Described is a fat or oil composition which comprises at least 35 wt. % of a diacylglycerol, the constituent fatty acids of said diacylglycerol satisfying the following equation: (an amount of a cis-form unsaturated fatty acid)/(an amount of a saturated fatty acid+an amount of a trans-form unsaturated fatty acid)xe2x89xa76. Usual intake of the above-described composition as an edible oil makes it possible to reduce arteriosclerotic factors in blood, leading to the prevention of arteriosclerosis, furthermore, various degenerative diseases.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a fat or oil composition capable of reducing arteriosclerotic factors in blood when taken, similarly to a usual fat or oil, in the daily life.
2. Description of the Related Art
Arteriosclerosis is a risk factor of various circulatory diseases such as hypertension and thrombosis. Arteriosclerosis is caused by hypercholesterolemia, formation of thrombus or the like. The state of a high total cholesterol level is generally called hypercholesterolemia. The cholesterol in blood is classified into HDL, LDL, VLDL and the like by specific gravity. Among them, LDL is a principal risk factor of arteriosclerosis, while HDL is said to be useful for the prevention of arteriosclerosis. It is therefore important to increase the HDL cholesterol level in blood for the prevention of arteriosclerosis.
On the other hand, local formation of thrombi in blood is also considered as one of the factors of arteriosclerosis. When the activity of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) which serves to control the production of plasmin, that is, fibrinolysin in blood is exasperated, the production of plasmin is suppressed and formation of thrombi tends to occur. It is therefore essential to lower the activity of PAI-1 for the prevention of arteriosclerosis.
With regards to arteriosclerosis, prevention by the daily dietary control is more important than treatment. There is accordingly a demand for a substance which can be taken easily in the daily life and at the same time, can reduce the above-described arteriosclerotic factor.
Paying attention to a diacylglycerol which is known to suppress a postprandial increase in the blood level of a neutral fat, the present inventors have investigated constituent fatty acids of the diacylglycerol and their influence on the HDL cholesterol level and PAI-1 activity. As a result, it has been found that a fat or oil composition has excellent HDL cholesterol elevating action and PAI-1 lowering action and is useful as an edible oil when there is a specific relationship among the kinds and amounts of the stereoisomers of the unsaturated fatty acid and the amount of the saturated fatty acid contained in the composition.
There is thus provided a fat or oil composition which comprises at least 35 wt. % of a diacylglycerol, the constituent fatty acids of said diacylglycerol satisfying the following equation: (an amount of a cis-form unsaturated fatty acid)/(an amount of a saturated fatty acid+an amount of a trans-form unsaturated fatty acid)xe2x89xa76.
In another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a fat or oil processed food comprising the above-described fat or oil composition.
In a further aspect of the present invention, there are also provided an HDL-cholesterol-level elevating agent and PAI-1-activity lowering agent, each comprising the above-described fat or oil composition.
In a still further aspect of the present invention, there are also provided a method for elevating the HDL cholesterol level in blood and a method for lowering the activity of PAI-1, each of which comprises administering the above-described fat or oil composition.
Intake of the fat or oil composition of the present invention usually as an edible oil makes it possible to reduce the blood level of an arteriosclerotic factor, leading to the prevention of arteriosclerosis and furthermore, various geriatric diseases.
The fat or oil composition according to the present invention contains at least 35 wt. % (which will hereinafter be indicated simply as xe2x80x9c%xe2x80x9d) of a diacylglycerol. From the viewpoints of effects for suppressing an increase in the blood level of a neutral fat, HDL cholesterol elevating action and PAI-1 lowering action, the diacylglycerol content is preferably at least 50%, with at least 60% being more preferred and with at least 80% being particularly preferred.
The constituent fatty acids of the diacylglycerol contained in the fat or oil composition of the present invention satisfy the following equation: (an amount of a cis-form unsaturated fatty acid)/(an amount of a saturated fatty acid+an amount of a trans-form unsaturated fatty acid)xe2x89xa76. When this weight ratio of [(cis)/(trans+saturated)] is less than 6, the HDL cholesterol elevating effects and PAI-1 lowering effects both lower. The weight ratio of [(cis)/(trans+saturated)] is preferably at least 8 and more preferably at least 9. The amount of the trans-form unsaturated fatty acid not greater than 5% is particularly preferred and also the amount of the saturated fatty acid not greater than 5% is particularly preferred, each based on the amount of the constituent fatty acids of the diacylglycerol. Examples of the cis-form unsaturated fatty acid include oleic acid, xcex1-linoleic acid, xcex1-linolenic acid, cis-dihomo-xcex3-linolenic acid, cis-arachidonic acid, cis-eicosapentaenoic acid and cis-docosahexanoic acid. The term xe2x80x9ctrans-form unsaturated fatty acidxe2x80x9d as used herein means an unsaturated fatty acid having, in the molecule thereof, at least one trans-form double bond. Examples of the saturated fatty acids include palmitic acid, stearic acid and arachic acid. Fatty acids having 8 to 24 carbon atoms are preferred, with those having 16 to 22 carbon atoms being particularly preferred. As the diacylglycerol, either one of 1,2-diacylglycerol or 1,3-diacylglycerol can be employed, with the 1,3-diacylglycerol being particularly preferred.
A phytosterol is a component having effects for lowering the cholesterol level and is contained in the conventional plant oil in an amount of about 0.05 to 1.2%. With a view to obtaining the cholesterol lowering effects equivalent to those of such a plant oil, the content of phytosterol is preferably at least 0.05%, with at least 0.3% being particularly preferred. The phytosterol content in the fat or oil composition containing a diacylglycerol differs depending on the preparation process of the composition. When a commercially available fatty acid obtained by distillation is used as a raw material, the phytosterol content in the composition inevitably lowers. In such a case, it is preferred to add a phytosterol to give an amount of 0.05% or greater. No particular limitation is imposed on the upper limit of the phytosterol content. For the purpose of attaining cholesterol reduction equal to that brought by the use of the conventional plant oil, the phytosterol content falling within a range of 0.05 to 1.2% is sufficient. When the more cholesterol level reduction is intended, at least 1.2% of phytosterol can be added. Examples of the phytosterol include phytosterols in the free form such as xcex1-sitosterol, xcex2-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, xcex1-sitostanol, xcex2-sitostanol, stigmastanol, campestanol and cycloartenol and esters thereof such as fatty acid esters, ferulic acid esters, and cinnamic acid esters.
The other components contained in the fat or oil composition of the present invention are a triacyl glycerol and a monoacyl glycerol. The monoacyl glycerol content not greater than 2%, particularly not greater than 1.5% is preferred. Most of the remaining part is composed of a triacyl glycerol.
The fat or oil composition according to the present invention can be prepared, for example, by subjecting fat or oil containing desired constituent fatty acids and glycerin to transesterification; or by acting lipase on a mixture of desired constituent fatty acids or ester thereof with glycerin, thereby carrying out esterification. The esterification using lipase is preferred for preventing isomerization during the reaction. Even in the esterification by using lipase, with a view to preventing isomerization upon purification after completion of the reaction, it is preferred to carry the purification under conditions mild enough not to cause isomerization of the fatty acids.
It is possible to incorporate, in the fat or oil composition of the present invention, a component contained in the conventional fat or oil composition, for example, an antioxidant such as tocopherol, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl stearate, BHT, BHA or phospholipid and/or emulsifier such as sucrose fatty acid ester, polyglycerin fatty acid ester or organic acid monoglyceride.
As described above, the fat or oil composition according to the present invention has HDL cholesterol elevating action and PAI-1 lowering action. Although the use of a diacylglycerol ordinarily causes an increase in the melting point compared with the use of a triacyl glycerol composed of the same fatty acids, the fat or oil composition according to the present invention is able to have a liquid form at room temperature, which brings about an advantage that it is usable widely as an edible oil. The fat or oil composition according to the present invention can therefore be used suitably as a cooking oil. It can also be used as an oil-in-water type processed food such as beverage, dessert, ice cream, dressing, topping, mayonnaise or barbecue sauce; a water-in-oil type processed food such as margarine or spread; or a processed food such as peanut butter, frying oil or shortening. In addition, it can be used for processed foods such as potato chips, snacks, cakes, cookies, pies, bread or chocolates; bakery mix; processed meat products; frozen entree; frozen foods; or the like.
A description will next be made of the application of the fat or oil composition of the present invention to a fat or oil processed food.
In the fat or oil processed food of the present invention, the amount of the fat or oil (total amount of edible oil and diacylglycerol) in the food is 3 to 95% and the amount of phytosterol is at least 0.05% based on the total amount of the fat or oil. The diacylglycerol content in the fat or oil is at least 35%, more preferably at least 50%.
The term xe2x80x9cfat or oil processed foodxe2x80x9d as used herein means a processed food obtained by adding, to the above-described fat or oil composition, the other food raw materials. The following raw materials are usable as components for the fat or oil processed food.
(1) Edible Fats or Oils
There is no particular limitation imposed on the edible fat or oil used in the present invention insofar as it is a commonly used edible fat or oil. Examples include natural animal or vegetable fats or oils; and processed fats or oils obtained by subjecting them to transesterification, hydrogenation, fractionation or the like. Preferred examples include vegetable oils such as soybean oil, rapeseed oil, rice bran oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil and coconut oil; and processed fats or oils thereof.
(2) Emulsifiers
There is no particular limitation imposed on the emulsifier insofar as it is commonly used for food. Examples include sucrose fatty acid esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, glycerin fatty acid esters, lecithin and decomposed product thereof; and proteins such as egg protein, soybean protein and milk protein and various proteins available therefrom by separation or hydrolysis.
(3) Thickeners
There is no particular limitation imposed on the thickener insofar as it is commonly used for food. Examples include xanthan gum, gellan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, pectin, tragacanth gum, polysaccharides such as various starches and proteins such as gelatin and albumen.
(4) Various Seasonings Such as Salt, Sugar and Vinegar.
(5) Various Spices and Flavors.
(6) Various Coloring Matters.
(6) Antioxidants such as Tocopherol and Natural Antioxidant Components.
The preferred formulation examples of the present invention will hereinafter be described. It should however be borne in mind that the application of the fat or oil composition of the present invention is not limited by them.
1) Acidic oil-in-water type fat or oil processed food
oil phase/water phase 20/80 to 80/20
amount of diacylglycerol: at least 35% (preferably at least 50%) based on the amount of the fat or oil in the oil phase
amount of phytosterol: at least 0.05% based on the amount of the fat or oil in the oil phase
amount of emulsifier: 0.05 to 5%
pH: 2 to 6.
The pH is adjusted by an organic acid such as citric acid or salt thereof, or an acidifier such as lemon juice. From the above-described materials, an acidic oil-in-water type fat or oil processed food such as dressing or mayonnaise which has HDL elevating effects and PAI-1 lowering effects and is free from problems in appearance, taste, texture and the like can be prepared in a conventional manner.
(Formulation Example) Mayonnaise
2) Water-in-oil type spreadable fat or oil processed food
oil phase/water phase : 90/10 to 10/90 (preferably 85/15 to 50/50)
amount of diacylglycerol: at least 35% (preferably at least 50%) based on the amount of the fat or oil in the oil phase
amount of phytosterol: at least 0.05% based on the amount of the fat or oil in the oil phase
melting point of the fat or oil in the oil phase: 20 to 50xc2x0 C. (preferably 20 to 40xc2x0 C.).
From the above-described materials, a water-in-oil type spreadable fat or oil processed food which has HDL elevating effects and PAI-1 lowering effects and is free from problems in texture, spreadability and the like can be prepared in a conventional manner.
(Formulation Example) Spread
3) Baked Cakes
amount of fat or oil: 10 to 40%
amount of diacylglycerol: at least 35% (preferably at least 50%) relative to the amount of the fat or oil
amount of phytosterol: at least 0.05% relative to the amount of the fat or oil
flour: 20 to 65%
sugar: 5 to 30%
whole egg: 0 to 20%
salt: 0.1 to 2%
baking powder: 0 to 1%
From the above-described materials, various baked cakes such as short bread which have HDL elevating effects and PAI-1 lowering effects can be prepared in a conventional manner.
(Formulation Example) Short Bread


An information system that enables differing information processes of extended duration to share intermediate data prior to their completion without sacrificing data integrity controls. The information system includes a contract process that is a parent of the information processes. The contract process obtains a set of data updates from one of the child transactions of each of the processes prior to completion of the processes. The contract process generates a set of contract data based upon the data updates obtained from the processes and holds the contract data until successful completion of the processes.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention pertains to the field of information management systems. More particularly, this invention relates to hierarchical information processes that share intermediate data and formulate contract data.
2. Art Background
Information management systems are commonly employed in a variety of business-related and other applications. Such information management systems typically include information stores such as database management systems. Such information management systems usually include and one or more information processes that manipulate data which is persistently stored in the database. Such information processes may also be referred to as applications. Information processes that perform extended duration information management functions may be arranged as a hierarchy of nested transactions.
FIG. 1 illustrates an information process 36 which is arranged as a hierarchy of nested transactions 30-32 in accordance with the prior art. The transaction 30 is at a top level of the process 36 hierarchy. The transaction 30 spawns the transactions 31 and 32. The transaction 30 is referred to as the parent of the transactions 31 and 32. The transactions 31 and 32 are each referred to as a child of the transaction 30. In general, such a nested hierarchy of transactions may continue down through many levels.
Typically, each of the transactions 30-32 performs some sort of information management function that generates data updates targeted for an information store 34. Typically, the transactions 31 and 32 provide their respective data updates to the transaction 30 upon their completion. The act of a child transaction providing its data updates to its parent is referred to as committing updates to the parent transaction or committing to the parent. Such transactions that commit their updates to their parent are usually referred to as closed transactions.
The data updates generated by the closed transactions 31-32 are usually interrelated. The transaction 30 usually acts as a repository for the interrelated data updates generated by the closed transactions 31 and 32. Typically, the transaction 30 commits to the information store 34 only after both of the closed transactions 31 and 32 have completed. A process wherein all child transactions are closed and wherein the parent transaction commits only after all its child transactions complete is referred to as a closed hierarchy.
The transaction 30 usually commits the data updates to the information store 34 using single atomic transaction. Typically, such an "atomic" or "flat" transaction ensures that the interrelated data updates generated by the transactions 30-32 are either all made visible or none are made visible in the information store 34 should a system failure occur. This usually ensures the integrity of the interrelated data generated by the transactions 30-32 as the data appears in the information store 34.
Under some circumstances a child transaction such as the transaction 31 may be of extended duration. For example, the transaction 31 may involve extended user interaction as well as communication to a remote site involving hours, days, and even weeks for completion. The transaction 32, on the other hand, may complete relatively quickly. Nevertheless, if the transaction 32 is a closed transaction then its data updates are held by the transaction 30 until the transaction 31 has completed. Such a hold up of data updates from the transaction 32 usually delays other information processes that may require the updated data generated by the transaction 32.
One prior technique for making the data updates of the child transaction 32 available to other processes prior to the completion of the process 36 is to allow the child transaction 32 to commit its data updates to the information store 34 directly. A child transaction that commits directly to the information store 34 is referred to as an open child transaction. Unfortunately, such direct writes to the information store 34 by a child transaction sacrifices the data integrity controls which are provided by a closed hierarchy. For example, a system failure after the transaction 32 commits to the information store 34 but before the transaction 30 commits can result in inconsistent data updates being visible in the information store 34.

Hierarchial information processes that share intermediate data and formulate contract data


An ink jet head driving apparatus for driving an ink jet head having plural nozzles to discharge supplied ink includes actuators provided correspondingly to the respective nozzles and to cause corresponding amounts of ink to be discharged from the nozzles by drive signals, a storage unit to store correction data for equalizing the ink discharge amounts from the respective nozzles, a selection unit to select one drive signal from the plural drive signals based on the correction data, and a drive unit to output the selected drive signal to the actuator at a specified timing, in which the nozzles of the ink jet head are classified into plural groups correspondingly to ink discharge amount characteristics of the nozzles, and the correction data is determined for each of the plural classified groups of the nozzles.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a technique to control an ink jet head of an ink jet printer, and particularly to a technique to correct, in an ink jet head including many nozzles, variations in the amounts of droplets discharged from the respective nozzles.
2. Description of the Related Art
An ink jet printer includes an ink jet head. The ink jet head distributes ink supplied from an ink tank into plural pressure chambers, causes pressure to be selectively generated in the respective pressure chambers, and discharges ink droplets from nozzles communicating with the respective pressure chambers. The ink jet printer drives the ink jet head and a recording medium relatively, discharges the ink droplets from the ink jet head, and records an image on the recording medium.
With respect to the ink jet head, according to the discharge method of ink droplets, a Piezo system, a thermal system, an electrostatic system or the like is known.
In recent years, a printer including an ink jet head in which plural nozzles are provided in a line has been developed. Such a printer has a merit that high speed printing can be performed. On the other hand, when the ink jet head is elongated, it is difficult to keep the amounts of droplets as the discharge characteristics of the respective droplets to be uniform by reason of manufacture or material properties. Thus, there is a problem that uneven density occurs in a recorded image and the picture quality is liable to be degraded.
In order to solve the foregoing problem, various techniques are proposed.
A switching device is provided which drives actuator elements arranged correspondingly to plural nozzles individually. The waveforms of voltages supplied to the actuator elements are adjusted, so that variations in the actuator elements are eliminated, and the volumes of discharged ink droplets are made uniform with respect to the respective nozzles (JP-A-2003-170588).
In an ink jet recording apparatus to form an image based on print data, the discharge pattern of ink discharge is selected from plural waveform patterns and printing is performed (JP-A-2005-153378).
Print conditions are previously determined, which include the presence or absence of variation correction of each nozzle, the presence or absence of variation correction of average discharge characteristics of respective groups when plural liquid droplet discharge characteristics are divided into plural groups, and the presence or absence of gradation printing. Further, plural drive waveforms for driving the respective driving elements are determined according to the print conditions. Waveform application means selects the drive waveform according to the print conditions and applies it to the driving element. By this, a reduction in picture quality due to variations in discharge characteristics of droplet nozzles is prevented (JP-A-2006-198902).

Ink jet head driving apparatus and ink jet head driving method


Disclosed herein is an arc-shaped flexible printed circuit film type endoscope using an imaging device. The endoscope includes an image photographing means and an object insertion means. The image photographing means includes a head housing to which an imaging device and an illumination means are mounted, and functions to photograph an image. The object insertion means includes an arc-shaped flexible thin foil, an insulating adhesive film, a circuit film and an insulating protective film which are layered and inserted into an interior of an object to be inspected. The object insertion means is connected at one end thereof to the image photographing means and connected at the other end to a transmission cable via a connector.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an industrial endoscope and, more particularly, to an arc-shaped flexible printed circuit film type endoscope using an imaging device in which a flexible printed circuit film is connected to a head housing accommodating a charge coupled device (CCD) camera or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor as the imaging device so that the endoscope can be mounted to a small space such as a robot to easily inspect the interior of a narrow heat transfer tube, and the endoscope has a small bending radius to be conveniently handled in the small space.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a plurality of heat transfer tubes is mounted on a secondary side's tube sheet of a steam generator installed in a nuclear power plant, with very narrow gaps formed between the heat transfer tubes. Here, sludge or impurities may enter the gaps between the heat transfer tubes, thus causing damage to the heat transfer tubes.
Therefore, in order to prevent the heat transfer tubes from being damaged by the sludge or impurities, visual inspection is periodically conducted. The visual inspection is performed through endoscopy using an endoscope camera which is mounted to a micro robot or the like.
Endoscopy is the non-destructive inspection method of visually inspecting the interior of a human body organ or an object without impairing the human body organ or the object, by inserting an insertion tube into the human body organ or the object.
Endoscopes are typically classified into medical and industrial endoscopes according to the object to be inspected. Among them, the manufacture of the industrial endoscope is difficult because its insertion part is small and thin.
Thus, in Korea, the industrial endoscope has not been researched and developed nor has it come onto the market yet. The supply of most endoscopes depends on imports.
The industrial endoscope includes an input-output unit for visually inspecting an object, a light source, and an insertion tube. Since most inspection instruments are too large to be inspected by an inspector, a lot of time, labor and expenses are required.
Further, the industrial endoscope adopts an analogue method. Thus, in order to store photographed images, photographs must be printed through chemical treatment, and the inspected result must be read via image equipment which is installed in an inspection site, so that there are restrictions of time and space. Further, since it is impossible to transmit data of the inspected result over a network, it is impossible share the data in real time.
In consideration of these aspects, as the conventional industrial endoscope which has been used to visually inspect the heat transfer tubes, an endoscope which has an industrial endoscope camera (including an endoscope camera and a CCD sensor) and a belt or a chain having a cable therein has been proposed.
The conventional endoscope is problematic in that the chain or belt is thick, so that it occupies a large space when rolled into a circular shape, and therefore it is difficult to mount the endoscope to a small space such as a robot so as to inspect the interior of a narrow heat transfer tube.
Further, the conventional belt- or circular cable-type endoscope camera is problematic in that when it is constructed to be very thin, it is too flexible, so that it is difficult to maintain strength of linear extension.
However, the endoscope according to the present invention uses an arc-shaped flexible thin foil, so that linearity is ensured in shape even though the endoscope comprises a very thin film, thus the endoscope has both linearity and flexibility.
Further, the endoscope camera, the cable, an illumination part and other parts are integrally installed in the chain- or belt-type feeding means, so that a bending radius is large. Thus, it is difficult to mount the conventional endoscope to a narrow space such as a robot and to handle it.
Meanwhile, in order to photograph a small space, there has been proposed Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2006-319401, which is entitled "Remote Inspection System".
The remote inspection system includes a CMOS image sensor as an imaging device of a video camera. By manipulating a power supply for a video camera and white LED which is connected in a conduction state through a flexible spiral metal tube to an inspection head having the white LED for illumination, the remote inspection system photographs a narrow space.
Thus, a photographing unit includes the CMOS sensor and the illumination part, so that it is possible to photograph and inspect a small space. However, since a circuit means or a transmission means for processing or transmitting a photographed image cannot be formed on the spiral metal tube itself, the circuit means or the transmission means for processing or transmitting the photographed image must be provided separately from the spiral metal tube, thus inconveniencing a manufacturer.

Arc-shaped flexible printed circuit film type endoscope using imaging device

Korea Plant Service & Engineering Co., Ltd.


An amplifier circuit includes: first and second nodes configured to receive input of differential signals; third and fourth nodes; a plurality of first inductors configured to be connected in series between the first and second nodes; a plurality of second inductors configured to be connected in series between the third and fourth nodes; a plurality of field effect transistors configured to have gates each configured to be connected between the plurality of first inductors, sources each configured to be connected to a reference potential node, and drains each configured to be connected between the plurality of second inductors; and a synthesizing unit configured to synthesize signals at the third and fourth nodes.

A balun circuit that provides a single terminal signal port and a balanced signal port is known (refer to, for example, Patent Document 1). A first conductive element extends between the single terminal signal port and the ground. A second conductive element is coupled to the first conductive element like a transformer and electrically insulated from the first conductive element. The second conductive element electrically symmetrically extends from the ground to the balanced port. The first and second conductive elements are arranged opposed to each other across an electrical insulating layer. The balanced port is located electrically at the center of the second conductive element. The first conductive element is arranged such that the center point of the first conductive element, namely, the point defined as an electrical center of the first conductive element is opposed to the balanced port, and thereby be operable at a plurality of frequencies.
Further, there is a known high-frequency power amplifier having a pair of power amplifier elements that receive from the outside a first distribution signal and a second distribution signal distributed to have the same amplitude and the characteristics in opposite phases to each other and amplify and output the power of the received first distribution signal and second distribution signal (refer to, for example, Patent Document 2). A pair of transmission lines correspondingly connected to the pair of power amplifier elements are provided. The pair of transmission lines have a pair of bulging parts provided on side parts opposed to each other. The pair of bulging parts are opposed to each other at a space therebetween to constitute a capacitor.
Further, there is a known differential type distributed constant amplifier in which a grounded-source transistor and a grounded-gate transistor are cascode-connected (refer to, for example, Patent Document 3). The inductor suppresses reflection at a branch point of a distributed constant line on the input side.
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Examined Patent Application Publication No. 8-28607
[Patent Document 2] Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2002-252529
[Patent Document 3] Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2004-289554
An amplifier circuit is needed which can amplify a high-frequency signal with large output power and high gain. To increase the output power, it is necessary to increase the size of the transistor. However, increasing the size of the transistor decreases the gain of the high-frequency signal.


An electronic device has an opening for up to two data carrier devices or, respectively, chip cards with row-type contact surfaces positioned alongside one another. The devices or, cards are stackable over one another in offset fashion. In a region of the terminal side lying opposite the plug opening it comprises two rows of contact springs lying next to one another, said rows being spatially offset upwards by the height of a card, and also offset in the insertion direction in a manner corresponding to the card offset. The resilient ends at the plug side of these contact springs respectively contact the contact surfaces of inserted data carriers from above.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of electronic devices, and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a two-tiered plug for two chip cards.
2. Description of the Related Art
With increasing storage capacity of ICs, entirely new fields of application are opening up for memory chip cards. In particular, in the field of mobile telecommunication, the contacting of two multimedia cards, as they are known, is required in a minimum physical space. In the future, multimedia memory cards are expected to take over functions as data carriers for large quantities of data, similar to the function of diskettes or CD-ROMs in the past. With respect to hand-held units, what is concerned is not the storage of 200 private telephone numbers, as is already possible by means of the known SIM cards, but rather exchangeable cards on which, for example, extensive software programs or complete telephone directories are stored.


A sensor tube for protecting a sensor inserted into a moving process fluid is provided. The sensor tube includes a process interface section for mounting to a process vessel and an extended section extending from the process interface section to a sealed end. The extended section includes a twisted section having a longitudinal axis. The process interface section and the extended section define a sensor bore configured to receive a sensor therein. The twisted section has a cross section that includes at least three equally sized walls and wherein the walls form helixes along the longitudinal axis of the twisted section.

The present invention relates to a sensor tube, such as a thermowell, used in measuring a fluid variable in a process. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sensor tube configuration that achieves vortex shedding reduction using a simple manufacturing technique.
Process fluid temperature is an important physical parameter that is often used to control or otherwise monitor a process. A process fluid temperature is typically measured using a temperature sensor, such as a resistance temperature device (RTD), thermocouple or thermistor. The temperature sensor itself is generally not able to withstand direct contact with a process fluid. Thus, a thermally conductive sensor tube, such as a thermowell, is used to interface with the process fluid while protecting the temperature sensor. The process fluid directly contacts the thermowell and heat from the process fluid transfers through the thermowell to the temperature sensor disposed therein. In this manner, the temperature sensor can accurately measure process fluid temperature without directly contacting the process fluid. A thermowell allows replacement of the temperature sensor without having to break the process seal.
Since sensor tubes and thermowells are directly inserted into the process, they are subject to a number of stresses. When thermowells are used in pipes or tanks, they suffer from high fatigue stresses caused by vortex shedding. This vortex shedding occurs at specific frequencies as determined from the Strouhal Number. The Strouhal Number is approximately 0.22 and does vary slightly with Reynolds Number. The Strouhal Number is fsdm/V, where fs is the shedding frequency, dm is the diameter of the cylindrical thermowell and V is the flow stream velocity. When the shedding frequency is close to the natural frequency of the thermowell, the thermowell will violently vibrate at its natural frequency and exceed fatigue stress limits. Generally two velocities are of concern, the largest stresses are caused by crossflow vibration which is the frequency given by the Strouhal Number. There is a second velocity that is of concern is ½ the velocity given by the Strouhal Number. This velocity causes the thermowell to vibrate inline with the flow and is caused by the vortices shed from each side of the thermowell where forces at twice the shedding frequency are generated. This vibration mode usually generates less stress than the crossflow condition, but it still can cause the thermowell to fail in fatigue.
Thermowell designs are usually checked by the requirements of ASME PTC 19.3 TW-2010 and give acceptable flow velocities for the conditions specified. The inline vibration mode is checked for stress levels in vortex frequencies 0.4 to 0.6 of the lowest natural frequency of the thermowell. Some applications in this velocity range will be unacceptable due to fatigue stress levels. This standard requires vortex frequency in all applications to be below 0.8 of the natural frequency.
In some circumstances, vortex shedding forces can lead to breakage of the thermowell due to fatigue stress failure and therefore, loss of pressure containment and potential damage to down stream components due to an unattached part in the pipe.
Some attempts have been made to reduce vortex shedding from thermowells. For example, it is known to attach helical strakes to a thermowell to reduce vortex shedding. United States Patent Publication 2008/0307901 A1 by Jeremy Knight also shows a thermowell or a gas sampling tube with helical strakes attached. Further methods for reducing vortex shedding can be found in a paper by M. M. Zdravkovich entitled, "Review and classification of various aerodynamic and hydrodynamic means for suppressing vortex shedding" Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 7 (1981) pp. 145-189.
Providing an easily manufacturable sensor tube with effective vortex shedding reduction would represent an important advance to the art of measuring process fluid variables when the process fluid is flowing or otherwise in motion.


In a manufacture of a probe for a scattering type near-field microscope, there is provided a method of coating, with a high reproducibility, uniform metal particles efficiently inducing a surface enhanced Raman scattering. It has been adapted such that, in the probe for the scattering type near-field microscope, one part or all of the probe due to an interaction of at least an evanescent field is coated by metal particles which don't mutually adhere and have a particle diameter of 10 nm or larger and 50 nm or smaller in radius of curvature.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a probe for a near-field microscope in which a probe is caused to come close to or contact with an evanescent field generated on a sample surface, an evanescent light is scattered by a probe and, by detecting the scattered light by a photodetector, a local optical characteristic of the sample is measured with a resolution beyond diffraction limit of the incident light.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a conventional optical microscope, a spatial resolution has been limited to a length of about half of a used wavelength by the diffraction limit. However, in recent years, it becomes that a development in a technique called nano-technology is eagerly performed, and there is an increased demand for measuring the optical characteristic of a substance with the resolution exceeding the diffraction limit.
In order to realize the demand, a development in the near-field probe microscope is eagerly performed.
The conventional near-field probe microscope is classified into a fiber type and a scattering type.
In the fiber type near-field microscope, a tip of an optical fiber is sharpened, the size of an aperture is 100 nm or less, and portions other than the opening part is shielded from the light by a metal. When a laser is entered from an optical fiber aperture, the evanescent light is produced in the vicinity of the aperture. A probe approaches a sample by utilizing a shear force or an atomic force, which acts between a probe tip and the sample surface, the evanescent light irradiate the sample by measuring a near-field light intensity or a spectrum by the photodetector, the optical characteristic of the sample surface is measured with the resolving power exceeding the diffraction limit.
On the other hand, in the scattering type near-field microscope, the evanescent field is generated on the sample surface, the scattered light is generated by inserting the probe of a metal or a dielectric. The probe is inserted into the evanescent field and, by measuring the near-field light intensity or the spectra by the photodetector, the optical characteristic of the sample surface is measured with the resolving power beyond the diffraction limit.
The fiber type near-field microscope is the present measurement tool, the device is comparatively stable "it evaluates if the level of the background light is low"However, it is used in a fluorescence spectral analysis in which an excited light intensity is weak and a signal light intensity is comparatively easily obtained, an absorption measurement and the like, because a loss of the light in a taper portion inside the optical fiber cause the probe aperture to enlarge.
On the other hand, the scattering type near-field microscope can be used also in a Raman spectral analysis in which the scattering cross-sectional area is small and the signal light is difficult to detect and a nonlinear spectroscopy analysis, because it is possible to increase a incident light intensity imposed on the probe made from the metal or the dielectric and an electric field was enhanced by the interaction of the evanescent field both with incident light and the scattered light.
The scattering type near-field microscope of the prior art is explained on the basis of a schematic view of FIG. 9 (for example: Norihiko Hayazawa, Yasushi Inouye, Zouheir Sekkat, Satoshi Kawata, Near-field Raman scattering enhanced by a metallized tip, Chemical Physics Letters, 335, 369-374, 2001 (FIG. 1)).
A cantilever 101 is used for an interatomic force microscope, which has in its tip a probe 102 of a size of 40 nm in diameter and has been coated by silver 40 nm in thickness.
Further, by setting an objective lens 105 whose numerical aperture is 1.4 in a back side with respect to a measured face of a sample 103 through an oil-immersion oil 104 and entering an annular laser light 106 into a region in which the numerical aperture component of the objective lens 105 exceeds 1, the evanescent field is formed in a surface of the sample 103.
Next, the probe 102 is contacted with the evanescent field generation region of the sample 103 surface while performing a distance control by the interatomic force acting between the probe 102 and the sample 103 surface.
At this time, the evanescent field is scattered by the probe 102. By condensing this scattered light 107 by the same objective lens 105 (not shown in the drawing), an analysis of the local optical characteristic by the probe tip becomes possible.
In this prior art, rhotamine 6G that is one kind of dye is measured as the sample. In the scattered light from the sample Raman scattered light is generated also besides a Rayleigh scattered light whose wavelength is the same as the excited light.
Further, by the facts that a surface plasmon is excited in a surface of the silver coated probe 102 and that the sample 103 and the silver probe 102 tip are contacted, a so-called surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS: Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering) occurs, so that it becomes possible to enhance the Raman scattered light.
By condensing these scattered lights by the objective lens 105, removing the Rayleigh scattered light by a notch filter or the like and, after spectrally dispersing them by a spectroscope, detecting it by a liquid nitrogen cooled CCD, it is possible to obtain a local Raman spectra (the notch filter, the spectroscope and the CCD are not shown in the drawing).
An electron microscope photograph of the probe 102 provided in the cantilever 101 used in FIG. 9 is shown in FIG. 10.
The fact is seen that a silver particle of the probe 102 surface adheres to a probe surface like an island and has a longitudinally long shape. Further, in a tip portion 102a of the probe, the whole tip portion of the probe is covered by a uniform silver particle.
Next, FIG. 11-FIG. 13 and Table 1 are explained about the Raman spectral analysis.
Since a vibration spectroscopy mainly such as Raman spectroscopy can obtain a structural information in comparison with the fluorescence spectral analysis and the absorption measurement, it is possible to obtain detailed information concerning molecule vibration, orientation, intermolecular interaction, and excited state. However, since the Raman scattered light is generally very weak, its measurement is difficult. Especially, in a case where the excitation is performed by the evanescent light, the light quantity becomes weaker.
Therefore, in a case where the Raman spectroscopy is performed by scattering the evanescent field by the probe, a Raman signal is intended by utilizing the surface enhanced Raman scattering like the prior art mentioned above.
The surface enhanced Raman scattering is a phenomenon in which, by an electron excitation (surface plasmon) of a metal surface, a Raman scattering cross-section area concerning of the signal light from the metal surface is enhanced to about 105 to 1010 times.
Accordingly, in order to efficiently induce the surface enhanced Raman scattering, a condition for efficiently exciting the surface plasmon is necessary.
And, an efficiency of the surface plasmon excitation largely depends on a kind of the metal and a size and a shape of the particle.
As to the metal, it is known that, in a visible light region silver is efficient.
Table 1 shows a value of an imaginary number part of a permittivity at a plasmon absorption maximum wavelength and an absorption maximum of a representative metal (refer to C. F. Bohren, D. R. Huffman, Absorption and Scattering of Light by Small Particles, Wiley 1983 (Table 12-1)).
TABLE 1BulkSurfaceplasmonplasmonPermittivity: ε = ε′ + i ε″energyenergy(real part ε′ = value of imaginaryMetal kind(eV)(eV)number part ε″ at −2)Lithium188.8.131.52Sodium184.108.40.206Potassium220.127.116.11Magnesium10.76.30.5Aluminum184.108.40.206Iron10.35.05.1Copper—3.54.9Silver188.8.131.52Gold—2.55.0Graphite—5.52.7
From Table 1, among the metals having the absorption maximum in the visible light region, silver has the imaginary number part of the permittivity which is peculiarly small. This shows the fact that an attenuation of the plasmon is small and accordingly the silver is most excellent for the surface enhanced Raman scattering in the visible light region.
Further, an influence of a radius of curvature exerting on the absorption cross-sectional area of the silver is shown in FIG. 11, and an influence of the radius of curvature exerting on a near-field scattering efficiency in FIG. 12 (refer to S. Kawata ed, Near-Field Optics and Surface Plasmon Polaritons, Topics Appl. Phys. 81, 97-122 (2001) (FIG. 7, FIG. 8)).
From FIG. 11, it is apparent that the absorption cross-sectional area of the silver has a peak when a particle size is between 10 nm and 50 nm in radius, and becomes a maximum value when the radius is 10 to 20 nm. Since a light energy absorbed contributes to a plasmon excitation, the fact that the absorption cross-sectional area is large becomes the fact that an energy inducing the surface enhanced Raman scattering is large. Further, from FIG. 12, also a near-field scattering efficiency has a peak in a vicinity where the particle size is 10 nm to 50 nm in radius and becomes maximum when the radius is 20 nm, and in this region it is possible to efficiently scatter a near-filed light.
Additionally, in FIG. 13, there is shown a plasmon absorption efficiency depending on a shape of the silver particle (refer to Stockle R M, Deckert V, Fokas C, Zenobi R, Controlled formation of isolated silver islands for surface-enhanced Raman scattering, APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 54 (11): 1577-1583 November 2000 (FIG. 2)).
Under a state that the silver particle has flatly adhered to a substrate, although the plasmon absorption is scarcely seen, if an island shape of the silver approaches a spherical shape by annealing the surface, a strong plasmon absorption appears. From this fact, for a plasmon induction it is desirable that the shape of the silver particle approximates to the spherical shape, not only its size.
Accordingly, in a case where the Raman spectral analysis is performed by using the near-field, by controlling the shape of the metal particle coated to the probe to a shape approximating to the spherical shape whose radius is 10 nm to 50 nm, it becomes possible to efficiently generate the surface plasmon and, as a result, the Raman scattered light is enhanced and it becomes possible to improve the sensitivity of a Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, by controlling the shape and the size of the metal particle, a quantitative experiment of a surface enhanced Raman scattering effect becomes possible. As a result, it becomes possible to quantitatively estimate the near-field Raman scattered light.
However, in the prior art, since there has not existed a method capable of controlling the shape and the size of the metal particle to optimum ones only by controlling a film thickness of the metal, which is represented by the silver, the gold and the like, coated to the probe, there was no reproducibility with respect to the shape or the size of the metal particle. Further, since an affinity between a substrate and a vapor-deposited metal is good, the vapor-deposited metal forms an island-like film in the vapor deposition object, so that it has been difficult to form a particle-like film.
For this reason, the surface enhanced Raman scattering effect in every probe largely differs, so that it has been impossible to perform from a Raman spectroscopy a quantitative analysis of a intensity.

Probe for near-field microscope, the method for manufacturing the probe and scanning probe microscope using the probe


The invention relates to methods and composition for improving absorption and dissolution of active ingredients of drugs. The invention provides a method of administration of an active ingredient to a mammal through a transmucosal route that includes delivering the active ingredient to a desired site in a body of the mammal, and, sequentially, at the desired site, promoting dissolution and absorption of the active ingredient. In a preferred embodiment, the pH of the localized environment of the active ingredient is sequentially modified to promote dissolution and absorption.

The development of methodologies for enhancing dissolution and absorption of active ingredients is a major field of pharmaceutical formulation research. As generally defined, dissolution is the rate and extent to which an active ingredient enters into solution. Absorption is generally defined as the rate and extent to which the active ingredient moves from its site of administration to the site of action or general circulation. Absorption usually involves a passive diffusion of the active ingredient across a mucosal membrane.
Although in a few rare instances, very fine, non-dissolved particles may be absorbed into the body of a mammalian subject by special processes, most often active ingredients must dissolve before absorption can take place. However, in formulating pharmaceutical compositions, the goals of rapid absorption and dissolution of active ingredients are often difficult to reconcile. Thus, the environment that favors dissolution may sometimes inhibit absorption and vice versa.
Good examples of this often-competing relationship may be found in studying the influence of pH, which is the measure of concentration of the H+ ions, on dissolution and/or absorption of active ingredients. Many formulation techniques focus on the pH of the pharmaceutical compositions and dosage forms, and/or the pH environment at various sites in the body. However, even though pH is often important, standard pharmaceutical practice views the pH requirements for dissolution and absorption as somewhat contradictory. For example, Physical Pharmacy by Alfred Martin, Lea and Febiger, 4th Ed. (1993) teaches that a lower pH enhances the dissolution of weakly basic drugs while a higher pH enhances their absorption. Thus, the standard pharmaceutical practice often involves selecting a pharmaceutical dosage form with a pH that is a compromise between the pH that favors dissolution and the pH that favors absorption. Alternatively, the pH is selected to favor either the dissolution or the absorption, whichever is considered to be the rate-determining step in delivering the drug to its site of action.
The drugs that benefit from such pH adjustments are usually weakly basic or weakly acidic compounds. They make up a large proportion of available drugs and fall into numerous therapeutic classes. Usually, the drugs are delivered in either liquid or solid form. With respect to liquid pharmaceutical preparations, the pH of the liquid may be directly adjusted prior to administration to achieve the desired degree of dissolution of the active ingredient. With respect to the solid drug delivery vehicles such as the dosage forms, the dissolution typically takes place in vivo, and the modification of the pH is usually achieved by selecting the content of the dosage form. For example, an appropriate salt form of the drug may be used to improve the dissolution. In both modes of administration, however, the selected pH is rarely optimal for both dissolution and absorption of the active ingredient.
Therefore, there is a need for a method of administration that facilitates both absorption and dissolution of active ingredients.


A system for controlling spinning of a disk is provided to prevent deterioration of the access response speed and to suppress the power consumption. The system includes a controller controlling a file system, and a disk array system storing data of the file system. The disk array system includes a plurality of logical volumes, each of which is configured by at least one disk device, and a disk controller controlling data input/output to/from the plurality of logical volumes. The plurality of logical volumes includes at least one first type logical volume which is controlled so that spinning of a disk device that configures the logical volume can be stopped, and at least one second type logical volume which is controlled so that spinning of a disk device that configures the logical volume cannot be stopped. Data satisfying a predetermined condition is stored in the second type logical volume.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling a file system and a storage system for storing data of the file system.
File services using a NAS (Network Attached Storage) system that functions both as a file server for controlling a file system and as a storage system for storing data of the file system have been recently in demand. Accordingly, as the capacity of data stored in the NAS system increases, the number of disk devices of the storage system in the NAS system increases.
When the number of the disk devices increases, the power consumption of the storage system also increases. In particular, in a large capacity disk array system that is equipped with a plurality of disk devices and has RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) composed of a plurality of disk devices, the storage system consumes too much power.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,826,005 discloses a method of reducing the power consumption of the disk array system by stopping (spinning down) the disk device that is not accessed by an upper-level device for a predetermined time interval.


The present invention relates to an integrated magnetics component comprising a magnetically permeable core comprising a base member extending in a horizontal plane and first, second, third and fourth legs protruding substantially perpendicularly from the base member. First, second, third and fourth output inductor windings are wound around the first, second, third and fourth legs, respectively. A first input conductor of the integrated magnetics component has a first conductor axis and extends in-between the first, second, third and fourth legs to induce a first magnetic flux through a first flux path of the magnetically permeable core. A second input conductor of the integrated magnetics component has a second coil axis extending substantially perpendicularly to the first conductor axis to induce a second magnetic flux through a second flux path of the magnetically permeable core extending substantially orthogonally to the first flux path. Another aspect of the invention relates to a multiple-input isolated power converter comprising the integrated magnetics component.

In order to combine power generated from two or more input voltage or energy sources to get a DC output voltage, different circuit topologies of multi-input power converters have been proposed in recent years [1-4]. The input voltage or energy sources may for example comprise clean energy sources such as solar arrays, wind turbines, fuel cells and commercial ac power lines.
A common limitation of some known multiple-input power converters is that only one input power source is allowed to transfer power or energy to the output at a time to prevent power coupling effects. Recently, in order to overcome this limitation, it has been proposed to use multiple-input winding transformers based on flux additivity technology with phase-shifted PWM control. While this technology can transfer power from two or multiple different input voltage sources to the DC output and its associated load individually or simultaneously [5], reverse blocking diodes are required at the input drivers of the multi-input power converter. The reverse blocking diodes are needed to prevent a reverse power flow from one of the input voltage sources to another input voltage source through the coupled primary side of the transformer and through body diodes of semiconductor switches of the input drivers.
Without these reverse-blocking diodes, different input sources coupled to the multi-input power converter cannot deliver power to the load simultaneously. Some prior art approaches to overcome the problems associated with the coupling between the transformer input windings have relied on a shared low reluctance path or utilized flux cancellation mechanisms to decouple the input windings of a transformer [6]. In addition, higher current stress in low side MOSFETs of the input driver can be imposed due to a clamped voltage of the mutually coupled input inductor windings which causes a higher power loss.
Consequently, it would be advantageous to provide an integrated magnetics component with uncoupled input conductors for use in multiple-input power converters and other applications to allow multiple input power sources to be operated independently without compromising any functions of the power converter or require complex control or protection circuitry to be added to the input drivers.


The present invention relates to a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for a posterior ocular disease containing the compound represented by a formula (1), its enantiomer or diastereomer, or their pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient.

The posterior ocular disease generally means a disease at the vitreous body, the retina, the choroid, the sclera or the optic nerve, and these diseases are deeply involved with neovascular expression or vascular permeability enhancement. That is, in the posterior ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, uveitis, etc., it has been known that neovascular expression or enhancement of vascular permeability is a main factor of formation of the pathological condition and progress of the pathological condition, so that it is useful for the treatment of these diseases to inhibit neovascularization, or to suppress vascular permeability enhancement (Non-Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 2).
On the other hand, chemokine is a physiologically active protein which mainly acts on an immune system in vivo, and at present, substances exceeding 50 kinds have been revealed, which can be classified into four of C, CC, CXC, and CX3C based on the structural differences of the common cysteine in the amino acid sequence. The respective chemokines bind to GPCR (G protein-coupled receptor) and show their physiological actions, and in particular, the receptor to which MCP-1 being a CC chemokine binds, is called as CCR2.
In Non-Patent Document 3 and Non-Patent Document 4, there are disclosed that RS-504393 which is a CCR2 receptor antagonist has a protective effect onto nephropathy or endotoxin-induced pneumonopathy of diabetes model mouse.
Also, in Patent Document 1, there is disclosed that a tetrahydropyranylaminocyclopentylcarbonyltetrahydropyridopyridine derivative which controls an activity of a chemokine receptor such as a CCR2 receptor, etc., and synthetic examples of a plural number of tetrahydropyranylaminocyclopentylcarbonyltetrahydropyridopyridine derivatives are described. In addition, it has been disclosed that the tetrahydropyranylaminocyclopentylcarbonyltetrahydropyridopyridine derivative is useful for prophylaxis or treatment of inflammatory and immunoregulatory disorders and diseases, an allergic disease, atopic conditions (allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, conjunctivitis and asthma, etc.) and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis, etc.
Also, in Patent Document 2, ((1R,3S)-3-isopropyl-3-{[3-(trifluoromethyl)-7,8-dihydro-1,6-naphthyridin-6(5H)-yl]carbonyl}cyclopentyl)[(3S,4S)-3-methoxytetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl]amine succinate which is one of the tetrahydropyranylaminocyclopentylcarbonyltetrahydropyridopyridine derivative has been disclosed, and shown to be a CCR2 receptor antagonist.
However, there is neither described nor suggested in Patent Documents 1 and 2, and Non-Patent Documents 1, 2, 3 and 4 about the effects exerted on the posterior ocular disease by the tetrahydropyranylaminocyclopentylcarbonyltetrahydropyridopyridine derivative, in particular, a compound represented by the formula (1):
its enantiomer or diastereomer, or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts.

Prophylactic or therapeutic agent for posterior ocular disease containing tetrahydropyranylaminocyclopentylcarbonyltetrahydropyridopyridine derivative as effective ingredient


Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to an isolation assembly that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The isolation assembly can include one joint of a tubing section, at least two inflow control devices, and an isolation element. The joint of the tubing section can include at least two ports. Each inflow control device can be coupled to the tubing section at a respective port. The isolation element can be positioned between the inflow control devices. The isolation element can be configured to fluidly isolate the ports from each other.

Various production fluids can be produced via a well traversing a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation. Production fluids from a subterranean formation can include desirable production fluids, such as oil or other hydrocarbons, and undesirable production fluids, such as water. Mature wells in which production has been ongoing for a long duration can include larger amounts of water and other undesirable production fluids than the amounts of desirable production fluid. Producing hydrocarbons in mature wells can thus produce larger amounts of undesirable fluids such as water than producing hydrocarbons from new wells. In addition, a hydrocarbon-bearing formation can include multiple layers of stratification having different permeability characteristics. Differences in permeability at different layers can cause the amount of water in each layer to vary over different strata of a formation through which a wellbore is drilled. In addition, water or other undesirable fluids may have a higher mobility than desirable production fluids and may thus predominate with respect to oil in a subterranean formation.
Current solutions addressing the production of undesirable production fluids can isolate different zones along the wellbore corresponding to different sections of the subterranean formation. Isolation of the zones can reduce the production of undesirable fluid. Such solutions can include fluid discrimination tools, such as inflow control devices deployed in long open hole intervals, such as a horizontal wellbore where the length of the wellbore is much greater than the length of the tool. Such isolation tools deployed in long open hole intervals can be insufficient for isolating strata in other wells where production zones maybe spaced more closely, thereby limiting the space available to isolate each tool from one another.
It is therefore desirable to provide isolation between fluid discrimination devices in a modular and compact manner.

Isolation assembly for inflow control device


A wafer-level CSP (200) includes at least one die (202) from a wafer. The wafer-level CSP has a plurality of solder ball pads (206), a solder ball (308) at each solder ball pad and a polymer collar (310) around each solder ball. A moat (204) is formed in the surface of a polymer layer (412) disposed on the wafer during manufacturing of the wafer-level CSP. A temporarily liquified residual (502) from the polymer collar, which occurs while the wafer is heated to the reflow temperature of the solder ball, flows from the polymer collar. The moat acts as a barrier to material flow, limiting the distance that the residual spreads while liquified. The residual from the polymer collar remains within a region (314) defined by the moat. A full-depth moat (312) extends completely through the polymer layer. Alternatively, a partial-depth moat (712 and 912) extends partially through the polymer layer. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims pursuant to 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b).

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to wafer-level chip scale packages, and more particularly to forming a moat-like structure in a semiconductor wafer to restrict flow of a liquid prior to solidification of the liquid.
2. Description of the Related Art
A wafer-level chip scale package (CSP) is a package for an integrated circuit that is substantially the size of the integrated circuit or of a flip chip, which uses a wafer-level processing technique. Unlike a flip chip, the wafer-level CSP has one or more passivation layers on the active side of the die. Each passivation layer typically comprises a layer of photo-imageable polymer film. The wafer-level CSP is smaller than a standard ball grid array (BGA), typically uses metal traces of a re-distribution layer (RDL) to route solder ball pads to standard pitches, and uses CSP-size solder balls on the re-routed pads. A wafer-level CSP uses a standard surface mount technology assembly process that is also used for BGAs, and does not require underfill.
The use of a polymer collar around a solder ball, or solder bump, to support the solder ball in a wafer-level CSP is well known. When a semiconductor wafer, or wafer, is heated to the reflow temperature of the solder ball, some of the polymer collar material, which is very viscous at room temperature, becomes much less viscous, or liquefies. At times, the liquefied polymer collar material will disadvantageously flow farther from the solder ball than is desirable; occasionally merging with polymer collar material from an adjacent solder ball pad. Also, a solder ball disadvantageously tends to float on the liquefied polymer collar material. A solder ball will sometimes float to an adjacent solder ball pad, thereby creating a short. At times, a larger polymer collar is useful, but cannot be implemented with prior art wafer-level CSPs because a larger polymer collar would disadvantageously allow more liquefied polymer collar material to flow away from the polymer collar, thereby resulting in an undesirable appearance.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,437,434 entitled SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE MOUNTING INTERCONNECTION BOARD, issued Aug. 20, 2002 to Sugizaki, discloses an interconnection board that has a moat etched in silicon around a BGA pad in order to release the BGA pad from stress. The moat is purposefully pre-filled with an elastomer. However, Sugizaki does not disclose a moat formed in a photo-imageable polymer film, does not disclose a moat on an integrated circuit, and does not disclose any means for stopping the spread of polymer collar material.


A remote surface preparation device for preparing a remote surface, such as cleaning the inside surface of an aquarium tank from the outside is provided. The device includes a remotely actuated surface preparation assembly having a body with at least one magnetic element for coupling it for remote actuation to complimentary magnetic elements in a moving drive head disposed at some distance therefrom. The device includes an adjustment mechanism which can vary the magnitude of the magnetic forces coupling the remote surface preparation assembly to the device, even during device operation.

Illustrated herein are embodiments of a remotely actuated surface preparation device, and more specifically, a powered, hand held device for cleaning interior surfaces of fluid tanks from outside the tank.
It is often necessary or convenient to clean the inside walls of fluid-filled tanks from the outsides of such tanks. This avoids the need for the cleaning personnel to enter the fluid-filled tank. While this task is frequently encountered in large-scale industrial tanks in the food, chemical, drug, and other industries, the task's difficulties also occurs in cleaning a home aquarium tank.
Aquariums are designed to host aquatic life in a natural and attractive manner. Maintaining an attractive aquarium requires regular care and cleaning to achieve this goal. The walls of aquariums accumulate algae, including hard coralline algae, and this needs to be removed with the least amount of disturbance to the aquarium's inhabitants to maintain an attractive view.
The present invention contemplates a remote surface preparation device that resolves the above-referenced problems and others.

Remotely actuated surface preparation device


A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a high-frequency coil and a coil supporting unit. The high frequency coil is disposed inside a gradient coil and that generates a high-frequency magnetic field in a static magnetic field. The coil supporting unit is formed with a substantially cylindrical shape and that supports the high-frequency coil. The coil supporting unit has a certain range including a magnetic field center and formed in parallel with an axial direction. Both ends of the coil supporting unit each have an internal circumference greater than the internal circumference of the certain range.

When an MRI image is imaged by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus, a subject in a state of being placed on a couchtop is moved into a bore included in a gantry device. The gantry device generates a high-frequency magnetic field and a gradient magnetic field based on a pulse sequence in accordance with imaging conditions, thereby collecting a magnetic resonance signal generated from the subject.
The gantry device includes a static magnetic field magnet that generates a uniform static magnetic field in the bore, and a gradient coil that is disposed inside the static magnetic field magnet and generates a gradient magnetic field in the bore. The static magnetic field magnet, the gradient coil, and other components are arranged outside a bore tube for securing the bore. A rail for running the couchtop, for example, is disposed in the bore of the gantry device.
In recent years, large-diameter MRI apparatuses have been developed with the bore space made as physically large as possible, to improve comfortableness for the subject in imaging. However, there is a limit to an increase in the diameter of the bore from the viewpoints of performance of RF coils and image quality of MRI images.

Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus having high frequency coil isolated from gradient coils and a tapered / inclined coil support unit


A pet ramp is provided having two panels in a collapsible arrangement, with a first panel having legs and a second panel able to be cantilevered from the first panel. The second panel extends beyond the legs and is pivotable to rest on any available surface. A stop is provided between the first and second panels to hold a cantilevered deployed position of the second panel.

Pet ramps and tables are used for a variety of purposes, including transfer in/out of a vehicle, agility training, dog shows, and the like. Due to the variety and nature of the uses, pet ramps may need to be transported by a user. These tables and ramps can be cumbersome and heavy.
Some pet ramps may only function as an accessory lean-to structure, for example, a ramp that rests on a vehicle's tailgate or floor to allow a pet's safe ingress/egress. However, such a ramp may have limited reach or require a steep angle to reach some heights.
Thus, there is a need for a pet ramp that is easy to use and transport with improved utility. In particular, there is a need for a pet ramp that is lightweight and collapsible but also durable and readily adaptable to a variety of circumstances.


A method of authenticating a copy of a multi-page document, which includes digitizing a said multi-page document to generate one or more digitized files that together comprise a digitized transcript. A mark that is unique to the preparer of the document, such as a signature, is prepared and digitized. The preparer of the document is allowed to deposit the digitized transcript on an online repository. The operator of the online repository immediately establishes a verification process for the deposited digitized transcript. This verification process includes associating the digitized preparer mark with the deposited digitized transcript, and freezing the transcript, by encrypting it and deriving a checksum. The verification process also include associating a repository mark with the transcript. The operator of the online repository defines, under the direction of at least the preparer of the document, security rights to limit or otherwise control access to the deposited digitized transcript. The digitized preparer mark and the digitized repository mark are allowed to appear on substantially all copies of the pages of the document only if the pages have not been altered. If carrying out the verification process verifies that the deposited digitized transcript has not been changed since the verification process was established the marks are displayed with the unaltered page. This display whether the pages are displayed on a monitor or printed in paper form. Each page with this display is thus authenticated as to origin and custody apart from the other pages or the transcript as a whole.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates in general to authenticated documents such as certified court reporter transcripts and, in particular, to a secure online repository that provides authentication in which substantially each separate substantive page is independently authenticated as to both origin and custody.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Court reporter transcripts have long been prepared in paper form and authenticated by the signatures of the court reporters on certificates at the end of the transcript. Sometimes the signatures of the witnesses, on original copies of the paper transcripts, also appear. Much of the process of preparing such transcripts has been automated and transcripts are generally available in electronic form. See, for example, Bennett et al. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,970,141 and 6,282,510. Various symmetrical and, asymmetrical encryption schemes are widely used to authenticate electronic data. Digital signatures, for example, are widely used in electronic commerce to authenticate electronic information. Elaborate schemes for authenticating a person's electronic affirmation of a document have been proposed. See, for example, Smithies U.S. Pat. No. 6,091,835. Methods have been proposed for inserting electronic signatures (not digital signatures) or other pre-recorded data fragments into e-mail messages. See, for example, Apfel et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,510,453. It had been proposed to impose a court reporter's signature as a non-transferable watermark on the reporter's certificate, and to print it at the bottom of every page of the transcript. It had been proposed that internet service providers be allowed to insert images (typically, advertisements such as banner ads) into predefined spaces on web pages as they are viewed by end users. See, for example, Capek U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,192.
Court reporter transcripts are unique in the particular requirements that are imposed on them. They are typically a verbatim record of sworn testimony, and they must, above all else, be accurate and remain accurate. The Courts rely on them in dispensing justice, and legislatures rely on them in making laws. Attorneys rely on them in shaping the presentation of cases. For the most part they must remain confidential unless and until placed on the public record. Witnesses typically must have access to them for purposes of review and correction. In a given matter some witnesses may have access to some but not all transcripts, and some but not all parties may have access to any given transcript or exhibit or a portion thereof. Security rights need to be tailored to fit each unique situation. Everyone involved must be sure that all transcripts are accurate and that each individual transcript is handled according to the individual rules for security rights that apply to that transcript. Also, transcripts are seldom used in their entirety. They are generally excerpted. This complicates the authentication of the excerpts. All of these often competing requirements can be handled manually by knowledgeable experienced people. Automating the system has proven to be a substantial and not yet fully addressed challenge.
There is a problem with the authentication of court reporter transcripts that is generally unique to such transcripts. Official transcripts in paper form are typically bound so that the signature pages appear within the bindings. Thus, being bound with the signature pages authenticates the other pages in the official transcript. Usually, however, only a few pages of the transcript are needed for a particular purpose. When a few pages are copied from an official transcript, a separate oath, or the like, must be used to authenticate them. When only a few pages are reproduced from an electronic file of a transcript, authentication becomes a serious problem. An electronic file is subject to being altered, and such alteration, under certain circumstances, leaves no trace. Exhibits are typically attached to a transcript. Such exhibits, particularly when in digital form, are also subject to undetectable alteration, and require authentication. Physical exhibits are typically represented by images. When reduced to digital form, most exhibits appear in image file formats. The transcript itself generally, but not necessarily, appears in a text file format.
The use of online repositories for transcripts (and other documents) had been proposed. In general, such depositories are in the form of secure web sites. Transcripts are deposited on such web sites in digital form with access to the transcripts being controlled by a system of security rights. Such security rights typically include at least user names and passwords. Often, such online repositories are maintained by or for, and are open to only one entity, such as a law firm. That is, they are not available to the public. There is always some risk that a transcript or exhibit will be altered while on such online repositories. That is, the integrity of the custody of the transcript while it is on the online repository is a potential problem. Further, records, or portions thereof are typically downloaded by various users from online repositories, and reproduced for purposes of inclusion in briefs or the like. The integrity of the substantive pages that are so reproduced by users needs to be assured on a page by page basis both as to the origin and custody of the each page. Anyone who relies on the content of a particular substantive page needs to be assured that the page accurately reflects the event described therein, was not altered in any way while on the repository, and was not altered when reproduced by the user. For purposes of flexibility of use, the authentication needs to proceed page by page.
Those concerned with these problems recognize the need for an improved all electronic official record where each substantive page of the record, including pages that are images, pages that are text, mixed pages, and the like, are separately authenticated both as to creation and custody. This would permit each page to be reproduced and used separate and apart from the rest of the record with assurances that it is a true copy of the record.
These and other difficulties of the prior art have been overcome according to the present invention.

Origin and custody of copies from a stored electronic record verified page by page


An adaptive filter calculates a target pixel from an interlaced video signal. The video signal comprises a plurality of frames, each of which comprises an even and an odd field. The filter comprises a quantized motion calculator and a filter selector. The quantized motion calculator estimates an amount of motion about the target pixel. The filter selector selects a filter in accordance with the estimated amount of motion. The filter applies a first weighting factor to a plurality of current field pixels and a second weighting factor to a plurality of previous field pixels for creating the target pixel.

Interlaced signals are generated from a line-by-line scan of an image scene. The signals are generated by scanning and transmitting every other line of the image scene. In this way, even lines of the image scene are scanned and transmitted and then odd lines are scanned and transmitted. The even and odd lines in the image scene are referred to as the even field and the odd field, respectively. A time delay between the image scene capture of the even and odd fields is approximately one sixtieth of a second. A combination of the even field and the odd field is often referred to as a frame of image data. The frame comprises information required to represent the entire image scene.
At an interlaced monitor, the fields are displayed by alternately rendering the information in the even field to the even lines on the monitor and the information in the odd field to the odd lines on the monitor. The overall effect, as perceived by a viewer, is the complete reconstruction of the image scene. That is, the image scene appears to contain all vertical information. Despite the apparent reconstruction, displaying interlaced video signals has several drawbacks, which include introducing artifacts associated with interlaced signals.
Alternately, the interlaced signal may be deinterlaced for display on a progressive monitor. The progressive monitor displays each line of the image scene progressively. That is, each line of data is displayed in order, starting from the top row of the display and progressing row by row to the bottom. Furthermore, progressively scanned display formats present all lines in the image scene at sixty frames per second. However, interlaced video signals only transmit half of the image scene every one sixtieth of a second. Since there is no delay between the presentation of the even and odd rows of image scene information, the number of scan lines of data visible at a given instant in time is twice that which is visible in a corresponding interlaced system. Thus, there is an information shortfall during format conversion. The format conversion challenge is that of reconstructing the entire image scene at an instant in time, even though only half of it is available at that time.
Format conversion from an interlaced signal to a progressive signal may be accomplished in a number of ways. One of the simplest methods is field meshing. Field meshing is a process whereby the even field information is copied to the even lines and the odd field information is copied to the odd lines. There is no regard for the temporal delay between the even and odd fields. An obvious problem with this approach is an abhorrent visual quality that results when motion is present in the image scene. Specifically, a well known artifact referred to as "feathering" results.
Line doubling is an alternate manner of interlaced-to-progressive conversion. Line doubling involves the interpolation of missing lines based only on lines in the field available at that time. The line doubling method has several drawbacks, one of which is the complete discounting of relevant image scene information in a previous field. Line doubling can lead to flicker and to a loss of vertical detail. Flicker is usually most noticeable around hard edges such as lines and text within the image scene, and generally in areas containing fine detail.
Flicker is the result of horizontal, or near horizontal, structures in the image scene having a spatial frequency content that cannot be adequately represented by an interlaced signal because an interlaced image is sub-sampled vertically. A stationary horizontal edge, for example, lies on an even row or an odd row, at any given instant in time, in an interlaced image. Therefore, the edge frequently alternates back and forth between the even and odd field, causing a viewer to perceive the edge as flickering. Flicker reduction is important because many menus such as On Screen Displays, DVD Menus, and other forms of information containing hard (high contrast) and persistent edges need to be kept stable.
Other known artifacts of line doubling include stair-stepping. Stair-stepping occurs because an interlaced image is vertically sub-sampled. That is, not all the row information in the image scene is available at the same instant in time. The consequence is stair-stepping artifact.
Format conversion algorithms aim to minimize the artifacts that result during conversion. Conversion can take on the form of interlaced-to-interlaced conversion, or interlaced-to progressive conversion.
Yet an alternate form of deinterlacing employs what is known as motion compensated interpolation. Motion compensated interpolation attempts to compensate for the motion in the image scene by identifying regions or groups of pixels in a previous field and placing them in their correct spatial orientation relative to the current field. Such methods usually employ a block matching strategy that aims to minimize a measurement function aided by a computed motion vector. Such strategies often depend upon vast computational resources to operate effectively, and even then, mismatching errors can result. Mismatches can be perceptually dissatisfying to a viewer, especially when a portion of the image content is placed in the wrong part of the target image.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,141,056 issued to Westerman discloses a video format conversion system for converting interlaced video into progressive video using motion compensation. However, the system described by Westerman involves calculating derivatives and intervals of various quadratic functions. Such a system still requires huge computational power. Furthermore, research has shown that adjusting the filters based solely on motion information results in blotchy processed sequences.
Several format conversion solutions pertaining to deinterlacing involve a technique called vertical-temporal (VT) filtering. This technique is used in an attempt to deal with the problems that arise due to the sub-sampled nature of interlaced video. The basic idea behind VT filtering is to combine pixels in adjacent fields by numerical interpolation in order to compute a target pixel in the processed (deinterlaced) image. However, these methods cannot scale and deinterlace simultaneously. Nor do they deal that effectively with the artifacts inherent in interlaced images, namely flicker, stair-stepping and especially artifacts that are motion-related such as feathering.
Therefore, it is an objective of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and apparatus for motion adaptive deinterlacing


A brushless motor, comprising a rotor having a magnet, a coil for generating a magnetic field for drivingly rotating the rotor, and a power supply terminal for supplying a power to the coil from outside, wherein all electrical connection parts ranging from the power supply terminal to the end of the coil are connected to each other through welded parts.

In a process of connecting the ends of coils to external power supply terminals in a small brushless motor, in general, wire treatment is performed using terminals and a treated part is soldered to have electric conduction.
For instance, a representative example is disclosed in JP-A-6-46543. In this example, a core has a plurality of salient poles extending radially from a ring part and coils are wound around the salient poles. Further, slots between the salient poles have terminals, and the ends of coils are connected to the terminals by winding. The terminals have coil end winding portions which are formed so as to be bent in the axial direction of the core and can be soldered onto external power supply terminals, each being arranged at a position on one side of the coil along the axial direction of the core. Such terminals are often used for small brushless motors.
Another publicly known technique is disclosed in JP-A-4-193053. Conventionally, a resin-molded insulator has been frequently placed on an end face of a core to secure insulation between the core and a coil. In such a publicly known technique, a terminal of a thin metallic plate is embedded into a part of the insulator, the part corresponding to a salient pole. Then, the coil is wound and held so as to bind the salient pole and the terminal. A coil end winding portion on the end of the terminal is formed so as to be bent in the axial direction and is soldered onto a printed wiring board which is adjacent to one side of the coil. With such a configuration, since the terminals are held by the salient poles, even thin and small terminals can be correctly positioned and soldered on external power supply terminals.
In the case of electronic equipment, when an electronic component is mounted on a printed board, soldering is performed according to a method of dipping into a soldering bath, a method of melting cream solder by reflow heating, and so on. However, as global environmental pollution has been a focus of attention in recent years, lead contained in a soldering material has become controversial. For this reason, in a component mounting process, a soldering material containing lead has been converted to a lead-free soldering material. The same demand is made on motors and conversion is demanded to a lead-free soldering material or a method of using no soldering material.
In response to such a demand, a lead-free soldering material may be selected. However, there is another factor that forces conversion to a joining method using no soldering material. For example, in a motor configured such that reflow mounting can be made on a substrate of a mobile phone, when a soldered part exists in the motor, heat of reflow heating is conducted to the soldered part and causes melting again because the motor is quite small. Such a problem has not been found in conventional motors which have not been devised based on reflow mounting. However, this problem is expected to be a significant problem to be solved for microminiature motors which will increase in number. In order to respond to this problem, conversion should be made to a joining method using no soldering material.
As a method of making electrical connection using no soldering material on a wire-treated part of winding, for example, a fusing method disclosed in JP-A-63-228937 has been known. In this technique, a terminal is adjacent to a coil wound around a core and has a hook. The winding terminal of the coil is connected to the terminal via the hook, and then, joining is performed by heating the hook by energization and applying pressure thereon.
However, the fusing method requires a large vacant space around the terminal. This is because it is necessary to pass a tool for heating by energization while sandwiching the hook of the terminal between both sides and applying pressure thereon. Therefore, this method is not applicable to a small and high-density motor which does not have a sufficient space around a terminal.

Brushless motor for partable electronic equipment with wire treatment technique of coils

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A driver's condition detection device is for detecting a first life information indicating a driver's degree of activity. The driver's condition classification device is for classifying the first life information into at least two regions. The driver's condition determination device is for determining the driver's condition based on a distribution of the first life information in the regions.

A driver's fatigue caused such by driving operation for a long time may increase a risk of a traffic accident. Currently, an apparatus is under development for detecting a driver's degree of fatigue to prevent the traffic accident.
JP-11-314534-A (Page 2, FIG. 7) discloses an apparatus for detecting the driver's degree of fatigue, which identifies a driver, detects a heart rate of the driver and determines the driver's degree of fatigue based on a variation of the heart rate.
However, according to the above-described prior art, the driver's physical condition and/or the daily variation of the driver's physical condition is not taken into account for determining the driver's degree of fatigue. Thus, the apparatus cannot determine the driver's condition with high accuracy. Further, the above-described apparatus includes an ambiguity in determining when to generate an alarm to notify the driver's fatigue.

Driver's condition detector for vehicle and computer program


A solution is provided that efficiently tracks user paths within a large network. Raw node visit data may be received that indicates which users visited which nodes in the network at which time. This data may then be organized into sessions. Unique pathviews may be calculated for each session of the nodes visit data as well as the frequency of occurrence of each unique path view. This information may then be used to understand how users are progressing through a network.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to network usage data. More particularly, the present invention relates to path discovery and analytics for network data.
2. Description of the Related Art
The process of analyzing Internet-based actions such as web surfing patterns is known as web analytics. One part of web analytics is understanding how user traffic flows through a network (also known as user paths). This typically involves analyzing which nodes a user encounters when accessing a particular network. In large networks such as, for example, large search engine/directories, billions of pageviews may be generated per day. As such, analyzing this huge amount of data can be daunting. Such analysis is needed, however, to determine common user behavior in order to optimize the network for better user engagement and network integration.
What is needed is a solution that efficiently discovers all user paths across a large-scale network.

Path discovery and analytics for network data