A fishing spool line control system includes a cutter housing attached to an annular elastic cloth band that fits around and covers fishing line on a spool. Fishing line, such as tippet, is fed from the spool through a hole in the rear of the cutter housing, and is cut to desired length by a blade in the front of the cutter housing. A thumb rest behind the blade allows pressure to be placed on the cutter housing, allowing safer, easier, and more accurate cutting of the fishing line.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to fishing apparatus and, more specifically, to a fishing line control system for safely and efficiently dispensing and cutting fishing line to a desired length.
2. The Prior Art
At one time, fly fishermen utilized simple leaders to attach their flies to the fishing line. The leader was typically transparent with a lower breaking strength than the fishing line to which it was attached. Some leader floated, and other leader sank, depending on the type of fishing involved.
More recently, tapered leaders have become popular. Commercially packaged leaders, typically 7 to 15 feet in length, are typically designed with the ever-popular floating line in mind. The thin dense sinkers seldom require a leader over 6-feet, if that, and the taper matters much less than for floating line. Commercially manufactured "knotless" leaders typically have standard tippet diameters.
The tippet is part of the leader. It is the finite part of the leader assembly. As such, the tippet joins the all important fly to the rest of the system. The tippet is typically the last 15-inches or so of the leader at the very minimum. The tippet can be longer, but if it is less than 15-inches, it may cost a fisherman a record under the IGFA rules. Leaders are made in varied lengths, in varied diameters and of varied material. Nothing is constant in leader selection other than the water being fished and the chosen fly.
Short of a special order, almost all commercially available leaders are "knotless." This means that fisherman typically will buy a leader whose taper is continuous from the butt diameter to the diameter of the tippet—in other words, no knots from thick to thin. Technology enables a manufacturer to set the specific taper in incremental diameters extruded mechanically or chemically. The packaging will typically clearly indicate (1) the sizing for "X" and, (2) the breaking strength of the tippet. Importantly, these ratings apply only to the tippet, not the leader butt or body that are considerably thicker. For most freshwater fly fishers, the commercial knotless leader, with its built-in tippet, does an adequate job.
Besides sizing for "X," another thing of concern to the fly fisher is the leader length and the breaking strength of the tippet. Commercially packaged leaders typically are available in lengths from 7 to 15-feet. The longer the leader, the more difficult it typically is to control the leader during a cast; while the shorter the leader, the greater the likelihood of spooking fish. For many people, a 9-feet leader is a reasonably good compromise. In stained or cloudy waters, a 7-feet leader may be adequate. For many, the shorter the leader that enables a fisherman to catch fish, the better.
The advancement in leader manufacturing has kept pace with the advancements in fly lines. Monofilament line has been continuously improved for over twenty years. However, other materials are beginning to become important. Manufacturers now have a wide choice in materials when fabricating leaders. As a result, leaders today can range from very stiff to very supple. In fact, there seems to be a leader for just about anything a fisherman could possibly want to do on the water.
Beginning fly fishermen typically start with a leader made of conventional monofilament. As long as the leader is sized for "X," almost any leader will prove satisfactory as he refines his fly fishing skills. Down the road, the differences in leader materials might become significant, especially when the fly fisherman begins fishing different waters and chasing different species of fish. Note that the leader performs two tasks critical to success in catching fish. First, during the cast the leader transmits power from the line to the fly. Second, in or on the water, the leader is the shield of invisibility for a fly line.
As a general guide, the butt section of the leader typically accounts for 40% to 60% of the total length of the leader; and the midsection, or tapered body, another 20% to 40%. The tippet makes up the remainder of the leader. One thing that is important about the percentages of butt, midsection, and tippet, is the taper that maximizes the uninterrupted flow of energy from the line to the fly. If the flow of energy from rod to fly is not right, the fishing rig will often not perform properly in making the cast or turning over the fly in the final presentation.
A problem often arises with standard fishing leaders. As a fly fisher ties-on fly after fly, the tippet quickly disappears. The odds are, however, that the leader butt and the midsection remain in good shape. Rather than replacing the entire leader, one solution is to tie-on a new piece of monofilament line and then continue fishing. Tying-on a new tippet typically only requires tying one of two knots. One advantage of tying-on tippet is that fly fishing need not be any more expensive than spinning and bait-casting.
There are also times when the commercial knotless leader will not conform to a fly fisherman's want list of things he expects it to do. One example is wind fighting. For example, a fisherman may be having trouble making the cast because the leader cannot face the wind. If the fly fisherman has already shortened the leader, the problem could be the diameter of the leader butt. Many commercial leaders have a leader butt approximately 0.023″ in diameter. That is typically acceptable under normal conditions, but not in the wind. It is not surprising that a single leader butt, for example 0.023″ in diameter, often will not satisfy the needs of lines ranging from 5 to 10-weight. This is another place where tying-on tippet to the end of the leader can be advantageous.
Thus, for a number of reasons discussed above, many fly fishermen find that they prefer tying their own tippet to the rest of their leader. One problem that arises though is that this often becomes messy and error prone. Often, removing tippet from a spool can result in the rest of the tippet on the spool becoming fouled. Also, it is often hard to properly size tippet, especially in the conditions faced in the midst of fly fishing. It would therefore be advantageous to have a mechanism available to those tying their own tippet that would keep the remaining tippet on the spool from fouling, while allowing the fly fisher to be able to accurately, repeatedly, and safely extract the desired length of tippet from a spool, even in the worst conditions.


A method and apparatus for testing integrated circuit devices includes a dual site loadboard (60) with dual test sites (62) for holding integrated circuit devices. The dual test sites are connected to test instruments. Integrated circuit devices are loaded onto the dual test sites and tested one at a time using the same set of pin cards (34) in a test head (30).

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the testing of integrated circuits, and in particular, to a method and apparatus for testing integrated circuits in an efficient manner.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Due to improper manufacturing, integrated circuits (ICs) are subject to a variety of failure modes. Therefore, proper testing of ICs during and after fabrication is important to improving the reliability and yield of product shipped to customers. However, the costs associated with testing ICs are growing rapidly.
Overall cost is a significant factor in the success of integrated circuit products. Testing ICs is a relatively time-consuming and expensive process. Therefore, it is desirable to keep testing costs low by minimizing test throughput times.
Even though many techniques and software tools are becoming available to increase design productivity, test productivity lags far behind. Poor test productivity means that the design cycle may soon be dominated by the testing activities. In addition, the complexity of ICs requires relatively expensive testing equipment.
As electronic technology improved, testers became faster than the handlers which supplied them. The time required for testing ICs continues to decline. As a result, testers often operate only a fraction of their test time capability because the handler is unable to deliver and transport ICs to the tester as fast as the tester is able to evaluate them. This results in inefficient use of the tester as the tester remains idle while the handler transports ICs.
For example, FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art device testing station 10. Device testing station 10 includes test instruments for testing ICs. Such device testing stations are available on the open market as known in the art, and can be, for example, the MCT 2010 tester. Other models are available from the same manufacturer and other manufacturers, and are suited for use with the present invention as will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
Referring to FIG. 1, in its normal configuration, as provided by the manufacturer, device testing station 10 includes a controller 16, a keyboard 18, a power supply 20, an auxiliary blower 22, a test head 14, and a single site loadboard 12. The test head 14 is designed to interface with other test equipment such as a device handler (not shown). The power supply 20 and the controller 16 are connected to test head 14 by a hose assembly 26 that transfers cooling air, digital signals, and power between them. As a complete device testing station, controller 16, keyboard 18, power supply 20, and auxiliary blower 22, are in a vertical rack-mount cabinet 28. Test head 14 is supported by a test head stand 24.
Single site loadboard 12 interfaces with test head 14. Single site loadboard 12 provides a single test site 13 for testing a device. Therefore, device testing station 10 can only be used for single site testing. Single site testing represents a very inefficient use of an expensive device testing station.
However, modifying a tester so that it is capable of testing multiple high pin count devices is an expensive undertaking. For example, testers such as the MCT 2010 provide up to 64 pin electronics cards (pin cards). Testing ICs requires that each device pin be assigned to one pin card. As a result, testing an IC with 56 pins requires 56 pin cards. Therefore, in order to test two ICs each with 56 pins without incurring all of the time delay associated with unloading the first IC and loading the second IC would require a tester with at least 112 pin cards and, as a result, would require the addition of complex and expensive equipment.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a method and apparatus for testing ICs that maximizes the use of a tester without requiring additional complex and expensive equipment.


A system for use during surgical procedures. The system includes an implant and an inserter. The implant has a faceted post that rotates, ribs adapted to receive impact from an instrument to help position the implant, and stops. The inserter has a sleeve, into and from which a hook retracts and extends and on which a tab is disposed, and a pair of catches. The hook and tab combine to lock the post into position and to release the post so that the post can rotate. The engagements between the hook and the post and between the tab and the post permit rotation of the implant in situ. The stops and catches define an articulation range for the implant relative to a longitudinal axis of the inserter. A related method of using the system is also provided.

In the simplest terms, the spine is a column made of vertebrae and discs. The vertebrae provide the support and structure of the spine while the spinal discs, located between the vertebrae, act as cushions or "shock absorbers." These discs also contribute to the flexibility and motion of the spinal column. Over time, the discs may become diseased or infected, develop deformities such as tears and cracks, or simply lose structural integrity, for example bulge or flatten. These impaired discs can affect the anatomical functions of the vertebrae, due to the resultant lack of proper biomechanical support, and are often associated with chronic back pain.
Several surgical techniques have been developed to address spinal defects, such as disc degeneration, deformity, or both. Spinal fusion has become a recognized surgical procedure for mitigating back pain by restoring biomechanical and anatomical integrity to the spine. Spinal fusion techniques involve the removal, or partial removal, of at least one intervertebral disc and preparation of the disc space for receiving an implant by shaping the exposed vertebral endplates. An implant is then inserted between the opposing endplates.
A spinal implant may be inserted during a spinal fixation procedure using an anterior, lateral, posterior, or transverse spinal approach. A discectomy may be performed to remove or partially remove a defective or damaged intervertebral disc. The discectomy may create a space for one or more spinal implants. The amount of removed disc material may correspond to the size and type of the spinal implant or spinal implants to be inserted.
Anterior interbody fusion procedures generally have reduced operative times, reduced blood loss, and do not interfere with the posterior anatomic structure of the lumbar spine. Anterior procedures also minimize scarring within the spinal canal while still achieving improved fusion rates, which is advantageous from a structural and biomechanical perspective. These generally preferred anterior procedures are particularly advantageous in providing improved access to the disc space, and thus correspondingly better endplate preparation.
Conventional transforaminal lateral interbody fusion (TLIF) implants are inserted using a combination of a linear insertion path and a hammering of the implant into the desired position using pushers that provide the desired anterior positioning of the implant. Alternatively, a stepwise straight hammering process alternating with an active turning technique is often used to manipulate the implant from the entry position to the final desired position. The conventional TLIF and other angular unilateral systems and insertion methods fail to provide implants, instrumentation, and methods that allow the implant to be easily inserted to its final desired position within the disc space—although many systems and methods have been suggested.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,358,133 issued to Lindenmann et al. discloses a "Self-Pivoting Spinal Implant And Associated Instrumentation." The intervertebral implant includes an insertion end, an opposing engagement end, and first and second opposed main surfaces configured to contact respective adjacent vertebral endplates. Each of the first and second main surfaces has an anterior edge and a posterior edge, and extends between the insertion and engagement ends. Anterior and posterior walls are formed between the first and second main surfaces and along the respective anterior and posterior edges and converge at the insertion and engagement ends. A slot is formed at the engagement end and extends continuously between and at least partially along the anterior and posterior walls. A post is positioned within the slot, spaced from at least one of the anterior and posterior walls and extending at least partially between the first and second main surfaces. The post includes a plurality of exposed facets and is configured for engagement with a pivotable insertion instrument.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,586 issued to Hunt et al. discloses a "Variable Angle Spinal Surgery Instrument." Specifically, Hunt et al. teach an instrument for use in a procedure for inserting a spinal implant between human vertebrae. The instrument includes a shaft and an end member. The end member may rotate with respect to the shaft. An angle of the end member with respect to the shaft may be varied when the end member is in a disc space between the human vertebrae. The instrument may include a slide for securing the end member at selected angles relative to the shaft. The end member may be separable from the shaft when the end member is in a selected orientation with the shaft. An instrument kit may include a shaft assembly and modular end members for various steps in a surgical procedure, such as disc space preparation, disc space evaluation, and spinal implant insertion.
Spinal surgery is made complex, in part, by the proximity of the spinal cord, the cauda equina, or both. Preparation instruments and spinal implants may need to be carefully inserted to avoid damage to nerve tissue. Alignment and spacing of a spinal implant that is to be inserted into a patient may be determined before surgery. Achieving the predetermined alignment and spacing during surgery may be important to achieve optimal fusion of adjacent vertebrae.
More specifically, the unilateral transforaminal insertion of an interbody implant for lumbar spinal fusion presents challenges to the surgeon tasked with the procedure due to the curved manipulation path that the implant must undergo once it enters the disc space. The procedure presents a further challenge of coupling the implant to the inserter instrument while allowing the implant a limited amount of rotation or articulation to follow the desired path. These challenges also present themselves to other angular unilateral approaches to the spine, in which the initial access corridor is linear yet, once the implant enters the disc space, the implant must be manipulated or articulated along a curved path.
An implant system's corresponding surgical procedure, and the instruments used during such a procedure, should preserve as much vertebral endplate bone surface as possible by minimizing the amount of bone removed. This vertebral endplate bone surface, or subchondral bone, is generally much stronger than the underlying cancellous bone. Preservation of the endplate bone stock ensures biomechanical integrity of the endplates and minimizes the risk of implant subsidence. Thus, proper interbody implant design should provide for optimal seating of the implant while utilizing the maximum amount of available supporting vertebral bone stock.
Given the complexities of spinal surgery, a need exists for a spinal implant and associated instrument and method of use that improve the ease with which the implant may be manipulated during insertion or once within the disc space. Because safety, patient health, recovery speed, and reduced trauma are always surgical concerns, another need is to keep the insertion width required by the implant and instrument small. Another need is to allow the caretaker to manipulate the implant, using the instrument, within the disc space, in situ, without passing multiple instruments past the exposed nerve roots. A related need is to avoid or at least minimize the risk of trauma to the spine, as well as reduce the risk of damaging the nerve root with multiple passes of instrumentation.

Rotating implant and associated instrumentation


An image reading device capable of detecting foreign particles on a transparent member by including the transparent member, a conveyance unit that conveys an original document to the transparent member, a reading unit that reads via the transparent member an image of the original document being conveyed on the transparent member at multiple reading positions that exist with a prescribed distance therebetween along an original document conveyance direction, an output unit that outputs signals for different color components corresponding to each of the reading positions, a transparent member moving unit that moves the transparent member in a prescribed direction such that the original document slides over the transparent member while being conveyed to the reading positions during image reading, and a detector that detects noise components caused by foreign particles on the transparent member based on the output signals from the output unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image reading device that reads an original document image via a transparent member by moving the original document relative to the transparent member, and more particularly to an improvement of the technology to detect foreign particles on the transparent member.
2. Description of the Related Art
Image reading devices used in copying machines, for example, can be roughly divided, based on the reading method used, into (i) those using the so-called sheet-through method in which an image reading unit including a CCD sensor or the like is fixed at the original document reading area of the platen glass (i.e., the transparent member) and the image of the original document is read by moving the original document in the secondary scanning direction at a prescribed speed using an automatic original document feeder, and (ii) those using the so-called scanner movement method in which the original document image is read by moving the image reading unit while the original document is fixed in place.
The scanner movement method requires space and a mechanism for the movement of the image reading unit because the image reading unit is moved over the full length of the original document in the secondary scanning direction, while the sheet-through method offers the advantage that the space, etc. required for movement of the image reading unit is not required, enabling the device to be made smaller and less expensive in comparison with the scanner movement method.
However, in the case of the sheet-through method, if a foreign particle is present at the original document reading area on the platen glass due to introduction of dust, the foreign particle is read at all times during original document reading, even if it comprises only a small dot, which leads to the same result as when the original document is soiled from one end to the other in a linear fashion, resulting in continuous linear noise running in the secondary scanning direction in the image reproduced from the image data obtained by reading the original document.
Accordingly, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-271631 discloses an image reading device based on the sheet-through method that reads the color image for each pixel, in which a reading CCD sensor to read the color components of R (red), G (green) and B (blue) and a foreign particle detection CCD sensor to detect foreign particles on the platen glass are disposed along the secondary scanning direction with a prescribed distance therebetween, the image information (i.e., the density value data) output from the reading CCD sensor and the image information output from the foreign particle detection CCD sensor are compared for each pixel, foreign particles on the platen glass are detected from the comparison results, and correction is made accordingly.
More specifically, focusing on one pixel of the original document image, if there are no foreign particles on the platen glass, the image information output regarding this pixel by the respective CCD sensors should be essentially identical. However, if a foreign particle resides on a part of the platen glass that constitutes a part of the light path to the reading CCD sensor, the image information from the reading CCD sensor that is affected by the foreign particle and the image information from the foreign particle detection CCD sensor that is not affected by the foreign particle are conspicuously different from each other, and where there is such a difference, the foreign particle on the glass is detected. When a foreign particle is detected, correction is made to the image information for the pixel that is affected by the foreign particle such that the foreign particle does not appear in the image as noise.
However, according to the image reading device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-271631, a CCD sensor must be included in the device for the detection of foreign particles, in addition to the CCD sensor for reading. Furthermore, if dust, for example, adheres to parts of the platen glass within the light paths of both CCD sensors, no conspicuous difference arises between the image information output by the reading CCD sensor and the image output by the foreign particle detection CCD sensor, making detection of foreign particles impossible.

Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.


An optical monitoring circuit includes a photoelectric device such as a photo-detector that produces a signal in response to incident light thereon corresponding to a characteristic of the incident light such as intensity, or wavelength. A light source is disposed within the circuit for emitting a beam of light, a portion of which is to be incident upon the photoelectric device. The photoelectric device when reversed biased provides an output electrical signal from which the intensity of light from the light source impinging thereon can be determined. The photoelectric device when forward biased provides an output signal from which the temperature of the photoelectric device can be determined. A method and circuit are disclosed for calibrating out the unwanted effect of light from the light source affecting accuracy of the determined temperature derived from the output signal when the photoelectric device is forward biased.

A communications laser is frequently placed in a hermetic package that includes a photodiode optically coupled to the laser diode. The photodiode forms part of a feedback circuit, which samples a portion of the laser light to produce a photocurrent used to control the bias current of the laser in order to stabilize the light output power thereof. Typically these photodiodes are physically mounted very close to the laser, which results in a close thermal coupling between the laser and photodiode. In some instances, the laser and the photodiode may be at different temperatures, due to temperature changes outside the package in which they reside.
Cooled lasers used for fixed wavelength dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) applications, which require control of wavelength to within +/−100 pm, normally include a thermistor within the laser housing to measure the internal temperature of the package.
The resistance of the thermistor, which varies as a nonlinear function of temperature, is used as a feedback mechanism to indirectly measure the laser temperature and to provide an indication of the laser wavelength. The resistance value of the thermistor is kept constant by use of a Peltier effect thermoelectric cooler (TEC) device inside the laser housing, upon which sits the thermistor, the monitor photodiode, and the laser. The feedback from the thermistor controls the current through the TEC to maintain a constant temperature resulting in a constant thermistor resistance value and a constant laser wavelength. The thermistor is typically considered be the weakest link in the wavelength control loop, i.e. a thermistor's drift with time is a main cause of wavelength drift in a D WDM laser source. A thermistor also requires space within the housing, adds two feed-throughs to the laser package, and increases cost and assembly complexity.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,266,792 in the names Crowne et al. entitled Temperature Compensated Optical Detector, issued November 1993, incorporated herein by reference, describes an optical wavelength detector wherein the use of a thermistor is obviated by using a photodiode as both a wavelength or intensity detector when reversed biased, and as a temperature sensor when forward biased. The circuit described by Crowne et al, includes means for ensuring that light from the lightsource being monitored is prevented from impinging upon the photoelectric feedback device when it is forward biased.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,535 in the name of Winston Jr. entitled Semiconductor Light Source Temperature Measurement also discloses the use of a photodiode in forward biased mode as a temperature sensor. A sensed voltage is converted into a temperature signal by the signal processor using a known temperature-voltage relationship of the sensing device.
Accordingly, it is well known that by simply using the output of the photodiode in a forward biased mode, an indication of temperature can be attained. Notwithstanding, more accurate results can be acquired by obviating the deleterious effect of allowing the light from the laser diode light source to couple into the photodetector when it is forward biased, sensing temperature. As mentioned heretofore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,266,792 provides means for interrupting the light source intermittently when temperature is being sensed. Although this solution may provide some advantages, during the measurement of temperature, the light source is switched off and the measurement is not a true measurement of the device with the laser on. Furthermore, data transmission must be halted during the time the light source is switched off; which is unacceptable in many instances. Furthermore, the circuitry required in this embodiment is more complex and less convenient to place in a small hermetic package. Moreover, the output wavelength of the laser diode will usually vary when the outside temperature surrounding the laser package changes. Therefore, if a forward biased photodiode is used as an indicator of temperature, an unwanted change in output wavelength of a laser diode thermally coupled to the detector may occur, as a result of a change in temperature outside the laser package, since the photodiode detector voltage-temperature curve is not a true indication of the temperature of the laser diode. More particularly, the operation of the all of the interconnected components and their related, but different, temperatures will affect the laser output signal wavelength. In the instance in which the forward biased photodiode presents a voltage indicating a corresponding temperature, using this voltage alone, as the only indicator that the output wavelength has or may have changed due to a temperature change, can result in the output wavelength of the laser drifting, even when it is desired to maintain the output at a constant wavelength.
It is an object of this invention, to provide a method and device that will maintain the output laser signal at a substantially constant wavelength by compensating for temperature changes outside the laser package, the voltage temperature relationship of the forward biased photodiode, any small difference in temperature of the detector and the laser diode, and the effects of the laser light impinging upon the forward biased detector while it is sensing temperature. By using outside temperature with the forward biased detector voltage to control a thermoelectric cooler, the output laser signal can be conveniently controlled. This also obviates having additional unwanted components such as a thermistor within the laser package.
In accordance with this invention, it has been found that comparing a voltage provided by the forward biased diode to a compensated voltage stored in memory related to the outside temperature about the package and related to the power of the laser diode, provides more accurate results and an output diode laser signal having a more stable wavelength.
The present invention provides a solution where the overall size of the device is reduced, cost is lessened and efficiency and longevity may be increased by elimination of components otherwise required by prior art devices.
It is an object of this invention to provide, within a laser package, a monitor of the laser sub-mount temperature that does not require the presence of a thermistor or other separate internal temperature measurement device. It is a further object of the invention to provide an output laser signal having a substantially constant wavelength while the light source remains on, in real-time, such that data transmission does not have to be halted. This invention can also be used for an un-cooled laser to provide an accurate monitor of the laser temperature in packages where a thermistor is not normally included. In the un-cooled laser application, accurate temperature feedback can be used to adjust drive or bias currents over temperature to maintain a consistent level of performance from the transmitter.

Transmitter with laser monitoring and wavelength stabilization circuit


A system and process determine the 3-dimensional position, the course line and possibly the speed of an energy source. Embodiments use an antenna array system that includes receiver transducers positioned to form an equilateral triangle with a receiver transducer at each point of the triangle. Each transducer is independent, and there may be no electrical connection between each transducer in the antenna array. Each transducer may be connected directly to a computer for signal analysis to provide for case decision and display of the appropriate information and steps to follow to determine the appropriate action required by the computer operator. By detection of a single signal from a sound or light source, the 3-dimensional position and a course line of that signal source can be determined under certain circumstances.

The embodiments herein relate generally to source detection systems.
Conventional detection systems are configured to detect the two-dimensional position of an unknown object. Examples of current technologies include radio detection and ranging (RADAR) and sound navigation ranging (SONAR). In some cases, more than one signal from the source is needed to locate the source's position. Embodiments of the subject technology improve on the current techniques with better accuracy.

System and process to passively determine the 3-dimensional position, the course line and the speed of a signal source


A device for use in a medical diagnostic apparatus includes an area for containing a sample of biological fluid as it undergoes a reaction that causes a detectable change in the sample's optical properties. The reaction area is sandwiched between a transparent front layer and a Fresnel reflector layer. The area is illuminated through the front layer, and the light is reflected from the reflector layer to a detector. The detector monitors the light incident on it and calculates, from the change during the course of the reaction, an analyte concentration or property of the fluid sample. The reaction area is optionally heated.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a medical diagnostic apparatus for optically measuring the concentration of an analyte in or a property of a biological fluid; more particularly, an apparatus whose optical system includes a Fresnel reflector.
2. Description of the Related Art
A variety of medical diagnostic procedures involve tests on biological fluids, such as blood, urine, or saliva, and are based on a change in light absorption of such a fluid or an element of the fluid, such as blood serum. Some of these procedures make use of a transparent or translucent device to contain the biological fluid and a reagent. A change in light absorption of the fluid can be related to an analyte concentration in, or property of, the fluid. Typically, a light source is located adjacent to one surface of the device and a detector is adjacent to the opposite surface. Alternatively, if a reflector is located adjacent to that opposite surface, then the light can pass through the device twice and the source and detector can be on the same side of the device. A device of this latter type, in which light is first transmitted through the sample area, then reflected through a second time is called a "transflectance" device. References to "light" throughout this specification and the appended claims should be understood to include the infrared and ultraviolet spectra, as well as the visible. References to "absorption" are meant to refer to the reduction in intensity as a light beam passes through a medium, thus, it encompasses both "true" absorption and scattering.
An example of a transparent test device is described in Wells et al. WO94/02850, published on Feb. 3, 1994. Their device comprises a sealed housing, which is transparent or translucent, impervious, and rigid or semi-rigid. An assay material is contained within the housing, together with one or more assay reagents at predetermined sites. The housing is opened and the sample introduced just before conducting the assay. The combination of assay reagents and analyte in the sample results in a change in optical properties, such as color, of selected reagents at the end of the assay. The results can be read visually or with an optical instrument.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,037,974, issued Jul. 26, 1977, to T. Fletcher et al. discloses a sample cell for spectrophotometers, which prevents stray light from being carried to a detector through the cell wall. In one embodiment, the cell has a side wall whose outer surface has a sawtooth configuration, which causes light that enters the side wall from the interior of the cell either to be reflected back into the sample or pass out through the cell wall.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,116,566, issued Sep. 26, 1978, to E. Sick discloses a device for detecting defects in webs of material, using an optical system that may include a sawtooth mirror.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,029, issued Nov. 11, 1980, to R. Columbus discloses a liquid transport device that has opposed surfaces, each of which may have a sawtooth cross section. The sawtooth arrangement of one surface is orthogonal to the arrangement of the other surface, and the resultant liquid flow is multidirectional.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,277, issued May 25, 1993, to J. Drennen, III discloses a cell that holds near-infrared reflectance spectrometer samples. The spectrometer includes a light source which illuminates a sample that is contained in the cell. The cell surfaces direct the light onto the sample, collect light diffusely reflected from the sample and direct the light back toward a detector.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,255, issued Jun. 4, 1996, to G. Neel et al. discloses an instrument and method for determining a coagulation characteristic of blood by a reflectance technique. The sample holder includes a combination reagent heater and reflector. (See also WO95/07452.)
U.S. Pat. No. D 375,799, issued Nov. 19, 1996, to W. Leiva et al. discloses a transparent assay tester for biological fluids with a Fresnel lens.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,468,606, issued Nov. 21, 1995, to G. Bogart et al. discloses an analyte-detecting device which has a substrate with an optically active surface. When illuminated, the surface exhibits different colors, depending on whether or not the analyte is present.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,527, issued Dec. 26, 1995, to E. Gustafson et al. discloses a multilayer reflective biograting for use in an immunoassay. The diffraction signal from the biograting changes in the presence of an analyte

Medical diagnostic apparatus using a Fresnel reflector


A pleated filter media includes a plurality of parallel conductive beads to support the media and space the pleated surfaces apart. A high voltage differential applied between adjacent conductive beads induces an electrostatic field within the filter media, thereby increasing the efficiency of the filter.

The principal of electrostatic attraction has been used for many years to enhance the removal of contaminants from air streams. There are three primary categories of air electrostatic cleaners: electrostatic precipitators, passive electrostatic filters and active field polarized media air cleaners, which are sometimes known under different terms.
Electrostatic precipitators charge particles and then capture them on oppositely charged and/or grounded collection plates.
A passive electrostatic filter (also known as an electret) employs a media (or combination of different media) that through some combination of treatment and/or inherent properties has an electrostatic charge. Particles entering the filter media that have an electrostatic charge are attracted to the charged media filter materials that have the opposite electrostatic charge.
An active field polarized media air cleaner uses an electrostatic field created by a voltage differential between two electrodes. A dielectric filter media is placed in the electrostatic field between the two electrodes. The electrostatic field polarizes both the media fibers and the particles that enter, thereby increasing the efficiency of the media and the air cleaner. A dielectric material is an electrical insulator or a substance that is highly resistant to electric current that can also store electrical energy. A dielectric material tends to concentrate an applied electric field within itself and is thus an efficient supporter of electrostatic fields.
A further electrostatic air filter design is disclosed in Canadian Patent No. 1,272,453, in which a disposable rectangular cartridge is connected to a high voltage power supply. The cartridge consists of a conductive inner center screen, which is sandwiched between two layers of a dielectric fibrous material (either plastic or glass). The two dielectric layers are, in turn, further sandwiched between two outer screens of conductive material. The conductive inner center screen is raised to a high voltage, thereby creating an electrostatic field between the inner center screen and the two conductive outer screens that are kept at an opposite or ground potential. The high voltage electrostatic field polarizes the fibers of the two dielectric layers.
Pleated filters are also well known. A pleated filter is formed from a sheet of filter media folded into a series of pleats. One type of pleated filter, known as a mini-pleat filter, has smaller more closely spaced pleats. The peaks between adjacent pleats of a mini-pleat filter are spaced no more than 20 mm apart and typically range from 5.0 mm to 7.0 mm apart.
Mini-pleat air filters typically utilize ⅞ to 1¼ inch deep pleats with very narrow air spaces (⅛ inch) between, making it possible to pack more filter paper into a standard frame than can be done with traditional deep, corrugated pleats. The abutting folds of a mini-pleat filter are separated and held in place by glue beads, threads, ribbons, tapes, strips of medium, or a continuous piece of glass, foam or plastic spaced within the width of the medium. Mini-pleat filters contain almost twice as much filter paper as deeply pleated filters or corrugated separator filters of equal frame size.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,908,348 to Rivers shows the use of conductive stripes applied to a pleated media for generating electrostatic fields. The stripes serve to create an electrostatic field within the pleated filter media.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,754 to Joannou shows a pleated filter with conductive strings attached to the top edges and bottom edges (peaks) of the pleated folds. Applying a high voltage potential between the top and bottom peaks of the pleated folds generates an electrostatic field within the pleated filter material.

Conductive bead active field polarized media air cleaner

Environmental Management Confederation, Inc.


A method and apparatus detects degradation in performance of an engine by comparing signals such as those obtained from magnetostrictive sensors which are related to, but not necessarily accurately correlated with, stress/strain states of a torque/load transmitting member. A first signal is obtained relating to the stress in the member produced by a first loading event or series of events, typically from the firings of a cylinder in an internal combustion engine. A second signal is obtained which relates to the stress in the member produced by a second loading event or series of events from the same or other cylinder in which the torque/load was intentionally inhibited. The first and second signals are then compared to detect degradation in output of the engine.

There are a number of applications, particularly within the auto industry, for an inexpensive and simple device which could discern between relatively smooth applied loads (e.g., torque, force, stress, strain, displacement) and irregular or varying such loads. In anti-lock braking (ABS) systems, for instance, foot pressure on the pedal should be steady for best braking performance. Many people have, however, been trained to "pump" their brakes when sliding. Pumping of the brake pedal in ABS systems therefore reduces, in some instances drastically reduces, brake performance. Hence, there is a need for a simple, inexpensive means for discerning between pumping (varying) loads and more steady foot force loads on the brake pedal. With this discernment, the ABS system electronics could automatically adjust the braking system response to compensate for any pumping action applied by the vehicle operator. The present invention, as will be shown, provides a method and apparatus for sensing and discerning between relatively uniform and irregular foot pressure loading applied by the operator.
Another suitable application involves automotive vehicle or other types of suspension systems. As an automobile hits bumps or other irregular road surfaces, it exhibits sudden changes in orientation which are related to the rapidly varying force loads being transmitted through the suspension systems. It is possible, however, in modern suspension systems, to provide computer control to the system which can effectively smooth out the rapid force variations induced in the wheels by the road surface before such forces are transmitted through to the vehicle compartment and the passengers. These "active" suspension systems use sophisticated electronics to make near instantaneous adjustments to various physical parameters of the system, and thereby smooth out the force variations. To do so, however, such systems need a means to distinguish between rough roads (rapid force variations) and smooth roads (relatively uniform force with little variation). As will be seen, the present invention comprises a simple method and apparatus to make such a distinction.
Misfire detection is another application for discernment of rapid force variations. (See later extensive discussion relating misfire detection to torque variations.) A sensor placed on or in the structure near or under a given cylinder would experience different force variations for a normal or abnormal cylinder firing. The methods shown hereinbelow to detect misfire, knock, or engine roughness due to torque variations may be used according to the present invention thereby for force (or stress/strain) variations to the same end.
Detection of cylinder degradation over time in internal combustion engines is yet another long felt need. As discussed below the present invention may be used to detect such degradation by monitoring lower torque production from cylinders which have lost power over time due to wear, ring damage, cylinder wall deterioration, or other causes.
Prior art methodologies for discerning load variations invariably entail load cells, typically employing strain gages, to make precise measurements of the load. An accurate, repeatable, mathematically explicit, correlation exists between the load being measured and the signal produced by the sensor (strain gage, transducer, etc) which monitors the load. Since the actual load is known to good accuracy, it is a simple matter to detect and flag load variations. The present invention, on the other hand, permits the effective use of a sensing system, such as a magnetostrictive sensing system, which for various "real world" physical reasons, may not be capable of providing an accurate correlation between load (as typically measured in pounds, pound-feet, psi, inches, inches per inch, etc) and sensor output (typically volts, milli-volts, milli-amps, etc).
Prior art configurations do not have the durability required for long term automotive and other application uses. For example, a strain gage mounted externally on a suspension system component such as a spring would have essentially zero probability of lasting even 10,000 miles, let alone the 100,000 miles modern day automotive manufacturers are demanding. Still further, such gages are virtually impossible to apply consistently and successfully in a mass production environment. Additionally, such sensing systems are vulnerable to temperature variations, and would be quite costly.
The present invention, as will be seen below, solves all of these prior art force variation sensing problems in a simple, inexpensive, and elegant manner, and does so in a unique and heretofore unprecedented way.
Further, the present invention may be employed to determine significant variations, not just of force, but of torque, stress, strain, deflection, and the like as well. A particularly useful application comprises misfire detection monitoring in automotive engines. It and other internal combustion engine torque variation applications are discussed in the ensuing paragraphs.
Two primary objectives of automobile engine control systems are to maximize engine performance, such as power for passing, etc., and to minimize fuel consumption. Rough running engines affect both power output and fuel economy adversely. On-board monitoring and control systems should be able to detect and, in some instances, correct for such roughness. Roughness may be due to incomplete burning of fuel in one or more cylinders. Extreme engine roughness occurs during cylinder misfire, that is, when no fuel is burned in one or more cylinders. Misfire can occur for several reasons, including lack of spark from the ignition system, malfunctioning of the fuel injection system, lack of sufficient air intake, faulty valves, etc.
While detection of roughness and misfiring during vehicle operation is highly desirable from the standpoints of performance and fuel economy, it has significant environmental impact as well. Incomplete burning of fossil fuels is a prime source of air pollution. An engine which misfires only 2% of the time, for example, may produce pollutant levels which exceed emission standards by 150%.
Governmental regulations covering emissions caused by cylinder misfire are being proposed. For example, the state of California has already notified automobile manufacturers that beginning with the 1994 model year, vehicles sold in California must have on-board means for detecting and warning of cylinder misfire. Such means must be capable of identifying which particular cylinder is misfiring, or in the case of multiple cylinder misfire, indicating that more than one cylinder is misfiring. California regulators have also stated they would prefer a system which could additionally: determine precisely which cylinders are misfiring in the case of multiple misfires; identify sporadic, non-periodic misfiring events; detect isolated misfires occurring a small percentage of the time, for example, 5 or fewer misfires for every 1,000 firings; and function properly under all engine speeds and driving conditions. Other states, as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, have indicated that they may issue cylinder misfire regulations similar to those proposed for California.
Prior art devices for roughness and misfire detection in internal combustion engines have utilized several different approaches. For example, the measurement of rotational speed (RPM) fluctuations is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,843,870 to Citron et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,379 to Tang et al.; and SAE papers #900232 by Plapp et al., #890486 by Citron et al., and #890884 by Rizzoni.
Detecting roughness and misfire has also been attempted by determining the absence of a spark in the ignition system as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,029 to Lill et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,228 to Fujimoto. The spark plug has also been used as a plasma probe as described in Johnson and Rado, "Monitoring Combustion Quality in Internal Combustion Engines Using Spark Plug as s Plasma Probe," IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology Vol VT-24, No 2, May 1975.
Sensing temperature at the exhaust port of each cylinder is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,939,711 to Hanaoka. Using non-magnetostrictive torque sensing and speed measurements is disclosed in SAE paper #890485 by Mauer et al. A generic torque sensor and comparison of mean or maximum versus minimum torque signals (and typically other signals such as RPM, accelerator depression level, etc.) to expected values stored in computer memory, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,606,005 to Ribbens, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,030 to Morikawa. Monitoring exhaust chemistry, such as with a Lambda oxygen sensor in the exhaust flow, is taught in SAE paper #900232 by Plapp et al.
Each of these prior art approaches has disadvantages and it is likely that none may meet the strict standards that the California regulators and others seek. For example, rotational speed fluctuation detection is computationally intensive, and may be limited to engine speeds below 3500 to 4000 RPM, and has difficulty detecting non-repetitive misfires. Moreover, engine speed detection is subject to false alarms for vehicles operating on rough roads. A rough road will induce speed changes into the engine driveline at the drive wheels, irrespective of any engine misfire. These road induced speed changes will effectively mask the changes in speed that may be caused by engine misfire.
Detecting the absence of a spark will not detect misfire if the misfire is caused by fuel injection, valve, or other mechanical malfunctions. Plasma probing, temperature sensing, and exhaust gas chemistry sensing are all too slow and, heretofore, impractical for detecting low percentage misfire states. Further, exhaust gas sensing cannot identify which cylinder, or cylinders, are faulty. Torque sensing using non-magnetostrictive torque sensors are typically too large and unwieldy--often also requiring two or more monitoring locations along the crankshaft. Non-magnetostrictive torque sensors, such as strain gauge torque sensors, are impractical for mass production and extensive usage. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,606,005 and 4,940,030 disclose using generic torque sensors; however, to the best of Applicants' knowledge, no such sensors currently exist which have proven suitable for automobile engine torque on-board monitoring.
A number of researchers have attempted to develop magnetostrictive torque sensors. Magnetostrictive torque sensors take advantage of the magnetostrictive property of ferromagnetic materials whereby tension stress in the material causes an increase in an induced magnetic field B in the material. Compressive stress causes a decrease in the induced magnetic field B. Typically an alternating current carrying coil is used to induce the magnetic field B into a ferromagnetic torque transmitting shaft. A secondary pickup coil, or other means, then monitors the change in the induced magnetic field B as the stress of the shaft changes with torque. The voltage signal generated across the secondary coil is an indicator of the torque. Specific geometry and the number of coils may vary for different magnetostrictive torque sensor designs, but the underlying principle is the same.
Typical magnetostrictive torque sensors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,760,745 to Garshelis; U.S. Pat. No. 2,912,642 to Dahle; U.S. Pat. No. 4,414,856 to Winterhof; U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,290 to Sugiyama; U.S. Pat. No. 4,697,459 to Nonomura et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,939,937 to Klauber et al.; and application Ser. No. 07/518,083 to Klauber et al. The sensor disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,760,745, for example, is a four solenoidal coil design which is inherently larger and is, therefore, typically more expensive and less suited for automotive application than the other types of magnetostrictive torque sensors. The other sensors may be miniaturized and are less expensive, but are limited by the random anisotropic variations in magnetic permeability of the iron and steel materials used in production crankshafts and driveshafts. These variations are inherent in the material and distort any measured induced magnetic field changes thereby resulting in inaccuracies and prohibiting the instantaneous monitoring of the power variations for individual cylinder misfiring or firing events.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,716,773 and SAE paper #870472, Nonomura et al. show a cross design (two coil) magnetostrictive stress detector utilizing a phase adder circuit which adds a signal derived from the input voltage of the exciting coil to the filtered output signal from the pickup coil. The added signal is derived by shifting the phase and altering the amplitude of the input voltage. By adding this derived signal to the output voltage in the appropriate manner, the resulting signal is linearized (i.e., the relationship between output voltage and stress is made more linear). As shown herein, one embodiment of the present invention accomplishes the same end by different means not requiring the amplitude regulator or phase shifter needed by Nonomura et al. Further, the present invention is not limited to cross design magnetostrictive sensors. As will be seen the present invention has still other advantages, such as correction of overmodulation, not shown by Nonomura et al.
Applicants are currently unaware of any system for roughness or misfire detection which is completely satisfactory. Moreover, Applicants are unaware of any system which may satisfy more stringent environmental regulations, such as those pending in California.
The present invention may also be suited for a number of other uses. For example, during engine knock, the fuel in the cylinder ignites at an earlier point of the firing cycle and lasts for a much shorter period of time. When knock occurs, the combustion process is typically over near the point at which normal combustion would be just beginning. The torque pulse delivered during knock is therefore much shorter in width, different in magnitude, and located at a different location with respect to top dead center (TDC). Hence, comparison of signals such as those described herein to determine misfire or roughness can be used in similar fashion to determine knock.
Other uses according to the present invention include anti-lock braking wherein obtaining of peak braking torque is critical. By using the methodology shown herein, comparison of signals generated at the same or different points on a shaft.backslash.wheel system can result in a relative indication of torque, i.e., even though the actual value for torque may not be determined, it may be possible to determine when the maximum amount of torque is occurring. Feedback systems would then automatically seek the maximum signal, thereby maximizing braking torque, without actually having to determine the precise value of the torque. Similar logic holds for traction control systems wherein maximum traction torque is desired. Additionally, such comparisons of signals may be used in transmissions to facilitate smooth shifting without sudden torque shifts. Smoothness of torque transitions may be obtained, again without necessarily having to determine the actual value of the torque. Still other applications include bearing and I.C. engine cylinder degradation, machine tool monitoring, electric motors, generators, and any other devices wherein comparison of signals is at least partially dependent on torque may be useful.


A compact hand-held viewing apparatus that automatically determines the three-dimensional direction in which it is pointing and automatically presents information to the user related to features which are visible in the field of view of the apparatus in that three-dimensional direction. Any given embodiment of the invention is intended to be used for viewing a predetermined subject matter, such as astronomical features of the night sky or geographical features of the distant terrain. Included within the apparatus is a database with data about the predetermined subject matter correlated with three-dimensional direction. The apparatus is configured to provide data from the database in real time to the user as the user observes the field of view in a selected three-dimensional direction. If the user points the apparatus in a different three-dimensional direction, the direction-sensing mechanism determines the new direction, and the apparatus updates the data presented to the user to correspond to the new direction. The illustrated apparatus includes a visual display mechanism which presents data from the database to the user in the form of a visual reference display superimposed on the field of view so that the user may observe the actual view and the reference display at the same time. The image or text displayed in the reference display depends on the three-dimensional direction in which the apparatus is pointing. The apparatus includes appropriate processing circuitry for processing the three-dimensional directional data from the sensing mechanism and updating the reference display.

The present invention relates to apparatus for observing, locating and identifying features of interest in an observed field of view such as might be used, for example, in observing, locating and identifying stars or stellar constellations in an observed portion of the night sky.
Amateur astronomers interested in observing a stellar constellation or other feature in the night sky commonly use star charts to determine where to look to find the desired constellation or to identify what they are looking at. Such star charts give pictorial representations of stars and stellar constellations and sometimes indicate celestial coordinates by which the stars may be located. The amateur astronomer typically looks for the pattern of the constellation amongst the many stars in the sky, or if a single star, galaxy or other small feature is sought, the observer looks for the closest identifiable constellation and attempts to locate the desired feature within the pattern of the constellation. Alternatively, the observer may translate the coordinates of a desired feature from a star chart into compass bearing and elevation and then using a compass look in that direction. This approach has the disadvantages that it requires a degree of sophistication to know how to read a star chart, and it is difficult for most observers to aim a telescope, binoculars or the un-aided eye in a precise three-dimensional direction. The observer usually has to refer back and forth from the sky to the star chart. Separate illumination is usually needed to read the star chart in the field, and this presents a problem of the user's eye having to adjust to the vastly differing light levels of the night sky and the illuminated chart. In addition, a very limited amount of information may displayed on the star chart without making the chart unduly difficult to read.


This invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the length of a carbon nanotube, in cooperation with a substrate having at least one reference level on a surface of the substrate on which at least one carbon nanotube is formed, comprising at least one positioning platform for mounting and calibrating the substrate; a discharging electrode mounted on one side of the positioning platform to cut the carbon nanotube wherein the position of the discharging electrode can be calibrated with the positioning platform; a piezoelectric actuator for calibrating the position of the discharging electrode or the height of the discharging electrode relative to the substrate reference level; a position sensor for detection of the height of the substrate; and a voltage pulse supplying means for applying a voltage pulse to the discharging electrode to cut the carbon nanotube.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the length of a carbon nanotube. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus suitable for modifying the tip of a carbon nanotube probe, a carbon nanotube sensor or a carbon nanotube field emitter.
2. Description of Related Art
Carbon nanotubes are used widely and an example of such use is as probe tips for scanning probe microscopes (SPMs), measurement of the mass of nano particulars or sensors for detection of whether atoms or molecules exist. A probe microscopic cantilever can be made by the current micro-electromechanical technology. An array of probes having carbon nanotube tips can be formed on a p-type wafer, an n-type wafer, a glass substrate or the like substrate by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) or field-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (FECVD). This is exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,227, which provides an advantageous solution for mass-production of SPM probes by disclosing a process for growing a carbon nanotube on a probe tip. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 6,346,189 issued to Dai et al. in 2002 disclosed an atomic force microscopic probe to have a catalyst disposed on its probe tip on which a carbon nanotube is grown by CVD.
Although recent research has focused on the growth of the carbon nanotubes, a number of problems remain in reference to obtaining carbon nanotubes of uniform quality. Taking the length of the carbon nanotubes as an example, a control of time for growing the carbon nanotubes does not necessarily mean that the length of the tip extending from the carbon nanotubes can be adequately controlled. This is because the positional control of the catalyst particles is difficult, for example, the catalyst particles may not be formed on the end of the probe tip. Thus, carbon nanotubes grown by CVD are of different lengths extending from the probe. On the other hand, the carbon nanotubes grown adhere to the surface of the probe by van der Waal's force, and then, crawl along the slant surface of the probe tip. When the internal force of the carbon nanotubes is larger than the adherent force between the carbon nanotubes and the surface of the probe, the carbon nanotubes extend from the probe tips. Therefore, the length of the probe tips formed under the same condition and the same procedure will vary. The carbon nanotubes of non-uniform length cause a number of problems in practice. For example, a lengthy SPM tip tends to be effected by thermal disturbance and results in vibration, though it is instrumental to the probation of a deeper microstructure. Also, the lengthy carbon nanotube tip tends to cause buckling. If the length of the tip is used inappropriately, the outcome of scan will vary. As a result, the accuracy of size measurement of a sample object is lessened, reducing the effect of the carbon nanotube probes. Moreover, as application is made to measure the mass of the nano particles, small particles adhere to the end of the carbon nanotubes having a rigidly mounted end and a free end. Since the length of the carbon nanotubes has an effect on the vibration condition of the carbon nanotubes, the mass of the nano particles is measured based on the specific resonance frequency of a carbon nanotube structure corresponding to the specific length of the carbon nanotubes. As for the application to serve as a sensor for detection of whether atoms or molecules exist, a carbon nanotube having organic functions is used to catch chemical materials. Hence, it is necessary to adequately control the length of the carbon nanotube sensor tip, to make the sensor to function well. Furthermore, the carbon nanotubes having the catalyst particles at the end probably effects field emission of electrons. Hence, the researchers for the field emission of electrons also care about innovations on methods for cutting the catalyst particles at the end of the carbon nanotubes.
In recent years, several efforts working on the length-controlling of carbon nanotubes are reported. For example, cutting a carbon nanotube through the assistance of a voltage pulse between the tip of the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and a single nanotube is described by Liesbeth et al. (Liesbeth et al., Applied Physics Letters, Vol.71, No.18, 1997). Another method for controlling the length of a single carbon nanotube is also disclosed by Hafner et al. (Hafner et al., The Journal of Physical Chemistry B, Vol. 105, No. 4, 2001). The single carbon nanotube is picked up and adhered to a tip of single-walled carbon nanotubes through the assistance of UV-cure adhesive first in Hafner's method. Then a voltage pulse is applied to the tip for cutting the carbon nanotube. However, all these methods illustrated above need to be achieved through a complex process or expensive apparatus.
It is necessary for the conventional techniques to control the length of the carbon nanotube tips by going through the processing steps for every probe. Both the complex processing steps and expensive apparatus prevent high-quality carbon nanotubes from popularization in the industry. Absent supply of the carbon nanotube probes retards the development of researches and applications of nano-scale measurement. Furthermore, even though several complex methods for cutting a single carbon nanotube are disclosed, no simple method or cheap apparatus for mass-producing the carbon nanotubes with uniform length is disclosed.

Method and apparatus for controlling the length of a carbon nanotube

Industrial Technology Research Institute


A water channel structure for a motor vehicle includes a water channel side wall where the water channel side wall has an overlap region which is arrangeable in the motor vehicle overlapping a side wall of a motor vehicle body in an overlap plane. A set-off region is disposed on the overlap region where at least a part of the set-off region is spaced apart from the overlap plane.

The invention relates to a water channel structure for a motor vehicle.
The prior art has disclosed water channel structures which are arranged for example in the region of the trunk below a trunk lid. Here, the water channel structures are, for example, welded to a side wall of the motor vehicle body. The water channel structures and the side wall of the motor vehicle body are in this case for example in the form of metal sheets. PVC, for example, is applied to the elements at a later stage so as to ensure leak-tightness with respect to water.
The side wall of the motor vehicle body is furthermore shaped so as to define the desired external shape of the motor vehicle. In this case, the side wall of the motor vehicle body may for example be of angled form. Since the water channel structures are arranged in the shaping region of the side wall of the motor vehicle body, the water channel structures influence the external shape of the side wall of the motor vehicle body to the extent that not all the surface radii (character lines) of the side wall of the motor vehicle body that are desired in terms of design are able to be provided. In this case, for example, currently only flat rear fairings can be manufactured and sealed off using conventional methods (without additional expenditure for special processes, such as for example soldering).
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a water channel structure which allows prominent stylistic features or smaller surface radii of character edges of side walls of the motor vehicle body, and also to realize sealing with respect to water with minimal tolerance regions.
According to the invention, the object is achieved by a water channel structure for a motor vehicle that comprises a water channel side wall having an overlap region, wherein the overlap region is suitable for being arranged in the motor vehicle in a manner overlapping a side wall of a motor vehicle body in an overlap plane E, and a set-off region arranged on the overlap region, wherein the set-off region is formed in such a way that at least one part of the set-off region is arranged spaced apart from the overlap plane E.
The fact that a part of the set-off region is arranged spaced apart from an overlap plane E of the overlap region means that all the tolerance positions can be provided without collision. The possibility of conventional sealing, for example with PVC, is nevertheless retained. The need for straight metal sheet overlapping for the tolerance region, which would be necessary for example in the case of a non-angled or non-curved overlap region, is reduced or eliminated. Since this tolerance region is reduced or eliminated, larger undercuts in the side wall may be realized. The undercuts in turn allow smaller surface radii for character edges of the side wall of the motor vehicle body. This makes possible more prominent stylistic features. If the water channel is not in the zero position and overlaps in its tolerance region with the side wall of the vehicle body, at least one support for a sealing compound is provided by the set-off region spaced apart from the overlap plane E. Consequently, PVC can be applied without holes forming between the overlap region and the side wall of the vehicle body, whereby leak-tightness with respect to water is ensured.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the set-off region is of curved form. This allows the set-off region to be arranged spaced apart from the overlap plane E in a particularly simple manner. Here, the set-off region is preferably curved along a radius.
In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the overlap region and the set-off region are arranged at an angle to one another. This allows the set-off region to be arranged spaced apart from the overlap plane E through simple bending of an additional region of the overlap region. Here, an angle α between the overlap region and the set-off region preferably lies in the range from 5° to 30°. This allows a particularly good reduction of the tolerance region of the water channel side wall and allows particularly small surface radii at the side wall of the vehicle body.
Furthermore, embodiments in which the se-off region is arranged in a curved and angled manner are also conceivable.
Preferably, in all the embodiments, the water channel structure is formed in such a way that, in the motor vehicle, the set-off region is arranged in the region of a character edge of an outer wall of the motor vehicle.
According to a further embodiment, a motor vehicle comprises a water channel structure according to the invention and a motor vehicle body having a side wall.
Embodiments of the invention will be described below on the basis of the Figures.

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft


There is provided a charged particle beam apparatus which allows implementation of a high-reliability and high-accuracy dimension measurement even if height differences exist on the surface of a sample. The charged particle beam apparatus includes the following configuration components: An acquisition unit for acquiring a plurality of SEM images whose focus widths are varied in correspondence with the focal depths, a determination unit for determining, from the plurality of SEM images acquired, a SEM image for which the image sharpness degree of the partial domain including a dimension-measuring domain becomes the maximum value, and a measurement unit for measuring the dimension of the predetermined domain from the SEM image whose image sharpness degree is the maximum value.

The present invention relates to a charged particle beam apparatus using a charged particle beam such as an electron beam or ion beam. More particularly, it relates to a charged particle beam apparatus and a dimension measuring method which are preferable for measuring the dimension of a specified domain with a high accuracy even if height differences exist within the field-of-view.
In charged particle beam apparatuses representative of which is a scanning electron microscope, a narrowly converged charged particle beam is scanned on a sample, thereby acquiring desired information (e.g., sample image) from the sample. In the charged particle beam apparatuses like this, implementation of the high resolution has been progressing year by year. Of these charged particle beam apparatuses, in electron beam apparatuses in particular, diffraction phenomenon of the electrons is conspicuous and dominant. As a result, a decrease in the focal depth in accompaniment with the high-resolution implementation is unavoidable in principle. Meanwhile, under the circumstances like this, it is now required to perform a high-reliability dimension measurement with a higher accuracy. However, in a situation in particular where a plurality of measurement positions accompany height differences with respect to the electron beam, it becomes difficult to perform the high-reliability dimension measurement.
Conventionally, in order to automatically perform the dimension measurement, the following method has been generally used: Namely, a condition for allowing the best focus to be achieved is found out from the entire contrast within the field-of-view including a dimension-measuring domain. Then, after setting the focus, the dimension of a predetermined domain is measured from a SEM image newly acquired based on this focusing condition. Also, as a technique for acquiring a deep focal-depth SEM image of a sample which accompanies asperities or height differences, a technique of acquiring a plurality of SEM images with different focuses has been disclosed in JP-A-2002-75263. In JP-A-2002-75263, the method has been disclosed which allows the deep focal-depth SEM image to be acquired by extracting best-focused image domains from these SEM images respectively and superimposing these image domains into the one piece of SEM image. Also, in JP-A-11-264726, the following method has been disclosed: Namely, the plurality of SEM images with the different focuses are acquired, and the dimension measurements are performed in length-measuring domains in the respective SEM images. Then, a measurement value whose variation in the measurement results acquired for the focus variations becomes the smallest is assumed as the dimension's true value.

Charged particle beam apparatus and dimension measuring method


A thermally efficient motor housing assembly including a plurality of transistors and a printed wire board (pwb) for controlling a stepper motor and also including a plunger array and a spring array along with a combined heat sink and pwb enclosure.

Stepper motors such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,369,324 entitled "Electrical Stepper Motor" often contain power transistors within the motor control circuit. Since the power transistors generate heat upon operation of the associated stepper motor, heat sinks are required to prevent the stepper motor and motor control circuit from overheating.
In some electric circuits containing power transistors, a heat sink is attached to the power transistor by means of a spring clip arrangement to insure close contact between the power transistor and the heat sink for efficient heat transfer away from the power transistor, per se. One example of a spring clip arrangement is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,118 entitled "Heat Sink and Retainer for Electronic Integrated Circuits"
When the power transistor is arranged within an electrical enclosure, a heat sink in the form of a metal support plate is arranged on the bottom of the enclosure to allow air flow access to the heat sink. One example of such an arrangement is found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,249,435 entitled "Thermally Efficient Motor Controller Assembly".
The attachment of the power transistors to the heat sink within an electrical enclosure is complicated when the heat sink is part of the enclosure, per se.
One purpose of the instant invention is to provide an electrical stepper motor enclosure whereby the power transistors employed within the motor control circuit automatically become spring-loaded into contact with a heat sink, which serves as the power transistor enclosure, upon attachment of the enclosure to the stepper motor support housing.

Thermally efficient motor housing assembly


A multi-color quantitative magnetic nanoparticle imaging method and system based on trapezoidal wave excitation solves the problem that the existing technology cannot implement multi-color quantitative magnetic particle imaging. The method includes: constructing, based on hysteresis effect and hysteresis inertial growth differences of n superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIOs) under trapezoidal wave excitation, an equation set of quality of n SPIOs in a to-be-tested sample formed by any composition of n SPIO standard products; solving the equation set to obtain the quality distribution of the to-be-tested sample at position r; and performing rearrangement, color assignment, and image merging on the quality distribution to implement multi-color quantitative imaging of various particles in magnetic particle imaging (MPI). The method broadens the functions of MPI to realize multi-color quantitative imaging, such that MPI has greater potential for application in the medical field.

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a novel medical imaging method that generates a field free point (FFP) or field free line (FFL) by constructing a gradient field, such that the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPIO) at the FFP or FFL can produce a nonlinear magnetization response to an excitation magnetic field, while the SPIO in other regions are in a saturated state. In this way, a distribution state of the SPIO can be coded and reconstructed according to an induced voltage of a receiving coil. With its high sensitivity and resolution, MPI has great potential for applications in many disease studies, such as cardiovascular diseases, tumor detection, cell tracing, etc.
At present, in the field of MPI, the MPI image reconstruction with multiple types of particles is still in the initial stage of research, and there is no study on the quantitative calculation of different particles. However, it is necessary to obtain quantitative information of various particles in clinical applications. By labeling different cells with different SPIOs and distributing concentrations of different particles as a multi-color quantitative image, it can help physicians to quantitatively distinguish locations and quantities of different cells to accurately determine the disease.
In general, single-particle homochromatic imaging in the field of magnetic particle imaging cannot label different cells and thus cannot distinguish locations and quantities of different cells. There is an urgent need in this field for a method that can realize multi-color quantitative magnetic nanoparticle imaging to better quantitatively distinguish locations and quantities of different cells and accurately determine the disease.

Multi-color quantitative magnetic nanoparticle imaging method and system based on trapezoidal wave excitation

Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics