When a host apparatus transfers/swaps stored information between user sectors in a storage device for the purpose of defragmentation or the like, the storage device is allowed to perform the data transfer or swap without transmission between the host apparatus and the storage device after the command is received by the storage device; and consistency in stored information identification is maintained between the host apparatus and the storage device even if the operation is interrupted. In one embodiment, information stored in the destination user sector LBA(Y) is copied to the dummy sector LBA(D), its entry is written in the mapping table RDM, information stored in the source user sector LBA(X) is copied to LBA(Y), and then the RDM entry is erased.

The present invention relates to a technique for transferring or swapping data stored in data blocks in randomly accessible storage devices such as magnetic disk drives, magnetic optical disk drives, PC card semiconductor memories and CF card semiconductor memories. More specifically, the invention relates to a technique for performing fragmentation with a decreased burden on the host apparatus at higher speed.
The magnetic disk drive is a random access storage device capable of accessing random storage locations on its magnetic disk or a recording medium. In addition, the drive is a block device performing data input and output in data blocks each having a plurality of bytes. A magnetic disk is divided into a plurality of data blocks of a fixed size formed along circular tracks. The data block is the smallest unit when the host apparatus reads/writes data from/to the magnetic disk drive and usually called the sector. Meanwhile, the cluster is defined as a set of plural sectors and the smallest unit for the host apparatus to manage the storage locations of files on the magnetic disk. Accordingly, any small file uses at least one cluster when the file is recorded on the magnetic disk.
File management of a magnetic disk drive by the host apparatus is done by the operating system (OS). The OS has a file management system which is a mechanism to manage files in a block device through a table to associate files with storage locations. The file management system depends on the OS. Among those available, the FAT file system and the NTFS are for Windows (trademark of Microsoft Co., Ltd.) and the HFS is for MAC (trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.)
The magnetic disk drive typically has a plurality of recording surfaces. Further, each recording surface has a plurality of tracks and each track has a plurality of sectors. When a head accesses a desired sector, CHS parameters (cylinder number/head number/sector number) corresponding to that sector are specified in the magnetic disk drive. On the other hand, it has become common that to manage data storage locations, the host apparatus uses a single parameter called the logical block address (hereinafter denoted as LBA) instead of CHS parameters. For a head to access a desired sector in this case, the magnetic disk drive internally translates the LBA to CHS parameters. Serial LBAs are sequentially allocated to sectors on a one-to-one basis.
Sequential allocation of serial LBAs to a magnetic disk results in serial sectors along each track on either recording surface. A file is a unit of collective information for recording data and programs on a magnetic disk. Contiguous recording of the information constituting a file in serial sectors is favorable to the computer when it accesses the magnetic disk in order to read data or a program into the memory since the magnetic disk drive can reduce the seek time and rotary latency.
However, although at the beginning, a plurality of files can be recorded sequentially and contiguously in sectors or clusters on the magnetic disk, unallocated clusters will occur between consecutive allocated clusters as some files are deleted and individual files are partly deleted. When a new file is recorded, the information constituting the file will be scattered to separate storage locations since the OS tries to use unallocated clusters between allocated clusters in order to make the effective use of the recording space. Fragmentation refers to a condition of the disk in which files recorded thereon are divided into pieces scattered around the disk. Fragmentation also occurs as a result of adding data to a file. Fragmentation makes longer the time to access the magnetic disk drive since the seek time and rotary latency increase.
In order to clear up fragmentation in the magnetic disk device, the host apparatus performs a task called defragmentation. Defragmentation refers to a task which sequentially reallocates scattered file information to contiguous sectors or clusters. To perform defragmentation, the host apparatus must, for example, move data XYZ from cluster A to cluster B. In this case, the host apparatus sends a read command to read data XYZ into the memory of the host apparatus from cluster A and writes data XYZ to cluster B. Then, the host apparatus receives a write completion command from the magnetic disk drive and update the management table so as to change the storage location of data XYZ to cluster B from cluster A. This is because the magnetic disk drive typically performs nothing but to receive a read or write command with a sector LBA from the host apparatus and execute the command. Therefore, to move data stored in a sector on the magnetic disk, the host apparatus reads the data into its memory and then sends to the magnetic disk drive a write command with the destination sector LBA specified. After data is moved to another cluster in the magnetic disk device, the file management system of the host apparatus recognizes the destination cluster as the storage location of the data.
In Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 10-301721, a technique is disclosed which concerns how to reallocate sectors in order to solve the problem that the transfer rate would deteriorate as a consequence of using alternate sectors prepared for defective sectors. User data are rewritten in an alternate region and the allocation of LBAs to sectors is renewed by skipping the primary and secondary defective sectors. Then, the user data including those recorded in a save region are recorded in the sectors which are given new LBAs. Since the sectors given new LBAs do not use any sectors in the save region, the data access time can be reduced. In this case, the file management system of the host apparatus does not recognize that the storage locations of the data are changed. Changing the LBAs of sectors and moving data are implemented only by changing a reallocation defect map in the magnetic device.

Fragmentation executing method and storage device

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.


Electronic devices having patterned electrically conductive polymers providing electrical connection thereto and methods of fabrication thereof are described. Liquid crystal display cells are described having at least one of the electrodes providing a bias across the liquid crystal material formed from a patterned electrically conductive polymer. Thin film transistors having patterned electrically conductive polymers as source drain and gate electrodes are described. Light emitting diodes having anode and coated regions formed from patterned electrically conductive polymers are described. Methods of patterning using a resist mask; patterning using a patterned metal layer; patterning the metal layer using a resist; and patterning the electrically conductive polymer directly to form electrodes and anode and cathode regions are described.

The electrical contacts or electrodes in current electro-optical transducers and other devices are generally metals. Metals are deposited by evaporative or sputtering processes which require expensive tooling and overall are a cumbersome processes.
Electrically conducting polymers are a relatively new class of electronic materials which are taught herein as candidates for electrode materials. These polymers combine the electrical properties of metals with the processing advantages of polymers.
Herein we describe examples of electrically conductive polymers such as substituted and unsubstituted electrically conducting polyanilines, polyparaphenylenes, polyparapheylenevinylenes, polythiophenes, polyfurans, polypyrroles, polyselenophenes, polyisothianapthenes, polyphenylene sulfides, polyacetylenes, polypyridylvinylenes, polyazines, combinations thereof and blends thereof with other polymers and copolymers of the monomers thereof.
In order for these polymers to be used as an electrode in a device they preferably have suitable electrical conductivity and be easily patternable. In addition, these polymers preferably do not outgas causing contamination of the devices to which they provide electrical contact. Furthermore, the conducting polymers are preferably patternable by lithography. Patterning preferably does not result in a decrease in the electrical conductivity of the polymer nor cause any deterioration of the properties of the electrically conducting polymer.
It is therefore desirable to develop methods of patterning these polymers so that they can be used on any conducting polymer system and without negatively impacting the conducting polymer so that the patterned electrically conductive polymer can be used as an electrical contact to a device. It is also desirable that the conducting polymer properties be controlled so that outgassing or contamination of the devices does not occur.

Patterns of electrically conducting polymers and their application as electrodes or electrical contacts

International Business Machines Corporation


There is provided a thread splicing arrangement having a splicing head with a splicing channel. In the vicinity of the ends of the channel, holding devices can clamp the ends of the threads during the splicing, and cutting arrangements can cut the free ends of the threads. The holding devices hold the threads near the base of the splicing channel. Pressurized gas channels are provided on both sides of the middle of the splicing channel. The outlets of these gas channels are located in the channel base and extend on both sides of a longitudinal plane of symmetry of the splicing channel. The axes of the pressurized gas channels approach that plane of symmetry at equal but opposite angles. This leads to a simple mode of construction providing good splicing for various different thread materials.

The invention is directed to a thread splicing arrangement having a splicing head with a splicing channel which is open at both ends and on one side thereof, for the receipt of thread to be spliced. Discharging into such a splicing channel are two pressurized gas channels whose outlets are arranged symmetrically with respect to the middle of the splicing channel. Such a thread splicing arrangement has a lid for closing the open side of the splicing channel as well as a holding means outside the splicing channel and close to the open ends thereof, for clamping the two thread ends being spliced together with a cutting arrangement for cutting the free thread ends.
In a known thread splicing arrangement of this type (DE PS 3536580), a pressure gas channel discharges in the center of the base of a splicing channel and has an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the channel. A holding means is so provided that after the splicing of the threads in the splicing chamber, they are located near the lid thereof. During the splicing step the pressurized gas stream forces the threads against the lid and then divides itself into two partial streams which discharge from both ends of the channel thereby entangling the threads with each other. Instead of just a single central gas outlet opening in the middle of the splicing channel base, two or more openings may be provided symmetrically with respect to the center of the splicing channel. Since during splicing a free, that is, unclamped thread end is permitted, a very simple mode of construction is possible. For example, the cutting step can be simultaneous with the closing of the lid.
In another known type of thread splicing arrangement (DE PS 3040661) a pair of pressurized gas outlets are located above and below the transverse symmetrical plane of the splicing channel as well as to the left and the right of a longitudinal symmetrical plane. Accordingly, one gas stream creates a clockwise air vortex and the other a counter-clockwise air vortex about the inserted threads, thereby effectively splicing tightly twisted yarns and threads. In practice, the ends of both of the inlaid threads are held fast close to the outer ends of the splicing channel. The gas streams running alongside the threads generally take hold of the circumference of the threads.
One air stream for splicing by a further known thread splicing arrangement (DE OS 33 37 847) comprises a vortex chamber in which the inlaid yarn ends are cut and held and are spliced by at least a further air stream. For this purpose there are provided one or more splicing jets transverse to the axis, in the middle area of the vortex chamber; whereas in the area of the front end of the vortex chamber, there is provided at least one preparation jet. This preparation jet can operate either with over-pressurized gas or with a vacuum. The air stream can be given a counter-twisting movement to assist the unspinning of the thread.
In another known thread splicing arrangement (DE OS 38 08 814), there are provided a pair of mutually opposed, slot-shaped air jets whose streams meet just above the thread lying on the base of the splicing chamber. Outside the vortex chamber there are provided two reverse twist jets for thread end preparation. Between these and the vortex chamber there is provided a thread pressing arrangement which holds the threads at both ends.
An object of the present invention is to provide a thread splicing arrangement of the generally described foregoing type which despite the presence of free threads ends achieves a good splicing result for a variety of different thread materials.


An ultrasonic wave generating device includes a substrate, a heat insulation layer on the substrate, a membrane heating portion on the heat insulation layer, and a membrane oscillator on the heating portion. The heating portion is electrically driven with a predetermined period, and produces heat for thermally displacing a surface of the oscillator. The oscillator receives a temperature variation with the predetermined period from the heating portion, and oscillates so as to generate ultrasonic waves.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device for generating and sending ultrasonic waves.
2. Description of Related Art
An ultrasonic wave generating device is used for an ultrasonic sensor mounted to a vehicle, e.g., automobile. The sensor sends ultrasonic waves from the device to an object. The object reflects the waves, and a receiving element in the sensor receives the reflected waves. Thus, a position or a distance for the object around the automobile can be measured. Further, a two-dimensional shape or a three-dimensional shape of the object can be measured. That is, the ultrasonic sensor is used for a safe driving by monitoring surroundings of the automobile.
For example, an automatic parking supporting system using an ultrasonic sensor is practically used. In the system, a back-sonar is used for detecting a human or an obstacle existing in the back of an automobile. The ultrasonic sensor is mounted to a rear part of the automobile, and receives ultrasonic waves reflected by the human or the obstacle. Thus, a back side collision with the human or the obstacle can be reduced.
JP-A-11-300274 discloses an ultrasonic wave generating device used in an ultrasonic sensor. The device is formed by layering a heating membrane on a substrate through a heat insulation layer with a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) technology. The heating membrane is electrically driven, and generates a temperature variation corresponding to a period of an ultrasonic wave in air layer on the membrane. Thus, the device can thermally generate ultrasonic waves.
However, when the device is mounted to an automobile in an exposed state, water drops or dusts may adhere onto a surface of the device. In this case, efficiency for generating ultrasonic waves may be decreased, or the device may not generate ultrasonic waves. Then, a distance to an object may not accurately be measured. Further, the device may be damaged by a load of an external force, e.g., a collision with a small stone.
By contrast, when a protecting portion for reducing the damage is disposed in front of the device through air space, ultrasonic waves may be attenuated, because an impedance difference between the air space and the protecting portion is large. In this case, ultrasonic waves may not be transmitted to a farther position. Thus, a mounting state of the device is limited.


A reproducing apparatus includes an equalizer for equalizing reproduced data, a clock generating circuit for generating a clock synchronized with the reproduced data, and a phase difference detector for detecting a phase difference between the reproduced data equalized by the equalizer and the clock. The clock generating circuit receives an output from the phase difference detector as a control signal, and generates a clock of frequency according to the output from the phase difference detector. The equalization characteristic of the equalizer is controlled by the control signal of the clock generating circuit. With this arrangement, it is possible to generate a clock which follows a variation in the frequency of the reproduced data, and it is also possible to realize an optimum equalization characteristic according to the variation in the frequency of the reproduced data.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a data reproducing apparatus and, more particularly, to an apparatus for reproducing digital data, such as a digital VTR (video tape reproducer).
2. Description of the Related Art
One known example of this kind of apparatus is a digital VTR for recording and reproducing a video signal onto and from a magnetic tape in the form of a digital signal.
Such a digital VTR will be described below.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a reproducing system which is provided in the digital VTR.
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a magnetic tape. The reproducing system shown in FIG. 1 includes a recording and reproducing magnetic head 102, a head amplifier 103 for amplifying a reproduced signal supplied from the magnetic head 102, a reproduction equalizer 104 for equalizing the output from the head amplifier 103, the reproduction equalizer 104 including an LC network or the like having predetermined frequency characteristics, a data detecting circuit 105 for again converting the output from the reproduction equalizer 104 into a digital signal, which output is a signal having an amplitude which varies in analog form, a phase detector 106 for detecting a phase difference between the output from the data detecting circuit 105 and the output from an oscillator 108, and a loop filter 107 for filtering a phase error signal outputted from the phase detector 106 and feeding the resultant signal back to the oscillator 108 as negative feedback. The phase detector 106, the loop filter 107 and the oscillator 108 constitute a PLL (phase-locked loop) circuit for generating clock signals for data detection and clock signals for use in individual parts of the apparatus.
The reproducing system shown in FIG. 1 also includes a D flip-flop 110 for latching the output from the data detecting circuit 105 in accordance with a clock pulse which is the output from the oscillator 108, a demodulator 111 for digitally demodulating the data latched by the D flip-flop 110, an error-correcting decoding circuit 112 for detecting an error contained in the demodulated reproduced data and performing error correction on the data, and a reproduced signal processing circuit 113 for performing signal processing substantially opposite to that performed during recording, on the data which has been subjected to the error correction.
The operation of the reproducing system will be described below. The magnetic head 102 provides a small-level reproduced signal by tracing the magnetic tape 101 on which digital data, such as image data, is recorded, and the head amplifier 103 amplifies the small-level reproduced signal by 50-60 dB. The amplitude of the reproduced signal provided by the magnetic head 102 has the frequency characteristic shown in FIG. 2, i.e., a differential characteristic in the range of low frequencies and an attenuated characteristic due to various losses in the range of high frequencies. The reproduction equalizer 104, therefore, corrects the amplitude of the reproduced signal by using the characteristic shown in FIG. 3 which is opposite to that shown in FIG. 2. This equalization method is called integral equalization.
The data detecting circuit 105 converts the output signal from the reproduction equalizer 104 into reproduced digital data on the basis of a threshold level such as that shown in FIG. 4 by using a comparator or the like.
The phase detector 106 generates a phase error signal indicative of the phase difference between the output from the data detecting circuit 105 and the output from the oscillator 108, and the loop filter 107 performs filtering on the phase error signal and feeds back the filtered phase error signal to the control input of the oscillator 108 as negative feedback. Thus, a clock signal synchronized with the reproduced digital data is provided at the output of the oscillator 108.
The D flip-flop 110 latches the output from the data detecting circuit 105 in accordance with the clock signal, and the demodulator 111 applies digital demodulation processing based on inverse interleaved NRZI or other techniques to the digital data outputted from the D flip-flop 110. The error-correcting decoding circuit 112 performs error correction by using error-correcting parity bits added during recording, and the reproduced signal processing circuit 113 performs signal processing opposite to that performed during recording, thereby providing a reproduced video signal.
The reproduction equalizer 104 and the oscillator 108 will be described below in further detail. As shown in FIG. 3, the frequency characteristic of the reproduction equalizer 104 is not a first-order filter characteristic, such as a monotonous increase or a monotonous decrease. For this reason, in a conventional arrangement, second-order filters each consisting of a combination of an inductor L and a capacitor C are connected by buffers, as shown in FIG. 5 by way of example, whereby the characteristics of a plurality of filters each having a different cut-off frequency and a different Q (Quality Factor) are combined to realize the characteristic shown in FIG. 3.
The oscillator 108 employs a circuit construction, such as that shown in FIG. 6 by way of example. A second-order filter (resonant circuit) composed of an inductor L and a capacitor C is driven by a voltage-controlled current source 201, and the oscillator 108 oscillates at the resonant frequency of the second-order filter: ##EQU1## If a variable capacitance diode is used as the capacitor C, the oscillation frequency of the oscillator 108 can be controlled by varying the capacitance of the variable capacitance diode by using a control voltage.
A method of realizing the reproduction equalizer 104 on an integrated circuit will be described below. FIG. 7 show one example of the circuit called a gyrator that is described in "Y/C one-chip IC for video movie: AN 2400", National Technical Report, Vol. 39, No. 6, December 1993. The relationship between a current i.sub.1 which flows from a terminal A to a terminal A' and a voltage V.sub.1 across both terminals A and A'0 is expressed by the following equation: ##EQU2## where I.sub.1 and I.sub.3 represent direct currents and i.sub.1 represents an alternating current.
Thus, ##EQU3## Therefore, R (resistor) and C (capacitor) can be used to realize the inductor L on an integrated circuit. If I.sub.3 is fixed and I.sub.1 is made variable, the L value can be varied.
A method of suppressing a variation in a filter characteristic due to variations in an R value and a C value will be described below.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the construction of a circuit for controlling the characteristic of a second-order filter. In the circuit shown in FIG. 8, the target cut-off frequency of the second-order low-pass filter shown by dashed lines is made equal to the oscillation frequency of a quartz-crystal oscillator 202. In this circuit, a feedback loop is formed which is arranged to vary the reference current I.sub.1 of FIG. 7 and Equation (2) so that the phase difference between a signal delayed by 90.degree. at the cut-off frequency and the output from the quartz-crystal oscillator 202 is made 90.degree., thereby adjusting an L value to obtain the target cut-off frequency.
The feature of the integrated circuit is that since the dispersion of the relative values between the individual resistors or the individual capacitors is extremely small and the inductors shown in FIG. 5 are formed by gyrators, the characteristics of the reproduction equalizer can be adjusted to appropriate characteristics by simultaneously controlling the reference currents I.sub.1 of all the gyrators.
In such a digital VTR, during a special reproduction mode such as fast forward feed and special reproduction, the speed at which a magnetic head scans magnetic tape (head relative speed) varies, so that the frequency of a reproduced signal varies.
Accordingly, if the characteristics of the reproduction equalizer are fixed, no optimum characteristics can be obtained and more errors are contained in reproduced digital data, so that a visually impaired image, such as an image containing white spots, is reproduced.
For this reason, it is necessary to control the characteristics of the reproduction equalizer and those of the PLL circuit for generating a clock signal, so that there is a need to use not only a phase detector and an oscillator which constitute the clock-generating PLL circuit, but also another group of phase detector and oscillator for adjusting the reproduction equalizer. This leads to the problem that a complicated circuit and a cost increase are needed.

Data reproducing apparatus having equalization characteristics which can be controlled


According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a digital/analog converter includes: a decoder that converts a (n−1)-phase input digital signal to a n-phase output digital signal; and a signal generating unit that generates analog signals according to the n-phase output digital signal.

1. Field
The present invention relates to a digital/analog (D/A) converter that converts a digital signal to an analog signal.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a signal processing in radio communication, the amplitude and phase of a signal are operated and thus there is often used a two-dimensional orthogonal signal of In-phase/Quadrature-phase (I/Q). Therefore, as disclosed in Porra, V., Halonen, K., Koli, K., Paakonen, M., Siilasto, S., Tiiliharju, E., Tolonen, P. and Wahlroos, T., "Low voltage circuits for a single chip 2 GHz transceiver for mobile telecommunication", International Symposium on Circuits and Systems, Vol. 1, pages 492-495 (12-15 May, 1996), a D/A converter in a radio transmitter generally operates two signals of I/Q signals.
Also, to output I/Q analog signals as differential signals respectively, as shown in FIG. 10, generally, a two-phase D/A converter is used for an I signal and another two-phase D/A converter is used for the Q signal. In FIG. 10, the analog value of the I digital signal is obtained by a difference between OUT I+ and OUT I−, while the analog value of a Q digital signal is obtained by a difference between OUT Q+ and OUT Q−.
As in the technique described above, when two differential output type D/A converters are used, conversion accuracies of the two converters do not coincide with each other because of a matching error between the two D/A converters. Also, when there are provided the two independent differential output type D/A converts, the chip area and power consumption thereof unfavorably increase. And, when a load is provided as an external load, the number of parts increases.

Digital/analog converter and transmitter for complex signals


The invention relates to a stove for producing denture and or the parts thereof comprising a combustion chamber and a heating device which is arranged therein and provided with a heating spiral consisting of an appropriate resistance wire and a support for the heating spiral. The aim of said invention is to better use the heating energy and make it possible to easily replace the heating device. For this purpose, the heating spiral is arranged on the external part of the support.

The present invention relates to an oven for dental prostheses or partial dental prostheses comprising a firing chamber and a heating device arranged in the firing chamber and having a heating filament formed from a suitable heating wire and a carrier for the heating filament.
With known ovens of the named kind, a tubular glass filament guided around at the inner side of the firing chamber is used and a likewise coiled heating wire is arranged in it. The heating filament has good guidance and protection in this manner. The heating device can also be replaced simply and no direct energy transfer to the walls of the firing chamber takes place.
It is disadvantageous with a heating device of this type, however, that the carrier filament has to be manufactured of quartz glass since the ovens are also operated with underpressure in the firing chamber so that essentially only the radiant heat is available. However, some of the radiation is also absorbed on the use of quartz glass. The quartz glass can additionally fog up or even become dull.
In other ovens for dental prostheses or partial dental prostheses, the heating filament is embedded in the walls of the firing chamber. Since the coefficient of expansion of the heating filament and of the wall material differ from one another, there is the risk that the wall material will crack. Furthermore, the embedded heating filament also emits energy directly to the walls in a substantial degree so that strong heat losses arise. A further disadvantage consists of the fact that the radiation of the embedded parts of the heating filament cannot be used. Finally, the exchange of the heating device is also difficult since the heating filament can only be replaced, if at all, together with the embedding mass.

Oven for dental prostheses or partial dental prostheses


A semiconductor structure for protecting integrated circuits from ESD pulses includes a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type and with a first dopant concentration. A well of a second conductivity type and with a second dopant concentration lies within the semiconductor substrate. Additionally, the semiconductor structure comprises a first area of a first conductivity type and with a third dopant concentration, wherein at least a first part of the area lies within the well. Further, there is a second area of a first conductivity type and with a fourth dopant concentration, the second area being fully within the well. A first protective zone of a second conductivity type and with a fifth dopant concentration lies in the well between the first area and the second area.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor structure for the protection of integrated circuits from ESD pulses.
2. Description of the Related Art
If electrically charged subjects or persons are brought into contact with an input or output of an integrated circuit, a discharge can take place, where a current exceeding the standard measure flows through to the integrated circuit and a high voltage drops across the same. This can possibly lead to the destruction of the integrated circuit.
For the protection of integrated circuits from these electrical discharges, so called ESD pulses (ESD=electrostatic discharge) the inputs and outputs of the integrated circuits are provided with protective structures, which are to guarantee a safe drain of the discharge currents.
Therefore, in some applications, a pnp bipolar transistor is used as a protective structure, where the base is not connected, i.e., the base "floats". If an ESD pulse reaches such a pnp bipolar transistor, the same breaks down. Thereby, however a low voltage is to drop across the broken-down pnp bipolar transistor, since the integrated circuit to be protected is connected in parallel and thus experiences the same voltage. A voltage drop, which is too high, could lead to breakdowns of the integrated circuit.
Therefrom, the requirement results that the resistance of the pnp bipolar transistor is to be as low as possible so that only a low voltage drops across the same.
The resistance could be lowered by increasing the base doping.
On the other hand, the base doping of the pnp bipolar transistor should not be too high, since, during standard operation, the transistor may only break above its operating voltage. Thus, a certain maximum doping of the base cannot be exceeded. Therefrom, a minimum resistance results and thus a minimum voltage drop across the pnp bipolar transistor in the ESD case.

ESD protection structure with lower maximum voltage


A swing arm for customizing the rear wheel of a motorcycle. The swing arm of the present invention is made of a right triangular structure defining a right mounting plane, a left triangular structure defining a left mounting plane, an upper and lower spanner bars joining the forward corners of the right and left triangular structures, and a right arcuated plate joining the right upper and lower corners of the right triangular structure. The right arcuated plate comprises a right pivotal connection along a pivotal axis of the swing arm, and this right pivotal connection is connectable to the frame of the motorcycle. There is further provided a left arcuated plate connected to the upper and lower spanner bars at a distance from the left mounting plane. The left arcuated plate comprises a left pivotal connection along the pivotal axis, and this left pivotal connection is connectable to the frame of the motorcycle. The distance between the left arcuated plate and the left mounting plane is greater than a width of the drive belt driving the rear wheel of the motorcycle, such that when the swing arm of the present invention is adapted to be mounted to the frame of the motorcycle, the drive belt is mountable between the left arcuated plate and the left mounting plane. The displacement of the drive belt toward the left mounting plane provides more space inside the swing arm for installing an oversize tire on the rear wheel.

Large motorcycles are often the pride of their owners. These machines are especially appreciated for their distinct appearance, distinct sound and high performance. Generally, the owners of large motorcycles are independent, original and creative individuals who like to appose a personal touch to the appearance or to the engine performance of their motorcycles. Therefore, original equipment manufacturers as well as generic component fabricators offer large assortments of custom parts and accessories for customizing these motorcycles to satisfy a great number of different preferences.
A common modification performed by motorcycle owners is the replacement of the original rear wheel tire by a wider one. This modification enhances the expression of power and performance of the machine.
The original rear wheel tire on a Harley-Davidson Softail.TM. motorcycle is a series 130 mm (5.1 inches). The width of the frame allows for the installation of a series 160 mm (6.3 inches) tire. This modification requires the displacement of the transmission, the inner primary housing and the rear sprocket, toward the drive side of the engine, and the replacement of the drive shaft extension with a longer one. A component kit for doing this modification, is available from Vulcan Engineering Company, from Manchester, N.H., U.S.A. A two-page product bulletin no. 3131 describing this kit is incorporated herein by reference.
A major obstacle to the placement of a wider rear wheel tire on those motorcycles is the maximum available space inside the swing arm of the rear wheel suspension, and the space taken up by the flat drive belt between the rear wheel and the left arcuated side plate of the swing arm.
It is known that the more audacious handymen have successfully installed rear wheel tires larger than those of a series 160 mm (6.3 inches) on these motorcycles. This was done by cutting and welding and drastically modifying the original frame of the motorcycle. These modifications are often done at the expense of adversely affecting the alignment of both wheels, changing the original center of gravity of the motorcycle, or loosing the original strength of the frame. For safety reasons, modifications to the main frame of the motorcycle are not recommendable.


The present invention supports a message protocol on a wireless communication network between the access gateway and the proxy session initiation server. Upon disruption of a communication session with a mobile station, an information packet indication disruption of the communication session is transmitted from the access gateway to the proxy session initiation protocol server. Upon receipt of the information packet, the proxy session initiation server initiates a resource release procedure freeing network resources supporting the communication session. The proxy session initiation server releases the resources and transmits an information packet to the serving session initiation server, which also initiates a release procedure. Answer and acknowledgement messages are also sent in response to the release request and/or the release of resources.

The Internet, like so many other high tech developments, grew from research originally performed by the United States Department of Defense. In the 1960s, the military had accumulated a large collection of incompatible computer networks. Computers on these different networks could not communicate with other computers across their network boundaries.
In the 1960s, the Defense Department wanted to develop a communication system that would permit communication between these different computer networks. Recognizing that a single, centralized communication system would be vulnerable to attacks or sabotage, the Defense Department required that the communication system be decentralized with no critical services concentrated in vulnerable failure points. In order to achieve this goal, the Defense Department established a decentralized standard communication protocol for communication between their computer networks.
A few years later, the National Science Foundation (NSF) wanted to facilitate communication between incompatible network computers at various research institutions across the country. The NSF adopted the Defense Department's protocol for communication, and this combination of research computer networks would eventually evolve into the Internet.
Internet Protocols
The Defense Department's communication protocol governing data transmission between different networks was called the Internet Protocol (IP) standard. The IP standard has been widely adopted for the transmission of discrete information packets across network boundaries. In fact, the IP standard is the standard protocol governing communications between computers and networks on the Internet.
The IP standard identifies the types of services to be provided to users and specifies the mechanisms needed to support these services. The IP standard also specifies the upper and lower system interfaces, defines the services to be provided on these interfaces, and outlines the execution environment for services needed in the system.
A transmission protocol, called the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), was developed to provide connection-oriented, end-to-end data transmission between packet-switched computer networks. The combination of TCP with IP (TCP/IP) forms a suite of protocols for information packet transmissions between computers on the Internet. The TCP/IP standard has also become a standard protocol for use in all packet switching networks that provide connectivity across network boundaries.
In a typical Internet-based communication scenario, data is transmitted from an originating communication device on a first network across a transmission medium to a destination communication device on a second network. After receipt at the second network, the packet is routed through the network to a destination communication device, and the TCP/IP protocol determines this routing. Because of the standard protocols in Internet communications, the IP protocol on the destination communication device decodes the transmitted information into the original information transmitted by the originating device.
TCP/IP Addressing and Routing
Under the TCP/IP protocols, a computer operating on an IP-based network is assigned a unique physical address called an IP address. The IP address can include: (1) a network ID and number identifying a network, (2) a sub-network ID number identifying a substructure on the network, and (3) a host ID number identifying a particular computer on the sub-network. A header data field in the information packet will include source and destination addresses. The IP addressing scheme imposes a consistent addressing scheme that reflects the internal organization of the network or sub-network.
A router is used to regulate the transmission of information packets into and out of the computer network. Routers interpret the logical address contained in information packet headers and direct the information packets to the intended destination. Information packets addressed between computers on the same network do not pass through a router on the boundary of the network, and as such, these information packets will not clutter the transmission lines outside the network. If data is addressed to a computer outside the network, the router on the network boundary forwards the data onto the greater network.
TCP/IP network protocols define how routers determine the transmission path through a network and across network boundaries. Routing decisions are based upon information in the IP header and corresponding entries in a routing table maintained on the router. A routing table contains the information for a router to determine whether to accept an information packet on behalf of a device or pass the information packet onto another router.
The IP-Based Mobility System
The Internet protocols were originally developed with an assumption that Internet users would be connected to a single, fixed network. With the advent of cellular wireless communication systems using mobile communication devices, the movement of Internet users within a network and across network boundaries has become common. Because of this highly mobile Internet usage, the implicit design assumption of the Internet protocols (e.g. a fixed user location) is violated by the mobility of the user.
In an IP-based mobile communication system, the mobile communication device (e.g. cellular phone, pager, computer, etc.) can be called a mobile node or mobile station. Typically, a mobile station maintains connectivity to its home network while operating on a visited network. The mobile station will always be associated with its home network for IP addressing purposes and will have information routed to it by routers located on the home and visited networks.
When a mobile station is operating on a home or visited network, specialized servers authenticate, authorize, and collect accounting information for services rendered to the mobile station. This authentication, authorization, and accounting activity is called "AAA," and AAA computer servers on the home and visited network perform the AAA activities.
Authentication is the process of proving one's claimed identity, and security systems on a mobile IP network will often require authentication of the system user's identity before authorizing a requested activity. The AAA server authenticates the identity of an authorized user and authorizes the mobile station's requested activity. Additionally, the AAA server performs the accounting functions by tracking usage on the network.
Communicating information packets to an AAA server according to an AAA protocol accomplishes AAA. One such protocol is DIAMETER. DIAMETER information packets include a routing header for routing over network connections and attribute value pairs (AVPs). The AVP values designate the type of DIAMETER packet and implementing data instructions.
DIAMETER is a peer-to-peer protocol where any node in a communication system utilizing the DIAMETER protocol can initiate a message or request, which can also include server-initiated messages. A DIAMETER client is a device at the edge of the network performing access control, and the DIAMETER client generates DIAMETER messages requesting AAA services for a user. A DIAMETER agent is a node that does not perform AAA locally such as proxies, redirects, and relay agents. A DIAMETER server performs AAA for the user, and a DIAMETER node can act as either a client or an agent for certain requests.
The focus of the DIAMETER protocol is network access and accounting applications supporting mobile IP systems. However, DIAMETER is designed to be adaptable and extensible by defining new AVPs, creating new AVPs, and creating new AAA applications. DIAMETER AVP values carry specific AAA information and can be used to convey other related control and command functions on the communication system. Compared to earlier standards, DIAMETER features simplified client/user management, Network Access Identifier (NAI) based user authentication, dynamic IP address allocations for mobile stations, dynamic Home Agent allocation, and flexible accounting mechanisms.
Another emerging communication protocol for AAA is the Common Open Policy Service (COPS) query-and-response protocol. COPS is a policy and control protocol linking Policy Decision Points (PDP) and Policy Enforcement Points (PEP). Like DIAMETER, COPS is scalable, and COPS can be configured to support different policy-based services to provide general administration, configuration, and enforcement mechanisms on communication network systems. COPS can be used to support AAA and runs under TCP.
An advantage of COPS is its interoperability across all wireless communication systems, permitting wireless roaming over different communication standards (e.g. 802.11, CDMA2000, UMTS, GSM, etc). The COPS architecture creates a "protocol gateway" effectively translating data among networks using different protocols into a single, common language. Defined message types in COPS include Request, Response, Report State, Synchronize State, Client-Accept, Client-Close, and Keep-Alive.
The 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2) is an evolving third generation communication system standard for wireless communication systems transmitting multimedia services. These 3GPP2 mobile communication systems support multimedia telecommunication services delivering voice (VoIP) and data, to include pictures, video communications, and other multimedia information over mobile wireless connections. These systems generally operate over a derivative General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and/or Universal Mobile Telecommunication Systems (UMTS) communication system architecture.
Multimedia communications over 3GPP2 systems use Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to setup communication paths over the system's router for transmitting information packets. SIP is the core protocol for establishing multimedia communication sessions in the Internet. The protocol transmits information packets establishing, changing, and terminating communication sessions for multimedia applications in IP-based networks. The protocol is used to register IP-based address end points; perform address resolution, name mapping and call redirection functions; determine media capabilities of the target end points; register end user preferences and call routing; register and publish presence information; establish a communication session and support mid-session changes; and support transfer and termination of calls.
Currently, there is no control interface between the access gateway and the SIP proxy server on the 3GPP2 systems featuring SIP for setting up appropriate communication interfaces on the system's routers. If service for the communication session over the wireless connection is disrupted, the access gateway receives indication of the service loss. However, since the access gateway and the SIP proxy server lack an appropriate interface, the SIP proxy server does not receive an indication of the loss in service and continues reservation of network resources that support a lost communication session with the mobile station. Without notification to and from the SIP proxy server and the serving SIP server, network resources remain allocated to the discontinued session on the communication network. Timely notification to the proxy and serving SIP server will free network resources and terminate AAA features thereby improving efficiency and usage data accuracy.

Proxy SIP server interface for session initiation communications


An electret filter made of a resin whose angle of contact upon wetting with pure water is no smaller than 95 degrees, as well as an electret filter made of a resin whose angle of contact upon wetting with pure water has been adjusted to no smaller than 95 degrees by addition of silicone oil. Those electret filters have high trapping efficiency and their ability to trap particulates, especially cigarette smoke, will not deteriorate even if they are continuously used. Therefore, they can advantageously be used as filter media in many applications such as home and industrial air conditioners, air cleaners, fan heaters, vacuum cleaners, and air conditioning systems for common equipment.

This invention relates to electret filters, more particularly, to electret filters that have high trapping capability, with the added advantage that their ability to trap cigarette smoke is retained in a consistent manner.
Electret filters are used as filter media in many applications such as home and industrial air conditioners, air cleaners, vacuum cleaners, fan heaters and air conditioning systems for common equipment to clean ambient atmospheres by trapping the dust, smoke and other particulate contaminants. Such electret filters are conventionally prepared from nonwoven fabrics of polymers such as polypropylene by processing them into electrets. However, the conventional electret filters have had the problem that they are not highly suitable for adsorbing cigarette smoke since their ability to trap it will drop markedly with the amount of adsorption and cannot be retained in a consistent manner.


A training aid for use by a player with a tennis racquet includes at least one wing having a proximal end in the throat of the racquet, and extending from that proximal end and tapering down into a distal end. A second wing may also be included, with the two wings extending in opposite directions from the throat of the racquet. When the player makes a stroke with the racquet with the aid attached, air pressure on the wings creates forces which provide the player with feedback on the position of the racquet head during the stroke. The training aid may be removably attached to the racquet, to allow the racquet to be used in normal play situations. A rotatable flap may also be provided near the distal end of at least one of the wings, so that when the flap is rotated the air pressure on the flap during a stroke is altered, thereby changing the feedback provided to the player.

Numerous attempts have been made to provide training aids for use in correcting various flaws commonly found in strokes executed by tennis players. Many of these training aids are intended to correct positions of parts of the body during the stroke, or to correct the position of the racquet relative to such body parts.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,392,650 to Hilton provides a hood with blinders, plus an indicator to show the tilt of the head. The hood is intended to teach a player to keep his eyes on the ball, while the tilt indicator is provided in order to teach the player proper head position. The Hilton device may accomplish its intended goals; however, the device would be difficult to use for any tennis playing beyond simple drills. In addition, it would offer little or no feedback to the player on the position of the racquet during the stroke, which is crucial to proper execution of the stroke.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,005,833 to Groveman et al. discloses two wrist bands connected by a cord. In this way, the wrists are connected so as to prevent excessive independent action during the player's swing. This in turn forces the player to turn his shoulders when making a stroke. As with the Hilton device, it would be difficult to actually play tennis with the Groveman device. Additionally, no feedback is provided to the player on the position of the racquet during the stroke.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,445,570 to Rodgers et al. provides a band for attaching to the forearm, plus a cord connecting the band to the racquet head. This is intended to force the player's arm and wrist into a correct position relative to the racquet head during the stroke. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 8,052,548 to Stanisic et al., and U.S. Patent Application No. 2007/0275796 A1 to Carter both attach the arm to the racquet with a cord and band arrangement. All of these devices are designed to force the arm and wrist of the player into desired positions relative to the racquet during the stroke. However, all of the devices would be difficult to play with, and would offer little or no options as to possible positions of the arm, wrist, and racquet during a stroke.
What is therefore needed is a training aid which is uncomplicated and which allows the player to easily play tennis while using the aid. Further the training aid would ideally provide useful feedback to the player on the position of the racquet head during the stroke, so as to allow the player to learn to control the racquet head for better stroke execution. Finally, the training aid should effectively perform its intended training function over a wide variety of strokes, and thus avoid limiting the player's stroke selection.


A malfunction sensing apparatus for a fuel vapor control system includes a fuel tank and a canister containing an adsorbent for adsorbing fuel vapor. The canister has an inlet connected to the fuel tank and an outlet. A purge control valve is connected to the outlet for connecting and disconnecting the outlet of the canister from the air intake pipe of an engine. A pressure sensor senses the internal pressure of the fuel tank. A malfunction sensing means responsive to the pressure sensor senses a malfunction when the purge control valve is open and the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor is above a prescribed value. A prohibiting means senses the rate of change and/or the magnitude of the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor with the purge control valve closed and prohibits malfunction sensing by the malfunction sensing means when the rate of change of the pressure exceeds a prescribed rate and/or the magnitude of the pressure exceeds a prescribed value.

This invention relates to a malfunction sensing apparatus which can sense malfunctions in a fuel vapor control system for an internal combustion engine.
An internal combustion engine for a vehicle, such as an automobile, is generally supplied with fuel from a fuel tank mounted on the vehicle. When the vehicle is stationary for long periods, fuel vapors are generated by the fuel within the fuel tank. In order to prevent these vapors, which may contain harmful hydrocarbon components, from escaping to the atmosphere and becoming a source of air pollution, modern automobiles are commonly equipped with a fuel vapor control system which adsorbs the fuel vapors from the fuel tank when the engine is off and then supplies the fuel vapors to the engine for combustion when the engine is running.
A typical fuel vapor control system for an automotive vehicle includes a canister containing an adsorbent such as activated charcoal. The canister has an inlet connected to the fuel tank of the vehicle and an outlet connected to the air intake pipe of the engine of the vehicle. When the engine is off, fuel vapors travel through from the fuel tank into the charcoal canister and are adsorbed. When the engine is turned on, the intake manifold vacuum sucks the adsorbed vapors out of the charcoal canister and into the engine for combustion. The charcoal canister generally includes a portion that is open to the atmosphere so that the intake manifold vacuum causes atmospheric air to sweep through the canister and purge the charcoal of the adsorbed fuel vapors.
When there is a malfunction of the fuel vapor control system, such as a breakage of tubing between the fuel tank and the charcoal canister or between the canister and the engine, deterioration of the charcoal canister, or the like, fuel vapors can escape to the atmosphere, thereby defeating the purpose of the fuel vapor control system. Therefore, a malfunction sensing device has been proposed in order to detect such malfunctions and generate a warning to alert a driver of the vehicle of the problem so that he can have the fuel vapor control system repaired. In one malfunction sensing apparatus which has been proposed, the internal pressure of the fuel tank is monitored. During engine operation, if the fuel vapor control system is operating normally, a negative pressure should develop within the fuel tank due to the intake manifold vacuum of the engine, since the fuel tank communicates with the air intake pipe via the fuel vapor control system. In contrast, if there is a leak to the atmosphere or similar problem in the fuel vapor control system, only a very slight negative pressure will be produced in the fuel tank. Therefore, when the pressure in the fuel tank does not fall to a suitable level when the engine is running, it is determined that there is a malfunction in the fuel vapor control system.
However, under certain conditions, such as when the outside air temperature is high, the vapor pressure of the fuel in the fuel tank will be quite high. Therefore, when the engine is running, the presence of the fuel vapor in the fuel tank will prevent the pressure in the fuel tank from exhibiting the decrease indicative of normal operation. As a result, even though the fuel vapor control system is actually functioning normally, a conventional malfunction sensing apparatus will mistakenly determine that it is malfunctioning and will generate a warning, which can cause confusion, trouble, and expense for the driver of the vehicle.

Malfunction sensing apparatus for a fuel vapor control system


In accordance with the present invention, there are provided an olefin polymerization catalyst formed from:. [A] a compound of a transition metal belonging to Group IV B of the periodic table, PA0 [B] an aluminoxane, and PA0 [C] water,. an olefin polymerization catalyst formed from [D] an organoaluminum compound in addition to the above-mentioned [A], [B] and [D] components, and processes for the polymerization of olefins using the above-mentioned olefin polymerization catalysts, respectively.

It has heretofore been known that .alpha.-olefin polymers, in particular, ethylene polymers, or ethylene .alpha.-olefin copolymers are prepared by processes wherein ethylene is polymerized or ethylene and .alpha.-olefin are copolymerized in the presence of a titanium based catalyst composed of a titanium compound and an organoaluminum compound, or a vanadium based catalyst composed of a vanadium compound and an organoaluminum compound.
Generally, ethylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymers obtained with the titanium based catalysts have a broad molecular weight distribution and are poor in transparency, surface non-tackiness and dynamical properties. Ethylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymers obtained with the vanadium based catalysts have a narrower molecular weight distribution and a narrower composition distribution in comparison with the ethylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymers obtained with the titanium based catalysts, and show a fairly good improvement in transparency, surface non-tackiness and dynamical properties, but said ethylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymers are found to be insufficient for practical purposes wherein such properties are required. Therefore, it is desired that ethylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymers further improved in these properties are developed to make their appearance.
Under such circumstances, on the one hand, there have been proposed recently processes for the preparation of ethylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymers using catalysts composed of zirconium compounds and aluminoxanes as a new type of Ziegler catalysts for olefin polymerization.
For example, Japanese L-O-P Publn. No. 19309/1983 discloses a process for the preparation of ethylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymers, which process comprises polymerizing ethylene and one or at leat two C.sub.3 -C.sub.12 .alpha.olefins at a temperature of from -50.degree. C. to 200.degree. C. in the presence of a catalyst composed of a transition metal-containing compound represented by the following formula EQU (Cyclopentadienyl).sub.2 MeRHal
wherein R is cyclopentadienyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or halogen, Me is a transition metal, and Hal is halogen, and a linear aluminoxane represented by the following formula EQU Al.sub.2 OR.sub.4 (Al(R)--O).sub.n
wherein R is methyl or ethyl, and n is a number of 4 to 20, or a cyclic aluminoxane represented by the following formula ##STR1## wherein R and n are as defined above. This patent L-O-P publication teaches that in order to regulate the density of the resulting polyethylene, the polymerization of ethylene should be carried out in the presence of small quantities of up to 10% by weight of fairly long chain .alpha.-olefins or mixtures thereof.
Japanese Patent L-O-P Publn. No. 95292/1984 discloses an invention relating to processes for preparing a linear aluminoxane represented by the following formula ##STR2## wherein n is a number of from 2 to 40, and R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, and a cyclic aluminoxane represented by the following formula ##STR3## wherein n and R are as defined above.
This patent L-O-P publication describes that when the polymerization of ethylene is carried out in the presence of a mixture comprising the aluminoxane prepared by the process of said publication, for example, methyl aluminoxane, and a bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium compound or a bis(cyclopentadienyl)titanium compound) there are obtained at least twenty-five million grams of polyethylene per 1 g of the transition metal and per 1 hour.
Japanese Patent L-O-P Publn. No. 35005/1985 discloses a process for preparing olefin polymerization catalyst, which comprises first reacting an aluminoxane compound represented by the following formula ##STR4## wherein R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-C.sub.10 alkyl, and R.sup.0 is R.sup.1, or R.sup.0 represents --O-- by linkage, with a magnesium compound, and then chlorinating the reaction product, followed by treatment with a compound of Ti, V, Zr or Cr. This patent L-O-P publication describes that the catalysts prepared by the process are particularly suitable for use in copolymerization of ethylene and C.sub.3 -C.sub.12 .alpha.-olefins.
Japanese Patent L-O-P Publn. No. 35006/1985 discloses a combination of (a) two or more dissimilar mono-, di- or tri-cyclopentadienyls or their derivatives of transition metals and (b) an aluminoxane as a catalyst for preparation of reactor blended polymers. Example 1 of this patent L-O-P publication discloses that ethylene and propylene are polymerlzed in the presence of a catalyst composed of bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)dimethyl zirconium and an aluminoxane to obtain polyethylene having a number average molecular weight of 15,300, a weight average molecular weight of 36,400 and containing 3.4% of the propylene component. In Example 2 of this patent L-O-P publication, ethylene and propylene are polymerized in the presence of a catalyst composed of bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dichloride, bis(methylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dichloride and an aluminoxane to obtain a blend of polyethylene and an ethylene/propylene copolymer consisting of a toluene-soluble portion having a number average molecular weight of 2,200 and a weight average molecular weight of 11,900 and containing 30 mol % of the propylene component and a toluene-insoluble portion having a number average molecular weight of 3,000 and a weight average molecular weight of 7,400 and containing 4.8 mol % of the propylene component, said blend having a number average molecular weight of 2,000 and a weight average molecular weight of 8,300 and containing 7.1 mol % of the propylene component. Similarly, Example 3 discloses a blend of LLDPE and an ethylene/propylene copolymer consisting of a soluble portion having a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of 4.57 and containing 20.6 mol % of the propylene component and an insoluble portion having a molecular weight distribution of 3.04 and containing 2.9 mol % of the propylene component.
Japanese Patent L-O-P Publn. No. 35007/1985 discloses a process wherein ethylene alone is polymerized, or ethylene and an .alpha.-olefin of 3 or more carbon atoms are copolymerized in the presence of a catalyst system containing a metallocene and a cyclic aluminoxane represented by the following formula ##STR5## wherein R is an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and n is an integer of 1 to about 20, or a linear aluminoxane represented by the following formula ##STR6## wherein R and n are as defined above.
According to this patent L-O-P publication, the polymers obtained in this manner have a weight average molecular weight of about 500 to about 1,400,000 and a molecular weight distribution of 1.5 to 4.0.
Japanese Patent L-O-P Publn. No. 35008/1985 discloses that polyethylene or ethylene/C.sub.3 -C.sub.10 copolymers having a wide molecular weight distribution are prepared by using a catalyst system comprising at least two metallocenes and aluminoxane. This patent L-O-P publication indicates that the copolymers obtained in this manner have a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of 2-50.
Japanese Patent L-O-P Publns. Nos. 260602/1985 and 130804/1985 propose processes for polymerizing olefins by using catalysts formed from a mixed organoaluminum compound comprising a transition metal compound, aluminoxane and an organoaluminum compound, and disclose that polymerization activity per unit transition metal improves by the addition of the organoaluminum compound.
In every process cited hereinbefore, however, there was involved such a problem that activity per unit aluminoxane of the catalyst used is still low. Further, there was such a problem that it is difficult to obtain polymers having a sufficiently high molecular weight when olefins, for example, ethylene and propylene are copolymerized by using catalysts formed from the transition metal compounds and aluminoxanes hitherto known.

Olefin polymerization catalyst and process for the polymerization of olefins


A floating diffusion type signal charge detection circuit for use in a charge transfer device includes a charge transfer region formed in a semiconductor layer, a plurality of transfer electrodes formed on the charge transfer region through an insulating layer, a floating diffusion formed in the semiconductor layer adjacent to a final stage of the charge transfer region, a reset drain formed in the semiconductor layer separate from the floating diffusion and connected to a reset drain voltage, and a reset gate formed through an insulating layer on a portion of the semiconductor layer between the floating diffusion and the reset drain. The floating diffusion, the reset drain and the reset gate forms a reset transistor. An amplifier is connected at its input to the floating diffusion so as to detect a voltage change appearing in the floating diffusion. The amplifier includes a first amplification stage having a first MOS transistor having a gate connected to the floating diffusion and a drain connected to a high voltage, a source of the first MOS transistor being connected to a first load so that a first source follower is formed, and a second amplification stage having an input connected to the source of the first MOS transistor and an output node connected to an output terminal. An output control circuit is connected to the first MOS transistor and controlled in synchronism with a reset pulse applied to the reset gate so that when the reset transistor is off, the first source follower outputs an signal having a level higher than that outputted from the first source follower when the reset transistor were on.

1. Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a charge transfer device for use in a solid state image sensor, and more specifically to a floating diffusion type signal charge detection circuit for use in a charge transfer device.
2. Description of related art
One typical example of a charge transfer device used in for example a linear or area image sensor comprises a CCD (charge coupled device) shift register formed together with an image sensor cell array so that signal charges stored in the image sensor cell array are transferred to the CCD shift register, and then transferred through the CCD shift register by applying a multi-phase transfer pulse to transfer electrodes of the CCD register. The signal charges transferred through the CCD shift register are serially outputted from an output gate electrode provided adjacent to a transfer electrode formed on a charge transfer region of a final stage of the CCD shift register.
A floating diffusion is provided adjacent to the output gate electrode. The floating diffusion forms a source of a reset MOS transistor, which is used to bring a potential of the floating diffusion to the same as that of the drain of the reset MOS transistor before each time the signal charge is transferred to the floating diffusion. In addition, the floating diffusion is connected to an input of an amplifier circuit, which is formed of, for example, a source follower.
In the above mentioned floating diffusion type signal charge detection circuit for use in the charge transfer device, when a transfer pulse of the transfer electrode of the final stage of the CCD shift register is maintained at a high level, a reset pulse of a high level is applied to a gate of the reset MOS transistor so as to turn on the reset MOS transistor, so that the source voltage of the reset MOS transistor, namely the voltage of the floating diffusion, called V.sub.p here, is brought into the same potential as a drain voltage V.sub.RD of the reset MOS transistor. Thereafter, the reset pulse is brought into a low level so as to turn off the reset transistor, so that the floating diffusion is put into a floating condition. In the condition, the transfer pulse of the transfer electrode of the final stage of the CCD shift register is brought to a low level, so that signal charges stored in the transfer electrode of the final stage of the CCD shift register is caused to flow, through a channel formed under the output gate, into the floating diffusion. As a result, a potential change .DELTA.V out is caused in the floating diffusion by the inflow signal charges, and the potential change .DELTA.V out forms a signal output.
In the above mentioned arrangement of the signal charge detection circuit, however, since a coupling capacitance exists between the gate of the reset MOS transistor and the floating diffusion, when the reset pulse is brought from the high level to the low level, the potential of the floating diffusion sustains a potential drop .DELTA..phi..sub.R called a "reset feedthrough noise". In ordinary cases, this potential drop .DELTA..phi..sub.R due to the "reset feedthrough noise" is a few hundreds millivolts, which is a substantial value in comparison with a net signal output voltage .DELTA.V out which is in a range of a few tens millivolts to a few hundreds millivolts.
Generally, the signal output is supplied through a sample/hold circuit to an A/D (analog-to-digital) converter. In this case, in order to cause a level of the signal output to adapt to an input level of the A/D converter, the signal output is amplified by an amplifier. For example, if the signal output .DELTA.V out is on the order of a few tens millivolts, the signal output is amplified a few tens times. In this amplification, the reset feedthrough noise .DELTA..phi..sub.R is also amplified a few tens times, so that the component of the reset feedthrough noise .DELTA..phi..sub.R reaches a few tens volts.
In general, since the amplifier connected to the signal charge detection circuit is required to have a wide dynamic range and an excellent frequency characteristics, an amplifier capable of complying with a large signal becomes high in cost. As a result, the degree of amplification in the amplifier actually had to be limited within a range of several times. In this case, however, if the level of the signal output is low in comparison with a reference voltage of the A/D converter, a quantizing error becomes large and a S/N (signal-to-noise) ratio lowers. In order to solve this problem, it may be considered to lower the reference voltage of the A/D converter. However, this method is not preferable, since the precision of the A/D convertor lowers, with the result that the S/N ratio lowers.

Floating diffusion type charge detection circuit for use in charge transfer device


A chemically-modified graphene includes a graphene layer and a plurality of functional groups that are grafted to the graphene layer and each of which is represented by —CO—R—COOH, wherein R is an optionally substituted C1-C5 alkylene group or an optionally substituted C1-C5 alkenylene group. A method for producing a chemically-modified grapheme includes subjecting a cyclic anhydride and graphite to a Friedel-Crafts reaction in the presence of a Lewis acid.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a graphene and a method for producing the same, more particularly to a chemically-modified graphene and a method for producing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Graphene has a single layer of carbon atoms that are densely packed in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice. Graphene has application potential in the fields of transparent electrodes, thermal interface material, and electrochromic devices because of excellent electrically conductive and thermally conductive properties thereof.
I. L. Aksay et. al. disclosed a method for producing a graphene (Chem. Mater., 19, 4396-4404, 2007). The method involves thermal expansion of a graphite oxide by heating the graphite oxide to a temperature of 1050° C. to generate carbon dioxide by which the graphite oxide is exfoliated to form the graphene.
M. C. Hsiao et. al. disclosed a method for producing a carboxylic acid-containing graphene (ASC Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2, 3092-3099, 2010). The method involves subjecting an amine-terminated polyetheramine derivate and an epoxy group on a graphene oxide to a ring-opening grafting reaction for 24 hours to form a carboxylic acid-containing graphene derivate. However, in this method, graphite has to be oxidized to form graphite oxide before the carboxylation reaction is conducted, which is time-consuming.
E. K. Choi et. al. disclosed a method for producing an amino group-containing graphene (Chem. Commun., 46, 6320-6322, 2010). The method involves exfoliation of graphite by grafting 4-aminobenzoic acid to defect sites of the graphite in poly(phosphoric acid) (PPA)/phosphorus pentoxide medium. However, because PPA has high viscosity, the grafting reaction is liable to be suppressed. Therefore, a longer reaction time and a subsequent purification step are required.

Chemically-modified graphene and method for producing the same


A rotary viscosimeter has a control mode for measuring the viscosity of a liquid by a spring relaxation method and a control mode for measuring the viscosity by rotating a rotor 6a at a constant speed. In this rotary viscosimeter, a driving power is transmitted from a driving power source to a rotor shaft 5b via a spring 4a for rotating the rotor 6a. The rotor shaft 5b is supported on a pivot 11 and a bearing 12. When the viscosity is measured by the spring relaxation method, locking of the rotor shaft 5b is released after the spring 4a is biased while the rotor shaft 5b has been locked. When measurement of the viscosity is performed by rotating the rotor 6a at a constant speed, the rotor 6a is rotated while the locking of the rotor shaft 5b is released. When measurement is not being performed, the rotor shaft 5b is locked and the pivot 11 is separated from the bearing 12.

A rotary viscosimeter which measures the viscosity characteristics of a sample liquid in an ultra-low fluid viscosity range by using the relaxation of a spiral spring is disclosed in a report entitled "A new method for the viscosity measurement of paint in setting, sagging, levelling and penetration shear rate range of 0.001 to 1.0 reciprocal seconds using a cone/plate spring relaxation technique", by T. C. Patton, Journal of paint technology, Vol. 38, No. 502, November 1966. This viscosimeter is a multi-purpose rotary viscosimeter having a cone/plate rotor in a measuring unit (Wells-Brookfield micro viscometer RTV cone plate model).
The summary of the structure of such a viscosimeter is shown in FIG. 4. The viscosimeter includes a scale disc 3 secured to a drive shaft 2 which is rotated by a driving motor 1 with a reduction gear. A rotor shaft 5 is connected with the lower end 21 of the drive shaft 2 via a spring 4. A sample liquid 9, the viscosity of which is to be measured, is disposed between a cone rotor 6 and a plate 7 below the lower end of the rotor shaft 5. This condition is enlarged and shown in FIG. 5.
On the other hand, a pointing needle 8 which extends above the scale disc is secured to the rotor shaft 5 so that the relative angular displacement between the drive shaft 2 and the rotor shaft 5 can be read from the position of the pointing needle 8 on the scale disc 3. If the torsional spring constant of the spring 4, the size of the rotor 6 and the rotational speed of the rotor are determined, the scale pointed to by the needle 8 on the scale disc 3 is proportional to the viscosity of the sample liquid. Accordingly, the viscosity can be determined from the scale pointed to by the needle 8.
In the description of the operation principle of the viscosimeter set forth in the above mentioned report, it is assumed that the rotor shaft 5, the rotor 6 and the pointing needle 8 are engaged with the lower end 21 of the drive shaft. However, the system of the rotor shaft 5 is unstable in such a structure. Accordingly, in an actual viscosimeter, the rotor shaft 5a is borne by a pivot 11 and a bearing 12 made of gemstone as shown in FIG. 6 so that the upper end of the rotor shaft 5a is prevented from swinging by a pin 13 penetrating into a hole in the shaft. The other parts are represented with reference numerals suffixed with a of the corresponding parts in FIG. 4. However, 4a corresponding to the spring 4 in FIG. 4 denotes a spiral spring. 17 denotes a jacket for maintaining the sample liquid at a constant temperature, to which circulating water is introduced from a separately provided constant temperature bath.
Since both the pointing needle 8a and the scale disc 3a are rotating during measurement of the viscosity in the present viscosimeter, it is hard to read the scale pointed to by the needle during the rotation of these parts. Accordingly, standard operation of the present viscosimeter is performed as follows: After the indicated point or the scale has become stable after starting the rotation of the viscosimeter, a clamp lever 14 of FIG. 6 is depressed downward with a finger to push up a push-up chip 15 around a fulcrum 14'. This causes a scale disc shaft 16 engaged with the push-up chip 15 and the scale disc 3a linked with the shaft 16 to be lifted upward. As a result of this, the pointing needle 8a is clamped relative to the scale disc 3a to keep the scale position while the pointing needle 8a is engaged with one of a number of knurled grooves (not shown) formed on the outer periphery of the scale disc 3a and is rotated together therewith.
The pointing needle 8a is stopped while clamped on the scale disc 3a when the motor is stopped in this state. Accordingly, the scale pointed to by the pointing needle can be easily read. When the clamp lever 14 is released, the pointing needle is disengaged from the scale disc 3a so that the pointing needle 8a is released to return to the "0" position on the scale disc.
The above-mentioned report teaches a viscosity measurement by a spring relaxation method using the relaxation of a spiral spring in the above mentioned viscosimeter. In the viscosity measurement using the spring relaxation technique, the rotor is manually rotated until the spiral spring of the viscosimeter assumes a full scale position (in which the pointing needle points to "100" on the scale). This operation is carried out without a measuring unit installed, and before the sample liquid is loaded between the coil and the plate so that the pointing needle is clamped in this position. Winding of the spiral spring is conducted by manually and slowly rotating the rotor at the lower end thereof until the pointing needle points to "100" on the scale. In order to fix the pointing needle in this position, i.e. to fix the spiral spring in the wound condition, the clamp lever is fixed in the depressed position, for example, by winding a rubber band around the lever after depressing the clamp lever. Thereafter, this condition is maintained until the lever is released for performing the actual viscosity measurement. Subsequently, the viscosity measurement is performed by the following steps.
A stopwatch is set to zero and the lever which fixes the pointing needle at "100" on the scale is released.
Simultaneously with this, the stopwatch is started. Then, the point on the scale which is indicated by the needle is read at appropriate intervals (for example, at intervals of 10 to 15 seconds at the start of the measurement cycle and at intervals of 30 seconds near the end). The measurement is completed over several minutes. The measurement is terminated when the change in reading since the previous reading becomes less than the minimum scale division.
Then, the thus obtained data are plotted on semilogarithmic graph paper. The readings are plotted on the logarithmic scale (two cycles) and the time data are plotted on linear scale.
The resultant curves are exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 7. The viscosity at a desired point on the curve, the shear stress corresponding to this point and the rate of shear are determined as follows:
The shear stress is determined from a coordinate value on the logarithmic axis, through which a horizontal straight line is drawn leftward from a point to be determined. The reading is proportional to the shear stress and can be converted into the shear stress represented in dyne/cm.sup.2 by multiplying it by an appropriate constant.
If the maximum torque (corresponding to the full scale 100) of the spiral spring of the viscosimeter is represented by M.sub.100, the torque Ms relative to the desired scale S is represented by a formula (1). EQU Ms=(S/100)M.sub.100 ( 1)
As shown in the enlarged view of the cone rotor portion of FIG. 5, the relation between the shear stress applied upon the sample liquid loaded between the rotating cone of the viscosimeter and the stationary plate and the torque M applied upon the cone is represented by a formula (2). EQU .tau.(shear stress)=3M/2.pi.r.sup.3 ( 2)
wherein r denotes the radius of the cone. A formula (3) is obtained by putting the formula (1) into the formula (2). EQU .tau.s=3(S/100)M.sub.100 /2.pi.r.sup.3 ( 3)
wherein .tau. s is the shear stress applied upon the sample liquid when the point on the scale is S.
A case in which the pointing needle is preliminarily clamped in the position of the scale S is firstly considered. Although
a torsional reaction force of the spiral spring is applied upon the rotor in this phase, the rotor is prevented from rotating by a clamp mechanism. When clamping of the rotor is released on starting the measurement (t=O), the spiral spring is relaxed so that the rotor commences rotating.
If the change in the indicated point on the scale during a very short period of time dt is represented as ds, a very small angle d.theta. (in radian) by which the pointing needle is moved during the period of time dt is represented by formula (4). EQU d.theta.=(ds/C)2.pi. (4)
wherein constant C denotes the full scale value which is obtained by dividing by 360 at the same graduation pitch at which the scale reads 100 on the scale plate of the viscosimeter.
If the rotational angular speed of the pointing needle at the desired time is represented as radian/second, .omega.=d.theta./dt. A formula (5) is obtained if d in the formula (4) is converted into this representation. EQU .omega.=d.theta./dt=(ds/dt)(2.pi./C) (5)
The shear rate D is represented by a formula (6) in consideration of the shape of the cone in the cone/plate viscosimeter. EQU D=.omega./.alpha. (6)
wherein .omega. and .alpha. denote the rotational angular velocity and the angle of the cone, respectively.
A formula (7) is obtained by putting .omega. in formula (5) into formula (6). EQU D=(ds/dt)(2.pi./C.alpha.) (7)
The viscosity .eta. of the sample liquid is defined as the ratio of the shear stress to the shear rate. In other words, the basic formula of the viscosity is given by a formula (8). EQU .eta.(viscosity)=.tau.(shear stress)/D(shear rate) (8)
A formula (9) is obtained by putting D in formula (7) and in .tau.s formula (3) into formula (8) and by rearranging it. EQU ds/S=(3M.sub.100 C.alpha./4.pi..sup.2 r.sup.3 100.eta.)dt (9)
From (9), EQU dlnS=(3M.sub.100 C.alpha./4.pi..sup.2 r.sup.3 100.eta.)dt EQU .eta.=(3M.sub.100 C.alpha./4.pi..sup.2 r.sup.3 100)/(dlnS/dt)(10)
Since the values in the parentheses are determined by the graduation dividing specification of the full scale torque scale plate of the spiral spring in the viscosimeter, the cone size, and the angle, they are determined by the design of the viscosimeter. Accordingly, the formula (9) can be simplified as represented by formula (11). EQU K=3M.sub.100 C.alpha./4.pi..sup.2 r.sup.3 100.2.3 EQU -.eta.=K/(d log S/dt) (11)
From the formula 11, the viscosity at a desired point on the curve which is obtained as shown in FIG. 7 is obtained by drawing a straight line which is tangential to that point. The viscosity .eta. can be determined by the calculation based upon the in proportional relation of the viscosity with the gradient d log S/dt as is given by the formula 11. The shear stress .tau.s and the shear rate D in this point can be determined by the relations set forth in formulae (3) and (8), respectively. The values which are determined from the dimensions of the viscosimeter and the measurement data in such a manner are set forth in FIG. 7.
The foregoing is the gist of the above-mentioned report. When the viscosity measurement using the spring relaxation technique is performed in the above mentioned conventional art, the clamp lever should be fixed by a rubber band in order to clamp the pointing needle by preliminarily manually rotating a rotor so that the spiral spring is wound to a full scale position and by depressing a needle clamp lever. When the measurement is started, it is necessary to remove the rubber band while the needle clamp lever is depressed with a finger and to read the pointed scale at predetermined intervals which are timed from the start of the measurement, when a finger is released from the clamp lever, while looking at a watch. There are problems that this operation is not only very troublesome, but also two operators are necessary to read the pointed scale and to record it while looking at a watch.


A rotatable sphincterotome/papillotome is inserted into a flexible endoscope and is used for orienting the distal cutting wire tip of the rotatable sphincterotome/papillotome in a twelve o'clock position, where the distal cutting wire tip cuts the sphincter muscle of a patient. The sphincterotome has a housing and a flexible tubular member protruding from the housing. A slidable member is slidably connected on the housing for moving the distal cutting wire tip in a longitudinal direction to cut the sphincter muscle. A ratchet mechanism is rotatably attached to the housing for orienting the angle of the distal cutting wire tip to a correct cutting position, where the gripping assembly is rotatable on the ratchet mechanism. To change the angle of the distal cutting wire tip of the sphincterotome, a user must use one hand to hold the ratchet mechanism while the other hand rotates the housing, and thereby the angle of the distal cutting wire tip changes to a specific degree. The ratchet mechanism is able to change the angle of the cutting wire by rotating it to the desired degree so that the angle of the cutting wire will be at the correct cutting position when the cutting takes place.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of sphincterotomy. More particularly, the present invention relates to the field of medical devices such as sphincterotomes/papillotomes to provide controlled bending and orienting during cutting of the patient's sphincter.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In endoscopic sphincterotomy, sphincterotomes and more specifically papillotomes, are used in conjunction with an endoscope to provide surgical cutting inside of a patient. The sphincterotome/papillotome may be used to partially cut open the sphincter muscle for treatment such as removal of common bile duct stones forming an obstruction. The prior art sphincterotomes/papillotomes include the blade cutting wire for cutting the sphincter muscle. The disadvantage with prior art sphincterotome/papillotome is that when it is fished through the body and the cutting wire comes in contact with the sphincter muscle, the precise angle at which the cutting wire is located relative to the sphincter muscle cannot be accurately controlled and it is a hit or miss procedure. The angle of the cutting wire must be exactly twelve o'clock position in order to properly cut the sphincter muscle.
The following eleven (11) prior art patents are found to be pertinent to the field of the present invention:
1. U.S. Pat. No. 2,843,128 issued to Storz on Jul. 15, 1958 for "Adenotome" (hereafter the "Storz Patent"); PA1 2. U.S. Pat. No. 4,811,735 issued to Nash et al. on Mar. 14, 1989 for "Stone Destroying Catheter And Method Of Use" (hereafter the "Nash Patent"); PA1 3. U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,617 issued to Karpiel on Jun. 18, 1991 for "Sphincterotomy Method And Device Having Controlled Bending And Orientation" (hereafter the "Karpiel Patent"); PA1 4. U.S. Pat. No. 5,026,371 issued to Rydell et al. on Jun. 25, 1991 for "Handle For Polypectome Snare With Bipolar Electrodes " (hereafter the "'371 Rydell Patent"); PA1 5. U.S. Pat. No. 5,053,044 issued to Mueller et al. on Oct. 1, 1991 for "Catheter And Method For Making Intravascular Incisions" (hereafter the "Mueller Patent"); PA1 6. U.S. Pat. No. 5,071,424 issued to Reger on Dec. 10, 1991 for "Catheter Atherotome" (hereafter the "Reger Patent"); PA1 7. U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,872 issued to Segalowitz on Mar. 3, 1992 for "Valvulotome Catheter" (hereafter the "Segalowitz Patent"); PA1 8. U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,772 issued to Sewell, Jr. on Oct. 6, 1992 for "Sphincterotomy Catheter And Method" (hereafter the "Sewell Patent"); PA1 9. U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,942 issued to Rydell on Nov. 17, 1992 for "Surgical Instrument With Grasping Loop For Laparoscopic Procedures" (hereafter the "'942 Rydell Patent"); PA1 10. U.S. Pat. No. 5,241,970 issued to Johlin, Jr. et al. on Sep. 7, 1993 for "Papillotome/Sphincterotome Procedures And A Wire Guide Specially Suited Therefor" (hereafter the "Johlin Patent"); and PA1 11. U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,844 issued to Miller on Jun. 13, 1995 for "Rotary Surgical Cutting Instrument" (hereafter the "Miller Patent").
The Storz Patent discloses an adenotome. It comprises a body with a bar slidable in the body. A pair of finger-receiving rings are fixed to the left hand end of the body and a thumb receiving ring swivels on the corresponding end of the bar.
The Nash Patent discloses a stone destroying catheter and method of use. It comprises a small diameter catheter with a longitudinal axis and a working head located at the distal end. The catheter is capable of being located at any position within the body so that the working head is adjacent the stone. The working head is rotated at high speed about the longitudinal axis of the catheter.
The Karpiel Patent discloses a sphincterotomy method and device having controlled bending and orientation. It comprises a multi-lumen tubular member, with one lumen having an electrical conductor, and the other lumen having a reinforcing wire. The reinforcing wire has a rectangular cross-section, providing a greater moment of inertia in a resisting axis than in a bending axis.
The '371 Rydell Patent discloses a handle for polypectome snare with bipolar electrodes.
The Mueller Patent discloses a catheter and method for making intravascular incisions. The vascular catheter includes a blade tip at its distal end. The blade is mounted within the blade tip and a mechanism is provided for extending the blade transversely when the blade tip is located within a region of stenosis.
The Reger Patent discloses a catheter atherotome.
The Segalowitz Patent discloses a valvulotome catheter. It is used for cutting the bi-cuspid venous valves free from the wall of a vein to be used in bypass vein graft surgery. The end portion is rotatably supported from a tube by way of a shaft. The shaft terminates at its distal end in a blade support member which carries the longitudinally fixed cutting blades. Rotation of the shaft enhances the cutting of the catheter.
The Sewell Patent discloses a sphincterotomy catheter and method. It comprises an elongated longitudinal channel, two separate balloons located at the distal end of the catheter, and a cutting means extendable from the catheter between the balloons. The first balloon is inflated by introducing a gas or a fluid to a first port which flows through the first lumen into the first balloon. Similarly, the second balloon is inflated by introducing a gas or a fluid to a second port which flows through the second lumen and into the second balloon.
The '942 Rydell Patent discloses a surgical instrument with a grasping loop for laparoscopic procedures. It comprises a knob which is rotatable and causes a pinion gear to be turned clockwise, engaging both racks. The rack will be moved toward a proximal end as the rack moves toward a distal end of the handle, thus effectively rotating the grasping loop and any tissue held therein.
The Johlin Patent discloses papillotome/sphincterotome procedures and a wire guide specially suited therefor. The wire guide comprises an outer insulative tube, an inner shaft and a platinum coil at its distal end. The outer tube loosely accommodates the inner shaft with a cushion of air therebetween for additional insulative effect, and the platinum alloy coil is also loosely positioned within the outer tubing.
The Miller Patent discloses a rotary surgical cutting instrument which is used for cutting tissue within an anatomical space. It comprises an outer cannula for percutaneous insertion into the anatomical space. The outer cannula has a central bore along its length and a cutting opening adjacent the distal end sized to receive tissue therethrough. A rotatably driven tubular cutting member is disposed within the central bore of the outer cannula, with a cutting edge rotating beneath the cutting opening of the cannula
It is highly desirable to have a very efficient and also very effective design and construction of a rotatable sphincterotome/papillotome device to enhance the control which a physician has in performing a sphincterotomy, and provides a reduced risk of inadvertent or uncontrolled cuts which may injure the patient. It is also desirable to provide an improved device with the capability of orienting the angle of the cutting wire to the exact cutting position (between 11 o'clock to 1 o'clock) when the device exits the endoscope for cutting the sphincter muscle. It is further desirable to provide an improved device which overcomes the limitations of other devices and provides for a controlled, and safer cutting of the sphincter muscle. Furthermore, the device does not have to exit the endoscope in the correct orientation, because through visualizing the angle with the endoscope and through the ratchet rotating mechanism, the angle of the cutting wire can be rotated to the exact cutting position at all times before the sphincter muscle is cut. Accordingly, the physician maintains a greater control during endoscopic sphincterotomy, and reduces the risk of improper cuts and the associated complications.

Rotatable sphincterotome/papillotome and method of use