The subject invention provides a means for modifying existing polyester polymers to optimize characteristics for solid state polymerization and for utilization in a wide array of specific applications. For instance, the modification technique of this invention may be used to adjust the melting point, crystallization temperature (either from the solid or on cooling from the melt), glass transition temperature, natural stretch ratio, barrier properties, melt strength, and/or solid state polymerization characteristic of the polyester. Application of the instant invention could result in a polymer with substantially different physical properties, potentially allowing modification of commodity resins for use in heretofore high cost, specialty applications. A further advantage of the invention is that recycled polymer may be modified to broaden its potential uses into more demanding higher performance applications.

Polyester resins, especially polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) and its copolymers have become ubiquitous. While PET is the most commonly encountered and recognizable polyester resin, several others have achieved a high degree of importance or use. Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is an important engineering resin with a variety of uses in electrical applications, molded parts and specialty fibers among others. Polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) has also been commercialized and promoted as a specialty fiber with improved properties over PET. Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) is a specialty resin with improved gas barrier performance, higher strength, glass transition temperature (Tg), and melting point than PET and finds use in several markets as diverse as reinforcement for high speed tires and returnable, refillable bottles.
The aliphatic diacids have also been reacted with a variety of aliphatic diols to prepare the corresponding aliphatic polyesters as exemplified by polyethylene adipate (PEA), polyethylene succinate (PES), polybutylene adipate (PBA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS). In general, the hydrolytic stability and physical properties of these are much lower than those of polyesters based on aromatic diacids and thus, they have found only niche applications.
A third class of polyester resins, similar to the aliphatic polyesters discussed immediately above, can be produced from molecules containing both a carboxylic acid and a hydroxyl group. In principle, at least, the chemistry of polymerization is the same as that for the production of polyester resins from a diacid and a diol—a hydroxyl group on one molecule reacts with a carboxylic acid group on a second molecule to form an ester and by-product water. Several polymers of this type have been commercialized including the simplest—polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL). While all the aliphatic acid based polyester resins have poor hydrolytic stability relative to PET, they have found significant uses. They are biodegradable, and so all three mentioned are being utilized for medical applications such as absorbable sutures and implants. PGA and PLA are also finding use in container applications because of their better gas barrier properties vs. PET and their biodegradability.
The polyester resins derived from aromatic acids, especially in their semi-crystalline state, are particularly useful being relatively inert. This is witnessed by their varied use as containers for as diverse materials as liquid soaps and shampoos, acidic foodstuffs such as condiments, salad dressings and fruit juices, alcoholic beverages and alcohol based hand sanitizers. Some foodstuffs are hot filled at temperatures close to the boiling point of water or are pasteurized after filling. Still other PET resins are used as containers for foods that can be cooked in a microwave oven or are baked in a conventional oven at temperatures up to 425° F. (218° C.). Polyesters containing naphthalene-2, 6-dicarboxylic acid (NDA) residues have even higher use temperatures and resistance to other agents.
Most commercial polyester resins are produced in large scale continuous polymerization reaction systems in which a diacid, usually either terephthalic acid (TPA) or naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (NDA) or their dimethyl esters are reacted with ethylene glycol (EG), trimethylene glycol, 1,4-butane diol (BDO), 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), or 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol. Water (or methanol and excess glycol) are continuously removed to drive the polycondensation polymerization reaction. Small amounts of other co-monomers are often added to the polymerization recipe in order to modify the physical properties of the resulting resin. These co-monomers may include but are not limited to isophthalic acid (IPA), salts of sulfoisophthalic acid, phthalic acid, trimesic acid, trimellitic acid, pyromellitic acid, cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, cyclohexanediacetic acid, diphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid, naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol co-propylene glycol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, hydroquinone-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)ether, neopentyl glycol, glycol esters of lithium or sodium sulfoisophthalic acid, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, other modifying glycols having 5 to 16 carbons, or ethylene glycol, trimethylene glycol, 1,4-butane diol, and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol. In a few cases, relatively large quantities of co-monomers may be added, examples of which include some terephthalate/2, 6-naphthalate co-polymers exemplified by the HiPerTuf™ polymers which had been marketed by Shell Chemical, high CHDM-containing TPA based polymers generically known as PETG co-polymers, and a series of TPA/bio-based aliphatic diacids polymerized with BDO manufactured by Novamont under the Origo-Bi® tradename.
Polyester manufacture has moved toward larger and larger polymerization lines to increase efficiency and in turn to reduce cost. These large polymerization lines typically consist of several chained reactors which operate under different conditions of temperature and pressure to effect esterification and eventually polycondensation to build higher molecular weight polyester resin. Total residence time in this reactor chain is typically on the order of 3 to 4 hours resulting in 8 to 12 hours or more needed to effect a change from one polymer composition to another. These polymerization lines typically produce 50 to 100 thousand pounds of polymer per hour resulting in significant losses during resin transitions as the polymer produced during the change can at best be recycled to recover the raw material value. This has resulted in the manufacturing process becoming less flexible with it being increasingly more problematic and impractical to change the composition of the polyester to meet particular desired physical characteristics. In other words, current large scale manufacturing techniques are less suitable for making specialty polyesters having desired physical characteristics which are needed or desirable for use in various applications. For instance, specialty polymers which are modified with additional monomers to attain desired characteristics cannot be made efficiently in such large scale operations and are typically made in small scale operations at substantially higher cost. In contrast to the usual melt polymerization of the entire polymer recipe, the instant invention adds specialty monomers after the main constituents desired in the polymer, which likely represents a commodity resin, have been polymerized, shortly before the intermediate melt polymer is pelletized.
In practice, it is difficult to carry out melt polymerization for a sufficient length of time to build the molecular weight desired for the final product because it becomes progressively more difficult to remove by-products from the molten resin and the power requirements to mix it become increasingly high. Also, side reactions leading to degradation of the polymer begin to become significant. These problems are avoided in the case of crystallizable resins by utilizing a process of solid state polymerization (SSP). The intermediate molecular weight resin is converted to a pellet form, crystallized and then heated at a temperature slightly below where it begins to melt and subjected either to vacuum or inert gas purge to remove polymerization by-products.
It is possible to react glycols or polyol co-monomers with polyesters, such as those made in large scale facilities. However, in doing so the polymer chain of the polyester is cleaved and consequently the molecular weight of the polyester is reduced and its associated physical properties also changed (frequently in an undesirable manner). The insertion of a glycol or polyol into the polyester chain is analogous to the hydrolysis reaction, the reverse of the polymerization reaction, but with the difference being in that instead of regenerating an acid end group and an alcohol end group, two alcohol end groups are generated. This difference significantly affects the ability to rebuild molecular weight either through conventional solid state polymerization (SSP) or under vacuum in the melt.
The generation of two alcohol end groups on cleavage of a polyester chain by a glycol or polyol is deleterious to the ability to rebuild chain length or molecular weight for several reasons. Among the more important is the decrease of catalytic activity relative to the initial polymerization conditions. The chain building or polymerization reactions important in conventional polyester polymerization are catalyzed by acid. This may be either a proton as from the carboxylic acid end groups or by catalysts, such as compounds of antimony (Sb), titanium (Ti), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), germanium (Ge) and the like, which are added or generated in situ from the metal. A second effect of polyester chain cleavage by a glycol or polyol on rebuilding molecular weight is that by-product removal becomes more difficult.
In the esterification polymerization reaction in which a carboxylic acid end group reacts with an alcohol end group, the by-product is water, a small, relatively volatile compound which can vaporize from the polymer and be removed. Alternatively, the reaction of two chain ends, both of which are alcohols, a transesterification reaction, produces as a by-product a glycol or polyol. These glycol or polyol molecules are much more difficult to remove from the reacting polymer and can cleave the growing polyester chain again resulting in no net change in polymer molecular weight.
To attain fast polymerization rates and to reach high molecular weights in solid state polymerizations to it important for the ratio of carboxyl end groups to hydroxyl end groups in the polyester being polymerized to be in an optimal range. This optimum will vary with the type of solid state polymerization reactor being utilized. The importance of this ratio in solid state polymerizations which are conducted in static bed reactors is described by Duh in U.S. Pat. No. 4,238,593. More specifically, Duh describes a method for the production of a high molecular weight, high purity polyester comprising the steps of (a) reacting a glycol and a dicarboxylic compound selected from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acids and dicarboxylic esters to form a polyester prepolymer having an intrinsic viscosity from about 0.40 dl/g to about 0.62 dl/g and having a carboxyl end group content from about 18% to about 40% of total end groups, said dicarboxylic acids selected from the group consisting of alkyl dicarboxylic acids having a total of from 2 to 16 carbon atoms, and aryl dicarboxylic acids containing a total of from 8 to 16 carbon atoms, said dicarboxylic esters selected from the group consisting of alkyl esters having from 4 to 20 carbon atoms and an alkyl substituted aryl ester having from 10 to 20 carbon atoms, said glycol selected from the group consisting of glycols having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and (b) polymerizing in a solid state in a static bed, said polyester prepolymer so that a high molecular weight, high purity polycondensed polyester is formed, said polycondensed polyester having an intrinsic viscosity of at least 0.70 dl/g and having an acetaldehyde impurity concentration less than about 3.0 parts per million.
In many cases there is a need to modify polyesters made by melt polymerization to optimize solid state polymerization characteristics for a particular type of solid state polymerization reactor. There is also a need to modify preexisting polyesters from various sources to adjust their physical properties to attain specific requirements. This is particularly true in cases where the polyester having the needed characteristics is simply not available or is too costly. There is also a long felt need for a technique to modify recycled polyester, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from recycled beverage bottles, to make it suitable for higher performance application than those in which it is currently used, such as in strapping or fiberfill.

Modification of polyester resins after melt polymerization


A hinge for a foldable rail section for mounting a container of an oxygen supply unit in an aircraft, with a first hinge part on the rail section and a second hinge part on the edge of the container, and with a container door, which extends in parallel to the longitudinal side of the rail section and is pivotable around a joint on the rear edge of the container. The connection of the hinge to the container is simplified, and a stop is provided for the container door. The first hinge part is formed as of a bead (11), which is made in one piece with sections of the longitudinal side of the rail section (9), wherein slots (12) are present in the sections of the bead (11) not made in one piece with the rail section, and the second hinge part is formed as tongues (13) made in one piece with the rear container edge (4) corresponding to the outer shape of the bead (11), and the said tongues extend into the slots (12), and the tongues (13) are raised at the tongue end (15) such that the tongue ends (15) form a stop limiting the pivoting stroke of the container door.

An oxygen supply unit with a foldable rail section for mounting the complete unit in an aircraft has become known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,840,171 (corresponding to DE-A1 37,19,427). Such oxygen supply units are arranged in the ceiling structures of aircraft and are used to supply the passengers with the oxygen needed for respiration in the case of need. The oxygen supply unit consists of a container, in which a plurality of oxygen masks and an oxygen generator are arranged, and of a container door, which is pivotable around a joint and is used to close the container.
Foldable rail sections, which extend in parallel to the joint of the container door, and with which the complete oxygen supply unit can be suspended in a holder in the ceiling structure of the aircraft, are arranged at the front and rear edges of the container. The rail sections are used for the simple fastening of the oxygen supply unit in the ceiling structure, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, they also facilitate removal, because the complete oxygen supply unit can be removed from the ceiling structure without tools. Since the oxygen supply units are associated with the passengers and are therefore present on board in large numbers, especially in large-capacity aircraft, they must be optimized in terms of both minimal weight and the possibility of manufacture at low cost. On the other hand, parts subject to wear, e.g., the rail section, must be able to be replaced in a simple manner at the time of maintenance.
The rail sections are usually fastened to the container with a type of piano hinge on the container, with a bar pushed through as the axis of rotation. If the rail section is to be replaced, the bar must first be pulled out of the piano hinge, and the rail section must then be removed from the container. The joint of the container door consists of individual bearing blocks, which are screwed onto the edge of the container as separate components, and of a bar, pushed through, which acts as the axis of rotation for the container door. Besides fastening the container door, the bearing blocks also act as a stop in order to limit the pivoting stroke of the container.
It is disadvantageous in the prior-art oxygen supply unit that both the hinge for the rail sections and the joint of the container door with the bearing blocks require a plurality of individual parts, which is disadvantageous in terms of both the manufacturing costs and the weight of the device. In addition, replacement of the rail sections is made difficult by the fact that the bar forming the axis of rotation must be pulled out of the piano hinge.
West German Utility Pat. No. DE-GM 19,57,658 illustrates a hinge for the cover of a plastic box, wherein the hinge parts are made directly in one piece with the cover and the box, respectively, and consist of two slots at the edge of the cover, and semicircular tongues of the box extend into the said slots.
The manufacture of such a hinge is made difficult by the fact that the limiting webs of the slots on the cover are bent down at right angles, and have a bead, which is located between the limiting bars and acts as the fulcrum point for the hinge, only there, offset by a step from the flat surface of the cover. In addition, the prior-art hinge has no stop function for the pivoting stroke of the cover.

Hinge for a foldable rail section for mounting a container of an oxygen supply unit in an aircraft


An information processing device including a communication device. The information device, an information processing method, and an information processing program use a plurality of SIM cards having different recorded information and enable reading of the information from the SIM cards and writing into the SIM cards, thereby improving the convenience of the SIM cards. The information processing device includes a communication device (48) communicating with an external communication device via a communication line and uses a plurality of SIM cards, SIM card I (361) and SIM card II (362) having different storage information. The information processing device includes an information processing part (CPU 40) for selecting a SIM card according to selection information specifying a SIM card and reading or writing SIM card information between the selected SIM card and the communication device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), Personal Handy-phone Systems (PHS), Personal Computers (PC), Handheld Personal Computers (Hand-held PC), mobile phones, other mobile terminals, information processing devices having a communication device, method of information processing and information processing program thereof, more specifically, an information processing device, a method of information processing and an information processing program thereof using a Subscriber Identity Module card (hereafter SIM card) for reading and writing recorded information from and to the SIM card having different recorded information such as subscriber information etc.
2. Description of the Related Art
The SIM card is an integrated circuit (IC) card having a subscriber information such as an identification number, a telephone number, a telephone directory, a telephone charge, etc. For a mobile terminal using the SIM card, a user purchases an optional mobile phone, and selectively signs a contract with a provider for obtaining the SIM card for installing the SIM card into the mobile phone for calling. A single mobile phone can be used for sharing by a plurality of SIM cards, if the SIM cards from a plurality of providers are obtained. Such SIM cards are applied in the mobile phone using Global System for Mobile communication (GSM).
If the SIM card is used for a communication device using Wideband-Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), as FIG. 1 shows, a card insertion opening 6 having a lid 8 is movably attached to open/close on a main body 4 of the mobile phone 2. The SIM card 10 is installed in the card insertion opening 6. For example, FIG. 2 shows, the SIM card 10 is installed into the slot 16 formed at a side of the card body 14 of a card-type information processing terminal 12. As FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing, for example, configuration of the mobile phone 2 or the information processing terminal 12 having an information reading/writing unit 18 inside the main body for reading/writing information from/to the SIM card 10.
Referring to mobile terminals using such SIM card, there are Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publications No. 2002-125020, H06(1994)-161842, 2000-253108, 2001-251394 and 2002-152354.
The publication 2002-125020 discloses a communication terminal using the SIM card. The publication H06(1994)-161842 discloses an IC card as an external memory device or a computer using the IC card. The publication 2000-253108 discloses a mobile phone using an IC card for recording compressive/de-compressive image information, voice information therein. The publication 2001-251394 discloses a wireless terminal having an information memory card installed in the card receiving area, the information memory card has recorded image information and voice information therein and provided readably therefrom. The publication 2002-152354 discloses the SIM card installed under a battery, the battery has to be removed for installing the SIM card.
As FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the backside of a mobile phone, in this figure, the lid 8 provided on the backside of the mobile phone 2 can open or close, or the battery can be removed for installing the SIM card 10. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the SIM card 10 installed in the slot 16 of the card-type information processing terminal 12. The SIM card can be attached or detached easily in such structures. However, if the SIM card is installed internal personal computer (PC) or other information processing device, the SIM card is hardly removed or installed as it is necessary for the device to be break down.
In addition, if a plurality of SIM cards having different recorded information therein are used, replacement of a selected SIM card and related operation corresponding to the replacement are necessary, which lacks in usability.

Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program


N-(2-aryl-propionyl)-amides of formula (I) are described.

Chemokines constitute a family of cytokines of low molecular weight directly involved in inflammatory response, in the displacements of immune cells and in the directional migration of cellular elements. The term "chemokines", which is a contraction of the words chemotactic cytokines, highlights the typical biological function of these cell mediators.
Chemokines are divided into two subspecies which differ according to the sequences of amino acids CC and CXC containing the two cysteine residues, invariably present in the N-terminal portion of the protein. In one case, for example in the case of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), the two cysteine residues are contiguous, in the other case, for example in the case of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and certain of its closest affines (GRO-α,β,γ, ENA-78, NAP-2, GCP-2), a second amino acid is interspaced between the two cysteines.
From the functional standpoint, chemokines are distinguished from the other cytokines by the cellular specificity of their action: each of them regulates in a specific way the migration and the functionality of a single cell species. Thus, if MCP-1 influences and directs the movements of monocytes, IL-8 performs the pre-eminent role of specific neutrophil-chemoattractant factor. Confirmation thereof is provided by the presence of high concentrations of IL-8 in the inflammatory sites and in the surrounding fluids, ascertained during the course of many acute illnesses mediated by neutrophils, as well as the prevention of the severity of tissue damage and reduced infiltration of neutrophils observed after administration of anti-IL-8 antibodies in the course of experiments conducted on animal models representing neutrophil-dependent illnesses. Typical clinical situations are the damage caused by cerebral re-perfusion and the damage caused by ischaemia and re-perfusion of the myocardium.
These observations have corroborated the hypothesis that IL-8 constitutes the principal mediator of tissue damage induced by neutrophils, so much so as to cause interleukin-8 to be proposed as optimal target for therapeutic interventions aimed at resolving acute inflammatory states mediated by neutrophils (N. Mukaida et al., Inflammation Research 47 (Suppl. 3) S151, 1998). For this purpose, as an alternative to the use of anti-IL-8 antibodies, substances of low molecular weight could be of great interest and of clinical usefulness, which, by inserting themselves in the inter-cellular and intra-cellular circuits of transmission of the signal, may be able to inhibit the migration of human neutrophils stimulated by IL-8 and by its affines in a highly specific way.
Recently PCT/EP/9907740 disclosed N-acylsulphonamides of (R)-2-arylpropionic acids having inhibitory activity on the chemotaxis of neutrophils stimulated by IL-8 irrespective of the inflammatory processes linked to inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase (COX-1 and/or COX-2).
On the other hand, the inhibition of the synthesis of prostaglandins (PGs) peculiar to the (S) enantiomers of 2-arylpropionic acids and of certain of their derivatives would appear to have a negative effect on the dynamics, of the neutrophil-dependent inflammatory process stimulated by IL-8, such as to exacerbate the illness itself. In these circumstances, with the inhibition of PG synthesis, the endogenous factor, PGE2, which controls the synthesis of Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), comes to be missing. Consequently, in competition with IL-8 itself, TNF-α may contribute, together with the cytokines IL-6 and IL-1 and with the molecules of the adhesion (E-selectin, ICAM-1 and C-reactive protein) to exacerbating the degree and severity of the tissue damage in the course of acute myocardial infarction (R. Pudil et al., Clin. Chim. Acta, 280, 127, 1999).
Also the known (R)-2-(4-isobutyl-phenyl)-propionamide (PCT/EP/9907740) has proved active in the prevention and inhibition of chemotaxis of human leucocytes induced by IL-8, a property instead altogether absent in the (S) enantiomer (Table 1).
TABLE 1% inhibition ofchemotaxis of humanPMNs stimulatedCompoundby IL-8 (10 ng/mL)(R)-2-(4-isobutyl-phenyl)-propionamide*57 ± 12(S)-2-(4-isobutyl-phenyl)-propionamide*−2 ± 8 *conc. 10−8 M
In addition, the same compound and the corresponding (R)—N-methyl-2-(4-isobutyl phenyl)-propionamide, albeit less potent [25±9% inhibition at a concentration of 10−8 M] as inhibitor of leucocyte chemotaxis stimulated by IL-8 (10 ng/mL), are characterized in that they down-regulate the production of TNF-α (stimulated in murine macrophages by H2O2 and by liposaccharides), as well as in that they do not inhibit the synthesis of PGE2 in the macrophages after stimulation with lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) at 1 μg/mL. Instead, in the same experimental conditions, S-ketoprofen (taken as a typical example of (S) enantiomer of 2-aryl-propionic acids, COX inhibitors), stimulates in macrophages the amplification of TNF-α synthesis induced by LPSs with a percent variation of 300% for the synthesis and release of TNF-α; in fact, in the presence of control values of the cytokine present in the incubation medium alone of less than the detectable minimum (20 pg/mL), values of 10±5 ng/mL are found in the presence of LPSs, whereas values of 39±5 ng/mL are found in the presence of LPSs and of S-ketoprofen 10−5 M. (Ghezzi et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Therap., 287, 969-974, 1998). More recently, it has been shown that this sensible increase in TNF-α release is a direct consequence of the stimulation of TNF-α-mRNA by S-ketoprofen (P. Mascagni et al., Eur. Cytokine Netw., 11:185-192,2000).
Amides of 2-arylpropionic acids with amino alcohols are described in ES 500990 and in ES 2007236 for the preparation of N-(α-hydroxyethyl)-d,1-2-(4 isobutyl)propionamides.
Also known are amides of ibuprofen with L and D, L-amino acids (W. Kwapiszewski et al., Acta Pol. Pharm., 42, 545, 1985), and more generally amides of racemates and of S-enantiomers of 2-aryl-propionic acids with glycine (P. Singh et al., Indian J. Chem., sect. B, 29B, 551, 1990) and with the following amino acids: lysine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid [A. Reiner, U.S. Pat. No. 4,341,798].
More frequently, these compounds have been evaluated as mixtures of diastereoisomers without it being possible to define the contribution of the individual diastereoisomers.
Amides of enantiomers of 2-arylpropionic acids with taurine, glutamine, ornithine, arginine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, serine, and alanine are known as urinary metabolites of these acids in various animal species (R. I. Jeffrey et al., Xenobiotica, 4, 253, 1978, and references cited therein).
Other amides, studied as pro-drugs of 2-arylpropionic acids, have been described by S. Biniecki et al., PL 114050, H. A. Kguen et al., Arzneim-Forsh., 46, 891, 1986 and G. L. Levitt et al., Russ. J. Org. Chem., 34, 346, 1998. Such amides are credited with quite a good anti-inflammatory activity associated to reduced side effects and good tolerability at the gastro-intestinal level that are believed to compensate for the loss of potency observed in comparison with their precursors.
The loss of every residual fibrinolytic activity has been described for (±)-ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, such as Indomethacin, flufenamic acid and mefenamic acid after conversion into the corresponding amides with 2-aminomethyl-pyridine (G. Orzalesi et al., Progress in Fibrinolysis and Thrombolysis, 3, 483, 1978).
In a comparative study, the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties, the behavioural effects and acute toxicity in the mouse were evaluated for a series of amides of ibuprofen, of ketoprofen (both as racemates), and of 3-benzoylphenylacetic acid (R. C. W. Spickett et al., Eur. J. Med. Chem. Chim. Ther., Nov. 7, 1976). The comparison associates to the simple amides (—CONH2) and their N-ethyl and N-dimethyl derivatives, the corresponding ureides and thioureides, as well as the anilides and certain heterocyclic amides, such as those with 2-aminothiazolidine, 2-aminothiazole, 2-amino-4-methyl-pyridine and 1-phenyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-amino-pyrazole. The pharmacological study has led to the selection and development of (R,S)-2-[3-benzoylphenylpropionamido]-4-methyl-pyridine, also known by the name of Pirketoprofen [A. Gallardo, G B 1436502].
Moreover the use of R-2-arylpropionic acids as drugs for the treatment of colorectal tumours and cystic fibrosis has been recently described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,955,504 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,981,592).

Amides, useful in the inhibition of IL-8-induced chemotaxis of neutrophils

Abstract: The process for their preparation and pharmaceutical preparations thereof are also described.

Abstract: The amides of the invention are useful in the prevention and treatment of tissue damage due to the exacerbate recruitment of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (leukocytes PMN) at the inflammatory sites. In particular, the invention relates to the R enantiomers of N-(2-aryl-propionyl)amides of formula (I) for use in the inhibition of the chemotaxis of neutrophils induced by IL-8. The compounds of the invention are used in the treatment of psoriasis, ulcerative cholitis, glomerular nephritis, acute respiratory insufficiency, idiopathic fibrosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.


An optical element includes a diffraction grating by which both a first laser beam and a second laser beam are diffracted. A diffraction performance of the diffraction grating is expressed by an optical path difference function, a third spherical aberration SA31 of the first laser beam and a third spherical aberration SA32 of the second laser beam in a wave front aberration calculated by the optical path difference function satisfy the following conditional expressions:0.005<|SA31−SA32|<0.015[λrms]SA31×SA32<0.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical element and a lens which diffracts and converges laser beams with different wavelengths and an optical head device which is used for recording on or reproducing from an optical recording medium such as a CD or a DVD having substrate thicknesses different from each other by means of using laser beams with different wavelengths.
2. Description of Related Art
CDs and DVDs having transparent protective layers with different thickness for protecting their recording surfaces and having different recording densities, are known as optical recording media. A laser beam with a wavelength of 655 nm is used to reproduce data from a DVD and a laser beam with a wavelength of 785 nm is used to reproduce and record data on a CD (CD-R is included).
For example, a conventional optical head device for performing recording and reproduction of data on or from an optical recording medium is constructed so that a laser beam converges on the recording surface of a CD or a DVD by means of a common objective lens to attain its miniaturization and compactness.
The thickness of the transparent protective layer of a CD for protecting its recording surface is 1.2 mm. The thickness of the transparent protective layer of a DVD is 0.6 mm, which is thinner than that of the CD, and its recording density is higher than that of a CD. Accordingly, an objective lens has been proposed in which a diffraction grating including concentrically circular fine step portions are formed on an incident side refraction face provided with a prescribed shape of an aspheric surface. With the objective lens, the incident light beam is diffracted by the diffraction grating to satisfactorily focus on the recording surface of two types of the optical recording media having a thickness of the transparent protective layer different from each other.
In order to construct such an objective lens, the shape of the aspheric surface expressing the refraction shown in FIG. 5(a) is obtained at the time of the optical design by using the following expression:
            z                    (        h        )                                h        2                    r        (                  1          +                                    1              -                                                1                  +                                                            (                      k                      )                                                                                h                      2                                                                                r                  2                                                                    )              +      (                  ∑                  i          =          0                1                                    a          i                                  h                      (                          2                            i                        )                                )  Further, the ray tracing is performed with the optical path difference function representing the diffraction, which is expressed as the following expression, to make a correction such that the aberration may be zero.
      Θ              (      h      )        =      λ                      ∑                  i          =          0                1                                    b          j                                  h                      (                          2                            j                        )                              Then, the result is replaced in the shape of the blaze working as shown in FIG. 5(b). The shape correction corresponding to the incidence angle is performed on the refraction face in the shape of the blaze shown in FIG. 5(b). Here, "r" means the radius of curvature of the center, "k" means the conical coefficient, "h" means the height from the optical axis, "λ" means the wavelength, and "ai" and "bj" mean the coefficient of the polynomial.
When the blaze height is determined with the wavelength λB, the height of the blaze component from the aspheric surface is calculated by the following expression:φ(λB)/(n−1)wherein "φ" is the optical path difference function and "n" is the refractive index. In this case, the "λB" is referred to as the blaze wavelength.
However, according to the conventional optical design, the blaze wavelength is determined by the following relationship:λ1<λB<λ2;
wherein λ1=the wavelength of the laser beam for a DVD λ2=the wavelength of the laser beam for a CD                Therefore, when the diffraction face is used with the wavelength λ1, the difference between the case at is blazed with the wavelength λ1 and the case that is blazed with the wavelength λB causes a large spherical aberration SA1 for the wavelength λ1. In addition, when the diffraction face is used with the wavelength λ2, the difference between the case that is blazed with the wavelength λ2 and the case that is blazed in the wavelength λB causes a large spherical aberration SA2 for the wavelength λ2. As a result, at the time of recording and reproduction for a DVD, desired pickup characteristics are not obtained due to the large aberration.

Optical element, lens and optical head device


A system and method for compiling computer code written to conform to a high-level language standard to generate a unified executable containing the hardware logic for a reconfigurable processor, the instructions for a traditional processor (instruction processor), and the associated support code for managing execution on a hybrid hardware platform. Explicit knowledge of writing hardware-level design code is not required since the problem can be represented in a high-level language syntax. A top-level driver invokes a standard-conforming compiler that provides syntactic and semantic analysis. The driver invokes a compilation phase that translates the CFG representation being generated into a hybrid controlflow-dataflow graph representation representing optimized pipelined logic which may be processed into a hardware description representation. The driver invokes a hardware description language (HDL) compiler to produce a netlist file that can be used to start the place-and-route compilation needed to produce a bitstream for the reconfigurable computer. The programming environment then provides support for taking the output from the compilation driver and combining all the necessary components together to produce a unified executable capable of running on both the instruction processor and reconfigurable processor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates, in general, to adapting a high-level language program to operate in a hybrid reconfigurable hardware-instruction processor computing environment. More specifically, the invention relates to converting a high level language program into a unified executable that can run on a hybrid reconfigurable hardware-instruction processor computer.
2. Background
As instruction processors continue to increase rapidly in processing power, they are used more often to do computationally intensive calculations that were once exclusively done by supercomputers. However, there are still computationally intensive tasks, including, for example, compute-intensive image processing and hydrodynamic simulations that remain impractical to do on modern instruction processors.
Reconfigurable computing is a technology receiving increased interest in the computing arts. Traditional general purpose computing is characterized by computer code executed serially on one or more general purpose processors. Reconfigurable computing is characterized by programming reconfigurable hardware, such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) to execute logic routines.
Reconfigurable computing offers significant performance advances in computation-intensive processing. For example, the reconfigurable hardware may be programmed with a logic configuration that has more parallelism and pipelining characteristics than a conventional instruction processor. Also, the reconfigurable hardware may be programmed with a custom logic configuration that is very efficient for executing the tasks assigned by the program. Furthermore, dividing a program's processing requirements between the instruction processor and the reconfigurable hardware may increase the overall processing power of the computer.
Hybrid computing platforms have been developed that include both general-purpose processor(s) and reconfigurable hardware. An exemplary hybrid-computing platform is the SRC-6E commercially available from SRC Computers, Inc., in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA. The SRC-6E system architecture includes multiple general-purpose instruction processors executing a standard operating system, e.g., Linux. Attached to the general-purpose instruction processors are specially configured Multi-Adaptive Processors (MAPs).
Unfortunately, an important stumbling block for users who may wish to use reconfigurable computing is the difficulty of programming the reconfigurable hardware. Conventional methods of programming reconfigurable hardware included the use of hardware description languages (HDLs); low-level languages that require digital circuit expertise as well as explicit handling of timing. Thus, there remains a need for processes that can take a program written in a high level language and convert it into code that can be executed on a hybrid reconfigurable hardware-instruction processor computer with minimal modifications to the original program.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Process for converting programs in high-level programming languages to a unified executable for hybrid computing platforms


A rotor (10) includes a plurality of permanent magnets (14) disposed around a shaft (12) at generally equal intervals, and a plurality of laminated core members (16) disposed between the permanent magnets (14) so as to form magnetic poles. The laminated core members (16) are formed by stacking a plurality of core-laminations (26) made of magnetic materials and an integral core-lamination, and joining them to each other. The integral core-lamination includes a plurality of core-lamination sections each having a shape the same as that of the core-lamination (26), and connecting portions (46) for connecting adjacent core-lamination sections with each other. When the large number of core-laminations (26) and the integral core-lamination are integrally joined by a press-fitting process, the laminated core members (16) are connected with each other in such a relative arrangement of a finished assembly that a space for locating the permanent magnet (14) is defined between the adjacent laminated core members (16), and thus an integral laminated rotor core (48) is formed.

In the field of synchronous motors, a rotor as mentioned above, which includes permanent magnets magnetized in a circumferential direction and laminated core members each forming a magnetic pole between the permanent magnets, the magnets and the core members being alternately disposed around a shaft, has been used. In this type of conventional rotor, each laminated core member is generally formed by stacking a plurality of core-laminations made of magnetic materials such as silicon steel plates. Each core-lamination may have recesses and projections, which are formed at corresponding positions on respective axial end faces of core-lamination and can be engaged with each other. The core-laminations can be joined to each other by, e.g., press-fitting the core-laminations together while aligning the recesses and projections of the adjacent core-laminations. Each permanent magnet is held between a pair of adjacent laminated core members and brought into close contact with the side faces of the latter. The permanent magnet may be positioned and fixedly supported in a radial direction by outer and inner hooks protruding from the side faces of each laminated core member at outer and inner peripheral regions thereof. A rod member may be inserted into an axial through hole formed generally at the center of each laminated core member. Each rod member may be connected to annular end plates which are arranged at both axial ends of the laminated core member and fixed to the rotating shaft. In this manner, the laminated core members and the permanent magnets are fixedly held in the rotor against external force such as centrifugal force, by the end plates, the rod members and the hooks.
This type of rotor uses a plurality of permanent magnets and laminated core members, the number of which corresponds to the number of magnetic poles, therefore it has problems in that the work of positioning or fixing the permanent magnets and laminated core members is complicated, increased working time and skilled workers are required, and thus improvement of personnel requirements and productivity is prevented. Further, the accuracy of positioning the permanent magnets and laminated core members depends on the mechanical strength and processing accuracy of the rod members and end plates. Consequently, in the case of high speed motors or high torque motors, additional means for improving the mechanical strength of the whole structure of the rotor is required in order to accurately hold the permanent magnets and laminated core members in predetermined positions.


A pipette includes a housing defining a suction chamber. A piston is configured to move in the suction chamber. A first retainer mechanism includes a first threading configured to limit a motion of the piston in the suction chamber. A second retainer mechanism includes a second threading configured to limit the motion of the piston in the suction chamber, the second threading having a pitch less than a pitch of the first threading.

Adjustable piston pipettes comprise an upper and lower retainer of the piston movement, the location of at least one of said retainers can be changed. Generally the adjustment is realized by means of a screw-and-nut joint, for instance so that the retainer is provided with a screw, around which there is arranged a nut that does not rotate in relation to the housing but moves along guides along with the piston. The pitch of the screw threading defines the pace of the adjustment. Typically there are used 8–20 revolutions in the adjustment, depending on the size of the volume range. Usually pipettes of the described type also are provided with a calibration system whereby the basic position of the other retainer is set so that the dispensed liquid volume corresponds to the displaid volume as accurately as possible. Generally such pipettes also have a so-called secondary motion function. In said secondary motion, the desired liquid volume is sucked in the pipette by shifting the piston from the basic position to a desired upper position. When removing the liquid, the piston is depressed to a discharge position, somewhat below the basic position. Now liquid is removed from the pipette as completely as possible. In manually operated pipettes, the secondary motion function is realized so that they include a primary spring, against the force of which the piston is depressed from the upper position to the basic position, and a stronger secondary spring, against the force of which the piston is depressed to underneath the basic position.
A pipette of the described type is illustrated for instance in the publication FI 57543.
A general weakness of adjustable pipettes is their slowness in adjusting the volume. A screw-based adjusting operation can be speeded up by increasing the pitch of the threading. This, on the other hand, makes it more difficult to accurately set the desired volume, when already a slight turn changes the volume remarkably. The adjusting process becomes easier, if a high-pitched adjusting is realized in steps (see for example CH 679015). In that case, however, the close intermediate volumes are lost.


One embodiment of the invention includes a diesel particulate filter comprising a first face and a second face; a bottom electrode layer formed over the first face of the diesel particulate filter; a middle resistive layer formed over a portion of the bottom electrode layer; and a top electrode layer formed over a portion of the middle resistive layer.

Diesel engines have higher efficiency than gasoline engines due to the increased compression ratio of the diesel combustion process and the higher energy density of diesel fuel. As a result, a diesel engine provides improved gas mileage over an equivalently sized gasoline engine.
The diesel combustion cycle produces soot (diesel particulates) that is typically filtered from the exhaust gases. A diesel particulate filter (DPF) is usually disposed along the exhaust stream to filter the soot from the exhaust. In one type of DPF, the filter is a honeycomb filter. Over time, the soot builds up in the DPF and the DPF must periodically be regenerated to remove the entrapped soot. One method of regeneration is to burn the soot within the DPF to enable the DPF to continue its filtering function.
The temperature of diesel exhaust during normal operation, for example 150-250° C., is considerably lower than what is required to thermally regenerate a saturated DPF. To initiate a self-propagating particulate combustion event, temperatures in the approximate range of 550-850° C. must be achieved. Consequently, some method for raising the DPF temperature beyond what is encountered in the exhaust must be employed during the regeneration cycle.
Some methods known in the art for raising the DPF temperature include indirectly raising the temperature of the DPF by increasing the temperature of the exhaust gas, for example, through catalytic oxidation of excess fuel or through electrical heating of an element upstream of the DPF. However, in either of these two approaches, not all of the heat transferred to the exhaust gas is transferred to the DPF. Much of the exhaust gas passes through the DPF with incomplete heat transfer, creating a large inefficiency. Moreover, for the fuel burner, the inefficiency is compounded by the creation of additional particulate and hydrocarbon emissions, a lower exhaust oxygen concentration, and shorter lifetimes for the DPF due to cracking from thermal gradients.
Another method known in the art for raising the temperature of the DPF to the particulate combustion temperature is through microwave heating of a DPF made from a suitably absorbing ceramic material. To achieve this, either the entire DPF or at least selected regions of the DPF must be made of a material that is able to absorb microwave energy at the frequency of operation. For example, the entire DPF may be made from an expensive microwave absorbing ceramic material such as SiC, or a standard cordierite DPF may be selectively coated with an absorbing material. In both cases, parasitic absorption of microwave energy by the particulates effectively reduces the regeneration efficiency to an intolerable level.

Resistive heater geometry and regeneration method for a diesel particulate filter


A method of fabricating an electronic structure by providing a conductive layer, providing a dielectric layer over the conductive layer, providing first and second openings through the dielectric layer, providing first and second conductive bodies in the first and second openings respectively and in contact with the conductive layer, providing a memory structure over the first conductive body, providing a protective element over the memory structure, and undertaking processing on the second conductive body.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to memory technology, and more particularly, to the protection of the active layer of a memory cell during processing steps undertaken on other elements, for example, copper vias.
2. Background Art
Generally, memory devices associated with computers and other electronic devices are employed to store and maintain information for the operation thereof. Typically, such a memory device includes an array of memory cells, wherein each memory cell can be accessed for programming, erasing, and reading thereof. Each memory cell maintains information in an "off" state or an "on" state, also referred to as "0" and "1" respectively, which can be read during the reading step of that memory cell.
As such electronic devices continue to be developed and improved, the amount of information required to be stored and maintained continues to increase. FIG. 1 illustrates a type of memory cell 30 which includes advantageous characteristics for meeting these needs. The memory cell 30 includes, for example, an electrode 32, a superionic layer 34 such as Cu2S on the electrode 32, an active layer 36 such as Cu2O or various polymers on the Cu2S layer 34, and an electrode 38 on the active layer 36. Initially, assuming that the memory cell 30 is unprogrammed, in order to program the memory cell 30, a negative voltage is applied to the electrode 38, while the electrode 32 is held at ground, so that an electrical potential Vpg (the "programming" electrical potential) is applied across the memory cell 30 from a higher to a lower potential in the direction from electrode 32 to electrode 38. This potential is sufficient to cause copper ions to be attracted from the superionic layer 34 toward the electrode 38 and into the active layer 36, causing the active layer 36 (and the overall memory cell 30) to be in a low-resistance or conductive state. Upon removal of such potential, the copper ions drawn into the active layer 36 during the programming step remain therein, so that the active layer 36 (and memory cell 30) remain in a conductive or low-resistance state.
In order to erase the memory cell, a positive voltage is applied to the electrode 38, while the electrode 32 is held at ground, so that an electrical potential Ver is applied across the memory cell 30 from a higher to a lower electrical potential in the reverse direction. This potential causes current to flow through the memory cell in the reverse direction, and is sufficient to cause copper ions to be repelled from the active layer 36 toward the electrode 32 and into the superionic layer 34, in turn causing the active layer 36 (and the overall memory cell 30) to be in a high-resistance or substantially non-conductive state. This state remains upon removal of such potential from the memory cell 30.
In reading the state of the memory cell 30, an electrical potential Vr is applied across the memory cell 30 from a higher to a lower electrical potential in the same direction as the electrical potential Vpg. This electrical potential is less than the electrical potential Vpg applied across the memory cell 30 for programming (see above). In this situation, if the memory cell 30 is programmed, the memory cell 30 will readily conduct current, indicating that the memory cell 30 is in its programmed state. If the memory cell 30 is not programmed, the memory cell 30 will not conduct current, indicating that the memory cell 30 is in its erased state.
FIGS. 2–14 illustrate a process for forming such memory cells along with conductive bodies or plugs in an electronic structure. Initially, and with reference to FIG. 2, a dielectric layer 50 is formed over and on a conductive metal layer 52, for example copper, the metal layer 52 having been patterned into metal lines 52A, 52B as shown. Using standard lithographic techniques, via openings 54, 56 are formed in and through the dielectric layer 50 over the metal lines 52A, 52B, communicating with the metal lines 52A, 52B respectively (FIG. 3). Next (FIG. 4), the openings 54, 56 are filled with conductive material (for example copper) to form copper bodies 58, 60 in the respective openings 54, 56, which copper bodies 58, 60 contact the respective metal lines 52A, 52B of the layer 52.
A hard mask 62, for example silicon nitride, is formed over and on the upper surface of the resulting structure, i.e., over the upper surfaces of the copper bodies 58, 60 and the dielectric layer 50 by any suitable method (FIG. 5). Using standard lithographic techniques, portions of the hard mask 62 are removed to provide a remaining hard mask portion 64 overlying the copper body 58 but leaving the copper body 60 exposed (FIG. 6). Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the top surface of the copper body 60 is etched to form a recess 66 within the opening 56, the copper body 58 being protected therefrom by the hard mask portion 64 thereover.
A tantalum-containing layer 68 is deposited over and on the resulting structure (FIG. 8), i.e., over and on the exposed portions of the dielectric 50, the hard mask portion 64, and the copper body 60, filling in the recess 66 formed in the previous step. A polishing step then undertaken to remove all of the layer 68 except that portion 70 in the recess 66, and to remove the hard mask portion 64, leaving a cap 70 over the copper body 60 so as to form a conductive body 72 including the copper body 60 and cap 70 on and over the copper body 60, and planarizing the overall structure (FIG. 9). The copper body 58 itself forms a conductive body.
With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, a memory structure 74 is formed over the copper body 58. In furtherance thereof, a passive layer 76 (FIG. 10), for example, Cu2S2, may be formed using sulfidation techniques, gas phase reactions, implantation, deposition, or any other suitable technique. This results in the passive layer 76 being on the copper body 58. As illustrated in FIG. 11, an active layer 78, which may be organic or inorganic material, is formed on and over the passive layer 76 by any suitable technique, including, for example, spin on techniques, chemical vapor deposition, and the like.
Prior to providing connections to the conductive body 72 and the active layer 78, a cleaning step 80 is undertaken to remove native oxide 82 which has formed on the conductive body 72 by contact with the air (FIG. 12). This is done to ensure that a conductive layer formed on and over the structure will provide proper ohmic contact with the conductive body 72. This step of removal oxidation may be achieved by argon sputter etching, which forcefully removes the oxide 82 from the exposed cap 70 of the conductive body 72. Next, a conductive metal layer 84, for example, aluminum, is provided on and over the resulting structure (FIG. 13), and is patterned (using standard lithographic techniques) into metal lines 84A, 84B, metal line 84A being on and over the active layer 78 and over the memory structure 74, and metal line 84B being on and over the conductive body 72 (FIG. 14). The steps thus far shown and described form the overall electronic structure 86. The conductive body 58, passive layer 76, active layer 78, and metal line 84A make up the memory cell as previously shown and described, and the conductive body 72 forms an interconnect between the metal line 52B and metal line 84B.
The cleaning step as illustrated and described has been found necessary for providing proper ohmic contact between the conductive layer 84 and the conductive body 72. However, this process for removal of oxidation 82 from the conductive body 72, involving relatively violent physical bombardment of the oxide 82, is undertaken with the active layer 78 of the memory structure 72 exposed. This aggressive cleaning process, while effective in removing the oxide 82, may well damage the exposed active layer 78, degrading the performance of the completed memory cell or rendering it inoperative.
Therefore, what is needed is an approach wherein proper removal of surface oxidation from selected conductive bodies is achieved, meanwhile avoiding damage to the memory structure.

Protection of active layers of memory cells during processing of other elements


An information processing device includes: a communication unit which communicates with a plurality of terminals, each outputting a video signal; a first acquisition unit which acquires a first preview image from at least a part of the plurality of terminals; a second acquisition unit which acquires a second preview image having a larger display area size than the first preview image, from a designated terminal of the plurality of terminals; and a display control unit which causes a display unit to display the first preview image and the second preview image on a single screen. A frequency at which the second acquisition unit acquires the second preview image is higher than a frequency at which the first acquisition unit acquires the first preview image.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program.
2. Related Art
A system in which a single projector is made to simultaneously project video signals outputted from a plurality of computers is known. With respect to this system, JP-A-6-110425 discloses a device which, when outputting a plurality of video signals from a video signal supply unit, provides a VTR selection area and a preview screen display area on an input display board on a screen, then carries out selection and operation, and displays a video signal selected by controlling the video signal supply unit, in the preview screen area. Japanese Patent No. 4049115 discloses a projector which selects an image input interface terminal to which desired image information is inputted, from among image input interface terminals, and projects the desired image information.
According to the techniques of JP-A-6-110425 and Japanese Patent No. 4049115, in the case where a large number of computers are connected, preview display of video signals from a plurality of computers may increase the network load.

Information processing device, information processing method, and program


A piezoelectric quartz accelerometer includes a sensitive element, a signal processing circuit, a base, an outer case, and a socket, wherein the sensitive element includes two round piezoelectric quartz wafers, and a supporting frame, wherein the two round piezoelectric quartz wafers are symmetrically mounted on both sides of the center axial line of the supporting frame; the sensitive element further includes an axial shock buffer unit and a transverse retaining unit for protecting overload of the two round piezoelectric quartz wafers; the signal processing circuit includes an oscillation circuit for obtaining frequency signal, a frequency differential forming circuit for extracting signal, a phase lock and times frequency circuit for amplifying signal, compensating zero phase, compensating non-linearization and compensating temperature, and an output circuit.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a piezoelectric quartz accelerometer in a sensitive electronics mainly applied in the attitude stabilized and control system of the aircraft, robot, vehicle, ship, oil drilling platform, construction, industrial automation equipment, comprising a sensitive element, signal processing circuit, base, outer case and socket.
2. Description of Related Arts
Since J MRaajski from IBM determines the property between force and frequency of piezoelectric quartz through experiment in the 1960's, the piezoelectric quartz is used for accelerometer. For example, Kearfott Company adopts double mass blocks and double to develop a piezoelectric quartz accelerometer that can detect the gravity changes caused by the moon. US Army Space and Missile Defense Command and Allied Signal Aerospace Instrument System adopt double mass blocks and frequency differential structure to develop a piezoelectric quartz accelerometer that can measure a range up to 1200 g, and has a proportion coefficient of 1.1 Hz/g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,578,755 and 5,962,786 disclosed different piezoelectric quartz accelerometer embodiments. ONERA adopts vibration beam structure to develop a piezoelectric quartz accelerometer. However, the resolution, linearization, stability and startup speed of the above piezoelectric quartz accelerometers can not meet the requirement for high performance device, and the piezoelectric quartz accelerometer can not resist shock.

Beijing Information Technology Institute


A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, an interlayer insulating film on the semiconductor substrate and having a first hole extending therethrough, and a contact portion in the first hole of the interlayer insulating film. The contact portion includes a first silicon film along an inner surface of the first hole of the interlayer insulating film.

In a semiconductor device such as, for example, a flash memory or a logic circuit, a device is formed on or in a semiconductor substrate, and an interlayer insulating film is formed to cover the device. In addition, a wiring layer is formed on the interlayer insulating film, and a contact is formed through the interlayer insulating film to electrically connect the wiring layer and certain device regions, such as source and drain regions of the devices, which are on or in the semiconductor substrate. The contact may be created by forming a hole in the interlayer insulating film which extends from a location on or in one side of the interlayer insulating film where a line, for example a bit line, is later formed, and lining the walls of the hole with a metal such as titanium (Ti), covering the titanium layer with a barrier metal film such as titanium nitride (TiN), and filling the hole with a main contact material such as tungsten. The underlying metal layer (e.g., titanium) is reacted with the silicon of the semiconductor at the base of the hole to form a contact silicide layer. However, when the metal of the contact reacts with the semiconductor substrate, during formation of a contact silicide at the interface of a contact extending through a first level insulator and the semiconductor substrate, if the amount of metal being reacted is large, excess silicon is required to complete the silicidation reaction, and a gap can be generated between the silicide layer and the semiconductor substrate where silicon has been drawn out of the substrate for the silicidation reaction with the titanium or other metal.


A suture package for a suture with attached needle The package allows for removal of the needle and attached suture from the package with a forceps without the user having to touch either the needle or the suture.

In the packaging of sutures with attached needles, it is important that the needle and its attached suture be easily removable from the package with a minimum of effort. Once the needle is grasped by a forceps and pulled, the needle should easily release from the package and allow the suture to be withdrawn. It, of course, is desirable to keep the requirement for touching the needle or adjusting the needle within the forceps or needle holder to a minimum. Also, it would be desirable to be able to grasp the needle in a manner, when removing it from the package, so that it would not have to be readjusted when the surgeon desires to use the needle to suture or join tissue.
Suture packages which allow for easy removal of the suture are well known. Such packages are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,961,498; 4,967,902; 5,052,551; 5,056,658 and 5,099,994. All of these packages allow for ready removal of the suture once the needle has been grasped by a forceps or a needle holder. However, none of these prior art packages insure that the needle may be grasped one time and the suture removed from the package and the needle be in a position ready to be used for suturing. Generally, all of these packages require that the needle be touched or positioned in the forceps or needle holder to allow the suture to be removed from the package or the needle will have to be repositioned within the forceps before being used for suturing.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a suture package that allows the needle to be grasped and the suture removed without having to touch the needle. It is an object of the present invention to reduce the possibility that the user may be pricked by a needle. It is a further object of the present invention to reduce the possibility that a needle will have to be repositioned within the forceps before being used for suturing.


A data receiving apparatus and control method are provided. The apparatus includes a determining part determining whether a clock signal and a data signal are respectively in a high state and/or in a low state based on a predetermined value of a standard level, when the clock signal and the data signal are received from an external apparatus; and a controller determining a data communicating state corresponding to the high state and/or the low state of the clock signal and the data signal determined in the determining part.

1. Field of the Invention
Apparatuses and methods consistent with the present invention relate to a data receiving apparatus and control method thereof, and more particularly, to a data receiving apparatus and control method thereof communicating through an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) bus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a data receiving apparatus, of the type which receives data such as a video signal, an audio signal, etc., communicates through an I2C (bus, a UART (universal asynchronous receiver transmitter) bus, or the like to exchange data.
I2C communication, which utilizes an I2C bus to communicate between devices, includes a clock signal and a data signal line. For example, I2C communication may be used to send and receive information between a CPU, a memory, and an I/O device. Further, I2C communication uses a two-line serial bus, where one line is for sending/receiving the clock signal and the other is for the data signal.
As a consequence of using only two lines, I2C communication provides for a simplified configuration of the data receiving apparatus. In addition, the communication method between devices may also be simplified. As a result I2C communication is widely used.
For example, an I2C communication method where communication between devices occurs through signal transmission using the clock signal line and the data signal line may be set up as shown in Table 1.
TABLE 18 bit1 bit8 bit1 bit8 bit1 bitstartslaveACKsub-ACKdataACKstopad-addressdresstypeacknowl-kind ofacknowl-acknowl-of ICedgefunctionedgeedge
Each line of the I2C bus may be connected to a plurality of devices. When a user controls the plurality of devices, the data receiving apparatus may read and store the data into the devices as in the following process. A controller which controls the devices outputs a start signal to the I2C bus. Further, the controller outputs a slave address to the I2C bus. The slave address may be predetermined for each device, so that each device to be controlled by the controller is identified by a corresponding slave address. The device which is identified by the slave address may be on standby when the slave address is received. The device outputs an acknowledge (ACK) signal to the I2C bus. The ACK signal informs that the device identified by the slave address has normally received the signal from the controller. The sub-addresses correspond to functions which are predetermined in the devices. In addition, the devices may communicate with other devices through the I2C bus. The controller outputs the sub-address to a device which is on standby. When the device receives the sub-address, the device outputs the ACK signal and the data signal through the I2C bus. The device outputs the ACK signal again after the data signal. Then, the controller outputs a stop signal to inform the device of the end of the I2C communication.
During I2C communication the start signal, the stop signal, etc. are classified according to the following method.
TABLE 2startstopACKdataClock signalHighHigh↑↑Data signal↓↑LowLow: 0,High: 1
For example, five volts (5V) indicates the high state of the clock signal and the data signal, respectively. Further, zero volts (0V) indicates that the clock signal and the data signal are respectively in a low state. When the state of the clock signal is high, if the data signal in the high state transitions to the low state data signal, the devices communicating through the I2C bus recognize the signals as the start signal.
When the state of the clock signal is high, if the data signal in the low state transitions to the high state data signal, the devices communicating through the I2C bus recognize the signals as the stop signal. When the state of the data signal is low, if the clock signal in the low state transitions to the high state clock signal, the devices recognize the data as 0. When the state of the data signal is high, if the clock signal in the low state transitions to the high state clock signal, the devices recognize the data as 1.
However, when both the clock signal and the data signal are lower than 5V and higher than 0V, the clock signal and the data signal are not in the high and low state. In this case, the clock signal and the data signal may respectively be represented in the manner of table 2 such as ↑ ↑, ↑ ↓, ↓ ↑, ↓ ↓.
However, ↑ ↑, ↑ ↓, ↓ ↑, ↓↓ do not correspond to a state described in table 2, so that the devices communicating through the I2C bus recognize the clock/data signals as an error.
In other words, the device communicating through the I2C bus sends and/or receives a plurality of signals through each line. When the input states of the clock signal and data signal are converted almost at the same time, each of the clock signal and the data signal may not to be in the high state and the low state so that an error may occur. Further, in the case where a data receiving apparatus which includes an HDCP (high-bandwidth digital content protection) function receives signals through the I2C bus which are not in a high state or low state, and the signals may not be processed properly.

Data receiving apparatus and control method thereof


This invention has an object to provide a practical neural network device. The first neural network device of this invention comprises an input circuit for performing predetermined processing of external input information and generating an input signal, an arithmetic processing circuit for performing an arithmetic operation of the input signal in accordance with a plurality of control parameters and generating an output signal, and a control circuit for controlling the control parameters of the arithmetic processing circuit so that the output signal is set to satisfy a predetermined relationship with the input signal, the control circuit including a first cumulative adder for performing cumulative summation of updating amounts of the control parameters for a plurality of proposition patterns supplied as the input signal during learning, and a second cumulative adder for adding currently used control parameter values to values obtained by the first cumulative adder to obtain new control parameter values.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a neural network device widely used in like as recognition (e.g., character recognition or speech recognition), motion control (e.g., robot control), general process control, or neurocomputers.
2. Description of the Related Art
One general paper concerning a neural network is Teuvo Kohonen, "Representation of sensory information in self-organizing feature maps, and relation of these maps to distributed memory networks", SPIE Vol. 634, Optical and Hybrid Computing., pp. 248-259 (1986).
According to the above reference, one of the systems called neural networks is defined by the following three ordinary differential equations: EQU dy/dt=f(x,y,M,N) (1) EQU dM/dt=g(x,y,M) (2) EQU dN/dt=h(y,N) (3)
where x is a vector representing an input, y is a vector representing an output, M and N are parameter matrices, and f, g, and h are nonlinear functions.
An electronic circuit used in signal processing will be taken into consideration. The system parameter matrices M and N are represented by resistances, capacitances, and the like, and are, in most cases, constants. More specifically, since the respective elements of the matrices M and N in equations (2) and (3) are constants, the right-hand sides of equations (2) and (3) become zero.
In a system called a neural network, the system parameter matrices M and N are values which change as a function of time When the system parameter matrices M and N instantaneously change in accordance with equations (2) and (3), a normal storage function and a learning function based on the normal storage are realized. In addition, although storage and learning take a long period of time, an output can be obtained in response to an input within a very short period of time. In the above three equations, the matrices M and N change slowly as compared with the vectors x and y.
Another conventional neural network is defined by the following two ordinary differential equations (Reference: F. Fosenblatt, "The perceptron: a probabilistic model for information storage and organization in the brain", Psychological Review 65, pp. 386-408 (1958)): EQU dy/dt=f(x,y,M) (4) EQU dM/dt=g(x,T,M) (5)
where x is a vector representing an input, y is a vector representing an output, T is a vector representing a teacher signal, M is a system parameter matrix, f and g are nonlinear functions. In the system described by equations (4) and (5), in order to obtain a desired output in response to an input, a teacher signal is additionally used.
As described above, various modifications may be considered, but a neural network system is characterized that it has a storage function and a learning function based on storage.
One of the systems described by equations (4) and (5) will be described below in detail.
The system described by equations (4) and (5) is so-called perceptron which is a neural network system (see the above reference) having a layer structure, proposed by Rosenblatt et. al. in 1958. The perceptron having a large number of layers is called a multilayered perceptron. The structure of the multilayered perceptron is known to resemble synapses of neurons in a cerebellum or cerebral cortex. A mathematical analysis concerning an information processing capacity of a multilayered perceptron has been developed. For example, a perceptron having n(2n+1) neurons can express a continuous function having n arbitrary variables according to the theorem of Kolmogorov (Reference: Branko Soucek, "Neural and Concurrent Real-Time Systems", JOHN WILEY & SONS (The Sixth Generation), pp. 77-79).
A parameter of a multilayered perceptron is a value of connection weight between synapses of neurons. By updating said parameter in accordance with a differential equation called a learning equation, nonlinear adaptive network can be arranged.
In recent years, an error backward propagation learning algorithm is developed by Rumelhart et. al., and the above parameter can be obtained in accordance with a steepest descent method (Reference D. E. Rumelhart et al., "PARALLEL DISTRIBUTED PROCESSING; Exploration in the Microstructure of Cognition (Vol. 1: Foundations)", The MIT Press (1988), pp. 322-330).
The above multilayered perceptron will be described with reference to FIG. 1.
FIG. 1 shows a three-layered perceptron. The first layer is called an input layer consisting of S.sub.i (i=1, 2 , . . . , h) neurons. The second layer is called an intermediate layer consisting of A.sub.i (i=1, 2 , . . . , p) neurons. The third layer is called an output layer consisting of R.sub.i (i=1, 2 , . . . , m) neurons. A connection weight connected by m synapses is represented by RS.sub.ji and RA.sub.ji (i=1 , . . . , h; j=i , . . . , l). Assume that a signal propagates from the left to the right in FIG. 1. In addition, in all neurons, a relationship between the input and output signals in each neuron is assumed as projection according to a monotonous nonlinear function. It is also assumed that an input to the input layer of the neuron is externally supplied. Inputs to neurons except for those in the intermediate and output layers are subjected to the following weight sum operations: ##EQU1##
The above error backward propagation learning algorithm will be described below. The error backward propagation learning algorithm is a learning algorithm used when a teacher signal is supplied to only the last layer. When a projection result from an input signal x.sub.1 (a total sum of signals input from other neurons) of a neuron of interest of an arbitrary layer to an output signal from the neuron of the interest is represented by O, a connection weight R.sub.ji.sup.n+1 in a learning count n+1 is generally defined as follows: EQU R.sub.ij.sup.n+1 =R.sub.ji.sup.n +.rho..multidot..epsilon..sub.j .multidot.O.sub.j ( 8)
where .rho. is the relaxation coefficient. When the neuron is located in the output layer, .epsilon..sub.j is defined as follows: EQU .epsilon..sub.j =(t.sub.j -O.sub.j).multidot.F.sub.j ' (9)
where t.sub.j is the jth element of the teacher signal T.
When the neuron is not located in the output layer, .epsilon..sub.j is given as follows: ##EQU2## where F' is the first-order differential form of F by x. This algorithm is applied to the processing network.
The neural network is exemplified by the multi-layered perceptron in the above description. Conventional problems will be described below.
When a neural network device incorporating hardware which realizes equations (1) to (10) is assumed to be learnt in a given environment inaccessible to man, e.g., in a living body, there is no way to input the signal t.sub.j in equation (9) in the neural network device, and its application fields are therefore limited.
Equations (1) to (10) include arithmetic operations such as flexible long-term storable synapse function operations in addition to the four basic arithmetic operations. In addition, these equations include a nonlinear function in which the relationship between the input and output has a monotonously increased saturation characteristic curve, and a differential function of the nonlinear function. For these reasons, an extensive study is required to realize the arithmetic operations of equations (1) to (10) by a device or an electronic circuit.
The four basic arithmetic operations, the nonlinear function in which the relationship between the input and output has a monotonously increased saturation characteristic curve, and the differential function of the nonlinear function can be realized by conventional analog/digital electronic circuit techniques. The long-term programmable synapse function arithmetic operations can be realized by a conventional EEPROM and thin-film devices. It is, however, difficult to manufacture such a thin-film device because the thin-film device is incompatible with an LSI fabrication process.
In a conventional device, an .epsilon..sub.j value and a connection weight R.sub.ji.sup.n+1 are obtained by an analog circuit. An accurate .epsilon..sub.j value and an accurate connection weight R.sub.hi.sup.n+1 cannot be obtained by noise superposed on circuit signals, an offset, and a gain error, thus degrading the learning function.
As described above, the conventional neural network device has a narrow range of application fields, and a learning function cannot be effected as desired.
Conventional device techniques are reported in IEEE SPECTRUM Jan. (1991), pp. 52-55.


A display control device comprises an output unit that outputs an inverted polarity of an AC signal in a constant cycle, based on a signal of the constant cycle; a stop control unit that stops the reversal of the polarity of the AC signal in the output unit, based on a stop signal; a rewrite control unit for outputting a display data rewrite signal; and a transmission control unit for controlling the rewrite control unit. The stop signal stops the reversal of the polarity of the AC signal during a period in which the display data rewrite signal is output. The AC signal stopped by the stop signal maintains a polarity before the stop of polarity reversal. The output unit inverts and outputs the polarity of the AC signal, based on the signal of the constant cycle, after a period in which the display data rewrite signal is output.

The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor device, and more particularly, to a microcontroller or the like for controlling a displayed device.
In a display device using a liquid crystal display panel, a technique is known in which a potential (VCOM potential) supplied to a common electrode of a pixel is temporally changed in order to prevent a screen burn-in (also called screen image sticking). Patent Document 1 discloses that "when the timing at which the polarity should be reversed is within the period in which the image data is output, the CPU 101 changes the timing to a timing after the period.
There are disclosed techniques listed below.
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-132716


A gauge for the measurement of both pressure and temperature of a fluid includes a dial plate having pressure and temperature graduations thereon, a first Bourdon tube for measuring pressure and a second Bourdon tube for measuring temperature. The Bourdon tubes are of conventional multiturn spiral construction, each having an open end which communicates with a source of pressure and a closed free end that rotationally responds to changes in pressure within the Bourdon tube. The open ends of the Bourdon tubes are mounted in fixed relation to the dial plate. Attached to the free end of each Bourdon tube is a direct coupled indicating pointer which is rotationally displaceable relative to corresponding graduations on the dial plate. A temperature responsive bulb is connected via a capillary tube to the open end of the second spiral Bourdon tube and forms a closed temperature sensing system therewith.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to pressure and temperature sensing gauge instruments, and, more particularly, to a dual Bourdon tube gauge which measures temperature and pressure in a single gauge housing.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of Bourdon tubes to measure variations in pressure is well known in the prior art. Typically, a Bourdon tube is constructed of a flattened tube of spring steel or bronze, bent in a coil form or "C" shape. One end of the Bourdon tube is stationary and has an open inlet, which communicates with the source of pressure, while the other end is sealed and allowed to freely move in proportion to the difference in pressure between the interior and exterior of the tube. As the pressure within the tube increases, the tube tends to straighten, resulting in a greater deflection. The amount of deflection of the free end of the tube is translated, via mechanical or electrical means, into a calibrated output indication of pressure.
It is also known in the prior art to adapt Bourdon tubes for use in temperature measuring instruments. Such temperature gauges generally consist of a closed system employing a hollow cylindrical bulb connected to the Bourdon via a capillary tube. The system is filled with a liquid or gas. The Bourdon tube responds to changes in fill volume (liquid filled system) or changes in pressure (partial liquid filled or gas filled system) related to the changes in temperature at the bulb.
In its simplest form, a typical prior art pressure gauge employs a multiturn spiral Bourdon coil having a pointer mounted directly to its free end. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,641,820, to Bissell, discloses an analog pressure gauge employing a Bourdon tube having, at its free end, an integral pointer which moves relative to a calibrated dial plate in response to changes in pressure to which the gauge is exposed. Further typifying analog pressure gauges is U.S. Pat. No. 4,361,046, to Wetterhom, which discloses the use of a mechanical movement or linkage adapted to amplify and transmit the displacement motion of the Bourdon tube to an output indicating pointer. These prior art gauges, however, were capable of measuring only a single parameter.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,905,237(the '237patent), to Smalarz et al., discloses a temperature-compensated pressure gauge. The '237patent employs a first Bourdon tube coupled to a first indicating pointer to display pressure in the conventional fashion and a second Bourdon tube mechanically coupled to a second dial indicator to continuously define an acceptable operating zone over a predetermined temperature range. This gauge, however, is not capable of concurrently displaying both pressure and temperature information.
It is desirable, particularly in boiler gauge applications on hydronic heating systems where it is typically necessary to monitor both water temperature and system pressure, to use a gauge capable of indicating pressure and temperature on a single gauge face. Some prior art gauges have demonstrated the ability to measure both temperature and pressure in a single unit. These gauges, however, generally employ bimetallic temperature sensing elements and C-shaped Bourdon tubes with delicate mechanical gear or linkage arrangements to couple Bourdon tube displacement to an indicating means.
A significant disadvantage of this type of mechanical translation arrangement is that the complexity of fabrication and assembly of the gauge is greatly increased, thereby increasing cost. Additionally, because of the greater number of moving components, reliability is considerably sacrificed. Another disadvantage of using a linkage arrangement is that overall gauge accuracy is diminished as a result of friction introduced by the moving linkage components. Moreover, since the linkage acts to amplify Bourdon tube displacement, there is enhanced sensitivity to vibration and jarring, thereby creating an additional source of error.
Consequently, there is a need to provide a gauge which is capable of simultaneously displaying pressure and temperature information in a single gauge housing that is reliable and is inexpensive to manufacture and repair.

Combination pressure/temperature gauge employing two bourdon tubes


Methods are provided for the treatment of livestock or poultry confinement facilities equipped with manure collection zones (e.g., a manure pit or litter), in order to reduce and mitigate the effects of gaseous ammonia within the facility. The treatment involves application of an aqueous mixture including a partial calcium salt of a maleic-itaconic copolymer and a partial ammonium salt of a maleic-itaconic copolymer. Preferably, the amount of the partial calcium salt copolymer is greater than the amount of the partial ammonium salt copolymer. The treatment methods provide prompt and lasting reductions in gaseous ammonia within the confinement facility.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to methods for treating livestock or poultry confinement facilities equipped with manure collection zones, such as pits or litter accumulations, to reduce and mitigate the effects of gaseous ammonia within the facility and thereby lessen the deleterious effects of ammonia on the livestock or poultry within the facility. More particularly, the invention is concerned with such methods wherein an aqueous treatment material comprising a partial calcium salt of a maleic-itaconic copolymer in combination with a partial ammonium salt of a maleic-itaconic copolymer. Such treatments promptly reduce the gaseous nitrogen content within the confinement facilities, and maintain such reductions over a significant period of time.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Ammonia is a common by-product of animal waste due to the often inefficient conversion of feed nitrogen into animal product. Livestock and poultry are often fed high-protein diets, which contain surplus nitrogen in order to assure that the animals' nutritional requirements are met. Nitrogen that is not metabolized into animal protein is secreted in the urine and feces of livestock and poultry, where further microbial action release ammonia into the air during manure decomposition.
Ammonia is typically considered an indoor air quality concern by poultry and livestock producers, because the gas accumulates inside poorly ventilated and/or managed animal confinement facilities. Elevated levels of nitrogen can have a negative impact on animal health and production, resulting in increased susceptibility of birds to bacterial respiratory infection, and decreased weight gains, feed conversions. Similarly, other livestock suffer under elevated ammonia conditions within a confinement facility.
Producers have adopted a number of strategies to lessen ammonia levels within confinement facilities, especially in cases of poultry coops or houses. Thus, it is known that a variety of amendments including aluminum sulfate (alum), ferrous sulfate, phosphoric acid, and other proprietary products may be sprayed or otherwise applied to the poultry litter. In the case of manure pits beneath livestock barns or houses, producers have principally relied upon ventilation to reduce ammonia levels. However, these methods have not completely solved the ammonia problems inherent in animal confinement facilities.
Specialty Fertilizer Products, LLC, of Leawood, Kans. (SFP), has heretofore commercialized a series of maleic-itaconic copolymers principally for use with solid or liquid ammoniacal or phosphate fertilizers, such as urea or UAN fertilizers, in order to significantly increase the performance of the fertilizers as evidenced by increased yields.
These prior products include Nutrisphere-N® for Liquid Nitrogen Fertilizers, which is a partial calcium salt of a maleic-itaconic copolymer in water with a solids content of at least 30% w/w, and more preferably about 40% w/w. The copolymer is formulated using equimolar amounts of maleic and itaconic moieties. The final product has a pH of 1-2 and is a light brown to yellow viscous liquid.
Another such product is AVAIL® for Liquid Phosphate Fertilizers is a partial ammonium salt of a maleic-itaconic copolymer in water with a solids content of at least 30% w/w, and more preferably about 40% w/w. The copolymer is formulated using equimolar amounts of maleic and itaconic moieties. The final product has a pH of about 2 and is also a light brown to yellow viscous liquid.
SFP has also previously commercialized a manure nutrient manager product under the trademarks More Than Manure® or MTM®, which is primarily designed to reduce phosphorous lock-up and nitrogen loss when applied to manure in an open-air pit or lagoon, or directly onto litter after field application of the litter. MTM® is an aqueous mixture made up of two-thirds by volume Nutrisphere-N® for Liquid Nitrogen Fertilizers and one-third by volume of AVAIL® for Liquid Phosphate Fertilizers, having a solids content of from about 30-60% w/w, a pH of about 3 and a specific gravity of from about 1.1-1.4. Other benefits of the MTM® product include increased crop rotation flexibility, biodegradability, and reduction of manure solids. In such prior uses of MTM®, no odor-reduction studies were conducted, but numerous MTM® users expressed the opinion of a notable reduction of odor from the use of the product.

Method of reducing atmospheric ammonia in livestock and poultry containment facilities