A belt positioning system for positioning a movable belt entrained about a plurality of generally parallel rollers for moving in a trans-axial direction perpendicular to an axial direction in which the rollers extend parallel to each other includes a flange. The flange is operatively connected to an axial end of a specific one of the plurality of generally parallel rollers to define a contact surface therealong which extends generally perpendicular to the axial direction to contact an adjoining edge of the belt. The contact surface of the flange is spaced apart from the axial end of the roller in the axial direction.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a belt positioning system and a multi-roller assembly and image forming apparatus employing the same, and more particularly, to a system for positioning a movable belt entrained about a plurality of rollers, and a multi-roller belt support assembly and an image forming apparatus employing the belt positioning system.
2. Background Art
Image forming apparatuses employ various types of movable imaging belts, such as an intermediate transfer belt, a media conveyance belt, and a fixing belt, each of which is entrained about a plurality of generally parallel rollers for moving in a trans-axial direction perpendicular to an axial direction in which the rollers extend parallel to each other.
One problem associated with a multi-roller belt support assembly is that the movable belt occasionally walks or moves laterally in the axial direction due to a lack of parallel alignment between the belt support rollers, which results, for example, from wear and tear of equipment used to rotate the belt support rollers. Such lateral displacement of the belt, if not corrected, would cause breakage or failure of the imaging process where the belt reaches the axial end of the roller and eventually slips off the belt support assembly.
To address this problem, several techniques have been proposed which employ a positioning flange connected to an axial end of the belt support roller to prevent lateral displacement of the belt. For example, a known belt driver system employs an annular positioning flange disposed around the roller end in combination with a guide wheel disposed inward from the flange in the axial direction to contact an edge or near-edge portion of the belt to restrict lateral movement of the belt.
The inventors have recognized that one problem encountered when using a movable belt entrained about a flanged roller is that the belt is subjected to excessive load where the flange strikes or otherwise interferes with an adjoining edge of the belt, resulting in cracks or other defects propagating from the edge portion of the belt, particularly where the belt moves in the trans-axial direction with its edge pressing against the positioning flange in the axial direction.

Belt positioning system, multi-roller assembly and image forming apparatus employing same


The present invention is a MEMS-based two-phase LHP (loop heat pipe) and CPL (capillary pumped loop) using semiconductor grade silicon and microlithographic/anisotrophic etching techniques to achieve a planar configuration. The principal working material is silicon (and compatible borosilicate glass where necessary), particularly compatible with the cooling needs for electronic and computer chips and package cooling. The microloop heat pipes (μLHP™) utilize cutting edge microfabrication techniques. The device has no pump or moving parts, and is capable of moving heat at high power densities, using revolutionary coherent porous silicon (CPS) wicks. The CPS wicks minimize packaging thermal mismatch stress and improves strength-to-weight ratio. Also burst-through pressures can be controlled as the diameter of the coherent pores can be controlled on a sub-micron scale. The two phase planar operation provides extremely low specific thermal resistance (20-60 w/cm2). The operation is dependent upon a unique micropatterened CPS wick which contains up to millions per square centimeter of stacked uniform micro-through-capillaries in semiconductor-grade silicon, which serve as the capillary “engine,” as opposed to the stochastic distribution of pores in the typical heat pipe wick. As with all heat pipes, cooling occurs by virtue of the extraction of heat by the latent heat of phase change of the operating fluid into vapor.

Semiconductor makers have been struggling to find new ways to cool increasingly powerful chips. New chips generate more waste heat because of the increasing numbers of circuits being packed into the chips. As circuit dimensions shrink into the nanometer realm, waste heat becomes a significant problem. Increasing power densities, even with smaller switching potentials, causes the chips to warm to unacceptable temperatures. This condition has lead to ever increasing space consumed by packaging schemes for heat transfer away from the chip-level electronics.
Heat sink and fan assemblies are large, which makes them less useful as the microelectronics industry moves towards thinner and smaller devices. For instance, while heat sink or fan assemblies are widely used in desktops, laptops cannot accommodate these components. Another disadvantage of these assemblies is their low convective heat transfer coefficients due to room temperature air acting as the cooling fluid. Air has low density, low thermal conductivity, and low specific heat, resulting in low heat load carrying capacity. The average convective heat transfer coefficient of forced air convection is typically in the range of 10-200 W/m2K. In contrast, the use of two-phase liquid cooling allows for heat transfer coefficients ranging from 10,000-100,000 W/m2K.
Liquid cooling was first used in the 1960's to remove heat from bipolar junction transistor (BJT)-based processors when air-cooling did not perform adequately. The introduction of complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology in the early 1990's reduced the necessity of liquid cooling because the material produces less excess heat. Due to the increased number of feature on CMOS-based processors, liquid cooling is becoming useful again. In April 2005, IBM introduced a water-cooled heat exchanger mounted to the back cover of a 19-inch server rack. The processors are cooled using a cooling distribution unit to supply the water, and the heat load is dissipated to the building's chilled water line. While not cutting edge technology, the use of this method signals the coming of a wide spread industry acceptance of liquid cooling solutions.
An increasingly common liquid cooling device, the heat pipe, is used extensively in cooling applications. Micro-heat pipes use small ducts filled with a working fluid to transfer heat from high temperature devices to a remote heat sink. A typical heat pipe for semiconductor devices is a circular metal tube that has its interior wall coated with a wick structure. Evaporation and condensation of the fluid transfers heat through the duct. As heat from a device is applied, the fluid in the wick of the evaporator section of the device vaporizes, removing latent heat. The vapor travels through the channel to the cooled condenser region of the structure, where the latent heat is released by condensation of the vapor. The condensed vapor moves back to the evaporator region along the wick structure by capillary force along the interior wall of the heat pipe. Heat pipes are limited because they are mostly cylindrical, have vapor and liquid moving counter to one another in the same channel, and often cannot dissipate heat fluxes greater than 10 W/cm2.
Recently, loop heat pipes (LHPs) have been utilized to remove heat from high density electronics and have been employed by the aerospace industry as well. FIG. 1A shows a schematic representation of a conventional LHP. In traditional devices, the cooling package or "evaporation pump" 1 is normally a simple cylindrical metallic heat pipe, filled with a porous ceramic metallic oxide (sintered) that serves as the wick for the working fluid. When heat 2 is externally applied, the working fluid is evaporated from the wick surface. The vapor enters surface grooves extruded or cast on the wick surface, which direct the vapor into the vapor line 3. The vapor travels to the condenser 4, where the latent heat 5 is extracted typically by cooling air, cooling liquid, or radiation to space. The condensed liquid returns to the reservoir 6 by virtue of the vapor pressure head in the lower line 8. The porous wick returns the working fluid through random pores by capillary action back to the hot surface to begin the process anew. In a similar device called a capillary pumped loop (CPL) heat pipe (FIG. 1B), the reservoir 6 is a separate ballast which may work by gravity or other forced feed 7,
On or about May 22, 2003, Ahmed Shuja submitted a masters thesis to the University of Cincinnati entitled "Development of a Micro Loop Heat Pipe, A Novel MEMS System Based On The CPS Technology." This masters thesis, as well as all of the references cited therein, are incorporated by reference into this application as if fully set forth herein.
On Dec. 22, 2005, U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 10/872,575 (filed Jun. 18, 2004) was published as Pub. No. 20050280128. The title of the publication is "Thermal Interposer For Thermal Management Of Semiconductor Devices." The content of this publication is incorporated by reference into this patent application as if fully set forth herein.
On Sep. 26, 2002, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/026,365 (filed Dec. 18, 2001) was published as Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0135980. The publication is entitled "High Heat Flux Electronic Cooling Apparatus, Devices and System Incorporating The Same." The content of this publication is incorporated by reference into this application as if fully set forth herein.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,804,117 entitled "Thermal Bus for Electronics Systems" issued on Oct. 12, 2004. The content of this patent is incorporated by reference into this application as if fully set forth herein.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,972,955 entitled "Electro-Fluidic Device And Interconnect And Related Methods" issued on Dec. 6, 2005. The application that resulted in this patent was filed on Sep. 25, 2003. The content of this patent is incorporated by reference into this application as if fully set forth herein.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/124,365 (filed May 6, 2005) was published on Apr. 6, 1006 as Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0076046. The publication is entitled "Thermoelectric Device Structure And Apparatus Incorporation The Same." The content of this patent is incorporated by reference into this application as if fully set forth herein.
Semiconductor makers have been struggling to find new ways to cool their increasingly powerful chips. For example, Intel recently cancelled its 4-gigahertz Pentium 4 processor because of increasing heat dissipation problems. Intel has resorted to investigating dual core technologies which reduce waste heat by lower power consumption. However, the consortium between IBM, Toshiba, and Sony plans to use a 16 core processor in forthcoming products that will push the limits of processing power and waste heat mediation. While waste heat has been a industry-wide problem, cooling solutions will be of utmost importance as circuit dimensions shrink into the nanometer realm causing chips consume more power and give off more heat. The invention herein provides a solution to this and similar cooling problems.

Semiconductor-based porous structure enabled by capillary force


A precision slot cutting machine for concrete and asphalt pavement includes a self propelled unit with an operator's station and a blade platform is attached to the self propelled unit by a pair of pivot arms which allow the blade platform to freely pivot about an axis parallel to the path of travel of the self propelled unit. The blade platform is supported by a short based wheeled carriage with two independent wheel supporting bars, each of which is attached to the blade platform via a single pivot axis. The pivotal attachment between self propelled unit and blade platform and the independent pivoting action of the wheel supporting bars insure that variations which occur in the pavement surface both in directions parallel to and across the travel path of the machine are compensated for to allow precise cutting of slots of even depth into the pavement.

Traditionally, road pavement stripes were applied to road surfaces by spraying paint onto the road surface from specially equipped trucks. A number of problems are associated with painted pavement stripes. One problem is the tendency for paint to rapidly wear off due to the effects of vehicular traffic and weather conditions. Another problem is the poor reflectivity of painted stripes, particularly in fog or other low light conditions.
In response to these problems, specialized striping tapes have been developed to replace painted pavement stripes. These tapes, such as that sold under the Stamark.TM. name by the 3M Corporation, provide a dual benefit of greater reflectivity and greater resistance to elements. These marking tapes are typically on the order of about 60 mils in thickness, which thickness itself is both a benefit and a detriment. The benefit of the increased depth of the tape as compared to paint allows for much longer wear and durability. However, a problem occurs with the tape, especially when used on road surfaces in northern climates, in that snow plows tend to scrape the tape away along with the snow. Since the marking tape is considerably more expensive than painted stripes, the cost of replacing the tape after damage by snow plows has limited or prohibited its use in many regions.
Recently, experiments have been conducted with grooving the pavement before installation of the tape. Grooves of a depth somewhat less than the tape depth, e.g. on the order of 40 mils in depth, are cut into a concrete and asphalt pavement surface and the tape is then adhesively applied into the grooves. This has proven to be such an improved method of pavement marking tape installation that some states are mandating this type of application when marking tape is used. For example, the State of Kansas Department of Transportation (and the 3M Corporation) specify a groove depth for the application of pavement marking tape of 40 mil .+-.10 mil. This degree of precision has been impossible to achieve with existing concrete and asphalt slot cutting equipment. This is because existing equipment, such as that shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,797,025 to Kennedy, is designed with blades which are directly attached to a propelling unit such that the unit is propelled forward while the cutting blades are lowered into the pavement to a predetermined depth. Due to the lengthy wheel base of the propelling unit and the rigid connection between the propelling unit and the blades, when the pavement surface has irregularities, such as high spots, the cutting blades will cut too deeply into the pavement, thus exceeding the specified slot depth. Conversely, when depressions occur in the pavement, the cutting blades will be raised to a point such that slots are too shallow. In extreme dips in the pavement surface, the cutting blades can actually skip out of the pavement, leaving gaps in the slots.
It is clear then, that a need exists for a concrete and asphalt slot cutting machine which can cut slots of a precise depth into road pavement regardless of irregularities in the pavement surface. Such a machine should be reliable and durable yet simple to operate.

Precision slot cutting machine for concrete and asphalt


A cord tensioning apparatus includes a first cord guide, a second cord guide, and a cord cleat coupled between the first and second cord guides, the cord cleat including a groove, the cord cleat adapted to grip a portion of a cord occupying a cord gripping region within the groove. The first and second cord guides are adapted to receive a cord and restrict a movement of the cord within the cord cleat.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to cord tensioning apparatus.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Cord tensioning apparatus for securing loads to external structures are well known in the art. Many such devices are implemented as cleat-type devices that are permanently secured, attached, or mounted to some external structure. Further, many known cleat-type devices involve complicated cord threading processes that are not only time consuming but also increase the likelihood that a cord securing a load is insufficiently tensioned, or improperly coupled to an external structure. Thus, there is a for a cord tensioning apparatus incorporating a cleat that overcomes the foregoing shortcomings and failings of the known art by allowing a user to simply, quickly, and reliably thread a cord through a cleat that can be readily attached to and detached from an external structure.

Cord tensioning apparatus and method of securing a cord using the same


A portable hose reel cart has a folding handle that is pivotable between an in-use position and a storage position. The cart includes a pair of spaced apart side frames members having a base portion. A rotatable spool is positioned between the side frames and is operably connected thereto for rotation of the spool about an axis of rotation. A folding handle assembly has a pair of spaced apart mounting arms and a gripping portion extending between the mounting arms. Each of the mounting arms is associated with a respective one of the side frame members and the spool is positioned intermediate the mounting arms. The mounting arms are lockable in the handle in-use position by latches that engage their respective side frames. A pair of wheels is mounted to the cart at the base, generally vertically below the handle gripping portion, when the handle assembly is in the in-use position. The wheels are mounted to the cart independently of one another by hubs that extend from the respective side frames and insert into the wheels.

Portable hose reel carts have become quite popular and are commonly recognized household items for lawn and garden care. Such carts permit conveniently storing and handling lengths of flexible hose. Typically, hose reel carts are constructed from molded plastic components and include a central spool that rotates to pick-up and pay-out the flexible hose.
While the construction of such hose carts is quite varied, in a typical application, the spool is supported on either side by a frame that permits rotation of the spool. Many carts include a pair of wheels so that the cart can be tilted for readily transported from one location to another. Typically, the cart includes a handle that extends upward, above the spool, generally above the wheels, to facilitate moving the cart.
Hose reel carts can be constructed of many materials. However, it has been found that molded plastic or polymeric materials best meet requirements for light-weight, durability, strength and corrosion resistance. Carts made of such materials must also be designed taking into consideration the abuse that such a cart may be subjected to over its lifetime. For example, those living in northern climates recognize that carts may often be stored outdoors for the winter months. To this end, carts must be constructed of materials that withstand cold temperatures without becoming brittle or warping, and without metal parts corroding. Likewise, those living in southern climates recognize the need for the cart to be able to withstand higher temperatures and exposure to direct sunlight, also without becoming brittle or warping.
An additional factor that must be taken into consideration in the design of such hose reel carts, is the ability to store the cart with hoses stored on the spool. That is, space and storage requirements are a concern for most, if not all, homeowners. To this end, cart designs include provisions for rotating or folding-away the cart handle so as to reduce the storage space necessary to store the hose-laden cart. In known designs, however, the handle lock/release mechanism, which is subjected to constant use and wear, is typically exposed and can become clogged with dirt or other debris or can break due to use.
In order to assure proper functioning of the cart when the handle is extended into the transport or in-use position, the mechanism by which the handle is released and locked into the use position must be configured to prevent debris and foreign objects from becoming lodged therein. Moreover, such locking mechanisms must be configured for ready access by the user, and for maximum isolation from the environment.
As discussed above, typically such carts also include wheels for moving the cart from one location to another. In a typical arrangement, the wheels are connected to one another by a steel axle that extends through the side frames. Because of the environments to which a hose reel cart may be subjected; e.g., varying temperatures, wet and/or dirt laden areas, and the stresses to which they are subjected in use, common steel axles have been observed to corrode, bend or break and thus fail.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a hose reel cart that provides ready portability for use of the hoses stored thereon. Desirably, such a cart includes a fold-away handle that includes a locking/release mechanism that is readily accessible by a user, and is isolated from the environments to which the cart may be subjected. Such a cart includes wheels that are mounted thereto, independent of one another, without the use of a steel, or like corrosion susceptible axle.

Portable hose reel cart having a folding handle


An underwater trenching apparatus comprises at least one trenching tool; a lifting attachment point configured for attachment of a lifting means for lowering the trenching apparatus to, or raising the trenching apparatus from, its location of operation; at least two steerable endless track units for transmitting tractive effort to move the underwater trenching apparatus in use; and for each steerable endless track unit, a first mounting arrangement permitting rotation of the track unit about a vertical axis, and a first actuator configured to move the track unit about the vertical axis, and control means configured to control the action of the actuator. In alternative forms, in addition to, or alternative to the steerable endless track units, the apparatus includes height adjustment means for adjusting the vertical spacing between the main body portion and the respective endless tracks; and control means configured to control the action of the height adjustment means.

Tracked vehicles are known for use on land and for use in the subsea environment. Such vehicles are usually carried on endless articulated tracks which may, for example, be driven by sprocket wheels engaging internal parts of the endless track. Articulated vehicle tracks have the advantage of spreading the weight of the vehicle over a large contact area.
In the subsea environment, especially in connection with laying of pipes or cables in a trench vehicles with endless articulated tracks have some disadvantages. For example, when, during trenching operations, it is necessary to correct the course of the trenching vehicle (i.e. to change its direction) conventional skid steering reduces the tractive effort of the vehicle, and can cause sinkage of the tracks into the seabed, and loss of trench cutting performance. Conventional skid steering changes the relative speed of the articulated tracks at opposed sides of the vehicle in order to effect the change in direction.
Skid steering often causes pitching of the vehicle which can result in disadvantageously high loading of the trench forming tool carried by the vehicle and also problems in the grading of the trench (i.e. the inclination of the trench base). These problems can also occur as the tracked vehicle passes over objects (for example rocks or debris) on the seabed which may similarly cause pitching of the vehicle.
A further problem can occur when a subsea trench cutting apparatus is lowered from a service vessel (for example) to the seabed. If the approach speed of the apparatus is too great, the apparatus can be damaged on contact with the seabed.
The present invention seeks to overcome or alleviate some or all of the above problems.

Steerable underwater trenching apparatus


A camera includes a first motor, a second motor which differs in driving characteristic from the first motor, a first transmission mechanism arranged to transmit a rotation output in a first direction of the first motor to a driving system for film winding, a second transmission mechanism arranged to transmit a rotation output in a first direction of the second motor to another driving system for taking shots, and a changeover mechanism arranged to switch the transmission of a rotation output in a second direction of the first motor selectively to a driving system for film rewinding or to the other driving system on the basis of a rotation output in a second direction of the second motor.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a mechanism for transmitting and switching the driving power of a motor used for a camera.
2. Description of the Related Art
Cameras of the kind performing film winding and shutter charging by means of a built-in motor are known. Generally, an electromagnetic motor is employed as a drive source for cameras of this kind. However, a vibration motor such as an ultrasonic motor, (hereinafter abbreviated to USM), has recently come to be employed as a drive source for a camera.
These motors have their own characteristics. The electromagnetic motor gives a high output despite its compact size. The electromagnetic motor, however, makes a loud operating sound because of its high speed rotation. In the case of the USM, the motor makes no operating sound and gives a high torque with its low speed rotation. Thus, an advantage of the USM lies in that the rotating speed of gears of a driving power transmission system connected to the motor is also low, so that the operating sound of the whole driving system of the camera including the motor can be greatly reduced. The USM, however, requires a higher driving voltage than the electromagnetic motor and thus necessitates increased battery voltage. Hence, in terms of efficiency as a drive source, the USM is inferior to the electromagnetic motor. It is, therefore, not easy to obtain a high output from the use of the USM.
In view of the difference in characteristics. between these motors, it has been common practice to use the electromagnetic motor for a high-performance camera equipped with a high speed shutter having shutter speed as 1/8000 sec. and arranged to perform such speed film winding high as up to five frames of film per second, and to use the USM for a camera which silently operates.
However, in accordance with the conventional arrangement, a high-performance camera inevitably makes a loud operating sound. Also, it has previously not been possible to arrange a silent camera capable of winding up to five frames per second with a high speed shutter having a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 sec.


A microphone assembly fitted to a panel of a vehicle-mounted control module, provided with a housing for housing a microphone and having an opening section on a surface facing the panel, and a holding case for holding the housing so as to be capable of pivoting, and when inserted into a receptacle provided in the panel the housing pivots so as to seal the opening section to the panel.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a microphone assembly mounted on a control module panel fitted inside a vehicle and having, for example, room lamps and various switches.
2. Description of the Invention
The driver of a vehicle may sometimes make a phone call while traveling, and for such situations generally a hands free microphone and a speaker are used in a vehicle telephone from the point of view of safety. This hands free microphone is a component of a control module, and in many cases is fitted to a panel of the control module as a microphone assembly. In such cases, there is a problem where the microphone picks up surrounding noise such as noise outside the vehicle and vibration noise of the vehicle itself coming in from the rear of the panel.
In this respect, in a related art example (Japanese patent laid-open No. 2003-11736), the extent to which surrounding noise enters a microphone is reduced by using a housing for housing the microphone that has a vibration preventing rubber cover at an outer side. This will be described in more detail below using FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C.
A microphone assembly housing 100 comprises a hard case 102 for holding a microphone, and a vibration preventing rubber cover 104 arranged so as to cover the hard case. An opening section of this housing 100 is arranged so as to face a sound passing section 106 formed in a panel, and a microphone 108 is fitted into this sound passing section to be able to pick up a voice inside the vehicle. On the other hand, the housing 100 reduces the extent to which surrounding noise enters as a result of passing through the housing 100 by having the vibration preventing rubber cover 104 outside. Also, the vibration preventing cover 104 is elastic, and reduces surrounding noise entering through a gap potentially formed between the panel 110 and the housing 100 (vibration preventing cover 104), by preventing this gap in the first place by sealing the opening section to the panel 110.
With this related art example, using the structure shown in FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C, the housing 100 for the microphone assembly is pressed against the panel. A groove section 112 is provided in the housing 100, and a U-shaped section 116 of a press bracket 114 is fitted into this groove section. On the other hand, a screw fixing section 118 of the press bracket 114 is screwed to a boss section 120 provided on the panel. From the above, the position of the housing 100 with respect to the panel 110 is regulated. The housing 100 is pressed against the panel by flexing pressure of the press bracket 114.
In the structure shown in this related art example, it is necessary to provide a special press bracket dependent on the angle of the panel surface for sealing the microphone assembly housing.

Microphone assembly fitted to vehicle-mounted control module panel, that fits well


In one embodiment, a direct memory access (DMA) controller comprises a transmit circuit and a data flow control circuit coupled to the transmit circuit. The transmit circuit is configured to perform DMA transfers, each DMA transfer described by a DMA descriptor stored in a data structure in memory. There is a data structure for each DMA channel that is in use. The data flow control circuit is configured to control the transmit circuit's processing of DMA descriptors for each DMA channel responsive to data flow control data in the DMA descriptors in the corresponding data structure.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is related to the field of direct memory access (DMA) controllers in computer systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a typical system that includes one or more processors, memory, and input/output (I/O) devices or interfaces, direct memory access (DMA) transfers are often used to transfer data between the I/O and the memory. In some systems, individual DMA circuitry is included in each I/O device or interface that uses DMA. In other systems, one or more I/O devices may share DMA circuitry.
Often, data is DMA transferred to memory to be processed by the processors, or data is created by the processors for DMA transferred to I/O. For example, packet data from a network interface, such as transport control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) packets, are often received and processed. The processed packets may also be transmitted again, and the processors may also generate packets for transmission.
The "load" of processing the DMA data may be fairly large, and may impact the ability of the processors to execute other processing tasks. Some of the DMA processing may be fairly regular and well-defined. For example, packets may be encrypted and/or authenticated. Accordingly, received packets may have to be unencrypted by the processor and/or may have to be authenticated before other processing of the packets. Similarly, packets prepared for transmission may have to be encrypted and/or have authentication information (such as a hash of the packet data) generated. To the extent that the processing of DMA data presents an excessive load to the processor, performance in the system can be negatively impacted.
In some cases, hardware acceleration of some or all of the above tasks can be performed. In such cases, the data must generally be DMA transferred to the hardware accelerator, and the result data must be DMA transferred back to memory. A relatively complex task can involve multiple DMA transfers to and from various hardware accelerators. To ensure proper operation, a mechanism to control data flow between DMA transfers is needed.

Data flow control within and between DMA channels


A multi-chip package includes a single lead and a plurality of inner package chips. Each of the plurality of inner package chips includes at least one pad circuit and an internal circuit. The pad circuit is selectively coupled to the lead and configured to provide a chip address signal corresponding to a connection state to the lead. The inner package chip receives the chip address signal to identify a corresponding inner package chip.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a multi-chip package, and more particularly to a multi-chip package including a plurality of inner package chips each of which includes a pad circuit capable of stably providing internal circuits with a voltage received from an external lead.
A multi-chip packaging technology has been proposed to package many chips in a single package as electronic devices become super-miniaturized. A multi-chip package is more preferable in terms of weight and size than a single-chip package.
In order to drive a plurality of different chips in the multi-chip package, different addresses are assigned to individual chips such that each chip can be operated selectively. For example, assuming that the multi-chip package includes four chips, a first address '00' may be assigned to a first chip, a second address '01' may be assigned to a second chip, a third address '10' may be assigned to a third chip, and a fourth address '11' may be assigned to a fourth chip in such a manner that a desired chip from among the four chips can be selected.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A method and apparatus for merging a plurality of virtual connections to form a merged virtual connection is presented. As cells for each of the plurality of virtual connections are received, they are buffered into a corresponding plurality of cell buffers, where each virtual connection has a corresponding cell buffer. When enough cells to constitute a complete packet are buffered for a particular virtual connection in its corresponding cell buffer, the identity of that virtual connection is queued into a queue, which may take the form of a linked list. A plurality of linked lists may be included such that differentiation between various virtual connections based on class is possible, where the class division may be based on a number of different factors. Prioritization information for the merged virtual connection is then obtained, where in the case where a plurality of classes are supported, the prioritization information includes class prioritization information. A cell stream for the merged virtual circuit is then generated based on the prioritization information and the virtual connection identities currently stored in the queue structure. The cell stream is generated such that entire packets are included in the cell stream in a continuous manner and no intermingling of cells corresponding to different packets occurs.

Communication networks are known to include a plurality of communication switches interoperably coupled to provide communication links between end users. Such end users are coupled to the communication network via ports associated with the plurality of switches. The users may be individual users such as personal computers, telephones, videophones, facsimile machines, etc. The users may also be other network components such as servers, routers, private branch exchanges (PBX), etc. The communication network may also include a network manager that manages the establishment of communication links and overall operation of the communication system.
As is known, to establish a communication path between ports of different switches communication links between the endpoint switches and intervening switches need to be established. As is also known, each port within a switch may support multiple communications between users that traverse the same path over one or more links. The communications supported in the network may be virtual connections (VCs), which are also referred to as virtual circuits and which may include virtual path connections (VPCs) and virtual channel connections (VCCs). Each individual virtual connection is identified by a virtual connection identifier (VCI). In order to reduce the amount of state information required to be maintained by intervening switches, paths of the multiple communications supported by a single port may be aggregated to form a virtual path aggregation. Within the virtual path aggregation, each of the virtual connections maintains its own unique identity through the use of its VCI. As such, at the terminating end of the virtual path (VP) aggregation, each of the individual virtual connections (VCs) can be reconstructed based on the VCI included within each cell.
Another technique that enables multiple virtual connections to traverse the network in a simplified manner is accomplished through virtual connection merging. When a virtual connection merge operation is performed, multiple virtual connections are combined into a single virtual connection that has a single unique virtual connection identifier that corresponds to the merged virtual connection. As such, the individual cells carried across the merged virtual connection do not include the VCIs that identify them as corresponding to a particular virtual connection that has been merged into the merged virtual connection. As such, the cells within a particular packet for a virtual connection must be sent in a sequential manner such that no intermingling of cells from different packets corresponding to different virtual connections occurs.
Because the bandwidth available for transporting data within a merged virtual connection is limited, there are numerous issues that arise regarding prioritization of data transmission such that different qualities and classes of service may be supported. Therefore, a need exists for a method and apparatus that supports virtual connection merging and allows for prioritization of available bandwidth.

Method and apparatus for merging virtual connections


A method for manufacturing a low temperature removable silicon dioxide hard mask for patterning and etching is provided, wherein tetra-ethyl-ortho-silane (TEOS) is used to deposit a silicon dioxide hard mask.

In the manufacture of semiconductor devices, a variety of conductive device regions and layers are formed on a device substrate. Photolithography is employed to define patterns making up device regions in the various layers. A lithographic system consists of a radiation source, a resist-coated sample and an image control system that regulates which part of the sample is illuminated by the radiation and which is not, according to a pattern. Selected portions of the resist are exposed by irradiating them with light of a selected wavelength. Depending on the type of resist, the exposed (positive tone process) or the unexposed (negative tone process) resist can be removed selectively by a developing process. The pattern is then inscribed into the resists and can be transferred to the sample by a subsequent process step, e.g., an etching step.
A photoresist patterned over a layer and the regions bared upon exposure are typically removed by an etch such as a plasma etch or ion bombardment. However, the resist mask also may degrade during the plasma etch of the underlying material, reducing resolution of the image patterned into the dielectric layer. Such imperfect image transfer compromises the performance of the semiconductor device.
Certain inorganic materials known as hard masks have been interposed between dielectric and resist layers to reduce imperfections in image transfer from the resist layer to the underlying dielectric layer. The hard mask material, e.g. silicon dioxide, may be deposited via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using organic precursors such as silane or tetra-ethyl-ortho-silane (TEOS) and oxygen. A photoresist is then coated and imaged over the hard mask. The inorganic hard mask regions bared upon resist development are removed by a plasma etch to which the organic resist layer is resistant. Relatively high etch selectivity can be achieved between the inorganic hard mask layer and the overcoated patterned organic-based resist.
Upon such etching, the hard mask profile matches the resist mask. Regions exposed upon hard mask etching such as polysilicon now can be removed by an etchant for which the hard mask is resistant. The hard mask can then be removed by a separate etchant. Because high etch selectivity can be realized between the underlying layer material (such as polysilicon) and the hard mask, image transfer imperfections as discussed above can be avoided. See generally U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,890,448, 5,468,342, and 5,346,586.
One problem encountered in the conventional removal of hard masks made of silicon dioxide is that etchants such as hydrofluoric acid (HF) remove not only the silicon dioxide hard mask, but also tend to remove exposed portions of high-density plasma (HDP) field isolation silicon dioxide between adjacent transistors. This is because the etch rates for the hard mask oxide and the field oxide are comparable. Removing portions of the HDP field oxides undesirably reduces the isolation between the transistors. What is needed therefore is a method of forming and removing silicon dioxide hard masks that minimizes the undesirable removal of field isolation oxides, by maximizing the difference in etch rates between the hard mask oxides and the HDP field oxides.

Use of TEOS oxides in integrated circuit fabrication processes


A heat-dissipation method comprises providing a heat-transfer module and a heat-dissipation module, wherein the heat-transfer module is disposed in a portable electronic device, and the heat-dissipation module is disposed in a battery charger. The heat-dissipation module then contacts the heat-transfer module to remove heat from the electronic device via conduction. Finally, the heat-dissipation module dissipates heat via conduction or convection.

The invention relates to a portable electronic device and a heat-dissipation method thereof, and more particularly to a heat-dissipation method dissipating heat via a battery charger.
When a portable electronic device (for example, a personal digital assistant or a cell phone) is charged, heat produced by chips is transferred to the battery, light emitting elements or other electronic elements therein via circuit board, and raises the temperature thereof. This can damage electronic elements and shorten product lifespan. Battery charging generates a high temperature that may cause a battery (for example, lithium battery) to explode. Specifically, an inner temperature of the portable electronic device is raised when the device engages in wireless network communication or other operation with high energy consumption in charging.

Portable electronic device and heat-dissipation method and battery charger thereof


A system and method for implementing a two-side token for OAUTH are described. A first request for access by a partner app server to user account information owned by a host server is received at a host auth server. Upon receiving authorization to share the user account information, a response is returned to the partner app sever. The response includes an access token. In response to returning the response to the partner app server, an event is written to an event queue. The event provides an indication that the request for access was received and that the corresponding response with the access token was returned. The event, when read by a host app server, instructs the host app server to submit a second request to a partner auth server for a reciprocal access token.

Authorization of users have taken many forms over the years. Traditionally, when a user signs up for an account for any type of online service, the user provides some amount of his/her personal information (e.g., name, email address, etc.). Each service account signup is typically met with a new request for information. The advent of OAuth has facilitated this process to some degree by providing an open standard for access delegation. OAUTH allows an end user's account information to be used by third-party services without exposing the user's password. That is, with the authorization of the user, the OAUTH mechanism may share information from one of the user's account with a third party application or website. For example, a user may permit PayPal, Inc., to share the user's information with a third party application, such as a native application or website put out by a financial institution like Bank of America.
This sharing of information, however, occurs only in one direction (e.g., from PayPal to Bank of America) when authorized by the user. For example, this sharing of information is initiated when a request is sent, for example, by Bank of America to PayPal to obtain information about a user. An access token is returned from PayPal to Bank of America to grant access to certain information held bay PayPal. As indicated above, information only moves in one direction in this case—from PayPal to Bank of America.
Ostensibly, if a user approves sharing of information in one direction, the user will likely approve the sharing of information in the other direction as well. However, since only one access token is exchanged as a result of the request, the access is granted in only one direct. As such, there needs to be a mechanism that is capable of implementing a two-sided token to complete a bi-directional OAUTH exchange.

System and method for implementing a two-sided token for open authentication


An instrument panel has a passenger airbag system such that, in the deployment of the airbag, an airbag cover on the top side of the instrument panel adjacent to the windshield is upwardly displaceable in the direction of the windshield about a transverse pivot axis. Thereby, a passage for the actual airbag of the passenger airbag module is cleared. In order to prevent damage to the windshield due to the airbag cover being pivoted upward when the airbag is deployed, a transverse intended breaking line is provided on the airbag cover at a distance from the pivot axis so that the airbag cover is bent upward about this intended breaking line when it comes to rest against the windshield.

This application claims the priority of German application 103 59 751.4, filed Dec. 19, 2003, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
The present invention relates to an instrument panel having a passenger airbag, whereby in the event of deployment of an airbag, an airbag cover on the top side of the instrument panel adjacent to the windshield is upwardly displaceable in the direction of the windshield about a pivot axis running transversely, thereby clearing a passage for the actual airbag of the passenger airbag module.
In particular when the airbag cover is provided on the top of the instrument panel, i.e., adjacent to the windshield and the airbag is designed in one piece, there is the risk, that in deployment of the airbag, the free end of the airbag cover might damage the windshield when the airbag cover is pivoted upward. Replacing a damaged windshield is time-consuming and relatively expensive.

Instrument panel with a passenger airbag

Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft


An aesthetic and useful device for enclosing a vacuum pump within a framed enclosure for the evacuation of air from used containers is herein disclosed. An enclosure for a vacuum pump comprises a latching access door, a lid, and a container-staging area that extends downward, effectively housing a vacuum pump supported by an interior shelf. A vacuum chamber for collecting any entrained liquids or solids from used containers is coupled at one end to vacuum plumbing extending from the inlet of the vacuum pump and at the other end to a container adapter. The container adapter has a stepped female diameter opening to accommodate various sized container mouths. A sealed and latched access door maintains the integrity of the vacuum chamber as well as provides an aesthetic and protective shroud for the vacuum pump.

With society's increasing awareness of the world's dwindling supply of natural resources and overflowing landfills, many communities are providing, and even mandating, recycling services to its residents. The benefits of these efforts have already begun to be seen and will continue to be realized into the future. However, as with most beneficial programs, these efforts are accompanied by some burdens. One of these burdens is that in order to separate the various recyclable materials such as, but not limited to: glass, plastic, paper, aluminum, and cardboard, more space and receptacles are required. As a result, most people resort to purchasing a multitude of trash cans or other containers and, prior to placing the recyclables inside, thoroughly crush and compress them in order to maximize container space. While this is an effective practice when dealing with conventional refuse, it is of little use with plastic bottles, cans, and other containers because it is difficult to crush them completely and also because of the resilient nature of the plastic or metal material, which leads to subsequent expansion towards its original shape.
Addressing the need as identified immediately above, this novel, innovative apparatus is intended to reduce space required by discarded containers in the recycling process. The apparatus consists of a vacuum pump that is equipped with a nozzle and a variety of adapters that adapt to the variety of openings commonly encountered on typical recyclable plastic bottles, cans, and other containers. With the container opening placed on the nozzle, the user simply flips a switch and the vacuum pump begins removing the air from within the container, completely crushing it. As a result, the container remains compressed and is less likely to expand toward its original shape. The equipment is located in a durable metal housing that is capable of surface or wall mounting. The use of this apparatus and system allows one to reduce the physical space required by used containers in a manner, which is quick, easy, and efficient.
Several attempts have been made in the past to crush plastic containers for subsequent refuse or recycling activities. U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,456, in the name of Schneider, discloses a hand-held household container compressing device, comprising a long straight handle with a container-receiving aperture and a non-slip base. Unfortunately, the Schneider device does not utilize a vacuum pump to eliminate the stress of manually compressing a container and to effectively evacuate the maximum amount of air as possible.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,747, issued in the name of Kahil, teaches a container crusher having a central aperture surrounding a concave area for resting on the neck area of said container and hand grips. A downward motion from the user on the hand grips crushes the container until it is compressed. Unfortunately, the Kahil device also suffers from the same setbacks as the Schneider device and, as such, does not fall under the scope of the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,968, issued in the name of Kirschner et al., describes a container crushing apparatus employing a stationary presser member, a confronting movable presser member, links that enable the movable presser member with respect to the stationary presser member, and a lever for effecting the movement. As the movable presser unit is forced toward the stationary presser member with a container placed therebetween, the said container is crushed. The Kirschner et al. device utilizes a mechanical device to crush the containers in question whereas the present invention utilizes a vacuum pump to effectively evacuate the air within the containers.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,946, issued in the name of Laux, discloses an apparatus for compressing a container, comprising a housing with a lid (the lid containing a hole to receive the top of a container) a shelf for resting the container thereon, a set of rods where the shelf travels on, and a set of gears, belts, and handles to force the shelf to travel on the rods and press against the lid, thereby crushing the container held therein. This device also utilizes a mechanical pressing apparatus and system to effect a crushed container and does not utilize a vacuum pumping apparatus to evacuate the chamber of the container to be crushed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,530, issued in the name of Perhacs et al., teaches a device for compacting hollow aluminum or plastic containers, comprising a base having a concave surface, an arm with a convex surface, and a hinge for securing the arm to the base. The base is preferably mounted to a vertical wall and the arm has a plate. When the arm is forced towards the base with a container placed therebetween, the container is crushed. The Perhacs et al. device, along with the aforementioned devices, teaches a mechanical device to crush the containers in question.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,522, issued in the name of Yamaguchi, describes an empty container pressing machine, comprising a pedestal with a container bearing portion, a pair of guide posts outside the container bearing portion, a container presser vertically movable about the guide posts, and a buckling mechanism. The Yamaguchi design allows the operator to stand on the container-bearing portion while manipulating the presser along the guide posts, and, as such, differs from the vacuum pump assembly of the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,677, issued in the name of Yamauchi, discloses a vacuum pump having a casing, an inlet port, an outlet port, a flange integral with the casing, and an exhaust means for drawing the gas within the inlet port and discharging it through the outlet port.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,446,683, issued in the name of Mitchell et al., describes an attachment for a vacuum gun specifically for evacuating a fluid from a reservoir of fluid, such as brake fluid from a brake system.
None of the prior art particularly describes an apparatus that effectively crushes plastic bottles and containers to a minimal volume with a vacuum pump and chamber. Accordingly, the need has arisen for a solution to this problem that provides a means by which recyclable plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and the like can be effectively compressed in order to maximize storage space.

Container crusher and method of use thereof


A wearable air bag device formed by defining air inflating chambers in a jacket of a rider of a vehicle. An ECU, a battery, a rider separation detecting part, a main switch and a warning device are incorporated into the jacket. A wire is connected to a vehicle via a connecting terminal. When a rider who wears the jacket is separated from the vehicle, the wire which is connected to the vehicle is extended and a reel is rotated. Upon detecting a rotational angular speed of the reel, the ECU determines that the rider is separated when the rotational angular speed is large. Upon detection of the separation of the rider, ECU develops an air bag by operating an inflator.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wearable air bag device, and more particularly to a wearable air bag device which incorporates an air bag used as a buffer device for buffering an impact to a rider of a motorcycle or the like.
2. Description of Background Art
Conventionally, there has been proposed a body wear, that is, a jacket which incorporates an air inflating chamber (air bag) as a buffer for attenuating an impact to a rider of a motorcycle or the like. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-open 2002-20907 discloses a jacket provided with an air bag which is developed to cover the whole body of a rider. Further, Japanese Utility Model Registration Publication 3048094 discloses an automatically inflatable vest which includes two air chambers having volumes different from each other and makes these two air chambers act as buffers in two stages.
These conventional jackets adopt the structure in which the rider and a vehicle body are connected with each other by a wire, and when the rider moves away from the vehicle body and a distance between the rider and the vehicle body exceeds a predetermined value, the air bag is developed.
The jackets described in JP-A-2002-20907 and Japanese Utility Model Registration (Publication) No. 3048094 are configured such that the device is operated when the distance between the rider and the vehicle body is elongated larger than a predetermined quantity and hence, when the rider forgets to separate the wire in a usual get-off operation or when the rider erroneously manipulates the wire during the wire winding manipulation, the wire may be elongated exceeding the predetermined quantity thus operating the device.
Further, in the air bag device, it is necessary to provide parts other than a device body, for example, a control device which controls the air bag device body, a power source and the like. However, depending on the arrangement of these parts, there exists a possibility that the electric connection between the air bag device and the vehicle body becomes cumbersome.
Accordingly, there has been a demand for an air bag device which allows a rider to relatively freely handle an operating wire of the device and ensures the free movement of the rider by preventing an operation of the rider from being extremely restricted.


The present invention provides a light source apparatus (10) for use with a projector (80) and a method for combining laser beams of different polarization characterized in that an overall efficiency for the reflection and transmission exceeding 97% is achieved. A first white laser light beam (18) having a first polarization is combined with a second white laser light beam (28) having a second polarization that is orthogonal to the first polarization by utilizing a multi narrow-band polarizing beam splitter (20) positioned to receive the first and the second white laser light beams (18, 28). Embodiments of the present invention utilize two laser light sources (12, 22) emitting two sets of laser light beams with multiple wavelengths (14, 15, 16 and 24, 25, 26).

Projection systems require a high quality light source. While projection systems have traditionally used discharge lamps as a light source, there is now interest in alternative light sources such as lasers. Lasers have several advantageous properties. They emit a high intensity light beam and have a very long operating lifetime. Laser light is collimated and has a narrow spectrum.
Even if laser sources have a very low étendue, when building a very high brightness projector from several individual laser modules each has a certain tolerance on the beam angles, and it becomes challenging to combine the light from different laser modules in the available &endue from a projection system. Adjustable stages can be used to mitigate some of the beam tolerances but add significant expense and alignment effort. Since lasers produce polarized light, two laser beams with orthogonal polarization can be combined without increasing the étendue by using a polarizing beam splitter (PBS).
For example, US 2009/0141242 A1 describes a digital image projector comprising a first polarized light source, a second polarized light source that is orthogonal in polarization state to the first polarized light source, a PBS disposed to direct light of either the first or the second polarization along a common illumination axis, a MEMS spatial light modulator, and projection optics for delivering imaging light from the MEMS spatial light modulator. Improved étendue matching between illumination and modulation components is achieved.
Such a combination of two laser beams with orthogonal polarization, in which the light flux for both polarization directions is balanced, is also advantageous if a Digital Light Processing (DLP) projector is used in combination with an external polarization system. For such application, it is important that either the light from the projector is fully polarized or that both polarization directions are represented equally. Without special measures, the original polarization from the laser source will be disturbed, in a manner that is different from one primary color with respect to another and that is non-uniform across the image. As a result the three-dimensional (3D) image produced with an external polarization system will suffer from discoloration and severe non-uniformities. Even worse, if moving components that suffer from birefringence are included in the optical path (such as a moving diffuser), the discoloration will vary over time.
Several solutions are known in the art to combine light rays with orthogonal polarization. Most PBS combiners use the principle that at a well defined incident angle (known as the Brewster angle) only s-polarized light is reflected, and apply a number of dielectric coating layers. PBS cubes typically show a very high reflection for s-polarized light (>99.5%), but the transmission for p-polarized light is rather low (about 90%-95%). Wire grid polarizers typically have efficiencies below 90% in both reflection and transmission. Further, in wire grid polarizers some of the energy is absorbed, which may lead to damaging the component at high illumination levels.
The majority of known polarizing beam splitters are generally designed for operation in broad ranges of wavelengths. However, the use of such broadband dichroic PBS results in relatively high light losses when broad spectral signals are transmitted while light in narrow wavelength bands is reflected. Furthermore, a broadband PBS can not reach efficiencies higher than 90 to 95% for angles different from the Brewster angle. This makes it difficult to combine two orthogonally polarized broadband light sources in an efficient way.
Efficiency is very important in designing a high brightness laser projector. Laser light is expensive and, therefore, a lower efficiency represents an important cost increase. With the currently known devices and methods for combining multiple laser beams of different polarization this can not be achieved.

Apparatus and method for combining laser beams of different polarization


A liquid crystal composition having a high voltage holding ratio especially at a high temperature region, a wide range of a liquid crystal phase, low viscosity, and properly large xcex94n, while satisfying general characteristics required for the liquid crystal composition of the AM-LCD, is presented.

The present invention relates to a nematic liquid crystal composition and, more specifically, relates to a liquid crystal composition for active matrix (AM) mode and to a liquid crystal display device (LCD) using the liquid crystal composition.
An active matrix mode-liquid crystal display devices (AM-LCD) is attracting a great deal of attention as the likely winner among LCD""s as it enable to display with extreme precision, and is applied for displays such as monitors, note-type personal computers, digital still cameras and digital video cameras. Characteristics required for the liquid crystal composition of AM-LCD are shown in the items (1) to (5) below.
(1) A liquid crystal composition should show a nematic phase in the range of temperature as wide as possible in order to widen the usable temperature range of the liquid crystal display devices (elevating the upper temperature limit of a nematic phase as high as possible, and lowering the lower temperature limit of a nematic phase as low as possible).
(2) Viscosity of the liquid crystal composition should be as low as possible in order to accelerate the response speed of the liquid crystal display device.
(3) Optical anisotropy (xcex94n) of the liquid crystal composition should be able to have a proper value depending on the cell thickness (d) in order to enhance the contrast of the liquid crystal display device.
(4) Values of specific resistivity (specific resistance) on the liquid crystal composition should be increased and the voltage holding ratio of the cell containing the liquid crystal composition should be large, in order to enhance the contrast of the liquid crystal display device. The voltage holding ratio should be large especially at a high temperature region.
(5) Threshold voltage of the liquid crystal composition should be lowered in order to downsize the battery which is the power source to drive liquid crystal display device.
Recently it has been requested keenly to apply for an animation in the LCD and various LCD display modes have been studied. The addressing mode of the AM-LCD employs TN display mode in which the orientation of liquid crystal molecules between the upper and lower substrates is twisted by 900xc2x0. In the TN display mode, it is necessary to keep the product, xcex94nxc2x7d, of optical anisotropy (xcex94n) of a liquid crystal material to be filled in a cell and cell thickness (d xcexcm) at a certain value (for example xcex94nxc2x7d=0.5 etc.) in order to obtain an optimum contrast and to avoid coloration by the interference of the liquid crystal cell when no voltage is applied, as reported by G.Bauer (Cryst. Liq., 63, 45 (1981)). Therefore, if the liquid crystal material having large xcex94n is used, the value of d can be decreased. Response speed (xcfx84) is proportional to viscosity (xcex7) of the liquid crystal material and to d squared, as proposed by E. Jakeman et al. (Phys. Lett. , A, 39 (1972) 69). When the liquid crystal material having large xcex94n is used, the thickness of cell constituting liquid crystal display device can be decreased, and thus xcfx84 can be increased. As such, the liquid crystal composition having large xcex94n and low viscosity is very useful for the liquid crystal display devices.
Also the development of the display intended for outdoor use has been requested with the increase of a portable type display. For being bearable in the outdoor use, materials are requested to have a nematic phase over the wide range of temperature exceeding the temperature range-of environment in use. To widen a nematic phase range of the liquid crystal composition, it is necessary to use liquid crystal compounds having a high clearing point and good miscibility with other liquid crystal compounds. Generally, a compound having a high clearing point, namely having many six member-rings in the chemical structure may be used for elevating the clearing point. However, miscibility at a low temperature region may tend to be a problem in such case.
It is also requested the liquid crystal composition with high reliability such as a high voltage holding ratio (V.H.R.) or large specific resistivity in order to keep a high contrast especially in the AM-LCD.
Based on the background described above, the specification of WO 96/11897 discloses a novel liquid crystal compound having large dielectric anisotropy (xcex94n) together with extremely low viscosity and disclosed a liquid crystal composition comprising the compound for low voltage driving in various modes such as a AM mode or a super twisted nematic mode (STN mode). JP 10-251186 A describes a compound similar to the compound of formula (1-3) in the present invention as the compound having large xcex94xcex5 and small temperature dependence.
The liquid crystal composition for the AM-LCD disclosed in WO 96/11897 described above (the composition does not contain compounds having cyano in the terminal, and compounds having cyano can not be used for the liquid crystal composition of the AM-LCD because of its low voltage holding ratio) has drawbacks that the V.H.R. is low and optical anisotropy is low as is shown in the Comparative Example of the present invention.
JP 10-251186 A discloses a composition using the compound similar to that of formulae (1-1) to (1-3) of the present invention, however, the similar compound has large and positive xcex94xcex5. When such compound is used, viscosity of the composition is increased. Then, the compound has a drawback of low response speed in the LCD. The similar compound has a drawback that xcex94n is small and that a high voltage holding ratio required for the composition of TFT can not be attained by the combination of a cyano compound.
Although liquid crystal compositions were studied, the liquid crystal composition for AM-LCD has been required especially to keep a high voltage holding ratio at a high temperature region in order to enhance the contrast of the liquid crystal display device, to have a wide range of a liquid crystal phase in order to have a wide addressing temperature range, and to have low viscosity in order to accelerate response speed, while maintaining the characteristics (1) to (5) described above. Enlarging xcex94n has also been requested by the requirement being smaller cell gap.
The liquid crystal composition has been always required to be improved though enthusiastic efforts are made for various purposes.
The object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal composition especially having a high voltage holding ratio at a high temperature region in order to enhance the contrast of a liquid crystal display device, having a wide range of a liquid crystal phase which means a high clearing point and good miscibility at low temperature, having low viscosity in order to accelerate response speed of the liquid crystal display device, and having properly large xcex94n in order to enhance the contrast in the liquid crystal display device, while satisfying general characteristics required for the liquid crystal composition of the AM-LCD.
The present inventors have made enthusiastic efforts to achieve the above object, have found the liquid crystal composition described below can achieve the purpose of the present invention, and have completed the present invention.
The liquid crystal composition of the present invention is described in the items 1 to 4 below.
1. A liquid crystal composition characterized by comprising at least one compound selected from the group of compounds expressed by formulae (1-1), (1-2) and (1-3) as a first component and comprising at least one compound selected from the group of compounds expressed by formulae (2-1), (2-2), (2-3), (2-4), (2-5), and (2-6) as a second component.
xe2x80x83wherein R1 to R9 each independently represents alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 10 carbon, alkenyl or alkoxymethyl having 2 to 10 carbon; R10 to R12 each independently represents alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 10 carbon, alkenyl or alkoxymethyl having 2 to 10 carbon, F, Cl, CF3, OCF3, or OCF2H; X1 to X6 each independently represents F, CF3, OCF3, OCF2H or Cl; Y1 to Y11 each independently represents H or F; Z1 to Z4 each independently represents a single bond or xe2x80x94C2H4xe2x80x94.
2. The liquid crystal composition described in the item 1 described above characterized by comprising 3 to 45% by weight of the first component, and comprising 25 to 97% by weight of a second component each based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition.
3. A liquid crystal composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group of compounds expressed by formulae (1-1) to (1-3) as a first component, comprising at least one compound selected from the group of compounds expressed by formulae (2-1) to (2-6) as a second component, and comprising at least one compound selected from the group of compounds expressed by formula (3) as a third component
xe2x80x83wherein R13 and R14 each independently represents alkyl having 1 to 10 carbon.
4. The liquid crystal composition in the item 3 described above characterized by comprising 3 to 45% by weight of the first component, comprising 25 to 97% by weight of the second component, and comprising 25% and less by weight of the third component each based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition.
The liquid crystal display device of the present invention is described in the item 5 below.
5. The liquid crystal display device composed by using the liquid crystal composition in any one of the items 1 to 4 described above.
Followings are explanation of preferable embodiments of compounds constituting the liquid crystal composition of the present invention.
Among the compounds expressed by formula (1-1) as the first component of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, the compounds expressed by formulae (1-1-1) to (1-1-12) in the following are preferably used. In these formulae, R and Rxe2x80x2 each independently represents alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 10 carbon, or alkoxymethyl or alkenyl having 2 to 10 carbon.
Among the compounds expressed by formula (1-2) as the first component of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, the compounds expressed by formulae (1-2-1) to (1-2-12) in the following are preferably used. In these formulae, R and Rxe2x80x2 each independently represents alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 10 carbon, or alkoxymethyl or alkenyl having 2 to 10 carbon.
Among the compounds expressed by formula (1-3) as the first component of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, the compounds expressed by formulae (1-3-1) to (1-3-12) in the following are preferably used. In these formulae, R and Rxe2x80x2 each independently represents alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 10 carbon, or alkoxymethyl or alkenyl having 2 to 10 carbon.
Among the compounds expressed by formula (2-1) as the second component of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, the compounds expressed by formulae (2-1-1) to (2-1-30) in the following are preferably used. In these formulae, each R independently represents alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 10 carbon, or alkoxymethyl or alkenyl having 2 to 10 carbon.
Among the compounds expressed by formula (2-2) as the second component of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, the compounds expressed by formulae (2-2-1) to (2-2-40) in the following are preferably used. In these formulae, each R independently represents alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 10 carbon, or alkoxymethyl or alkenyl having 2 to 10 carbon.
Among the compounds expressed by formula (2-3) as the second component of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, the compounds expressed by formulae (2-3-1) to (2-3-20) are preferably used. In these formulae, each R independently represents alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 10 carbon, or alkoxymethyl or alkenyl having 2 to 10 carbon.
Among the compounds expressed by formula (2-4) as the second component of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, the compounds expressed by formulae (2-4-1) to (2-4-9) are preferably used. In these formulae, each R independently represents alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 10 carbon, or alkoxymethyl or alkenyl having 2 to 10 carbon.
Among the compounds expressed by formula (2-5) as the second component of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, the compounds expressed by formulae (2-5-1) to (2-5-9) in the following are preferably used. In these formulae, each R independently represents alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 10 carbon, or alkoxymethyl or alkenyl having 2 to 10 carbon.
Among the compounds expressed by formula (2-6) as the second component of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, the compounds expressed by formulae (2-6-1) to (2-6-9) are preferably used. In these formulae, each R independently represents alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 10 carbon, or alkoxymethyl or alkenyl having 2 to 10 carbon.
Followings are explanation on the role of compounds constituting the liquid crystal composition of the present invention.
The compounds expressed by formulae (1-1) to (1-3), which are the first component of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, has features of a very large xcex94n being about 0.13 to 0.25, of relatively small xcex7 being 20 to 60 mPaxc2x7s compared with other three or four ring-compounds, and of a large value of specific resistivity. For this reason, the compounds expressed by formulae (1-1) to (1-3) of the present invention are used for the purpose to enlarge xcex94n, to minimize xcex7, and to adjust threshold voltage, while maintaining a high voltage holding ratio of the liquid crystal composition at a high temperature region. As the compounds expressed by formulae (1-1) and (1-2) have four rings and have very high TNI (the upper temperature limit of a liquid crystal phase) being 100xc2x0 C. to 180xc2x0 C., the liquid crystal compositions having a high TNI can be prepared by the use of these four ring-compounds.
The compounds expressed by formulae (2-1) to (2-6), which are the second component of the present invention, have features of large xcex94n being about 0.03 to 0.18, of large xcex94xcex5 being about 6 to 32, and of a large value of specific resistivity. For this reason, the compounds expressed by formulae (2-1) to (2-6) of the present invention are used for the purpose to keep large xcex94n, to widen a range of a liquid crystal phase, and to adjust threshold voltage lower, while maintaining a high voltage holding ratio of the liquid crystal composition at a high temperature region.
For further detailed explanation, the compounds expressed by formula (2-1), which are the second component of the present invention, have three rings and have xcex94n being about 0.03 to 0.10 and a large xcex94xcex5 value being about 6 to 13. They also have features of relatively small xcex7 and high specific resistivity. For this reason, the compounds expressed by formula (2-1) of the present invention are used for the purpose to decrease xcex7, and especially to adjust threshold voltage and xcex94n, while maintaining a high voltage holding ratio of the liquid crystal composition at a high temperature region.
The compounds expressed by formula (2-2), which are the second component of the present invention, have three rings and have relatively large xcex94n being about 0.10 to 0.14 and a large value of xcex94xcex5 being about 9 to 18. They also have features of relatively small xcex7 and high specific resistivity. For this reason, the compounds expressed by formula (2-2) of the present invention are used for the purpose to minimize xcex7, to keep An relatively large, and especially to adjust threshold voltage being small, while maintaining a high voltage holding ratio of liquid crystal composition at a high temperature region.
The compounds expressed by formula (2-3), which are the second component of the present invention, have four rings and have extremely a high TNI (the upper temperature limit of a liquid crystal phase) of 180xc2x0 C. or higher. They also have relatively large xcex94n being about 0.13 to 0.16 and relatively large xcex94xcex5 being about 10 to 14. Further they have features of relatively small xcex7 and high specific resistivity. For this reason, the compounds expressed by formula (2-3) of the present invention are used for the purpose to elevate the upper temperature limit of a liquid crystal phase of the liquid crystal composition, to keep xcex94n relatively large, and especially to adjust threshold voltage, while maintaining a high voltage holding ratio of the liquid crystal composition at a high temperature region.
The compounds expressed by formula (2-4), which are the second component of the present invention, have three rings and have considerably large xcex94xcex5 being 15 to 32 and xcex94n being about 0.05 to 0.09. They also have features of a large value of specific resistivity. For this reason, the compounds expressed by formula (2-4) of the present invention are used especially to reduce threshold voltage, while maintaining a high voltage holding ratio of the liquid crystal composition at a high temperature region.
The compounds expressed by formula (2-5), which are the second component of the present invention, have three rings and have considerably large xcex94xcex5 of about 15 to 32 and relatively a large value of xcex94n being about 0.1 to 0.15. They also have features of high specific resistivity. For this reason, the compounds expressed by formula (2-5) of the present invention are used especially to enlarge xcex94n and to reduce threshold voltage, while maintaining a high voltage holding ratio of the liquid crystal composition at a high temperature region.
The compounds expressed by formula (2-6), which are the second component of the present invention, have four rings and have extremely high TNI being about 100xc2x0 C. to 130xc2x0 C., considerably large xcex94xcex5 being about 15 to 30 and relatively a large value of xcex94n being about 0.14 to 0.18. They also they have features of a large value of specific resistivity. For this reason, the compounds expressed by formula (2-6) of the present invention are used to elevate the upper temperature limit of a liquid crystal phase, and especially to enlarge xcex94n and to reduce threshold voltage, while maintaining a high voltage holding ratio of the liquid crystal composition at a high temperature region.
The compounds expressed by formula (3), which are the third component of the present invention, have features of xcex94xcex5 being close to 0, of a large value of specific resistivity, of extremely large xcex94n of 0.2 or more which is extremely large, and of a high upper temperature limit of a nematic phase being 250xc2x0 C. or more. For this reason, the compounds expressed by formula (3) of the present invention are used for the purpose to elevate the upper temperature limit of a nematic phase, to adjust threshold voltage, and to enlarge xcex94n considerably, while maintaining a high voltage holding ratio of the liquid crystal composition at a high temperature region.
Summarizing the above, the liquid crystal composition of the present invention has features widening the range of a liquid crystal phase, especially minimizing xcex7 and enlarging xcex94n, while keeping a high upper temperature limit of the liquid crystal phase of the liquid crystal composition based on the first component, and further adjusting the range of the liquid crystal phase, xcex94n, and threshold voltage based on the second component.
Followings are explanation on preferable ratios in the contents of components which constitute the liquid crystal composition of the present invention.
The content of the first component in the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is preferably 3 to 45% by weight and the content of the second component therein is preferably 25 to 97% by weight each based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition.
For further detailed explanation, the compounds expressed by formulae (1-1) to (1-3) are desirable to be mixed into the composition as much as possible to enlarge xcex94n and to minimize xcex7. However, they may elevate the lower temperature limit of a nematic phase of the liquid crystal composition if they are contained too much in the composition. For this reason, the compounds expressed by formulae (1-1) to (1-3), which are the first component of the present invention, are preferably 45% by weight and less based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition. The ratio of the first component of the present invention in the liquid crystal composition is preferably 3% or more by weight to enlarge xcex94n, to widen the range of a liquid crystal phase, and to minimize xcex7, while maintaining a high voltage holding ratio of the liquid crystal composition at a high temperature region.
The compounds expressed by formulae (2-1) to (2-6), which are the second component of the present invention, may lower the upper temperature limit of a nematic phase of the liquid crystal composition, increase xcex7, and lower xcex94n, when they are contained in the composition in large quantities. For this reason, the ratio of the compounds expressed by formulae (2-1) to (2-6), which are the second component of the present invention, is preferably 97% and less by weight based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition. The ratio of the second component in the liquid crystal composition is preferably 25% or more by weight to keep low threshold voltage and to lower the lower temperature limit of a nematic phase, while maintaining a high voltage holding ratio of the liquid crystal composition at a high temperature region.
The compounds expressed by formula (3), which are the third component of the present invention, may elevate the lower temperature limit of a nematic phase of the liquid crystal composition and may increase the threshold voltage because their xcex94xcex5 are close to 0, when they are contained in the composition in large quantities. For this reason, the ratio of compounds expressed by formula (3) of the present invention is preferably 25% and less by weight based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition.
The method of the preparation on the compounds expressed by formula (1-3) of the present invention, for example, that on the compounds expressed by formula (1-3-2) is described in JP 10-251186 A. On the compounds expressed by formulae (2-1), (2-2) and (2-3), for example, those expressed by formulae (2-1-16), (2-2-11) and (2-3-12), the method of their preparation is described in JP 2-233626 A. On the compounds expressed by formulae (2-4), (2-5) and (2-6) of the present invention, for example, those expressed by formulae (2-4-5), (2-5-5) and (2-6-5), the method of their preparation is described JP 10-251186 A. On the compounds expressed by formula (3), the method of their preparation is described in JP 2-237949 A. Then, each compound constituting the composition of the present invention can be prepared based on prior arts.
To the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, liquid crystal compounds other than those expressed by formulae described above can be mixed in the amount not affecting the object of the present invention. The liquid crystal composition used in the present invention can be prepared by the conventional methods. In general, the method is that various compounds are mixed and dissolved each other at a high temperature. To the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, chiral doping agents such as cholesteryl nonanoate (CN) or CM-43L expressed by the following formula may be added in order to adjust to the required twist angle by inducing the spiral structure to liquid crystal molecules.
The liquid crystal composition of the present invention can also be used for a guest-host mode by adding dichroic dyes such as phthalocyanine type, styril type, azo type, azomethine type, azoxy type, quinophthalone type, anthraquinone type and tetrazine type. It can also be used for a polymer-dispersed type liquid crystal display device, a birefringence control mode or a dynamic scattering mode. It can also be used for in-plane switching mode. Further, it is preferable for OCB mode utilizing its large xcex94n.

Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device

Abstract: The composition comprises at least one compound selected from the group of compounds expressed by formulae (1-1), (1-2) and (1-3) as a first component, and comprises at least one compound selected from the group of compounds expressed by formulae (2-1), (2-2), (2-3), (2-4), (2-5), and (2-6) as a second component.


This invention discloses a substantially pure population of human Müllerian duct-derived epithelial cells and methods of isolating and culturing the Müllerian duct-derived epithelial cells. By carefully manipulating the microenvironment in which the Müllerian duct-derived epithelial cells are grown, multiple passages are attainable wherein the Müllerian duct-derived epithelial cells are capable of becoming uterine, cervical, vaginal, and oviductal cells. In addition, several uses of human Müllerian duct-derived epithelial cells and cells differentiating therefrom are disclosed herein.

In the past few decades, a substantial amount of time and effort has been put into researching the development of female reproductive organs. The impetus behind the research varies from laboratory to laboratory, however, all the research efforts address important common issues relating to the overall health of women. Some of these issues include: cervical cancer, infertility, endometriosis, uterine cancer, ectopic pregnancies, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids. Cervical cancer, for example, is a particularly important topic for women's health considering that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide with approximately 450,000 new cases being diagnosed annually and that almost 200,000 deaths are due to cervical cancer. Pisani et al. Int. J. Cancer 55: 891–903 (1993). Although the etiological cause of cervical cancer remains unknown today, there are many reports that infection with human papillomavirus, in particular, HPV-16 and HPV-18, may be the cause for the development of cervical cancer. Although cervical cancer research has accomplished progress in the past, some of the most critical work is impeded by a lack of human tissue models. Likewise, research relating to ovarian cancers, uterine cancer, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis would benefit greatly from having human tissue models of the cervix, uterus, oviduct (fallopian tube), and vagina.
The cervix, uterus, oviduct, and part of the vagina of the female reproductive system are formed early in embryogenesis from Müllerian ducts, also known as paramesonephric ducts. In human embryos, a primordial gonadal ridge develops into a primitive gonad. At about the seventh week of gestation, both sexes have primordial genital ducts and a primitive gonad which develops into a cortex and a medulla. In genetic females, the cortex develops into ovaries and the medulla regresses. In contrast, the medulla develops into testes and the cortex regresses in genetic males. As development of a human embryo progresses, Müllerian ducts in males begin to regress with the secretion of Müllerian inhibiting substance (or MIS). Ganong, William F. Review of Medical Physiology, Chapter 23 "The Gonads: Development and Function of the Reproductive System", Fifteenth Edition, Appleton and Lange (1991). The Müllerian duct is either of the two paired embryonic tubes extending along the mesonephros roughly parallel to the mesonephric duct and emptying into the cloaca. In females, the upper parts of the Müllerian duct form the oviducts, while the lower parts fuse to form the uterus, cervix, and part of the vagina.
Previous work on Müllerian ducts have focused on anatomical and structural characteristics of Müllerian ducts. For example, one study revealed that the movements of Müllerian ridges and the immunohistochemical staining of Müllerian ducts in avians closely resemble that seen in human. Jacob M, et. al. Cells Tissues Organs 164(2), 63–81, (1999). In another study, human fetuses were examined by ultrasound to study the developing urogenital tracts. Lawrence W. D., et. al. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 167(1), 185–193, (1992). Other studies have focused on gene expression patterns in the developing fetus. Pellegrini M. et. al. Anat. Embryol. 196(6). 427–433, (1997). While important in their respective scopes, these studies do not provide any teachings for methods of isolating Müllerian duct-derived epithelial cells, nor do they provide any teaching for methods for culturing Müllerian duct-derived epithelial cells such that the cells retain their pluripotent potential. There are very few, if any, reports of Müllerian duct-derived epithelial cells that have been isolated and even fewer reports of Müllerian duct-derived epithelial cells that have pluripotent potential to differentiate into uterine, cervical, oviductal, and vaginal cells. Accordingly, there exists a need for the discovery of a population of Müllerian duct-derived epithelial cells as well as methods of isolating and characterizing Müllerian duct-derived epithelial cells. The invention disclosed herein fulfills these needs and discloses additional methods of use as well.

Human mullerian duct-derived epithelial cells and methods of isolation and uses thereof


A method for making the thermal electron emitter includes following steps. Providing a carbon nanotube film including a plurality of carbon nanotubes. Treating the carbon nanotube film with a solution comprising of a solvent and compound or a precursor of a compound, wherein the compound and the compound that is the basis of the precursor of a compound has a work function that is lower than the carbon nanotubes. Twisting the treated carbon nanotube film to form a carbon nanotube twisted wire. Drying the carbon nanotube twisted wire. Activating the carbon nanotube twisted wire.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for making a thermal electron emitter based on carbon nanotubes.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Thermal electron emission devices are widely applied in gas lasers, arc-welders, plasma-cutters, electron microscopes, x-ray generators, and the like. Conventional thermal electron emission devices are constructed by forming an electron emissive layer made of alkaline earth metal oxide on a base. The alkaline earth metal oxide includes BaO, SrO, CaO, or a mixture thereof. The base is made of an alloy including at least one of Ni, Mg, W, Al and the like. When thermal electron emission devices are heated to a temperature of about 800° C., electrons are emitted from the thermal electron emission source. Since the electron emissive layer is formed on the surface of the base, an interface layer is formed between the base and the electron emissive layer. Therefore, the electron emissive alkaline earth metal oxide is easy to split off from the base. Further, thermal electron emission devices are less stable because alkaline earth metal oxide is easy to vaporize at high temperatures. Consequently, the lifespan of the electron emission device tends to be low.
What is needed, therefore, is a method for making a thermal electron emitter, which has high stable electron emission, as well as great mechanical durability.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate at least one embodiment of the present method for making the thermal electron emitter, in at least one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

Method for making thermal electron emitter