However, if the thickness of the above-mentioned coil support portions 21a and 21b is reduced in order to achieve a weight reduction, their rigidity will be also reduced and torsional vibration will be caused during an operation of the disk apparatus. Especially, since the coil support portions 21a and 21b are symmetrically formed, they tend to help or enhance the torsional vibration. Once this vibration is transferred to the magnetic head 14, it is difficult to carry out a positioning with high accuracy.
Also, as shown in FIG. 1, since lines from both ends of the side 22a.sub.1 to the shaft 16 (rotation center) are deviated from the lines 22b.sub.1 and 22b.sub.2, respectively, efficiency of the magnetic circuit is not very good. Thus, more power is consumed and the high-speed seek and accurate positioning are influenced by such factors.
Moreover, to provide the cradle 21c in order to decrease the resonance during the operation of the above-mentioned coil support portions 21a and 21b causes widening of an air gap of the magnetic circuit formed by the voice coil 22, magnets 25 and 27, and yokes 24 and 26. Thus, sufficient magnetic flux density cannot be obtained and the efficiency of the magnetic circuit is lowered. Also, problems such as a high cost due to an increased number of parts and an increased number of construction steps are caused.

Asymmetrical actuator structure for recording-reproducing apparatus


An improved method of manufacturing geosynthetic clay liners is provided. The method of manufacture enables the construction of a structurally sound liner without the use of glue or adhesive and further without the use of needle punching or quilting. The method of manufacture also eliminates the need for any subsequent drying step. Water in combination with compression is used to adhere the granular bentonite layer to the inside surfaces of the cover sheet and the primary carrier sheet and further to provide structural ability to the bentonite layer itself.

Geosynthetic clay liners made with bentonite are used to form impermeable barriers in landfills and man-made bodies of water. The present invention addresses a problem associated with the manufacture of such geosynthetic clay liners. Specifically, the present invention addresses the problem of how to get the bentonite granules to adhere to the primary carrier sheet, the cover sheet as well as to adjacent bentonite granules in order to form a flexible yet cohesive liner.
By way of background, a geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) is comprised of three primary structural components: (1) the primary carrier sheet, also known as the primary backing, primary textile or primary carrier; (2) the cover sheet, also known as the secondary textile, secondary carrier sheet or scrim; and (3) a layer of granular bentonite disposed therebetween.
The primary carrier sheet is normally the lower sheet of material that engages the ground or surface on which the GCL is installed. The cover sheet is normally the upper sheet of material that engages either the landfill material, water or other material that is deposited on top of the BCL once installed. Bentonite is a naturally occurring clay material which tends to expand upon being exposed to water. When a layer of dry bentonite is wetted, the bentonite layer is capable of substantially precluding the migration of liquids through the bentonite layer if it is properly contained. One way to ensure proper containment of the bentonite material in a landfill or man-made body of water is to provide the bentonite in the form of a GCL whereby the primary carrier sheet and cover sheet act to contain the granular bentonite after it is wetted and ensure that an impermeable barrier is created by the swollen layer of bentonite clay.
The present invention addresses problems associated in preventing movement or displacement of the granular bentonite once the GCL is constructed. Specifically, considering that a CGL comprises a layer of granule bentonite disposed between a primary carrier sheet and a cover sheet, it is evident that movement or displacement of the granule bentonite between the primary carrier sheet and the cover sheet will occur unless some means for containing or maintaining the position of the bentonite granules is provided.
At least one manufacturer uses glue or adhesive to connect or attach the bentonite granules to the cover sheet and/or to the primary carrier sheet. If this technique is used. The manufacturer is assured that at least a portion of the bentonite granules will be disposed continuously across the cover sheet and the primary carrier sheet, even though same bentonite granules disposed in the middle of the bentonite layer may move or shift during shipment and handline due to insufficient infiltration of the glue or adhesive into the bentonite layer.
The disadvantages to using glue as a means for holding the components of the GCL together are twofold. First, the use of glue increases the cost of manufacture of GCLs because it is a time-consuming manufacturing process. The glue must be applied to the primary carrier sheet before the bentonite is placed on top of the primary carrier sheet. Additional applications of glue to the bentonite are to the cover sheet are also required. Then, the glue must be dried, a procedure which requires expensive equipment and which has significant energy costs. While the use of glue has the benefit of holding the bentonite granules in place, the use of glue as a sole means for holding the liner together may require repeated applications of glue, which is expensive in terms of manufacturing time, and further involves substantial energy consumption in the drying process, which is expensive in terms of energy costs.
Other manufacturers use needle punching and/or quilting as a means for holding a GCL together. The needle punching process requires the use of at least one non-woven fabric for the cover sheet or the primary carrier sheet. The non-woven fibers are pulled by the needles to interlock with the adjacent fabric sheet. Non-woven fabrics have lower tensile strengths than woven fabrics and have higher lateral transmissivity than woven fabrics and therefore non-woven fabrics are not as preferable for use in GCLs as woven fabrics. Non-woven fabrics are simply not as strong or as durable as woven fabrics and therefore needle punching non-woven fabrics together with a layer of bentonite disposed therebetween is not a preferable method of manufacturing CGLs.
Quilting is another method of holding the bentonite layer in place. In a quilted GCL, the primary carrier sheet and cover sheet are sewn together in an intersecting pattern. The bentonite is held in place in sewn pockets or compartments. Quilting is not preferable because of the excessive amount of sewing required which drives up the cost of the finished product. Further, within each pocket formed by a quilt-lie pattern, there may be shifting of the bentonite. This can result in locations of high permeability.
Thus, it would be highly advantageous to the geosynthetic clay liner industry if a process for manufacturing geosynthetic clay liners way provided that (1) avoided the use of glue or adhesives altogether, (2) avoided the use of needle punching, (3) avoided quilting or equivalents thereof. The present invention makes a significant contribution in this respect by providing a manufacturing process that utilizes woven primary carrier and cover sheets or the use of film-type material such as polyethylene or polypropylene for the primary carrier and cover sheets and which relies on the adhesive properties of moistened bentonite itself to hold the bentonite in place. The edges of the primary carrier and cover sheets may be sewn together in a conventional manner; needle punching, quilting or gluing is not required. It should noted that it may be advantageous to add longitudinally disposed rows of stitching between upper and lower fabrics to improve the shear resistance of the GCL when it is expected that the GCL will be used on a slope. The longitudinal stitching, however, it not intended to provide any significant resistance to localized shifting of the bentonite granules during transport of the GCL from the point of its manufacture to the site at which it is to be installed.

Method of manufacturing a geosynthetic clay liner


Through-the-wall hot and ground type improved stud connectors are disclosed for use being positioned through heavy duty motor vehicle battery box sidewalls, engine fire walls, dashboards and the like. The stud connector including a connector housing of conductive material including a threaded bore axially therethrough. First and second flat annular lands defining opposing ends on the conductor housing. The annular outer surface on the connector housing extends from the first annular land to the second annular land. A portion of the outer surface adjacent the second flat annular land is threaded. The invention resides in a threaded stud member of predetermined length being threadedly engaged with the threaded bore axially through the connector housing for providing adjustable length threaded stud mountings on opposing ends of the connector housing.

This invention relates generally to electrical connectors, and more particularly to electrical stud-type connectors having an adjustable and changeable length threaded stud together with its surrounding assembly which enables the connector to be mounted through apertures in battery box sidewalls, engine firewalls, dashboards and the like in modern trucks and other heavy duty motor vehicles.
It is desirable to provide a readily accessible external source of 12 volt direct current voltage in heavy duty trucks and other large industrial and commercial motor vehicles. Such terminals may be either positive or negative terminals for providing jump start capability and for powering emergency light sources, running electric air compressors, powering auxiliary equipment and the like. Applicant""s assignee is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,628, issued Jun. 17, 1997 for through-the-wall connectors that provide a unitary electrically conductive stud member having overmolded insulative material positioned therearound to provide an electrically insulative barrier between the stud member and a battery box or other side wall aperture through which the connector is mounted. Additionally, a threaded or other type fastener may be mounted upon the opposing side of the firewall from the overmolded portion to secure that portion to the wall in either insulative or conductive fashion, as desired, and also provide for unfastening same and replacement thereof if necessary.
A need has arisen for a through-the-wall connector which is capable of expansion to meet additional 12 volt direct current power takeoff needs found in modern trucks and other heavy duty motor vehicles.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention, generally stated, to provide a new and improved adjustable stud length through the wall stud type connector to provide adjustable length threaded stud portions on either side of a barrier wall through which the connector is mounted.
The simplicity, efficiency and utility of the through the wall connector disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,268 has made it a very desirable connector for use in connection with trucks and other heavy duty motor vehicles to provide ready access to a 12 volt direct current power source. While such power sources when used with battery box side walls, engine firewalls, etc. are used on an infrequent or emergency basis, the through the wall connector, when used in connection with dashboard on a modern truck may be utilized to run auxiliary electric powered equipment on a constant basis, and for more than one application at a time.
In connection with multiple 12 volt power takeoffs connected to the through the wall connector at one time, the fixed length of the original threaded stud ends of the through the wall connector disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,268 limits the number and size of electrical terminals that can be connected to either side of the connector. While a female ended terminal connection may be threaded onto either stud end of the original through the wall connector, such an extension eliminates the unitary member conductive aspect of the connector that provides most consistent electrical delivery from one end of the stud to the other.
The invention resides in an improved stud connector for mounting on a wall member. The stud connector comprises a connector housing of connective material including a threaded bore axially therethrough. The connector further includes first and second flat annular land means defining opposing ends of the connector housing. Each of the annular land means provides surface area electrical contact with any female conductive member mounted thereadjacent. An annular outer surface on the connector housing is positioned from the first flat annular land means to the second flat annular land means. The portion of an outer surface adjacent the second annular land means is threaded. The invention further includes a threaded stud member of predetermined length being threadedly engageable with the threaded bore axially through the connector housing for providing adjustable length threaded stud mountings on opposing ends of the connector housing.

Adjustable stud for through the wall connectors


A process for producing cheese, in which an enzyme preparation comprising a specific protease is added to cheese milk in the course of the process.

In traditional cheesemaking, cheese is prepared by adding a starter culture and rennet to warm milk to form a curd (setting). When the desired consistency and strength of the curd has been obtained, the curd is cut, followed by separation of whey from the curd, e.g. by draining after which the curd is salted, pressed and stored (ripened).
In this process, a considerable loss of milk proteins and--to some extent--fat takes place due to the removal of whey so that the yield of cheese is decreased relative to the total content of proteins and fat in milk. A cheesemaking process has therefore been developed whereby the milk is concentrated, primarily by ultrafiltration, to approximately the fat and protein content desired in the finished product after which a starter culture, rennet and salt are added. No significant whey drainage occurs from the curd, and therefore the whey proteins (notably .beta.-lactoglobulin and O-lactalbumin) normally lost when the whey is removed are retained in the concentrate resulting (together with retained fat) in an increase in yield of about 10%.
However, the use of UF-concentrated milk for making cheese has only been commercially successful for a limited number of cheese types. A major cause of this is the effect of whey proteins on the characteristics of the resulting UF cheese. Thus, it has been found that undenaturated whey proteins are resistant to hydrolysis by rennet, starter culture proteases and plasmin (De Boer and Nooy, North European Dairy Journal 46, 1980, pp. 52-61; De Koning et al., Netherlands Milk and Dairy Journal 35, 1981, pp. 35-46; Quist et al., Beretning fra Statens Mejeriforsog, 1986, p. 268). The undenaturated whey proteins may act as a filler resulting in cheese with a smoother texture. The change in texture is thought to be ascribable to the fact that the whey proteins do not participate in the formation of the casein matrix which is essential for the strength and firmness of many cheeses, in particular cheeses with a low moisture content, or may even negatively affect the matrix if present in an amount of up to 20% of the protein dry matter. It has further been observed that the whey proteins may negatively influence the process of cheese ripening in that they may have a dilution effect by lowering the proportion of casein in the curd (De Koning et al., supra) or that they may limit the accessibility of casein to the enzymes responsible for ripening.
The problem of decreases maturation rate of UF cheese cannot be overcome by denaturing the whey proteins, e.g. by heat treatment of the cheese milk, as it has been found that the presence of denatured whey proteins in certain UF cheeses adversely affect their stretch and melt properties on heating (Covacevich and Kosikowski, Journal of Dairy Science 61, 1978, pp. 704-709; Quist et al., supra; Olson, Dairy Record 85(7), 1984, p. 85). Furthermore, hydrolysis of denatured whey proteins may give rise to atypical flavours and textures of the ripened cheese (Green et al., Journal of Dairy Research 48, 1981, pp. 333-341; Brown and Ernstrom, Journal of Dairy Science 65, 1982, pp. 2391-2395; Banks and Muir, Journal of the Society of Dairy Technology 38, 1985, pp. 27-32). Denatured whey proteins may also affect the maturation rate in a similar fashion as undenaturated whey proteins, as discussed above.


A focusing and defocusing mechanism incorporated in a digital camera lens for simplifying the lens structure. The mechanism includes an outer lens barrel, a cam barrel having a slot of multiple slopes for adapting to the outer lens barrel, a guide pin affixed onto the outer wall of the outer lens barrel for rotating into the slot of the multiple slopes, and controlling elements affixed to the guide pin for controlling the distance and movement of the guide pin on the slot of multiple slopes.

A. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a focusing and defocusing mechanism for a digital camera, especially to a spring-free type focusing and defocusing mechanism which can simplify the structure of a digital camera lens.
B. Description of the Prior Art
The focusing and defocusing mechanism for a conventional digital camera usually adopts cam ring and spring structure. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the cam ring and spring structure requires lots of parts. The front lens barrel 13, an aperture stop 16, a cam barrel 12, a spring set 11 , a lens holder 14, and a rear lens holder 15 are arranged in an optical axis.
The function of focusing and defocusing relies on the mechanism of the spring set 11, and the cam barrel 12. The elasticity of the spring set 11 allows the front lens barrel 13 and the cam barrel 12 to shift back and forth along the optical axis of the camera lens barrel. Based on this focusing and defocusing mechanism, the entire structure of the lens barrels is relatively complicated. The complexity of the entire structure inevitably increases the manufacture cost and the time in assemble and maintenance. It also makes the size of the camera difficult to reduce.

Spring-free type focusing and defocusing mechanism for a digital camera


Memory devices might include an array of memory cells including a plurality of strings of series-connected memory cells, a plurality of access lines, a common source, a plurality of data lines, a plurality of shield lines, and control logic. Each access line might be connected to a control gate of a respective memory cell of each string of series-connected memory cells. Each string of series-connected memory cells might be selectively connected between the common source and a respective data line. The plurality of shield lines might be interleaved with the plurality of data lines. The control logic might be configured to implement a program verify operation of respective memory cells coupled to a selected access line including sensing a voltage level on each data line to determine whether each respective memory cell coupled to the selected access line has been programmed to a target level for the respective memory cell.

Memories (e.g., memory devices) are typically provided as internal, semiconductor, integrated circuit devices in computers or other electronic devices. There are many different types of memory including random-access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), and flash memory.
Flash memory has developed into a popular source of non-volatile memory for a wide range of electronic applications. Flash memory typically use a one-transistor memory cell that allows for high memory densities, high reliability, and low power consumption. Changes in threshold voltage (Vt) of the memory cells, through programming (which is often referred to as writing) of charge storage structures (e.g., floating gates or charge traps) or other physical phenomena (e.g., phase change or polarization), determine the data state (e.g., data value) of each memory cell. Common uses for flash memory and other non-volatile memory include personal computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras, digital media players, digital recorders, games, appliances, vehicles, wireless devices, mobile telephones, and removable memory modules, and the uses for non-volatile memory continue to expand.
A NAND flash memory is a common type of flash memory device, so called for the logical form in which the basic memory cell configuration is arranged. Typically, the array of memory cells for NAND flash memory is arranged such that the control gate of each memory cell of a row of the array is connected together to form an access line, such as a word line. Columns of the array include strings (often termed NAND strings) of memory cells connected together in series between a pair of select gates, e.g., a source select transistor and a drain select transistor. Each source select transistor may be connected to a source, while each drain select transistor may be connected to a data line, such as column bit line. Variations using more than one select gate between a string of memory cells and the source, and/or between the string of memory cells and the data line, are known.
In programming memory, memory cells may generally be programmed as what are often termed single-level cells (SLC) or multiple-level cells (MLC). SLC may use a single memory cell to represent one digit (e.g., bit) of data. For example, in SLC, a Vt of 2.5V might indicate a programmed memory cell (e.g., representing a logical 0) while a Vt of −0.5V might indicate an erased cell (e.g., representing a logical 1). As an example, the erased state in SLC might be represented by any threshold voltage less than or equal to 0V, while the programmed data state might be represented by any threshold voltage greater than 0V.
MLC uses more than two Vt ranges, where each Vt range indicates a different data state. As is generally known, a margin (e.g., a certain number of volts), such as a dead space, may separate adjacent Vt ranges, e.g., to facilitate differentiating between data states. Multiple-level cells can take advantage of the analog nature of traditional non-volatile memory cells by assigning a bit pattern to a specific Vt range. While MLC typically uses a memory cell to represent one data state of a binary number of data states (e.g., 4, 8, 16, . . . ), a memory cell operated as MLC may be used to represent a non-binary number of data states. For example, where the MLC uses three Vt ranges, two memory cells might be used to collectively represent one of eight data states.
In programming MLC memory, data values are often programmed using more than one pass, e.g., programming one or more digits in each pass. For example, in four-level MLC (typically referred to simply as MLC), a first digit, e.g., a least significant bit (LSB), often referred to as lower page (LP) data, may be programmed to the memory cells in a first pass, thus resulting in two (e.g., first and second) threshold voltage ranges. Subsequently, a second digit, e.g., a most significant bit (MSB), often referred to as upper page (UP) data may be programmed to the memory cells in a second pass, typically moving some portion of those memory cells in the first threshold voltage range into a third threshold voltage range, and moving some portion of those memory cells in the second threshold voltage range into a fourth threshold voltage range. Similarly, eight-level MLC (typically referred to as TLC) may represent a bit pattern of three bits, including a first digit, e.g., a least significant bit (LSB) or lower page (LP) data; a second digit, e.g., upper page (UP) data; and a third digit, e.g., a most significant bit (MSB) or extra page (XP) data. In operating TLC, the LP data may be programmed to the memory cells in a first pass, resulting in two threshold voltage ranges, followed by the UP data and the XP data in a second pass, resulting in eight threshold voltage ranges. Similarly, sixteen-level MLC (typically referred to as QLC) may represent a bit pattern of four bits, and 32-level MLC (typically referred to as PLC) may represent a bit pattern of five bits.
During a program verify operation, the threshold voltages of memory cells being programmed are sensed to determine whether the memory cells have been programmed to their target threshold voltages. Typically, for a MLC memory, a sense operation for each threshold voltage (e.g., level) is used to determine whether the memory cells have been programmed to their target threshold voltages. As the number of levels increase, the number of these sense operations during a program verify operation may also increase, thereby increasing the overall programming time of the memory cells.

Memory devices for program verify operations


The oscillatory spring movements of each wheel of a motor vehicle suspension system are damped by a switched reluctance machine which is actively controlled during standard suspension operation to define damping characteristics of the suspension or passively controlled to define a fail-safe damping rate in the event of failure within the system. The switched reluctance machines of a suspension system are selectively connected to standard control circuitry or fault control circuitry by relay contacts. Upon failure within the system, phases of the switched reluctance machines are charged via monopulsers which are controlled in response to rotational positions of the machines such that the machines operate as generators and withdraw energy from the suspension system and pass it to a parallel connected resistor and capacitor. Power for charging the phases of the switched reluctance machines is provided either from the capacitor or a power supply which is separately fused from the supply for the standard control circuitry. To ensure recognition of a failure and correction by an operator of a motor vehicle, preferably not all phases of a switched reluctance machine are operated in the fail-safe mode.

The present invention relates generally to suspension systems for motor vehicles and, more particularly, to a suspension system in which damping is actively controlled via switched reluctance motors and which defines a fail-safe damping for the suspension system in the event of failure within the system.
When a motor vehicle is driven, springs in its suspension system compress and expand to absorb shocks which would otherwise be transmitted to occupants of the vehicle. Once deflected, the springs continue to oscillate until they eventually return to their original state. Since spring oscillations create handling problems and reduce ride comfort of the vehicle, shock absorbers are used to dampen the oscillations of the springs and thereby stabilize the suspension system and return the springs to their original state substantially more quickly.
Traditionally, shock absorbers provide damping by means of hydraulic systems wherein hydraulic fluid, pistons, valves and the like define the damping provided by the shock absorber. More recently, shock absorbers have been constructed to incorporate electric motors to perform the damping operations. Both linear and rotary motors have been fashioned to operate suspension elements or shock absorbers within a motor vehicle suspension system. For rotary motors, the linear motion between sprung and unsprung masses of the chassis and wheels, respectively, of a motor vehicle are converted into rotational motion and controlled through the motor. A variety of motors including permanent magnet and switched reluctance have been incorporated in shock absorbing suspension designs.
In any damping suspension system, there is a concern for what damping rates will be applied in the event of failure within the suspension system. Fail-safe operation of a damping suspension system incorporating permanent magnet motors can be accomplished by connecting the motor windings across a load as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,284 which issued Dec. 3, 1991 and is assigned to the assignee of the present application. However, switched reluctance motors, as opposed to permanent magnet motors, have no inherent means of self-excitation and, as such, are incapable of developing torque in the absence of current flow in their windings.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,028,073 relates to a dynamic vehicle suspension system having shock absorbers incorporating rotary motors which are identified as permanent magnet and switched reluctance motors. Power is supplied to the motors from a power supply or a capacitor filter bank during normal operation of the suspension system. In the event of system failure, the windings of the machine are short-circuited. Unfortunately, as noted above, a switched reluctance motor requires an external source of excitation current such that short-circuiting the windings in a switched reluctance motor would result in loss of substantially all damping in the suspension system.
Thus, while switched reluctance motors can be used in suspension systems of motor vehicles and are desirable because of their simple construction and corresponding low costs, a problem can result in the event of failure within such a system. It is apparent that a need exists for an improved control system for operation of switched reluctance motors for use in motor vehicle suspension systems to provide a satisfactory fail-safe damping rate for the suspension system in the event of a failure within the system.

Fail-safe vehicle suspension system including switched reluctance motor


A system and method of blind channel estimation to receive a signal burst over a communications channel; divide the signal burst into a prescribed number of groups of symbols; hypothesize all possible transmitted data sequences or each group; generate a corresponding channel estimate for each possible data sequence; determine an error measurement for each corresponding channel estimate; select a number of the corresponding channel estimates for each group from amongst the corresponding channel estimates, the number of the corresponding channel estimates being selected for having smaller error measurements than remaining corresponding channel estimates not selected; identifying a best channel estimate for each group from amongst the number of the corresponding channel estimates having been selected for each group; and reviewing the best channel estimate having been identified for each group and reidentifying best channel estimates for some of the groups so as to increase smoothness of a curve in two-dimensional space made from the reidentified best channel estimates and the best channel estimates for remaining groups for which no reidentification is made.

The present invention relates to demodulation, and more particularly to demodulation of a burstwise signal transmitted over a channel that introduces unknown amplitude and phase changes in the burstwise signal. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to demodulation of burstwise communications signals, such as digital cellular telephone signals and the like, having been transmitted through air and having had unknown changes in amplitude and phase introduced thereinto.
In order to effectively operate in a coherent mode, i.e., a mode characterized by a fixed phase relationship between points on an electromagnetic wave, a receiver must determine phase (and possibly amplitude) distortions introduced by a channel through which a signal traverses in reaching the receiver. For mobile communications-type-channels such as cellular-type channels, in particular, the channel often fades rapidly such that significant changes can occur in phase and amplitude distortions, even over individual signal bursts. Hence, the receiver must repeatedly determine a time-varying estimate of the channel's phase and amplitude distortion characteristics. Nonetheless, coherent operation is highly desirable because capacity of, for example, cellular systems can be increased by about sixty percent (2dB) given constant voice quality.
Determination of a coherent frame-of-reference is frequently based on a portion of each signal burst made up of "known" data, i.e., made up of a sequence of symbols that are known a priori to the receiver. Such "known" data may be for example a synch pattern transmitted at a prescribed position within each signal burst. However, when no such "known" data, or synch pattern, (or an insufficient amount of "known" data) is present within signal bursts of a particular system, the receiver must make this determination "blindly", i.e., without the benefit of a priori knowledge of any significant portion of the signal burst.
In the event that known symbols are not available, one approach is to hypothesize all possible symbols, and to evaluate how well each such hypothesis matches the samples actually received. For example, when signal bursts of a length of 40 symbols and a duration of 2 milliseconds, with each symbol representing two bits of data, are utilized in a "blind" system, the total number of possible transmitted bit sequences per burst is 4.sup.40, i.e., approximately 1.2.times.10.sup.24. For each of these possible sequences, the phase and amplitude distortions of the channel could be estimated, and for each possible sequence, hypothesized data (i.e., the possible sequence) can be passed through the estimated channel. Differences between the hypothesized data having been passed through the estimated channel and the burst actually received can be squared and summed so as to yield a statistic, i.e., a measure of the similarity between the burst actually received and the hypothesized data having been passed through the estimated channel. The estimated channel and hypothesized data that together yield the lowest statistic can then be selected, and the selected estimated channel used to determine an estimate of the burst that was actually transmitted.
Unfortunately, this approach to channel estimation is computationally intractable. Thus, what is needed is an approach to blind demodulation of a coherent signal and more particularly to determining phase and amplitude distortions introduced by a channel through which such signal is transmitted that significantly reduces computational demands as compared to determining a channel estimate for every possible bit sequence for every burst and selecting the channel estimate with the smallest error statistic, while at the same time maintaining a high degree of accuracy in channel estimations.
The present invention advantageously addresses the above and other needs.


Compositions for the treatment or prevention of Neisserial infection and methods for their use and manufacture are provided herein.

Neisserial strains of bacteria are the causative agents for a number of human pathologies, against which there is a need for effective vaccines to be developed. In particular Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis cause pathologies which could be treated by vaccination.
Neisseria meningitidis is an important pathogen, particularly in children and young adults. Septicemia and meningitis are the most life-threatening forms of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). This disease has become a worldwide health problem because of its high morbidity and mortality.
Thirteen N. meningitidis serogroups have been identified based on antigenic differences in the capsular polysaccharides, the most common being A, B and C which are responsible for 90% of disease worldwide. Serogroup B is the most common cause of meningococcal disease in Europe, USA and several countries in Latin America
Vaccines based on the capsular polysaccharide of serogroups A, C, W and Y have been developed and have been shown to control outbreaks of meningococcal disease (Peltola et al 1985 Pediatrics 76; 91-96). However serogroup B is poorly immunogenic and induces only a transient antibody response of a predominantly IgM isotype (Ala'Aldeen D and Cartwright K 1996, J. Infect. 33; 153-157). There is therefore no broadly effective vaccine currently available against the serogroup B meningococcus which is responsible for the majority of disease in most temperate countries. This is particularly problematic since the incidence of serotype B disease is increasing in Europe, Australia and America, mostly in children under 5. The development of a vaccine against serogroup B meningococcus presents particular difficulties because the polysaccharide capsule is poorly immunogenic owing to its immunologic similarity to human neural cell adhesion molecule.
Strategies for vaccine production have therefore concentrated on the surface exposed structures of the meningococcal outer membrane but have been hampered by the marked variation in these antigens among strains.
One antigen contemplated for use in vaccines against Neisseria meningitidis is fHbp. Lewis et al discloses the status of fHbp as a vaccine candidate Expert Reviews Vaccines 8(6)p729, (2009).


A structure and a method for connecting multiple interconnect layers on an integrated circuit structure (10) using landed or non-landed vias. An integrated circuit structure (10) has an interconnect trace (11) formed over a surface. A dielectric layer (13) is formed over the integrated circuit structure (10) and a photoresist layer (14) having an opening in the area where a via is desired is formed on the dielectric layer (13). The dielectric layer (13) is isotropically etched in an upper portion (16) through the opening in the photoresist layer (14) and then anisotropically etched to expose the interconnect trace (11). The photoresist layer (14) is removed and the dielectric layer (13) subjected to a high pressure sputter etch for smoothing the surfaces of the via opening and for filling voids (18) in the dielectric layer (13).

The present invention relates in general to integrated circuits and, more particularly, to multilevel interconnections on integrated circuits.
Many semiconductor devices are fabricated using more than one layer of interconnect metallization. For example, integrated circuits commonly have multiple interconnect layers, wherein an underlying interconnect layer is separated from a subsequent interconnect layer by a dielectric layer formed between them. Via openings are made in the dielectric layer to expose the underlying interconnect layer so it can be contacted by the subsequent interconnect layer.
Multilevel metallization structures typically use landed vias to provide contact between metal layers. A landed via is one in which the underlying metal trace is flared out or "dog-boned" around the via such that even if the via is misaligned it will lie completely over the underlying metal trace, whereas a nonlanded via is one which lies over an edge of an underlying metal trace. Landed vias are commonly used because the metal region acts as a natural etch stop to the via etch process. However, landed vias have a disadvantage of reducing the interconnect density because the "dog-bone" feature, rather than the metal line itself, defines the minimum space between lines.
Nonlanded vias increase interconnect density but they are more difficult to fabricate because the metal trace does not act as an etch stop. As a result, a more complex via process is used in order to prevent voids from being formed in the dielectric layer when the via openings are overetched. Such voids often result in reliability failures in the integrated circuit. A previously known method fills the voids using a complex chemical vapor deposition process. However, this method requires multiple processing steps which adds substantial cost to the fabrication of the integrated circuit. Another known method uses titanium as a wetting agent to assist in the extrusion of metal from a subsequent interconnect layer to fill the voids. However, this method requires special equipment which also increases the integrated circuit manufacturing cost.
Hence, there is a need for a method for forming via openings which does not reduce the density of the underlying metal layer by using a flared metal trace to provide an etch stop for the via etch process. It would be a benefit if the via opening could be formed at low cost using a simple process which does not require special equipment.

Multilevel interconnection and method for making


A clock gating circuit includes a NOR logic gate, a transmission gate, a cross-coupled pair of transistors, and a first transistor. The NOR logic gate is coupled to a first node, and receives a first and a second enable signal, and outputs a first control signal. The transmission gate is coupled between the first and a second node, and receives the first control signal, an inverted clock input signal and a clock output signal. The cross-coupled pair of transistors is coupled between the second node and an output node, and receives at least a second control signal. The first transistor includes a first gate terminal configured to receive the inverted clock input signal, a first drain terminal coupled to the output node, and a first source terminal coupled to a reference voltage supply. The first transistor adjusts the clock output signal responsive to the inverted clock input signal.

The semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) industry has produced a wide variety of digital devices to address issues in a number of different areas. Some of these digital devices, such as a clock tree, is used for distributing a common clock signal to various circuits in order to synchronize the operation of the various circuits. In some instances, the differences in the arrival time of the clock signals at two or more of the various circuits within the IC results in errors that affect IC performance. Furthermore, as ICs have become smaller and more complex, the consumption of power by the clock tree also affects IC performance and area.

Clock gating circuit and method of operating the same

TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.


A livestock facility air filter grid system comprising perimeter vertical and horizontal stiffener plates and interlocking horizontal and vertical field stiffener plates which provides an improved sealed assembly and eliminates the potential for direct air by-pass of the filters.

Current art teaches the use modular components, plastic components filter structures, flat packing to minimize cost but rely heavily on seals and sealants during final assembly to provide bio-security (See Crabtree U.S. Pat. No. 9,049,839; Crabtree et al. U.S. Pat. No. 9,185,877; Crabtree et al. U.S. Pat. No. 9,687,766). Yet disease prevention mandates one-hundred percent filtration, and an installation with multiple joints and lots of assembly hardware are extremely susceptible to installation errors resulting in unfiltered air bypass. Furthermore, once assembled onsite, the modular grid elements require additional sealant preparation of joints and mating surfaces. The addition of sealants is an attempt at achieving a one-hundred percent barrier to non-filtered air movement. A human applied sealant manufacturing process is a proven process that fails to prevent zero defects.
Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 9,049,839 teaches non-metallic (plastic) filter grids. Plastic, polymer filter grids and components are prone to cracking due to building settling, timber drying, and movement. This is especially accelerated when exposed to extremely low temperature in many regional area producing hogs. Any crack in a grid results in air bypassing the filter and failure of the primary bio-security objective of air filtration. Also, installation errors, such as over tightening installation hardware, create stress risers which result in crack propagation.
Non-patented designs have also been utilized in filter installations. These designs, unlike Crabtree's plastic solution, are fabricated using multiple folded and welded parts. Most notably of these assemblies is the existence of a welded joint under the filter seal. The typical manufacturing process is to weld the joint, grind smooth, and add some type of sealant. As previously noted, manual human process is not a robust zero-defect manufacturing solution. This includes welding, grinding and sealant application.
Finally, the number of filters in a large confinement operation, such as a pork production operation, requires thousands of filters per facility. A filter mounting system requiring manually turning up to 8 clips per filter significantly increases time and cost to install or replace.

Livestock facility air filtration mounting system


The present invention relates to a rechargeable battery including an electrode assembly comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween. The battery further comprises a case accommodating the electrode assembly and a plurality of positive electrode terminals and negative electrode terminals that are exposed outside of the case, connected to the case, and coupled to the electrode assembly.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a high power, high capacity, rechargeable battery that has an improved connecting structure between unit cells. The present invention also relates to a battery module using the rechargeable battery.
2. Discussion of the Background
There exists a need to develop a high power rechargeable battery that uses a non-aqueous electrolyte and has high energy density. Such a battery may be used in low capacity batteries in which battery cells are packaged into packs that serve as power sources for various portable small electronic devices such as cellular phones, laptop computers, and camcorders. Alternately, a high capacity rechargeable battery in which several tens of battery cells are connected in series or in parallel may be used as a power source for driving motors such as in a hybrid automobile.
Such a high capacity rechargeable battery or battery module is typically assembled by connecting a plurality of rechargeable batteries together in series to form a unit cell. Each unit cell is comprises an electrode assembly, a case, and a cap assembly.
That is, the unit cell may be fabricated into various shapes such as cylindrical and rectangular. An electrode assembly of the unit cell may comprise a bar of positive and negative electrode sheets and an insulator separator interposed therebetween that are wound together as in a jelly roll and are inserted into a case. The case is mounted with a cap assembly formed with outer terminals to provide a battery.
A rectangular unit cell having the above-mentioned structure is disclosed in Japanese Utility Application Laid-Open No. H06-86259. It also discloses a structure that has a cap with terminals protruding from the surface of the rectangular case.
However, since the rechargeable battery disclosed in the publication has terminals on only one side surface of the battery, it is difficult to connect unit cells together and the utilization of the battery is limited. That is, the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes of the electrode assembly are mounted with a conductive tab or a current collecting plate that collects current that is generated when operating the battery. The tab or the current collecting plate is connected with a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal that is mounted on the cap assembly via a lead to introduce the current that is generated in the positive electrode and the negative electrode to the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal, respectively.
However, since the above-mentioned positive electrode terminals and negative electrode terminals are mounted on only one side of the cap assembly, a separate connecting member is required to join the unit cells to provide a battery module. Therefore, it is difficult to connect the unit cells and the space utilization is deteriorated.
FIG. 5 shows a battery module 100 according to the prior art in which units cells are connected in series. According to FIG. 5, the positive electrode terminal 114 and the negative electrode terminal 115 that protrude on the upper surface of the cap assembly 113 of each unit cell 111 are positioned beside the negative electrode terminal 115 and the positive electrode terminal 114 of the adjacent unit cell 111, respectively. The connection members 116 connect the threaded negative electrode terminals 115 and positive electrode terminals 114 via nuts 117, 118.
If the lower part of the case of the unit cell according to the prior art is positioned to face the floor, since both the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal are disposed on only the upper part of the case, the unit cells may have to be arranged beside each other to connect with each other in series or in parallel. Thus, the unit cells are positioned inefficiently with respect to a certain unit space.
This problem becomes more serious for hybrid electric vehicles that require numerous unit cells confined to a certain space to provide high capacity and high power. As the aforementioned unit cells of the prior art must be arranged in only one configuration the capacity and power are deteriorated per unit area are reduced.
In addition, in order to provide a battery module according to the prior art, several or several tens of unit cells are connected using nuts. The insulation of the nuts is difficult and time consuming, so the cost thereof is increased.

Rechargeable battery and battery module using the same


An optical resonant modulator includes an optical ring resonator and an optical loop that is coupled to the optical ring resonator by two couplers. The optical ring resonator can have a hybrid design in which the ring resonator is formed on an electro-optically passive material and the optical loop is formed on an electro-optically active material. An amplification section can be inserted between the electro-optically passive and the electro-optically active sections. In analog applications, an optical resonator includes a Mach Zehnder interferometer section having an input and an output, with a feedback path coupling the output to the input. Applications of the optical modulator of the invention, and a method for modulating an optical signal also are disclosed.

Mach Zehnder interferometers (MZIs) often are used to modulate the amplitude or intensity of an optical signal. MZIs are most often deployed as modulators in digital links. However, they also have application in analog links, such as in multi- or sub-octave remote antenna links.
Generally, deployed MZI modulators are monolithic devices formed from an electro-optically active material such as lithium niobate. The MZIs have two couplers and two arms. Electrodes are provided for controlling the electric field in the region of the two arms. An input signal is divided between the two arms by a first coupler, with the divided signal passing through the two arms, and then recombined by the second coupler. Often, the arms have equal length and the couplers are 50/50 couplers.
During operation, the relative phase of the divided input signals is controlled by some type of modulation in one or both arms. The intensity of the output signal thus depends on the interference of the divided input signals after recombination. In this type of device a phase difference of π, between the output signals of the arms of the interferometer, is generally required to change the output intensity from an "on" state to an "off" state, and the associated voltage required for such a change is referred to as Vπ.
FIG. 1 shows a variant of the classical MZI design, which combines features of a MZI and a ring resonator. This device and its behavior are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2001/0004411 A1, filed on Jun. 21, 2001, and in an article by Yariv, A., Universal Relations for Coupling of Optical Power Between Microresonators and Dielectric Waveguides, Electronics Lett. Vol. 36, No. 4, p. 321, (2000).
In this resonant modulator device, a balanced MZI was interposed in the path of a waveguide ring resonator 124, using a waveguide cross 130 and 3 dB directional couplers 126, 128 into and from the MZI. The differential phase shift Δφ distributed between arms 120 and 122 is +Δφ/2 and −Δφ/2, respectively. In a "balanced" (also referred to as "symmetrical" or "push-pull") arrangement, a voltage of +V/2 is applied to the electrode associated with one arm and a voltage of −V/2 is applied to the electrode associated with the other arm. It has been shown that, for this configuration, a very small (compared to π) change in the interferometer phase, Δφ, can switch the output state from on to off. Likewise the voltage required for on-off operation is very small compared to the traditional Vπ required for a conventional MZI. The conditions that achieve such operation are referred to as "critical coupling".

High gain resonant modulator system and method


A storage rack for audio-visual or other articles having a base and a top plate supported by three vertical columns affixed in a triangular pattern in the base. Flexible, V-shaped members are sized to fit in cavities on the inner sides of the three columns to define planes of support for the articles to be stored. Alternating flexible members may be removed to provide storage space for thicker articles. The planes of support may be horizontal or adjusted at different upward angles to better view the ends of the articles from above.

The present invention relates to storage racks, and more particularly to a storage rack for holding a plurality of recorded articles such as compact discs (CD's), video tapes, audio tapes, computer disks, etc.
With the recent transition of loyalties from vinyl records to CD's, there has been an explosion of demand for handy storage units for these articles. A common means for storing CD's has been to array them along an exposed shelf with a front bar adapted to uplift the front corner of the CD's and retain them on the shelf. Unfortunately, the shelves are either wall mounted or rest on table tops and are not designed to be easily moved when filled with CD's. Furthermore, the CD's are arrayed against each other on their sides, making it difficult to read the titles and separate the CD's easily. Typical horizontal storage means have provided a simple box-like frame which supports shelves on which the CD's lie. These are often bulky due to the outer frame.
Another common problem with prior CD storage units has been their relative inflexibility with regard to receiving both single and double CD's. Double CD's, having approximately twice the thickness of single CD's, will not fit in a storage rack sized only for single CD's. Some manufacturers have introduced shelving which provides one or two spaces for double CD's and the rest for single CD's. This is limiting, especially for opera and classical music aficionados whose CD purchases are more often than not CD packages with two or more CD's included.
Due to the drawbacks of prior art storage racks, there is a need for an improved rack which is both lightweight and has a large storage capacity. Moreover, there is a need for a lightweight, mobile storage rack with a large CD storage capacity which may be placed on the floor or on a desk or table. Finally, there is a need for a storage rack with all of the aforementioned features which can be cheaply made and is easily adapted to store various sized CD boxes.


Methods for identifying and detecting potential disease specific biomarkers from biofluids. The methods involve in vivo administration of nanoparticles to a subject in a diseased state or incubating nanoparticles in a biofluid sample taken from a subject in a diseased state and analysis of the biomolecule corona formed on said nanoparticles. The methods distinguish between a healthy and diseased state in a subject, such as, for example, the presence of a tumor in a human subject.

A biomarker, or biological marker, generally refers to a qualitative and/or quantitative measurable indicator of some biological state or condition. Biomarkers are typically molecules, biological species or biological events that can be used for the detection, diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of therapeutic response of diseases. Most biomarker research has been focused on measuring a concentration change in a known/suspected biomarker in a biological sample associated with a disease. Such biomarkers can exist at extremely low concentrations, for example in early stage cancer, and accurate determination of such low concentration biomarkers has remained a significant challenge.
Research into nanoparticle-based technologies for biomarker detection has been carried out but so far has failed to provide suitable methods to accurately identify/discover and detect biomarkers. One particular problem is that currently available laboratory tests detect only a minute fraction of potential biomarkers, due to their extremely low concentration in biofluids. In addition to the 'swamping' effect, caused by "non-specific" high abundant molecules, this casuses significant difficulties. Indded, the issue of "signal-to-noise" exceeds the current capability of proteomic analysis and therefore limits the diagnostic information that can be obtained.
Furthermore, such methods are mainly used to detect already known disease-specific molecules. For example, nanoparticle-based immunoassays, such as sandwich-type assays have been developed, where nanoparticles are used to fluorophore-label the secondary antibody to a known disease-specific molecule. The presence of a target biomarker generates a fluorescent signal that is detected using microscopy or a fluorescence spectrophotometer. NanoDLSay™ is a particular nanoparticle-based immunoassay that detects specific known biomarkers by measuring the size change of gold nanoparticle probes upon binding with target molecules. Gold nanoparticles conjugated to specific antibodies are mixed in vitro with biofluids. The binding of proteins with the gold nanoparticle immunoprobes can lead to nanoparticle cluster or aggregate formation. The average particle size increase of the assay solution is measured and correlated to the target protein concentration.
Nanoparticle-based immunoassays are inherently limited by the detection of a single molecule-biomarker. In order to increase the sensitivity and specificity of detection, biomarkers can, for example, be regarded as a panel of up- and down-regulated proteins, which differ in diseased and normal state. 'Multiplexing' is a difficult and highly expensive challenge with such technologies.
In vitro nanoparticle-based scavenger technologies such as Nanotrap® particle technology uses hydrogel nanoparticles with a porous outer shell that blocks the entry of high molecular weight proteins and an internal core which contains chemical affinity baits for interaction with low molecular weight proteins, after the introduction of nanoparticles into biological fluids. The limitation of this approach is that some of the high molecular weight proteins removed are known to act as 'carriers' for other proteins, possibly with biomarker potential.
Surprisingly, the inventors have found that analyzing the biomolecule corona formed on nanoparticles after following methods involving administration of nanoparticles to a subject in a diseased state or incubation of nanoparticles in a biofluid sample taken from a subject in a diseased state results in interaction of the nanoparticles with many more different types of biomolecules in comparison with analysis of biomolecules directly in biofluid samples. In one embodiment, the novel methods take advantage of the interaction of nanoparticles with biomolecules as a way to more comprehensively analyse the circulatory proteome and facilitate the detection of previously unknown disease-specific biomolecules.
In addition, inventors have also surprisingly found that particular methods of the invention can be employed to distinguish between healthy and disease states in a subject, for example the detection of the presence of a tumor or monitoring the growth and/or response to treatment of a tumor.

Detection of cancer biomarkers using nanoparticles


The information matching apparatus includes calculating matching result values representing identicalness, similarity, and relevance between a plurality of records by matching the plurality of records based on a judgment criteria, each of the plurality of records including sets of values corresponding to items, generating frequency distribution information in which the calculated matching result values are used as classes and determining the judgment criteria for whether the records matches or not based on the generated frequency distribution information.

As to records each configured by a set of values, as a function for matching the records to judge identicalness, similarity, and relevance between the records, there is a name identification function. In the name identification function, for example, a set of records to be identified by name is referred to as a name identification source, and a set of records that are opponents for name identification is referred to as a name identification target. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating the name identification function. As illustrated in FIG. 24, in a name identification process that realizes the name identification function, a record that is identical to the name identification source, a record that is similar to the name identification source, or a record that is relevant to the name identification source is detected from the name identification target, and a detection result is output as a result of the name identification process.
Relating to a name identification function for customer information, a technique is disclosed which refines matching data by searching for customer information stored in a name identification database (DB) based on customer data acquired by arranging address information and name information in order and compares the matching data with the customer data. According to such a technique, the degree of matching is judged based on a function for comparing the refined matching data and the customer data serving as a name identification source, and, in a case where the customer data that is compared is judged as customer data of a new customer in accordance with the degree of matching, the customer data is newly registered in the name identification DB serving as a name identification target.
First, a conventional name identification function will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 to 29. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the name identification function. As illustrated in FIG. 25, in a name identification process that realizes the name identification function, each record J1 of the name identification source is matched with records M (M1 to Mn) of the name identification target so that name identification is performed.
In the name identification process, the values of each item of the identification target (referred to as a "name identification item") of the record J1 of the name identification source and a record M1 of the name identification target are matched by applying an evaluation function that is defined for each name identification item thereto. Here, it is assumed that the name identification items include a name, an address, and a date of birth, and, in the name identification process, a matching is made by applying each evaluation function of fa( ) to a name, fb( ) to an address, and fc( ) to a date of birth out of the name identification items. Then, the evaluation value of each name identification item that is derived as a result of the matching is weighted in accordance with the name identification item, and the acquired values are added together, whereby a total evaluation value is derived. In addition, in the name identification process, total evaluation values are derived for all the remaining records M2 to Mn of the name identification target with respect to the record J1 of the name identification source. In each name identification process, a name identification candidate set that includes the total evaluation values for sets of the record J1 of the name identification source and the records M1 to Mn of the name identification target is generated.
Then, in the name identification process, name identification is performed for sets of records that belongs to a name identification candidate set based on thresholds defined in advance. For example, in the name identification process, a set of records that are judged to completely be same each other is automatically judged as ""White"", and a set of records that are judged to be different is automatically judged as ""Black"", and the results are output as identification results. In addition, in the name identification process, a set of records which is automatically difficult to judge are judged as ""Gray"" and are outputted to a candidate list. Then, a staff undertakes the judgment with respect to the set outputted to the candidate list. In addition, name identification definitions that are need to be set by a staff include a selection of name identification items, a selection of evaluation functions, and setting of weighing factors and thresholds.
Next, the sequence of the name identification process will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29. FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating the name identification function, and FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating the sequence of a matching process.
First, in the name identification process, the operating environment is set by reading a name identification definition in Step S100, and records of a name identification source (hereinafter, referred to as "name identification source records") which are name identification targets are sequentially chosen from the name identification source in Step S101. Then, in the name identification process, records of a name identification target (hereinafter, referred to as "name identification target records") that are identification opponents are sequentially chosen from the name identification target for each name identification record in Step S102. Here, when the name identification record is changed to another, the process is returned to the start point of the name identification target, and the name identification target records are chosen sequentially.
Next, in the name identification process, a matching process of the name identification source record and the name identification target record is performed in Step S103. Then, in the name identification process, a matching result is stored in the name identification candidate set in Step S104. In addition, the matching result includes a total evaluation value.
Subsequently, in the name identification process, it is judged whether or not there is a remaining name identification target record in the name identification target in Step S105. In a case where it is judged that there is a name identification target record remaining (Yes in Step S105), in the name identification process, the process is returned to Step S102 so as to extract the remaining name identification target records.
On the other hand, in a case where it is judged that there is no remaining name identification target record (No in Step S105), in the name identification process, a judgment is made for each total evaluation value stored in the name identification candidate set by using thresholds, and judgment results are output in Step S106. For example, in the name identification process, in a case where the total evaluation value is an upper-position threshold or larger, it is judged that the matched set of the name identification source record and the name identification target record is a set of records that are the same as each other, and "White" is judged for this set. In addition, in the name identification process, in a case where the total evaluation value is smaller than the upper-position threshold and a lower-position threshold or larger, it is judged that the matched set of the name identification source record and the name identification target record is automatically difficult to judge, and "Gray" is judged for this set. On the other hand, in the name identification process, in a case where the total evaluation value is smaller than the lower-position threshold, it is judged that the matched set of the name identification source record and the name identification target record is a set of records that is different each other, and "Black" is judged. Then, in the name identification process, the judgment results other than the result of "Black" are outputted as results. Since the set of records that is judged as "Black" can be considered to a set that is neither the set of records judged as "White" nor the set of records judged as "Gray" from the judgment results, the judgment result of "Black" does not need to be output as a result. In addition, there is a case where the output of the result is divided into "White" and "Gray", and "Gray" is referred to as a "candidate list" that means judgment candidates that need to be judged by a staff. In the description and diagrams described below, the upper-position threshold is abbreviated as an "upper threshold", and a lower-position threshold is abbreviated as a "lower threshold".
Next, in the name identification process, it is judged whether or not there is a remaining name identification source record in the name identification source in Step S107. In a case where it is judged that there is a remaining name identification source record in the name identification source (Yes in Step S107), the name identification process proceeds to Step S101 so as to extract the remaining name identification source record one by one. On the other hand, in a case where it is judged that there is no remaining name identification source record in the name identification source (No in Step S107), the name identification ends.
Next, the sequence of the matching process of Step S103 illustrated in FIG. 28 will be described with reference to FIG. 29. FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating the sequence of the matching process. The matching process is a process of performing matching so as to derive a total evaluation value for each set of the name identification source record and the name identification target record.
First, in the name identification process, name identification items defined in the name identification definition are sequentially selected in Step S110. Here, it is assumed that the name identification items are a set of items to be compared, which is configured by items of the name identification source and items of the name identification target, and are defined in the name identification definition in advance. Next, in the name identification process, values corresponding to the selected name identification items are respectively designated for the name identification source record and the name identification target record in Step S111, and an evaluation value is calculated by applying an evaluation function to the designated two values in Step S112. In addition, the evaluation function is a function that is defined in advance for the name identification item and is assumed to be defined in the name definition.
Subsequently, in the name identification process, it is judged whether or not there is a remaining name identification item in Step S113. In a case where it is judged that there is a remaining name identification item (Yes in Step S113), the name identification process proceeds to Step S110 so as to apply an evaluation function to the remaining name identification item.
On the other hand, in a case where it is judged that there is no remaining name identification item (No in Step S113), in the name identification process, the evaluation value of each name identification item is weighted for each name identification item, and the evaluation values resulting from the weighting are added up in Step S114. Then, in the name identification process, the value of the result of the addition is outputted as a total evaluation value for the target set of records in Step S115, and the matching process for one set ends.
Next, a detailed example of the name identification process will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 and 27. FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of name identification definitions, FIG. 26(A) illustrates the contents of the name identification definitions, and FIG. 26(B) illustrates a detailed example of the name identification definitions. FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a detailed example of the name identification.
As illustrated in FIG. 26(A), in the name identification definition, a name identification method d1, a name identification source designation d2, a name identification target designation d3, a name identification item designation d4, and a threshold d5 are associated with one another for the definition. In the name identification method d1, a method of identifying names is designated. For example, as a method of identifying names, there is a "self name identification" in which name identification is performed between records within a set in a round-robin system with one record set being set as a target, and duplicate records are eliminated by detecting records that are the same as each other. In the self name identification, since the name identification source and the name identification target are the same set, the structures (items of the record) thereof are the same. In addition, as another method of identifying names, there is a "different party name identification" in which name identification is performed on a combination of a name identification source record and a name identification target record, with respect to different sets of the name identification source and the name identification target, records that match each other between the name identification source and the name identification target are detected, and the corresponding records are associated with each other. In the different party name identification, since the name identification source and the name identification target are different sets, generally, the structures (items of records) thereof are different from each other. In the name identification source designation d2, access information of the name identification source such as a database name and items of a record of the name identification source are designated. In the name identification target designation d3, access information of the name identification target such as a database name and items of a record of the name identification target are designated. In the name identification item designation d4, the name identification items are designated as a combination of items of the name identification source and items of the name identification target, and an evaluation function and a weighting factor that are applied to each name identification item are designated. In addition, in the threshold d5, an upper threshold used for judging "White" and a lower threshold used for judging "Black" are designated.
As illustrated in FIG. 26(B), for example, in the name identification method d1, the "self name identification" is designated. In the access information of the name identification source designation d2, a "customer table" is designated, and, in the record information of the name identification source designation d2, items including an identification (ID), a name, a zip code, an address, and a date of birth are designated. In addition, in a case where the name identification method is the "self name identification", the name identification target designation d3 is the same as the information of the name identification source, and a definition thereof is not necessary. In the name identification item designation d4, the name identification items are designated in the form of name: name, zip code: zip code, address: address, and date of birth: date of birth. The reason for this is that the name identification item is designated with a set of an item of the name identification source and an item of the name identification target, and in a case where the name identification method is the "self name identification", the record configurations are the same, and thus, generally, the same item names are designated as the set. For each name identification item, an evaluation function and a weighting factor to be applied are designated. For example, in a case where the name identification item is "name:name", "edit distance" is designated as the evaluation function, and 0.3 is designated as the weighting factor. On the other hand, in a case where the name identification item is "zip code: zip code", "complete matching" is designated as the evaluation function, and 0.2 is designated as the weighting factor. In the threshold d5, 0.72 is designated as the upper threshold, and 0.26 is designated as the lower threshold. Hereinafter, a name identification item in which the same item names are paired will be represented as one item name. For example, "name identification item name: name" is represented as "name identification item name". Here, the "edit distance" is an evaluation function that represents a minimum number of times of editing at the time of transforming the value of the name identification target into the value of the name identification source for a matching of values of the name identification items of the name identification source and the name identification target, as a distance. For example, in a case where a transformation is not necessary, 1.0 is returned, and, in a case where all the transformations are necessary, 0 is returned. On the other hand, in a case where some of the transformations are sufficient, a value in the range of 0 to 1.0 is returned in accordance with the number of the transformations, which is a value that decreases as the number of transformations increases. Here, the "complete matching" is an evaluation function that represents whether or not two values completely are same each other in matching of the values of the name identification items of the name identification source and the name identification target. In a case where the two values completely are same each other, 1.0 is returned, but otherwise 0 is returned. In addition, the evaluation function is not limited thereto, and there is an "N-gram" that evaluates the degree in which N characters adjacent to each other for the value of the name identification source are included in the value of the name identification target or the like.
FIG. 27 illustrates an intermediate transition and a result of a name identification process with respect to one record M1 of the name identification source and each name identification target, as a part of the name identification process defined in FIG. 26. In the customer table M of the name identification target, for example, two million records are stored. In the name identification process, each one of the records is used as a name identification target and matched with the record M1 of the name identification source. For example, in the name identification process, as an intermediate result of the matching, for each set of the record M1 of the name identification source and records M1 to M6 of the name identification target, a result of applying the evaluation function, a weighting result, and a total evaluation value are output with being associated with one another. Then, in the name identification process, after the matching, for each set of the record M1 of the name identification source and the records M1 to M6 of the name identification target, the judgment on the name identification is made, and the judgment results are output.
However, there is a problem in that it is difficult to allow all the name identification results to be clearly understood in a large-scale name identification process. In other words, in a conventional name identification process, since records of the name identification source and the name identification target are matched in a round-robin system, in order to store the matching results of all the combinations, a considerable storage capacity is used, and enormous time is required for the analysis thereof. In addition, the processing time that is required for the matching relating to the name identification process is enormous. For example, in a case where a self-name identification is designated as the name identification method, and the name identification source and the name identification target respectively have two million records, 2 million records×2 million records=combinations of four trillion sets are matched. Here, assuming that the data capacity relating to the matching result of one set is 50 bytes, the data capacity relating to the matching results of all the sets is 200 terabyte (TB), and enormous time is required for the analysis thereof. Accordingly, it is not practical to store the matching results of all the sets and analyze and visualize the stored matching results of all the sets. Consequently, it is difficult to allow the matching results of all of the sets to be clearly understood.
In addition, in order to appropriate perform the name identification process, setting that is based on the experiences and the adjustment thereof through feedback of the processing result are done, and a name identification result and a matching result need to be clearly understood for effective feedback.

Information matching apparatus, information matching system and method of matching information for outputting matching result