Process for combined chemical cleaning and etching of parts made of aluminum and/or aluminum alloys including: (a) providing a cleaning and etching solution including 5–30 grams/liter of phosphoric acid; 5–30 grams/liter of hydrogen fluoride; 120–220 grams/liter of sulfamic acid; 55–85.0 grams/liter of glycol ether; and balance water; (b) contacting the parts with the solution for a time sufficient to achieve the desired amount of cleaning and etching; (c) periodically measuring the etching rate of the solution; (d) when the etching rate is below the required minimum rate, adding sufficient hydrogen fluoride to restore the etching rate above the required minimum rate; and (e) periodically adding sufficient sulfamic acid to prevent the formation of scale made of hydrated aluminum fluoride.

Aluminum parts are widely used in the aerospace, aircraft, and automobile industries. In many cases, aluminum parts must be cleaned and etched prior to being inspected using a penetrant dye process. The current practice is to clean parts manually with a solvent wipe and then perform a chemical etching on the parts in an immersion tank. There has been a long-standing need to combine the cleaning and etching steps in a single stable tank immersion instead of in multiple steps. By using a single stable tank immersion, the cleaning and etching results will be improved, manufacturing costs will be reduced, and the amount of solvent emissions will be minimized. The term "hybrid etch" refers to the combination of cleaning and etching in a single tank.
There is a commercially-available prior art liquid cleaning and etching concentrate (described in more detail below) which performs the cleaning and etching functions well when the solution in the tank is fresh. However, as the solution ages in service, the etch rate becomes too slow and a hard insoluble scale is formed in the bottom of the tank which makes it difficult to clean the tank. The prior art concentrate contains the following components:                (a) 11–55 grams/liter of phosphoric acid;        (b) 11–55 grams/liter of hydrogen fluoride (HF) (hydrofluoric acid);        (c) 110–165 grams/liter of sulfamic acid (H3NO3S);        (d) 110–165 grams/liter of propylene glycol monomethyl ether (a solvent); and        (e) balance water.
In commercial practice, the above concentrate is supplied in 55-gallon drums and is added to a tank which is one-half full of deionized water. Thus the concentrate is diluted on a 1:1 basis. Accordingly, the bath in the tank will contain the following constituents:                (a) 5.5–27.5 grams/liter of phosphoric acid;        (b) 5.5–27.5 grams/liter of hydrogen fluoride;        (c) 55–82.5 grams/liter of sulfamic acid;        (d) 55–82.5 grams/liter of propylene glycol monomethyl ether; and        (e) balance water.
As described above, an aqueous solution of the prior art product performs the cleaning and etching functions well when the solution in the tank is fresh, but as the solution ages in service, the etch rate becomes too low and a hard insoluble scale is formed in the bottom of the tank which makes it difficult to clean the tank. An applicable process specification, BAC 5786 (a process specification of The Boeing Company), requires a minimum etch rate of 0.8 mils per side per hour. BAC 5786 is incorporated herein by reference.
Previous efforts by others to stabilize the etch rate were not successful. In addition, previous efforts by others to keep the scale from forming were not successful. Therefore, there is an unmet need in the art for a process for cleaning and etching that stabilizes the etch rate and that prevents scale from forming. The present invention meets this need.


Aircraft flight management devices, systems, computer readable media, and related methods are provided. The present subject matter includes devices, systems, computer readable media, and related methods of providing flight management control during abnormal events and/or situations requiring diversion from the present mission. In some aspects, a system for providing flight management may include a computing platform with a processor, a memory, and a flight management application module (FMAM) configured to receive data from multiple servers. The FMAM may also calculate one or more aircraft ranges and/or diversion routes based upon the received data. In some aspects, systems and devices disclosed herein may be configured to provide diversion assistance by selectively displaying information including the map, one or more of the aircraft ranges, a vertical display, and information regarding one or more airports.

The present subject matter relates generally to devices, systems, computer readable media, and related methods for aircraft flight management, and more particularly to a tactile user interface device providing centralized control over multiple aircraft flight management systems, for example, in the case of an abnormal event or failure which may require aircraft diversion.
During an aircraft flight, situations may arise that require the diversion of the aircraft and/or the execution of emergency procedures from flight crew operators. For example, where there is a fuel leak or an engine feed fault, flight crew operators, namely pilots, must make quick and informed decisions regarding whether to divert the aircraft to an available airfield and/or whether to rely on another appropriate response.
Currently, flight management controls, devices, and/or systems are provided throughout the cockpit in multiple different locations. This makes it difficult for crewmembers to quickly compile the necessary information and react for an aircraft flight reconfiguration or diversion while taking into account the systems information and/or controls necessary to perform any reconfiguration. Operators also lack the availability for long-range planning, diversion anticipation, and/or selection assistance during a flight.
Another problem with current flight management systems is that operators are generally limited on what information is quickly and immediately available to them during an abnormal event. Such information may include onboard notifications and alarms, printed or digital databases of available runway data, or communication with aircraft traffic control. This small amount of information may reduce the operators' abilities to anticipate possible diversions and determine the best possible flight reconfiguration based upon the emergency or abnormal event.
To date, there are no devices, systems, computer readable media, and/or related methods for assisting flight operators with the necessary guidance for flight management in the case of an abnormal event. Accordingly, there is a need for devices, systems, computer readable media, and related methods that will provide a centralized interface for operators to control flight management systems, especially in the case of abnormal events or failures. There is also a further need for systems and devices that offer extended capabilities for flight management during abnormal events, such as displaying a calculated available aircraft ranges and/or available airfield data. There is a further need for systems and devices that offers diversion anticipation and/or planning assistance such that operators are aware of the available diversions ahead of decision points.

Aircraft flight management devices, systems, computer readable media and related methods


A method for passing a plurality of optical fibers into an enclosure configured to enclose in an interior thereof a plurality of optical communication connections may include accessing the interior of the enclosure. The method may also include separating a module plate associated with a floor of the enclosure to provide an opening between an exterior of the enclosure and the interior of the enclosure. The method may also include feeding the plurality of optical fibers through the opening and into the interior of the enclosure. The method may further include associating the module plate with the enclosure, such that the module plate at least partially defines an aperture through which the plurality of optical fibers pass from the exterior of the enclosure to the interior of the enclosure.

Cabinets may be used to enclose and protect equipment, such as, for example, fiber optic equipment associated with fiber optic cables including optical fibers. For example, fiber optic equipment may be enclosed in cabinets and provide connections and circuitry for facilitating broadband voice, video, and data transmission. One example of a cabinet for enclosing fiber optic equipment is a fiber optic distribution cabinet, some of which may be intended to be installed in an outdoor environment exposed to the elements. In order to protect cables and equipment inside the cabinet, some such cabinets are constructed to provide a dust- and fluid-resistant barrier between the interior of the cabinet and the surroundings. However, the construction of some cabinets may suffer from a number of possible drawbacks. For example, the exterior of some cabinets is constructed as a single piece, thus rendering such cabinets difficult to repair if damaged and difficult to modify in order to, for example, expand the capacity of the cabinet without replacing large portions of the cabinet, or even the entire cabinet. In addition, the portion of the cabinet at the location at which cables enter the cabinet cannot be removed or replaced without disconnecting the cables from the respective connection points inside the cabinet, which may render its removal or replacement difficult and time consuming.
Some examples described herein may address one or more of these possible drawbacks.

System and method for feeding a cable into an enclosure in a sealed and accessible manner

Corning Research & Development Corporation


A method is described for forming a porous coating on the surface of a substrate such as an implantable prosthesis wherein a microstructure appliqué is made in the shape and depth of the area to be coated, adhesively attached to that area and subsequently bonded to the substrate through the application of an appropriate sintering treatment. Manufacture of the microstructure appliqué is accomplished through the transfer and deposition of one or more packed layers of uniformly-sized, metallic particles onto a shaped pattern followed by the addition of a binder solution for preserving the packing of particles and the integrity of the shaped piece. The method disclosed herein provides a means of making uniform and reproducible structures possessing uniform porosity and is adaptable to automation for producing larger quantities of appliqués, which may help in reducing costs associated with prosthetic implant production.

The invention relates to a method of forming a porous structure on the surface of a solid substrate. The porous structure is created by the use of a microstructure appliqué consisting of a binder and a particulate material formed in the predetermined shape and depth and applied to a substrate of similar or dissimilar material and geometrical configuration. The process is especially, although not exclusively, useful for making prosthetic implant devices with porous metal-coated surfaces.
Various methods have been disclosed in the literature for providing a porous metal coating on the surfaces of prosthetic implants for securing such devices by means of both soft and hard (bone) tissue ingrowth.
In one such method disclosed by Hahn in U.S. Pat. No. 3,605,123, a porous surface structure is built up by applying multiple metal layers using a flame spray process. This technique was found to be undesirable due to the weak interfacial adhesion to bone tissue. Later techniques by Pillar (in U.S. Pat. No. 3,855,638) and others (see patent references) formed the porous metal coating on implant devices by applying a slurry of metallic powder suspended in aqueous solution with organic binders. The applied slurry layer is converted to the porous coating through diffusion bonding of the metallic particles to one another and to the substrate surface, thereby creating substantially uniform pores and pore size distribution. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,017,911, Kafesjian teaches a method where an adhesive is applied to select areas of a valve body casting followed by pouring metallic powder of specific size onto the treated areas. Additional layers of powder are applied by repeating the process until reaching the desired thickness. After achieving the desired depth, the coated casting is sintered in an appropriate atmosphere to permanently attach the particles to the casting and to each other. The shape and size of the metallic powder and the appropriate choice of sintering conditions control the porosity of the sintered layer.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,536,894 by Galante et al, the application of prefabricated porous pads secured to flat surfaces or pressed into hollow depressions on the stem of a hip prosthesis is mentioned but no method is given for fabricating the porous pads.
Porous coatings are again added to bone prosthesis in U.S. Pat. No. 4,550,448 where a layer of spherical metal powder is deposited on adhesive-coated areas, via treatment in a fluid bed, and presintered to burn off the binder and establish bonding between different particles and between particles and the substrate surface. A second layer of particles is added on top of the first layer in similar fashion and presintered a second time for establishing secure bonding between layers. A third sinter step is performed on the coated substrate to promote formation of secure junctions between particles, between layers and attachments to the substrate. Several drawbacks to using such a method involving multiple high-temperature heat treatments would be the addition of significant time and costs to the manufacturing cycle as well as the potential to degrade both mechanical properties and material properties and distort prosthesis dimensions.
Yet in another method called out in U.S. Pat. No. 4,612,160, a porous metal coating is created by positioning a rigid mold in close proximity to a substrate such that the space between mold and substrate defines the boundaries of the porous layer. The defined space is filled with metal powder, without a binder, and the mold/substrate assembly then presintered to lightly bind particles together and to the substrate. After removal from the mold, the coated substrate is further sintered to obtain the proper desired bond strength and pore volume. This technique would be difficult to implement for coating areas with complex geometrical shapes and patterns but offers a way to eliminate sources of contamination introduced through the use of adhesive binders. In a related method, Bugle, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,854,496, describes a method where a porous pad of pure titanium is first made by presintering powder in a cavity of the desired shape. The shaped pad then sintered to achieve required bond strength, the pad flattened on one side to create a bonding surface and finally sintered to the substrate under application of pressure within a non-reactive atmosphere.
Chowdhary describes a method in U.S. Pat. No. 5,104,410 wherein a titanium powder is combined with a urea to form a mixture that is compressed into pockets using a hydraulic press. After compaction, the urea component is leached out of the pressed-on material by soaking the device in water and subsequently dried and sintered in vacuum. The porosity of the added layer is created by the removal of urea within the volume of the compacted pockets.
In a series of patents by Devanathan et al, the inventor describes the application and fixation of porous surfaces to an implant using laser welding. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,773,789, porous metal pads are fabricated using a sintering or diffusion bonding process. Pre-shaped pads with adhesive backing are placed on the implant and coupled to the surface at a plurality of locations by application of a laser beam to form weld beads attaching the pads to the implant body.
Finally, metallic porous bead preforms are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,193,761 and 6,209,621. Here, the bead preforms are first prepared by mixing metallic beads with binder, such as methylcellulose, and applying the resultant slurry to a mold of the desired shape. The bead/binder slurry is fired to burn off the binder and bond beads together. The shaped preform is then attached to the prosthesis during its formation by the casting of molten metal into a refractory shell containing said preform positioned where a porous metal coating is desired on the implant device.

Microstructure applique and method for making same


A combination of a unique construction format, involving two sets of rotor and stator embodiments, working in co-operation with each other, in a unique fixed, direct-axis and quadrature-axis orientation, and with unique field-winding, back-EMF cancellation, connection schemes to substantially negate the field-winding harmonic currents in the field-winding excitation circuits, and provide for a substantially square-wave shaped, open-terminal, armature output-voltage characteristic.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is related to the field of art of the brushless, windingless rotor, variable reluctance, electromechanical alternators and motors having wound-field excitation.
2. Background Information and Prior Art
The invention disclosed herein represents a significant improvement to, and an addition of new matter to the subject matter of the U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,127 to Smith, in the context of an inventive combination. The improvement by the inventive combination and the new matter disclosed are primarily focused on the potential applications of the technologies of the referenced Smith patent, in the areas of direct-current alternator products, single-phase and three-phase power alternators having alternating-current (AC), field-modulated excitation, as well as, electronically commutated (EC), direct-current, controlled drive motor products.
The disclosure by the U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,127 to Smith did not provide for a means, nor method, to substantially negate the undesirable harmonics in the currents of the field excitation circuits, that are the result of the back electromotive force, or back-EMF, generated in the field windings by the varying magnetic field pole fluxes. This field current harmonic condition results in undesirable harmonic distortion in the induced armature, open-terminal, output voltage waveform. Furthermore, the harmonics in the field currents and the armature, open-terminal, output voltage, interactively reduce machine efficiency; reduce the quality of the armature output-voltage waveform from the desired square-wave form, and introduce undesirable operational torque characteristics.
The means and methods disclosed herein, which consist of a combination of (1) a unique construction format for the rotor and stator embodiments, and (2) the connection schemes for the field windings, whereas, the combination is essential to substantially negate the aggregate back EMF of the field windings, to minimize the harmonic content of the field excitation currents, were not considered in the disclosure by Smith.
In addition to the unique construction format and the unique connection schemes for the field excitation windings, which are disclosed in the inventive combination, there is still another significant improvement disclosed herein that would add new matter to the disclosure in U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,127 to Smith. That is, the aggregate inductance of the field excitation windings and circuits would be substantially constant in magnitude; complementing the efforts to reduce the harmonics in the currents and EMF waveforms in both the field windings and armature windings circuitry.

Brushless, windingless rotor, variable reluctance, electromechanical machines, having wound-field excitation


In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may include selecting a plurality of signal thresholds including a product of an integer ranging from about 2 to N and a ratio of a quotient of a maximum peak amplitude of the acoustic borehole signal and a root-mean-square amplitude of the acoustic borehole signal, to N. Applying the plurality of signal thresholds to the acoustic borehole signal to determine a corresponding plurality of peak amplitudes and signal travel times for selected ones of the plurality of signal thresholds may also be included.

An acoustic logging tool may include one or more acoustic receivers. Acoustic signals may be transmitted by a variety of acoustic sources and received at the receivers as the tool passes through a borehole. Thus, the acoustic signal from a particular source may travel through the formation adjacent the borehole to the receiver array, such that arrival times and other characteristics of the receiver response may be recorded. Received signals may include compressional waves (P-waves), shear waves (S-waves), and Stoneley waves. Received signal data may be processed to determine signal travel distance and formation characteristics, including slowness (the inverse of acoustic speed), from which pore pressure, porosity, and other formation property determinations can be made.
Traditional acoustic tools may detect acoustic signal travel times based on a selected trigger threshold. However, the usefulness of measurements obtained may be reduced due to the presence of various noise sources. Low thresholds may cause false trigger indications, and high thresholds may prevent detection of desired signals.

Signal thresholding apparatus, systems, and methods


Enhanced internal electrical generators are provided which include pole pieces that form air gaps flanked with conductive wire coils. Rotatable armatures supporting permanent magnets are arranged to swing or revolve relative to the air gaps such that the magnetic flux thereof is intersected by the wire coils to generate electrical voltage and current therein. These generators may be incorporated within the housing of many portable devices such as cell phones to self generate electrical current useful for operating the device or recharging its batteries or other component that stores the generated electrical energy.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to armature type electrical generators which are useful as internal power sources for self powered cell phones or other battery or capacitor powered products or devices. Installation of such generators within the housing of such self powered devices avoids the need for power from an electric outlet to perform operating or recharging functions.
2. Disadvantages in Prior Practice
The present applicants are co-inventors of an invention described in their earlier filed copending application Ser. No. 11/191,890, entitled ARMATURE TYPE ELECTRICAL GENERATORS FOR SELF POWERED CELL PHONES, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Generally, that application teaches an internal electrical generator having a pivotable armature which supports one or more conductive wire coils. Such coils are arranged to oscillate in reciprocal opposite directions like a pendulum, through the flux of permanent magnetic circuits and thereby generate electrical voltage and current by the Faraday Effect.
The output of the wire coils is connected to leads that conduct the generated current to the input terminals of a battery or capacitor or other component that stores the electrical energy. Since the output ends emerge from coils that oscillate in sizable arcs with the pivoting armature, the connectors have to be made of conductive material that can flex with and withstand such oscillations without breakage or other failure. Furthermore, in view of such connections, the armature cannot be put into complete angular revolutions of 360 degrees because the connectors would then twist about themselves and either jam the armature or break apart, thereby disabling or destroying the function of current generation. These limitations are obstacles which prevent designing internal electrical generators that operate with optimum efficiency and cost effectiveness.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


The invention described PDGF modifiers. These are peptides which are derived from wild type PDGF monomers, and function as either agonists or antagonists. Various uses of these are described, as well as recombinant means of production. PDGF-B agonists comprising amino acids 97-180 of the PDGF-B monomer having the cysteines at amino acid residues 124 and 133 substituted, nucleic acid molecules encoding the agonists, plasmids, transformed host cells, and methods for causing receptor dimerization and autophosphorylation in a cell having PDGF-.beta. receptors on its surface comprising administering the PDGF-B agonist form part of the invention.

PDGF was first recognized as a component of platelet .alpha. granules, which had growth promoting activity for smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts (Heldin and Westermark, Cell Regul 1: 555-566 (7-90)). It has also been implicated in the stimulation of connective tissue-derived cells in vitro (Ostman et al., J. Biol. Chem. 263(31): 16202-16208 (11-88)), as the major mitogenic protein for mesenchymal cells (Murray et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,889,919 and 4,845,075), and as an inducer of cell multiplication and DNA synthesis in cultured muscle cells, fibroblasts and glial cells (Kelly et al, PCT Application W090/14425 (Nov. 29, 1990)). It has also been shown to be involved in the wound healing response (Ross et al., N. Eng. J. Med. 295: 369 (1976)), and may be involved in a causative role for the development of proliferative lesions of artherosclerosis (Ross) supra. Others have suggested that this molecule may be a mediator of tumor development as well as in nonmalignant proliferative disorders (Heldin et al., supra).
The PDGF molecule has been very well characterized. It is known to exist as a heterodimer of an "A" chain and a "B" chain, connected to each other via disulphide bonds. The dimer, sometimes referred to as "PDGF-AB", has a molecular mass of about 30 KDa. Amino acid sequences are known for both the A and B chains, as shown, e.g., by Murray et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,889,919 and 4,845,075, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference. The mature chains contain slightly more than 100 amino acids, and are about 60% homologous. Heldin et al., supra.
Dimers PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB have been produced via recombinant means, and have also been isolated from natural sources (see Murray et al., supra; Heldin et al., supra). The various dimers, or "isoforms" differ in functional properties and secretory behavior.
The mechanism by which PDGF acts on cells has received intensive scrutiny, and it has been established that there are two receptors for PDGF, the ".alpha." and ".beta." receptors. The .alpha. receptor binds all isoforms, whereas .beta. receptor does not bind PDGF-AA, binds PDGF-AB with low affinity, and PDGF-BB with high affinity (Heldin et al., supra; Ostman et al., supra). The receptor is synthesized as a 140 KDa precursor protein which matures to one of 170 KDa, and the .beta. receptor is recognized as a precursor of 160 KDa, and a mature molecule of 180 KDa. cDNA for both receptors has also been isolated (Heldin et al., supra; Kelly et al., supra).
The structure of the receptors is linked to their function; both comprise five immunoglobulin like domains (extracellular portion), and intracellular portions containing protein tyrosine kinase domains with characteristic insert sequences which have no homology to kinase domains (Yarden et al., Nature 323: 226-232 (1986); Matsui et al., Science 243: 800-803 (1989); Claesson-Welsh et al., PNAS 86: 4917-4921 (1989). When PDGF binds to these receptors, dimerization of the receptor molecules is induced, followed by kinase activation and autophosphorylation of the receptors (Heldin et al., J. Biol. Chem. 264: 8905-8912 (1989); Seifert et al., J. Biol. Chem. 264: 8771-8778 (1989); Bishayee et al., J. Biol. Chem. 264: 11699-11705 (1989)).
The many mechanisms with which PDGF is involved and the manner in which it reacts with its receptors suggests further study as to how this interaction can be modified One approach to this type of study involves the use of agonists and antagonists. The molecules, using the definitions employed by Kelly et al., supra, either mimic the effect of PDGF (agonists), or block the interaction of receptor and ligand (antagonists).
The art has long recognized that agonists and antagonists for various materials exist, and Kelly et al., via their discussion, de facto assumes that these exist for PDGF. Review of the literature indicates, however, that no proteinaceous agonists and antagonists to PDGF are taught. For the reasons described supra, it would be desirable to have such material available.
The two patents to Murray et all, cited supra discuss potential amino acid substitution of cysteine residues in the monomeric chains, provided that these substitutions do not destroy the biological activity of the molecules. The '919 patent generally teaches modifications of PDGF AA molecules. Neither reference teaches that modified dimers of PDGF have antagonistic activity against wild type PDGF.
It has now been found that portions of the PDGF chains, i.e., peptides derived therefrom, can be used as both agonists and antagonists. It has also been found that manipulation of the dimeric structure of the PDGF molecule leads to the creation of monomeric molecules which are PDGF agonists. Additionally, it has been found that in dimeric PDGF molecules, there is a "cross" bond of the second cysteine of each monomer with the fourth cysteine of the other monomer, and that elimination of one of these bond creates a dimeric molecule which competes with wild type PDGF. PDGF-B agonists comprising amino acids 97-180 of the PDGF-B monomer having the cysteines at amino acid residues 124 and 133 substituted, nucleic acid molecules encoding the agonists, plasmids, transformed host cells, and methods for causing receptor dimerization and autophosphorylation in a cell having PDGF-.beta. receptors on its surface comprising administering the PDGF-B agonist form part of the invention. Also described are new PDGF heterodimers, methods and systems for producing these. These are the key features of the invention described herein, which will be seen from the disclosure which follows.


An analytical instrument may have multiple distinct channels. Such may include one or more illumination sources and sensors. Illumination may be delivered to specific locations of a specimen holder, and returned illumination may be delivered to specific locations of a sensor array. Illumination may first pass a specimen, and a mirror or reflector may then return the illumination past the specimen. Optical splitters may be employed to couple pairs of fiber optics proximate a specimen holder. Such channels may further include a plurality of illumination sources positioned on one side of a specimen holder and a plurality of sensors on the other side. The plurality of sensor may capture image of a specimen and a spectrophotometer may concurrently scan the specimen. A plurality of specimens may be imaged and scanned in a single pass of a plurality of passes. Spherical or ball lenses may be placed in an optical path of the illumination to achieve a desired illumination pattern.

1. Field
This disclosure generally relates to analytical instruments, and particularly analytical instruments for use with specimen holders that hold specimens or samples to be analyzed.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are numerous types of analytical instruments used for a variety of purposes, for example research, testing, and diagnostics. For example, some analytical instruments are used to detect biological substances, for instance proteins or DNA.
Many analytical instruments expose a specimen or sample of a material to be analyzed to electromagnetic energy and senses or otherwise detects a response of the specimen or sample to the exposure. For example, a specimen or sample may be exposed to illumination in one or more wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. For instance, a specimen or sample may be exposed to or illuminated with electromagnetic energy in an optical portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, extending from infrared to ultraviolet and encompassing visible light as well as invisible light such as near infrared or near ultraviolet wavelengths. Many materials will reflect some wavelengths while absorbing other wavelengths. Some materials may reemit electromagnetic energy at a different or shifted wavelength in a phenomenon commonly referred to as fluorescence. This spectral response may be used to characterize the material.
Analytical instruments are often used with disposable specimen or sample holders which hold specimens or samples of the material to be analyzed. Specimen or sample holders may take the form of simple cuvettes or may be relatively more complicated microfluidic platforms with channels, wells, reservoirs, pumps, valves, etc. Such may come in a variety of shapes, typically plates with either a rectangular or circular profile. The specimen or sample holders are removably located in the analytical instrument.
In some instances, the specimen or sample holders also hold one or more reagents that are targeted to react with certain substances. Some reagents may for example fluoresce, aiding in identification of substances with which the reagents react.
The ability to accurately measure responses from specimens or samples is important. Achieving consistent illumination or excitation is important to producing accurate results. Such may be difficult due to alignment errors, particularly where the specimen or sample holder is removable. Typically high density of specimens or samples on a sample holder is desirable. However, closeness of specimens or samples may complicate analysis. Interference between sampling of neighboring areas or locations may also contribute to error or inaccuracies.
New approaches which may lead to improved accuracy in analytical instruments are desirable.

Multichannel analytical instruments for use with specimen holders


A method of establishing a secure communications link between a user communications device and a first service communications device; the method comprises the steps of initiating a communications link using a first communications protocol between the user communications device and the first service communications device; performing, based on a PIN value, an initialisation procedure between the user communications device and the first service communications device, the initialisation procedure resulting in an identification key; storing the identification key in the user communications device and the first service communications device; the method is characterised in that it further comprises the steps of using a second communications protocol to perform a transaction between the user communications device and a second service communications device; generating and storing the PIN value; the invention further relates to a communications system and a mobile communications device.

Wireless communications technologies are frequently used for a wide variety of applications, such as remote controls, wireless network connections of computers, e-commerce applications or the like. In many applications it is desired to establish a secure communications link between two communications devices. This may for example be desired in order to minimise the risk of unauthorised use or misuse or the risk of unauthorised retrieval of information transmitted via the communications link. Hence, effective authentication and encryption schemes are desired in order to mutually authenticate the devices participating in a communication, and to be able to encrypt the information transmitted via a communications link.
An example of a wireless communications technology is the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), which enables mobile communications devices to access the Internet. The WAP protocol is a layered protocol with a wireless datagram protocol (WDP) as the lowest layer, layered on top of a network layer and a bearer service which provide the wireless data link between a WAP client and a WAP server. Examples of bearer services include CDPD in an analogue cellular system, SMS and GPRS in a GSM cellular system, Bluetooth, one-way and two-way paging.
The Bluetooth technology is an example of a short-range wireless communications technology. The Bluetooth technology enables different units to communicate at a high speed and may be used in a variety of applications including ad-hoc networks of computers and other electronic equipment, e-commerce applications where a portable electronic user communications device may be used as an electronic ticket or key. The user communications device, e.g. a mobile phone, may connect to a service communications device which may grant or deny access to a location or a service.
In many of these applications there is a need for a fast authentication of the user communications device by the service communications device, in particular when the time necessary for the completion of an interaction between the user device and a service device should be kept as small as possible.
The Bluetooth standard (see "Specification of the Bluetooth system, Wireless connections made easy", core version 1.0B, 1999, at http://www.Bluetooth.com) describes how to create security associations between Bluetooth units, how to authenticate units and how to encrypt Bluetooth links. Authentication and encryption are based on security keys generated by one or both of the units and exchanged during an initial pairing or initialisation procedure. However, the unit authentication and link encryption mechanisms require that the two communicating units have been paired, i.e. that an initialisation procedure has been performed and that they share a common secret link key. The pairing is performed based on a PIN value.
The Bluetooth specification suggests that the user may manually enter the PIN into the two devices. However, in order to achieve high security during the subsequent sessions the PIN value should be long as it is used as a basis for the generation of the secret link key. Consequently, this solution has the problem that the manual entering of a long PIN code is time consuming, and errors are likely to occur.
Alternatively, the Bluetooth specification suggests that the PIN value may be exchanged between two devices through means supported by software on the application layer, e.g. by a Diffie-Hellman key agreement. However, the Bluetooth specification does not indicate how this may be done. Furthermore, it is a problem of this prior art solution that a Diffie-Hellman key agreement alone does not provide sufficiently high security, especially for e-commerce applications, or other applications which require the exchange of sensitive data.
For the WAP protocol a standardised security protocol called Wireless Transport Layer Security (WTLS) has been described (see "Wireless Transport Layer Security (WTLS)" WAP forum, http://www.wapforum.org). The WTLS protocol may be used to create secure connections between a WAP client, e.g. a mobile telephone, and a WAP server, e.g. a WAP service provider.
Another known security solution for many secure transport applications in the Internet is the Transport Layer Security (TLS) solution (see T. Dierks and C. Allen, "The TLS Protocol Version 1.0", IETF RFC 2246, ftp://ftp.isi.edu/in-notes/rfc2246.txt). The goal of the TLS protocol is to provide privacy and data integrity between two communicating applications. The TLS protocol is composed of two layers which my be layered on top of a reliable transport layer, such as TCP.
However, it is a disadvantage of these prior art methods that using the higher level security functions during communication requires an implementation of a WTLS or TLS server in the communicating Bluetooth units. This would imply additional storage and memory requirements.
It is a further disadvantage of these prior art methods that setting up a higher level communication, such as a WSP or http session with WTLS or TLS, between a client and a server takes a long time. This time may exceed the time available for an e-commerce interaction.
It is a further disadvantage of these prior art methods that they require a bearer protocol that supports WTLS or TLS, such as IP, to be available between the two Bluetooth units.
Hence, it is an object of the invention to provide a method and a system for a fast, efficient set-up of secure connections between wireless communication units.

Method and system for establishing a wireless communication link


A device for the improvement of the running conditions in a hydraulic installation or in a so-called hydraulic system. The device contains a central circulating circuit separated from the influence of the atmosphere. To the circulating circuit are connected an outlet and an inlet for the connection of the hydraulic fluid to the other part of the hydraulic system. The circulating circuit is divided into at least two chambers separated by respective pressure generating and pressure reducing units. The first chamber is to a certain extent an expansion room for the hydraulic fluid in the system which is separated from the atmosphere and it forms a low-pressure part in the circuit. The second chamber forms a high-pressure part which is directly connected to the outlet. The circulating circuit holds a medium for the cooling and filtering of the hydraulic fluid.

The present invention relates to a device for the improvement of the running conditions in a hydraulic installation or in a so-called hydraulic system.
A hydraulic system is normally designed with a suction pipe connecting an oil tank to a pump or pumps of a system which directly or indirectly supply the executive units of the system with hydraulic power in the form of hydraulic motors and cylinders. Hydraulic fluid is returned from motors and cylinders to the tank through a return pipe and possibly collected leakage is brought back by means of a drain pipe. The oil tank communicates with the outside air through an airfilter. Because of variations in the enclosed oil volume of the hydraulic system and because of the temperature-depending volume variations, the oil level in the tank will vary and the air in the tank will breathe through the mentioned filter.
Despite the filter, small dirt particles will always pass to the oil from the ambient air and reversedly, at the same time, a limited continous evaporation of oil to the outside air is going on.
Furthermore, the outside air contains water vapour which will condense as water on the cooler inside walls of the tank when the temperature drops below the current saturation temperature of the air. This causes the hydraulic fluid, over a period of time, to be super-saturated with water, resulting in the presence of water in free form in the tank.
Via the contact with the atmosphere, the hydraulic fluid will furthermore be saturated with air. Hydraulic fluid in the form of mineral oil dissolves, e.g., 9 percentage of volume air at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. With dropping pressure, the value of saturation decreases, so that one normally has to take into consideration a certain amount of free air in, e.g., suction pipes in which, related to the atmospheric pressure, a negative pressure easily appears. The hydraulic fluid and certain components, which are parts of the system, are also continuously exposed to oxidation because of the oxygen in the dissolved air.
Air as well as water and dirt particles, i.e., the impurities, are thus not wanted in a hydraulic system, and the availability of the whole system is dependent upon a low level of the mentioned impurities. Another disadvantage which is the result of what has been alleged above is the following:
As mentioned before, the tank is connected to a pump. The suction pipe is dimensioned considering the pressure drop in the pipe between the tank /pump-inlet which leads to a design of short and coarse suction pipes. Despite this dimensioning, problems of cavitation appear at the pump inlet, because of too low a pressure, which particularly occurs if the hydraulic fluid is heavy. The foremost reason for these conditions is normally that the hydraulic fluid in the tank is more or less saturated with air which to a certain extent is dissolved in the suction pipe when the static pressure in the suction pipe drops below the atmospheric pressure.
The known systems comprise filters, sometimes placed in separate filter circuits, and sometimes just as return filters, i.e., fitted in the return pipe. Separate coolers control the temperature of the hydraulic fluid.
As understood by the introductory description, it is not possible in normally designed hydraulic systems to efficiently prevent new particles, water and air from getting into contact with the hydraulic fluid. Furthermore, there is a great risk of cavitation at the suction connections of the pumps, because only atmospheric pressure is available for feeding the pump with hydraulic fluid. The mentioned drawbacks result in problems with, 1.a., component wear, rust damage, rapid fast oil oxidation and cavitation damage.

Device for improvement of running condition in hydraulic system


An ornamental accessory for a fingernail which includes an elongated overlay having a top surface and a bottom surface and first and second ends, the first end having a shape and size approximating the shape and size of at least the end of a fingernail. The base portion is fixed to, and substantially coextensive with, at least the second end of the overlay. In preferred embodiments, the overlay is transparent or translucent while the base is translucent or opaque, and the base also forms an abutment for use in fitting the accessory to the end of the nail of the user. Furthermore, the present ornamental accessory is preferably an artificial fingernail tip, and most preferably a French tip.

The present invention relates to the art of ornamental accessories for fingernails, and, in particular, to a new structure for, and, consequently, new ornamentation for nail coverings and especially, for fingernail tips.
It has been known in the art of adorning the hands to provide ornamental fingernail accessories made from thin, molded plastic members manufactured generally in the shape of a fingernail. Fingernail tips, which are formed to provide an extension of the wearer's fingernails, are especially attractive accessories.
For example, French tip fingernail accessories extend the end of the natural nail and provide a color variation between the natural nail and the tip. French tips create an attractive image by exaggerating the change of color or hue as the nail extends beyond the tip of the finger.
However, a serious flaw in existing French tip technology and art results from the requirement for securing artificial French tips to existing natural nails. Since a substantial overlap of the artificial tip over the nail end is necessary, the different colored tip is made to extend rearwardly to cover the nail base. This rearward extension reduces the nail bed, i.e., the portion of the nail which shows the flesh tone of the wearer.
As shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b herein, the French tip 50 is typically opaque and white in color to ensure a sharp and distinct border between the nail bed 51 and the French tip. This border can be referred to as the "smile line" 52. The tip is secured over the end of a natural nail by an adhesive. A substantial portion of the natural nail end 53 must be covered by the tip to ensure adequate adhesion. As a result, the natural nail bed is reduced. Thus, French tip art and technology is seriously flawed because of the inability to permit display of the maximum nail bed.
Furthermore, for cosmetic appearance, the tip must be shaped by a nail file 54 to eliminate the "step" 55 caused by the thickness of the artificial tip. As shown in FIG. 1c, filing current state-of-the art French tips causes distortion of the sharp "smile line" thus eliminating the desired cosmetic enhancement created by applying a French tip.
Fingernail manufacturers have provided a variety of combinations of materials, arrangements, and colors in fingernail accessories but no one has been able to eliminate the above described shortcomings. Indeed, patents have been issued covering the different combinations.
For example U.S. Pat. No. 5,699,813 to Carroll discloses a full cover artificial fingernail molded with an inlay on its top surface. The overall product is colored to simulate the style of a French fingernail, having lighter colored cuticle and tip end portions and a darker colored central portion (which is usually provided by the inlay). The base and inlay portion are mechanically bound to each other by use of mechanical locks at either end of the inlay and undercut areas at the edges of the inlay which wrap around opposite sides of the base.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,935 to Mast, et al. discloses an artificial fingernail or tip of polymer plastic containing a light defusing means located only within the front distal portion, the light defusing means being a plurality of minute depressions within and throughout at least the upper surface of the polymer strip. This provides a textured roughened surface to obtain a natural appearing contrast between the front or distal portion and the proximal (or cuticle) portion of a nail.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,407,310 to Jadow an artificial fingernail tip is disclosed which includes a plastic member which is adhered about 1/16 to 1/8 inch from the tip of the outwardly extending edge of the natural nail. Granular material such as glass beads is then adhesively bonded to the upper face of the member to form a textured surface. The textured surface of the tip thus contrasts with the color of the natural nail.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,610 to Orsini discloses a method of making a set of artificial fingernails wherein a single scene extends across a set of ten artificial fingernails. The image is photographically imprinted on a semi-rigid layer of film and a layer of transparent plastic film is laminated over the layer of photographic film. The individual artificial nails are punched out of the layer of photographic film, and each is contoured by means of a heat press so that each nail has a compound curve wherein a proximal portion has a general cylindrical curvature while a distal portion has a generally spherical curvature.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,991 to Shebahachi, et al. a thermochromic artificial nail is disclosed which includes a thermochromic material changeable in visible external color in response to a change in temperature. The thermochromic material has a thickness of at least one .mu.m.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,746,460 to Jellinak discloses a fingernail cover having a thin elastic patch preformed in a shape similar to but longer than a human nail. The patch has an opaque reflecting layer having an adhesive surface, and a transparent color layer superposed on the opposing surface of the opaque layer. A third transparent layer can be on the second layer in order to protect it.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,633,139 to Pettey discloses a fingernail cover which includes a thin transparent film undercoated with a colored solvent solution of the same material.
Each of the references set forth above include different structures and combinations to provide ornamental fingernail accessories in the way of coverings. However, each of the references either discloses a rather complicated configuration or is somewhat lacking in the ability to provide a fingernail ornamentation which is cosmetically appealing and easy to apply. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention, among other objects, to provide a versatile technology for producing attractive ornamental fingernail accessories, particularly French tip fingernail accessories, in a commercially efficient manner.

Double top ornamental fingernail accessory


A vehicle is disclosed having a hub assembly for a steerable wheel mounted for pivoting movement relative to an axle about a first axis. A mudguard is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the axle (or the hub assembly) about a second axis offset from the first axis. A linkage acting on the mudguard, the axle and the hub assembly rotates the mudguard about the second axis in response to and in synchronism with the pivoting of the hub assembly about the first axis so as to cause the position of the mudguard relative to the wheel to vary with the steering angle.

The present invention relates to a vehicle having a hub assembly for a steerable wheel mounted for pivoting movement relative to an axle of the vehicle and a mudguard or fender for the wheel that is mounted for pivotal movement with the wheel hub assembly relative to the axle.
Agricultural tractors, such as those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,169,167 are powered for movement over the ground, and may be steered in a conventional manner by pivoting the front wheels relative to the front axle on which the front wheels are rotatably mounted about a king pin axis. Steering mechanisms are well known in the vehicle art, the geometry of which is such that the inboard front wheel on any particular turn is pivoted at a greater angle than the outboard front wheel. One skilled in the art will understand that tractor wheels are capable of being mounted on the tractor in various locations to permit the transverse spacing between the front, as well as the rear, wheels to be varied according to the spacing between the rows of crop material through which the tractor is to be run.
As taught in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,169,167, the front wheels are often covered with a mudguard mechanism to prevent the spraying of material from the tire. The mudguard mechanisms may be mounted in an adjustable manner so that the mudguard can be properly positioned relative to the corresponding tire to provide the desired protection. Under certain conditions, such as when the front wheels are set at a relatively narrow transverse spacing, the mudguard mechanism, which projects generally upwards and rearward from the corresponding front wheel, can impact the chassis of the tractor during hard turns. This is particularly true for the inboard front wheel on a hard turn due to the greater angular rotation of the inboard wheel relative to the front axle.
Mechanisms have been devised to effect a pivotal rotation of the mudguard mechanism relative to the corresponding wheel to move the mudguard out of the way of the chassis during hard turns of the tractor. One such mechanism can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,573, which uses a spring to mount the mudguard to the corresponding front wheel. A stop member supported by the chassis engages the spring-loaded mudguard assembly to pivot the mudguard assembly relative to the inboard front wheel once the latter wheel has rotated a given amount. The mudguard spring returns the mudguard to its normal position after the front wheels have been rotated sufficiently to disengage the mudguard from the stop.
There is also known a mechanism that utilizes a spring-loaded mudguard mechanism in which the stop is eliminated so that the mudguard directly engages with the tractor chassis to effect a pivotal movement of the mudguard relative to the corresponding wheel. While both of these mechanisms serve to protect the mudguard and chassis from major damage due to a non-yielding mudguard, the rubbing engagement between the mudguard and the chassis requires special protective plates to prevent minor damage to the paint and finish of both the mudguard and the tractor chassis.
In order that the mudguard should not restrict the steering lock, it has further been proposed in FR-A-2.595.313, to provide a complex four-lever linkage anchored at different points on the hub assembly, on the mudguard and on the vehicle axle to cause the mudguard to pivot through a lesser angle than the hub assembly but about the same axis. In this case, the reliability of the linkage is suspect because of its many pivot points. It also sweeps through a large area as the wheel is steered, thus taking up a large amount of space.


In one embodiment, a method of transmitting contact data in a peer to peer communications network includes transmitting a list of contacts from a first contact store to a first compare means. At the first compare means, the list of contacts from the first contact store is compared with a list of contacts from a second contact store to identify common contacts between the lists of contacts from the first and second contact stores, the first compare means outputting a contacts result based on the identification of the common contacts. At a second compare means, the contacts result output from the first compare means is compared with a list of contacts from a third contact store. An output of the second compare means is used to identify at least one contact to recommend as a new contact to a recommendee user in the network. The first contact store is at a node of the network and the first compare means is at another node of the network, and the list of contacts transmitted from the first contact store is transmitted over the network to the first compare means.

Packet-based communication systems allow the user of a device, such as a personal computer, to communicate across a computer network such as the Internet.
One type of packet-based communication system uses a peer-to-peer ("P2P") topology built on proprietary protocols. A P2P network is a mesh of interconnected communications nodes that communicate with each other. In contrast with a classical client-server approach a pure P2P network does not have central servers. Instead, all participating P2P nodes run software that provides various services to other nodes in the network, in addition to giving access to provided services. Such services may include a distributed database service for maintaining information for finding other nodes in the network, or a traffic relaying service to enable connectivity between nodes that cannot communicate directly. Typically, the pure P2P mesh is often accompanied by central servers for certain services, like user authentication or central data storage backup.
One advantage of P2P networks compared to client-server architecture is that of scalability. Participating nodes themselves provide the bandwidth, storage, and CPU resources, so adding more clients also increases the availability of these resources. In pure P2P networks where there are no central servers, there is an additional benefit of not having a single point of failure or performance bottleneck in a system.
In P2P networks that provide direct services to users, each user of the P2P system typically has a unique username which is used to identify the user in the network. It is usual for a user of the P2P system to have a contact list which stores details (including the username) of other users in the P2P system with whom the user communicates. These other users are referred to as the user's "contacts". The contact list allows the user to initiate a communication event with a contact in a simple manner, for example by clicking on the contact's name in the contact list. The contact list is typically kept on a P2P node, but the operator of the P2P service may also provide a central service for backing up the contact list for purposes of disaster recovery, or synchronization between different P2P nodes that the user uses.
Where the user intends to add a contact to his contact list it can sometimes be difficult for the user to find the username of the intended contact in the P2P system, particularly if the username of the intended contact is different to the intended contact's real name. This may be because the intended contact has willingly chosen a username in the P2P system that is different to their real name. However, in P2P systems such as Skype®, which have a large number of users (for example millions of users), it is highly likely that multiple users will share the same real name. Since usernames in the P2P system are required to be unique, some users will necessarily be forced to have usernames that are different to their real names. Therefore finding intended contacts becomes increasingly difficult as the number of users in the P2P system increases, and the number of users whose usernames are different from their real names correspondingly increases.
In such large systems it is beneficial for the system to use an automated searching facility to search for, and recommend to the user, other users in the system that the user may want to add as contacts to his contact list. It would be beneficial to optimize the automated searching facility in terms of at least one of the speed of the search; the processing resources required; and the relevance of the recommended contacts.
A Friends of Friends search is a known concept which uses the observation that if someone is a mutual friend of your friends then that someone is likely to also be your friend. The terms "friend" and "contact" can be used somewhat interchangeably in the context of the P2P system; in terms of a P2P system such as that described above, someone can be considered a friend of the user if they are a contact of the user. There exists a level of trust between users in the P2P communication system who are contacts (or friends), such that contacts are able to file transfer data between one another over the P2P system and are able to view each other's private details. The Friends of Friends search requires an examination of the contact lists of some or all of a user's friends in order to identify mutual friends of the user's friends. The number of database operations required to implement the Friends of Friends search increases as the number of users in the system increases and as the size of the contact lists increase. In P2P systems, such as Skype®, which have a large number of users (for example millions of users) applying the conventional Friends of Friends search to the central database holding the contact lists for the users requires a large amount of processing power and becomes prohibitively resource-hungry to the extent that it becomes unfeasible to apply the conventional Friends of Friends search to a P2P system having such a large number users.
There is therefore a need for an efficient technique for analysing existing relationships between users of a large P2P system (having for example millions of users) and for performing a search for mutual friends in the contact lists of users who are friends in a large P2P system. Such a technique would provide a feasible method of generating a list of mutual friends of friends in a large P2P system which can be used for recommending new contacts to a user in the P2P system.

Contact information in a peer to peer communications network


An optical card of write-once type including a rectangular card-like substrate on which a number of tracks (62) are formed in parallel with each other. In each track, one or more data record sectors (65) are provided and at the same time, one or more alternative information record sectors (66) are provided. When data could not be recorded correctly in a desired data sector in a desired track, the same data is recorded again in an alternative data sector. Then, in an alternative information record sector in the desired track, there in recorded alternative information representing an address of the alternative data sector. The alternative information record sector can be made much smaller than the alternative data sector, so that user area can be utilized efficiently as compared with a known optical card in which one or more alternative data sectors are previously provided. Moreover, the alternative information is recorded in a track in which the data could not be recorded correctly, the access time can be shortened materially as compared with a known optical card in which the alternative information is recorded in a directory track.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART STATEMENT
The present invention relates to an optical card, and more particularly to an optical card of write-once type having alternative information record regions.
The optical card has a memory capacity larger than a magnetic card by several thousands to several ten thousands times, so that it may be used for various applications for recording bank booking data, maps, personal health data, etc. In usual optical cards, data could not be rewritten and an error rate due to defects on the optical card amounts to about 10.sup.-3 to 10.sup.-4, and therefore an error correction is indispensable. Further, sometimes the error correction could not be performed correctly depending upon magnitude or degree or defects, so that when data could not be recorded correctly in a data record region and the error correction could not be effected, the relevant data has to be recorded again in another data record region. This function is called the alternatively faculty. Usually the data is recorded in a sector of a track, and thus in the present specification, a sector in which data is recorded again is called an alternative sector and a track including such a sector is called an alternative track.
In Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication Kokai Sho 63-44,364, there is disclosed a method of effecting the above mentioned alternative faculty by using alternative sectors. In this known method, as illustrated in FIG. 1, in each track there are provided a plurality of data sectors (sector numbers 0 to 59) and a plurality of alternative sectors (sector numbers 60 to 64). When data is not written in a data sector with the error correction, the same data is written in an alternative sector. In this case, the alternative sectors having successively increasing or decreasing sector numbers are used in succession. In FIG. 1, a data sector of sector number 2 is altered by a first alternative sector having sector number 61 and a data sector of sector number 5 is altered by a second alternative sector having sector number 61. In data sectors which have been changed by alternative sectors there are provided marks by means of which these altered data sectors can be distinguished from other non-altered data sectors.
In this known method, in each of the tracks there are always provided the alternative sectors, and thus a user area in the track is limited materially. In the optical disk, since the memory capacity of a track is very large, the user area in the track is not reduced by the provision of the alternative sectors. However, in the optical card having a small size, the memory capacity of one track is about 1 kilo bytes and when the track is divided into a plurality of sectors, there can be provided only four sectors each having the memory capacity of 128 bytes. If one sector is allotted as the alternative sector, only three sectors are used for recording the data. In other words, in this known method, only 75% of the all the memory capacity can be used as the user area and the efficiency of utilization of the record area is very low.
In Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication Kokai Sho 61-243,994, there is described another known method for performing the alternative faculty. In this method, as shown in FIG. 2, when a track 3-3 has such a defect that data could not be written correctly in the relevant track, the same data is written again in a next track 3-4 and at the same time a track number "102" of the track 3-3 is written in a corresponding sub-area 13-2 in a directory region 12 together with file name 4 (File A), starting track number 15 ("100") of main data in which said data written in the track 3-3 is included, and total track number 17 ("4") in which the main data has been written.
This known method has the following two problems. Firstly, since the data which could not be written in a desired track due to defects is recorded in a next track, if there are very large defects such as large amounts of dust and damages which extend over two adjacent tracks, the data could not be recorded correctly in the next track. Then the alternative operation is repeated again, so that a recording time is liable to be prolonged. Secondly, in order to perform the alternative faculty even when the number of tracks in which data could not be recorded correctly due to damages and deteriorations of the optical card is increased, it is necessary to share a larger area for the sub-areas 13-1 to 13-4 shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, an area of the main data recording region is reduced accordingly. Particularly, when the track is divided into sectors or an amount of data of a single file is large, an amount of the alternative management information becomes extremely large, so that a large area has to be shared for the directory region 12.
In Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication Kokai Sho 63-103,476, there is proposed yet another known method, in which when data could not recorded correctly in a portion of a record medium due to defects on the record medium, the same data is recorded in an alternative portion and at the same time alternative management information denoting the above mentioned portion is recorded in a predetermined region on the record medium. Upon reading the record medium, at first the alternative management information recorded in the predetermined region is read out and an address of a portion to be read out is changed in accordance with the alternative management information.
In this known method, when the record medium is set on a data reading machine, all the data recorded in the alternative track management information is read out first, so that an initial processing time is liable to be longer. In the optical disk, the data transfer rate is high such as on the order of several hundreds kilo bits per second, so that the initial processing time becomes not so long. However, in the optical card, the data transfer rate is very low such as on the order of several kilo bits per second, because the data is read out by reciprocally moving the optical card with respect to an optical head. Therefore, if the number of alternative tracks becomes large, the initial processing operation requires 30 to 60 seconds. This results in a very long access time.

Optical card having alternative information record region


A double piston and belt type continuously variable transmission comprises a primary pulley provided with a primary piston chamber and a primary clamp chamber; a secondary pulley provided with a secondary piston chamber and a secondary clamp chamber; and an endless belt operatively put around the primary and secondary pulleys. A switching circuit is arranged to connect both the primary and secondary clamp chambers to either one of the primary and secondary piston chambers, which shows a higher hydraulic pressure than the other.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to belt type continuously variable transmissions and more particularly to the belt type continuously variable transmissions of a double piston type wherein two piston chambers are provided for each of primary and secondary pulleys for controlling rotation of the pulleys.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the belt type continuously variable transmissions, an endless belt is put around the primary and secondary pulleys in such a manner that each pulley holds the belt to carry out a thrust transmission therebetween. That is, the thrust transmission is carried out between each pulley and the belt with the aid of a frictional force generated therebetween. However, if the frictional force generated is not sufficiently large as compared with the belt driving force, a belt slippage takes place which induces not only a poor thrust transmission between the pulley and the belt but also a wearing of the belt and/or the pulley.
Accordingly, in the double piston and belt type continuously variable transmissions such as one disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application (Tokkai) 2002-327814, each of the primary and secondary pulleys is provided with two piston chambers, one being a piston chamber constructed to control the speed of the pulley and the other being a clamp chamber for suppressing the belt slippage. In the published Application, the respective clamp chambers of the primary and secondary pulleys are connected through a common passage for applying these two pulleys with an even clamping pressure. In addition to this, measures are further employed by which input/output flow of the hydraulic pressure into and from the clamp chambers is reduced as little as possible.

Double piston and belt type continuously variable transmission


A computer system includes a repository with predefined data elements for use in identifying information portions in electronic communications. Each data element is associated with semantic information indicating its definition and intended use. The system includes a modeling tool that, upon selection by a user, displays any of the predefined data elements and the semantic information for editing. A method includes receiving a first user input made under guidance of the modeling tool in a graphical user interface (GUI). The input selects one of several predefined data elements that are associated with semantic information indicating their definition and intended use. In response to the first user input, a representation of the selected predefined data element containing the semantic information is presented in the GUI. At least one aspect of the semantic information is modified based on a second user input made under guidance of the modeling tool.

Electronic communication can be streamlined using data elements to identify specific information portions in the electronic message. The elements are to be used as components of the electronic communication in that they are individually associated with the different categories of information included therein. Using a commonly accepted form of such elements, such as a form adopted by standard or agreed upon between business partners, eliminates some problems or inconsistencies that may otherwise occur. For example, the standard UN/CEFACT Core Components Technical Specification (CCTS) defines Core Components as context-independent data elements to be used as building blocks in such an endeavor. Similarly, the CCTS defines Business Information Entities as context-specific elements.
The CCTS also defines the concept of Dictionary Entry Names (DENs) to be used for Core Components, Business Information Entities, or the data types upon which either of these elements is based. The DENs are based on a natural language—primarily English—such that humans and machines can understand the meaning and logic thereof. The DENs are examples of the semantic information that specify the definition and intended use of data elements.
Existing modeling tools are not configured for use in modeling data elements that can identify information, such that they will be collaboratively and unambiguously understood. Particularly, existing tools do not focus on semantic information associated with the data elements in a way that aids the user in the modeling process. In the modeling of data elements modeled using existing technology there may therefore be inefficiencies, difficulties in overviewing the scope of the modeling process, and a lack of detail and clarity.


Method for testing bare semiconductor die which includes providing a test substrate with a die receiving surface and bond pads with conductive traces which extend away from the surface and are connected to leads that may be contacted with test probes. A vacuum source is applied to an aperture in the die receiving surface. Atmospheric pressure holds the die in place during the connection of thin wires. After connection, the die is held in place during testing by the thin wires.

The present invention relates to full finctional testing of integrated circuit (IC) devices before assembly and particularly to a reusable device for making connections to singulated bare die.
There is an interest in performing full functional testing of unpackaged semiconductor die prior to packaging. This is due in part to the cost associated with packaging even singular IC devices. However, in addition to singular IC devices there is increased interest in full functional testing of individual IC devices before the individual devices are assembled into multi-chip modules (MCMs).
IC devices may be tested as follows. A semiconductor die is placed in a test chip package, e.g., a dual in-line package or a hermetic leaded chip carrier such as a flatpack, and die bonded by a temporary means. Thin wires are then connected from bond pads on the chip to leads in the chip package. The connections are typically made by wire bonding. The connections at the bond pads on the chip may be made in a way that results in a low strength bond. After the testing has been performed a force is applied to the wire to remove it from the bond pad on the chip, the die is then removed from the test package and subsequently packed in a production process.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/591,365 entitled "Test and Tear Away Bond Pad Design" having a filing date of Jan. 25, 1996, and U.S. Patent Application entitled "Method for Providing a Test Connection and a Permanent Connection Site on an Unpackaged Semiconductor Die", filed Apr. 26, 1996 (Ser. No. 08/638,420), both of which as assigned to Honeywell Inc., are hereby incorporated by reference.
A known bare die testing method includes placing a bare die in a package or chip carrier and securing it there by temporary die bonding means, making temporary electrical connections from bond pads on the die to contact pads or leads on the carrier, and connecting external test equipment to leads on the carrier to perform electrical tests on the die. When the tests are completed, the die is removed from the carrier. Various means have been proposed for making the temporary die bond. For example, the use of a pre-cured RTV silicone strip commonly known as gel pack has been proposed for temporarily securing the die in place within a package body. The strip exhibits a surface static charge and coefficient of friction sufficient to hold the die in place without adhesive. A water soluble wax die bond has been used to secure the die to the package. Water soluble wax was found to be difficult to clean and the contamination also affected subsequent production wire bonding. An alternative technique utilizes a tape type die attach adhesive sold be E.I. DuPont deNemours of Wilmington, Del., under the trademark Kapton QA DuAttach Adhesive. The QL adhesive is heated, but for a shorter period of time than for permanently packaged die. The results in a lower strength which can be readily overcome when the testing is complete and the die is to be removed from the carrier.
In addition, it has been proposed to use a solution of sugar and water as a die attach adhesive. The technique would involve placing a drop of sugar and water on the package body or backside of the die and placing the die on the package. Surface tension would then retain the die in the package body until sufficient water evaporates to cause the die to be bonded to the package. Subsequent to testing, the package body would be placed in deionized water to free the die.
All of the methods for temporary die bonding just described are difficult to incorporate into a production process and include some contamination problems. All of these methods require some amount of clean-up which results in time inefficiency.
There is also a need for a test package that is reusable. The cost of test packages presently being used is significant if they are not reusable. The contamination problems associated with temporary die bonding methods make it more difficult to reuse the test packages.
Thus, a need exists for a simple and reliable method of providing temporary die bonding for testing purposes in a reusable package that is free of contamination problems.

Vacuum die bond for known good die assembly


Electro-optic modulator devices and related waveguide components comprising BaTiO3 films.

Electro-optic modulators are used for high-speed optical communication systems and ultrafast information processing applications. Bulk modulators of discrete electro-optic materials are possible, but typically with high driving voltage and narrow modulation bandwidth. To lower driving voltage and increase modulation bandwidth, materials with large electro-optic coefficients, low dielectric constants and single mode waveguide formation are required.
The ferroelectric oxide, LiNbO3, has been widely utilized in low loss, low drive voltage high-speed modulators because of its large electro-optic coefficients and excellent optical transparency. Low loss optical waveguides can be produced by locally modifying the composition or stoichiometry in the LiNbO3 substrate through diffusion or ion-exchange processes. Other ferroelectric materials with much higher electro-optic coefficients could lead to improved electro-optic modulators with lower drive voltages and smaller dimensions. Of particular interest is the ferroelectric BaTiO3, which has electro-optic coefficients as high as 1300 pm/V in the bulk (two orders higher than that of LiNbO3). Bulk BaTiO3, however, has a very large dielectric constant that limits its application for high modulation bandwidth. Further restricting such use, the metal-diffusion and ion-exchange fabrication methods adapted for LiNbO3 have not been successful with bulk BaTiO3 material. As a result, thin film ferroelectric BaTiO3 waveguide modulators have been developed.
A thin film composite structure of BaTiO3/MgO has been shown to lower the effective microwave index enabling velocity match between the microwave and optical waves needed for high-speed traveling wave operation. Furthermore, BaTiO3 thin films can be integrated with silicon using a thin film buffer layer of MgO. However, fabrication of low-loss optical waveguides with BaTiO3 thin films on a low index substrate has proven a difficult task due to optical scattering losses. The same high refractive index contrast that enables waveguides with tight bends and small dimensions also increases sensitivity to surface scattering. Conventional methods for thin film ridge waveguide formation, such as directly wet-etching or dry-etching into the BaTiO3 thin film, increase the surface and sidewall roughness of the BaTiO3 waveguide. Optical waveguides fabricated by these methods exhibit a propagation loss of 3–4 dB/cm and a high polarization dependent loss on the order of 5 dB/cm. Polarization-dependent loss increases the complexity of a fiber communication system. Accordingly, the development of polarization insensitive operational waveguides is an extremely important component in the advancement of such systems.


The present invention relates to a device and a method for unloading a sheet medium from a vacuum drum which may be a vacuum drum of an imagesetter for example, or a vacuum drum of an input scanning machine. The unloading is facilitated by the stiffness of sheet medium. When the vacuum holding a sheet medium is released, the stiffness of the sheet medium causes the sheet to separate from the drum. A roll forces the sheet onto the drum and the motion of the drum forces the sheet medium onto a table which has been moved into proximity of the drum. The sheet travels onto a transport mechanism which eventually takes over the moving of the sheet medium without requiring synchronism between the drum rotational speed and the transport mechanism.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device and a method for loading a sheet-like medium without tension onto a drum, and to a device and a method for unloading a sheet-like medium from a drum. The drum may be a vacuum drum of an imagesetter for example, or a vacuum drum of an input scanning machine.
2. Background
In many external drum imagesetters or input image scanners, media to be exposed are loaded onto a vacuum drum by means of suction caps. These suction caps cause bulges in the medium to be exposed, and when the medium to be exposed is taken over by the vacuum of the vacuum drum, these bulges are fixed on the drum. Any pattern that has to be recorded will thus be written on a deformed medium. Once removed from the vacuum drum, the medium takes its original shape without deformation, and the pattern undergoes a deformation which is, though not big, visible and often annoying.
European patent application EP-A2-0 228 545 discloses a film applying and removing device in a drum type image recording scanning apparatus in which the tip end of a film is ascended so as to contact the surface of the drum. Vacuum suction means directly takes the film. This device has a disadvantage: if the film is not perfectly aligned with the drum, it will wrap around the drum at a slant.
Exposed media are often removed from a drum by using suction caps as well. This takes quite a lot of time, as the suction caps need to be moved from the exposed medium wrapped around the drum to an acceptance device such as an unload tray or a developing machine.
European patent EP-0 533 145 discloses an apparatus and a method for removing a sheet from a hollow drum member. The apparatus includes means for supplying a vacuum to the interior of the drum, and two sets of vacuum openings through the surface of the drum member. The sheet is arranged to overlay and close the first set of vacuum openings with the second set of openings extending substantially parallel with an edge of the sheet and comprising only a small portion of the total number of vacuum openings through the drum. An exit blade is disposed adjacent to the drum and has an edge proximate to the drum that extends substantially parallel to the edge of the sheet. The exit blade is disposed with respect to the drum so as to form an acute angle with the surface thereof with the proximate edge of the blade closely adjacent the apex of the angle and parallel with the edge of the sheet so that, when the drum is rotated to a sheet removal position, the first set of vacuum openings lies beneath the acute angle when the edge of the sheet is disposed on the opposite side of the apex.
The method comprises the steps of: rotating the drum to a sheet removal position where the first set of vacuum openings lie beneath the acute angle and the edge of the sheet is disposed on the opposite side of the apex, and drawing air through the second set of vacuum openings by the vacuum in the drum and creating an area of sufficiently high pressure air at the apex to cause air to be forced past the edge of the exit blade with sufficient force to lift the edge of the sheet from the surface of the drum.
This apparatus and method have the disadvantage that means need to be provided for blowing air through the second set of openings in order to remove the sheet from the drum.

Device and method for loading and unloading a sheet-like medium


A semiconductor device, includes: a first conductivity-semiconductor substrate; a hetero semiconductor region for forming a hetero junction with the first conductivity-semiconductor substrate; a gate electrode adjacent to a part of the hetero junction by way of a gate insulating film; a drain electrode connecting to the first conductivity-semiconductor substrate; a source electrode connecting to the hetero semiconductor region; and a second conductivity-semiconductor region formed on a part of a first face of the first conductivity-semiconductor substrate in such a configuration as to oppose the gate electrode via the gate insulating film, the gate insulating film, the hetero semiconductor region and the first conductivity-semiconductor substrate contacting each other to thereby form a triple contact point. A first face of the second conductivity-semiconductor region has such an impurity concentration that allows a field from the gate electrode to form an inversion layer on the first face of the second conductivity-semiconductor region.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. JP2003-318398 (=JP2003318398) discloses a silicon carbide semiconductor device, specifically, a field effect transistor using a hetero interface. According to the above related art, a voltage applied to a gate electrode controls thickness of a barrier at the hetero interface, and a tunnel current allows a carrier to pass by when an element is on. In this case, a channel region such as MOSFET is not present, thereby providing a power semiconductor switch having high voltage capability (high reverse blocking voltage) and low on-resistance.
The above related art has such a structure that a P type region is formed on the gate electrode and on a silicon carbide SiC region below the gate electrode, thereby relaxing a field applied to a gate insulating film. Without connecting the P type region's potential to a source potential, however, the above field relaxing effect is restrictive, thus making it difficult to protect the gate insulating film.
Moreover, the P type region is formed in a position sufficiently adjacent to a drive point where i) the gate insulating film, ii) the hetero semiconductor region including polycrystalline silicon and iii) an SiC region contact each other. With the above structure, sufficiently implementing the field relaxing when the element is off may narrow a current passage when the element is on, thus increasing an on-resistance, which is a trade off, failing to sufficiently effect a good inherent feature of the device.


A tone correction circuit for a luminance signal which can provide several shapes of correction characteristics. The tone correction circuit comprises a circuit in which the current increases at a first specified voltage or higher and decreases at a second specified voltage or higher so that the current is outputted in a specified range and also provided is a circuit which serves to increase the current at the second specified voltage or higher. Thus, without changing the output voltage at the midpoint, the correction amounts at the minimum point and midpoint, the shifting amount of the midpoint, the correction amounts from to the maximum point and the correction amount at the maximum point, can be controlled so that an optimum output waveform can be obtained in accordance with a scene, and particularly, fuzzy control for the scene can be efficiently made.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a tone correction circuit, and more particularly to a tone correction circuit which can provide an optimum tone for a scene for e.g. fuzzy control.
2. Description of the Related Art
One example of previously known circuits for correcting the tone of a luminance signal is disclosed in JP-A-143158.
FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of such a conventional circuit for correcting the tone of a luminance signal. FIG. 10 is a graph showing the characteristic of this circuit. In FIG. 9, 101 denotes a constant voltage VA; 108 denotes a constant voltage VB; 124 denotes a luminance signal; 115 denotes a constant voltage; 120 denotes a control voltage; 102, 104, 109, 11, 121, 122 denote NPN transistors, respectively; 106, 107, 113, 114, 116 and 119 denote PNP transistors, respectively; and 103, 110, 117, 118 and 123 denote resistors, respectively.
In the operation of the circuit thus constructed, when the luminance signal voltage exceeds the constant voltage VA, the current which is obtained by dividing the difference between the luminance signal voltage and VA by the resistance of the resistor 103 flows into the NPN transistor 104. Also, when the luminance voltage exceeds the constant voltage VB, the current which is obtained by dividing the difference between the luminance signal and VB by the resistance of the resistor 110 flows into the NPN transistor 111. The currents flowing through the NPN transistors 104 and 111 flow into a differential amplifier composed of the resistor 117, the PNP transistor 116, the resistor 118 and the PNP transistor 119 through current mirrors composed of the PNP transistors 116 and 119, and the PNP transistors 113 and 114, respectively. These currents flow into or out from the resistor 123 with the aid of the control voltage 120 and a current mirror composed of the NPN transistors 121 and 122. Addition of the voltage across the resistor 123 to the luminance signal can provide a linear characteristic bent upward or downward when compared with the characteristic having the ratio of an input to an output of 1:1.
However, the above circuit configuration has the following defect. The linear characteristic bent upward or downward from the line of ratio of 1:1 does not return to the original straight line. If it is desired that different gradients are given to the signal components with lower luminance (VA or lower) and higher luminance (VB or higher), a desired input/output characteristic cannot be obtained. Therefore, optimum control cannot be made for the signals differentially distributed over a high luminance range and a low luminance range.

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


The invention relates to a window blind for a sliding roof system includes a flexible material and two flat spiral springs that extend along the longitudinal edges of the window blind. The flat spiral springs tend to contract into a spiral shape, winding the flexible material into a coil.

A window blind for a sliding roof system may be attached underneath an opening in a vehicle roof to cover an opening in the vehicle roof to a greater or lesser extent according to the choice of the vehicle occupants. If the opening is to be exposed, the window blind is wound up on a winding shaft, which is biased by a spring in the wind-up direction of the shaft. The window blind can therefore be uncoiled against the biasing force of the spring to cover the opening. When the window blind lies underneath the opening in the vehicle roof, the window blind is prevented from sagging into the vehicle interior space by a guide rail on either side of the longitudinal edges of the window blind. Each guide rail receives a longitudinal edge of the window blind and holds the edge taut transverse to the shifting direction of the window blind.
One disadvantage of currently known window blinds is that the spring acting on the winding shaft must be sufficiently strong to be able to wind up the window blind reliably. At the same time, however, the biasing force of the spring must not displace the window blind after it is shifted to a desired position by the vehicle occupant. Due to the aging of the spring, the varying friction-related conditions that can occur during the lifespan of the window blind, and the various spring forces that act with the window blind being fully uncoiled from the winding shaft on the one hand and that act with the window blind being almost completely wound up on the winding shaft on the other hand, the numerous demands on the window blind system can be met only at large manufacturing expense.
There is a desire for a window blind that can be reliably wound up while still securely remaining in any given position set by the vehicle occupant without great expense. There is also a desire for a window blind that occupies a small installation space.