The present invention provides electrical power to wireless communication antenna systems by tapping into the electrical circuit used to power outdoor elevated lighting systems. The connection is made by interrupting the lighting circuit at the electric eye or photocell. A power adapter is inserted between the electric eye and the light circuit. Cabling is used to interconnect the power adapter and an antenna module mounted to the light pole.

The present invention relates to providing electrical power to antennas and support electronics mounted on poles.
Wireless systems, such as PCS and cellular systems, typically include a centralized mobile switching center (MSC) responsible for call routing, user location tracking, billing information, and connectivity with other communication systems. The MSC is connected to base station controllers (BSCs), each of which supports one or more base transceiver stations (BTSs). Each BTS supports one or more cells or cell sectors based on the number and configuration of antennas supported by the BTS. A customer communicates with the wireless system through a wireless unit, such as a radio telephone, when the telephone is within the coverage range of a cell. When a call is placed, a circuit-switched connection is established from the telephone, through the BTS and BSC, to the MSC. The MSC determines the destination and, if the destination is to another telephone within the wireless system, establishes a circuit-switched connection to the destination telephone. If the destination is outside of the wireless system, the MSC routes the call to a service provider for the outside destination.
A key component in any wireless communication system is the antenna forming the edge contact between wireless subscribers and the remaining system. Wireless communication antennas are usually elevated to provide increased coverage range. Often, existing structures such as buildings, towers, utility poles, light poles, and the like provide the necessary elevation. Directional antennas are often used to form coverage areas or sectors. Multiple antennas can then be located at one site to provide geographic multiplexing.
When a new antenna location is established, various electrical connections with the antennas must be made. One type of connection carries signals between the antennas and associated transceivers. If transceivers are mounted with the antennas, power cabling and cabling for interconnection with the supporting base station must be provided. This cabling is typically run from the elevated antenna location to pedestals or boxes located on the ground or near the bottom of a pole or tower supporting the antenna. The box provides a convenient location for making power and signal connections. However, the additional work required to mount the box and connect the cabling adds significant cost to the installation of wireless antennas. Such permanent fixtures also make responding to changing communication needs difficult and expensive.
What is needed is to reduce the cabling requirements of wireless antenna installations. A significant component in any wireless antenna installation is providing electrical power to antenna support electronics. The ability to install wireless communication antenna systems without dropping power cabling to boxes or pedestals at the base of the antenna mounting structure would reduce installation costs and permit the antenna systems to be more easily relocated to meet changing communication system requirements.
The present invention provides electrical power to wireless communication antenna systems by tapping into the electrical circuit used to power outdoor elevated lighting systems. These systems include lights mounted on poles, towers or the side of buildings used to illuminate streets, parking lots, playing fields, yards, and a wide variety of outdoor spaces. For brevity, such lighting systems will be called pole mounted street lights. The power connection is made by interrupting the lighting circuit at the electric eye or photocell. Since most electric eyes can be easily removed for replacement, this interruption can typically be accomplished without disturbing the wiring for the light.
In accordance with the present invention, a wireless communication antenna system mounted on a light pole is provided. The light pole supports at least one light driven by a light circuit having an electric eye. The system includes a power adapter between the electric eye and the light circuit. An antenna module is mounted to the pole. At least one electrical cable interconnects the power adapter and the antenna module.
In an embodiment of the present invention, a charge/discharge circuit is connected by electrical cabling between the power adapter and the antenna module. The charge/discharge circuit includes at least one electrical storage device.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the antenna module includes at least one access antenna communicating with subscriber units and at least one backhaul antenna. If more than one backhaul antenna is included, the antenna module further has a packet switch routing information between the backhaul antennas and access antennas. The access antennas may include at least one omnidirectional or directional radio antenna. The antenna module may also include a repeater antenna.
A method of supplying power to a pole mounted antenna module is also provided. Current is drawn from a power adapter inserted between an electric eye and the remaining light circuit controlled by the electric eye.
A method for installing a pole mounted antenna module is also provided. The antenna module is mounted at an elevated location along the pole. A power adapter is inserted between the electric eye and the remainder of the light circuit. The power adapter and the antenna module are interconnected to power the antenna module.
A wireless communication system interconnecting a plurality of wireless subscriber units is also provided. The wireless communication system has a plurality of access points with access antennas for establishing wireless links with subscriber units. At least one access point has an antenna module with at least one access antenna. The antenna module is mounted on a light pole supporting at least one light driven by a light circuit, the light circuit controlled by an electric eye. A power adapter is disposed between the electric eye and the light circuit. At least one electrical cable interconnects the power adapter and the antenna module to provide electrical power to the antenna module.

Power supply for a light pole mounted wireless antenna

Qwest Communications International, Inc.


Eco-friendly signs such as wood and other natural material signs, and methods of making eco-friendly signs, including selecting a substrate as a base material having a first planar surface and an opposing second planar surface, cutting the substrate to a sign dimension, treating the first planar surface to form a smooth print surface, applying a base layer such as a layer of clear ink to the print surface, and applying a signage layer onto the base layer. The eco-friendly sign may be an ADA compliant sign in which the signage layer is a raised of ink produced using a 3-dimensional printer.

In the late 1980s and 1990s, the sign industry evolved from hand painting to the widespread use of computer driven equipment to print and cut materials. The switch to automated machinery increased demand for standardized material. While plywood had been a common substrate for signage, automation led to plastics becoming the dominant material for almost all sign applications. While aluminum and steel are the primary structural materials for large exterior signs, their design elements and the entirety of most other signs are made predominantly of PVC, acrylics, and other polycarbonates. These materials are toxic to the environment and difficult to recycle. Nevertheless, their durability, ease of access, and uniformity have made them ubiquitous.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990 and guarantees equal opportunities to persons with disabilities. Under the ADA, persons with physical or cognitive impairments are protected from unfair limitations to their conduct of daily life.
A significant part of the ADA governs the physical environment in the public sphere, for example in accessibility to transportation, public spaces, and commercial spaces. ADA compliant signage is a requirement for all government, public accommodation, and commercial buildings to provide basic information such as room numbers and the location of exits, elevators, and restrooms. ADA signage features tactile lettering as pictograms as well as Braille, making them functional for blind persons or those with limited vision.
Given the increasing ubiquity of ADA signage, these elements of the built environment are excellent candidates for consideration in green design. More specifically, they are excellent candidates for architectural and construction decisions that reduce harmful effects on the environment and human health by choosing eco-friendly materials and build practices.
In the United States, the median commercial building size is 5,000 square feet. The average commercial building size in 2012 was 15,700 square feet. Using a conservative value of 200 square feet as an average room size, the median commercial building contains approximately 25 rooms and the average building approximately 75 rooms. Considering hall space, elevator, and exit signage, a reasonable estimate for numbers of ADA signs for a building is 50-100, recognizing that larger buildings may require hundreds of ADA compliant signs.
There are upwards of 6 million commercial buildings in the US, containing over 87 billion square feet of workspace. This figure does not include government buildings or schools, hospitals, and other public buildings requiring ADA signage. Therefore, the national need for ADA signage is on the order of hundreds of millions of sign units. As is described more fully below, this volume of acrylic signage implies a significant use of fossil fuel inputs, toxic starting materials, and persistent plastic waste negatively impacting the environment.
The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010 Standards) regulates ADA signage. ADA signs are typically manufactured as a subspecialty of sign-making enterprises, whether by large national companies or local small businesses. A variety of materials are used in the manufacture of ADA signage, based on considerations of durability, aesthetics, and cost. The majority of ADA compliant signs are made of plastic, and while these are often a cost-effective option, they entail production methods and general lifecycle characteristics that are not environmentally friendly. The manufacture of plastic sign components depends on toxic starting materials that are derived from fossil fuels, produced on an industrial scale, and present occupational and environmental hazards in production. The production of the signs from plastic blanks involves significant waste and associated landfill inputs. At the end of their useful life, plastic signs become persistent waste in the environment, take up valuable landfill space, and contribute to plastic and microplastic pollution that is harmful to wildlife and the environment.
"Plastic" is a generic term for synthetic polymeric material. Acrylic is the type of plastic used to make most ADA signage. Acrylic features high clarity, a gloss surface, and scratch resistance. The chemical name of acrylic is polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), formed by the polymerization of methylacrylate monomers. The monomer starting material for the chemical synthesis of PMMA is called methyl methacrylate or MMA. Global annual production for PMMA is close to 3 million metric tons, while close to 5 million metric tons of MMA monomer are produced globally every year. Acrylic is used in an incredible variety of products and applications, from display cases, windows, vehicle parts, and paint additives, to exterior and interior building signage.
The manufacture of MMA is based on fossil fuel inputs. One of two chemical processes are commonly used to synthesize MMA. One involves the industrial scale reaction of acetone with hydrogen cyanide, followed by reaction of the resulting intermediate product with sulfuric acid. The other synthetic process is based on reaction of ethane, carbon monoxide, and methanol. A principal concern with acrylic based signage is therefore its provenance in toxic starting materials that (1) are derived from non-renewable fossil fuels and (2) depend on industrial processes that are inherently hazardous to workers and the environment.
Production of acrylic ADA signs generates significant waste. Acrylic-based signs are typically made from acrylic blanks cut from sourced panels that leave roughly 10% waste material from cutting the blanks to size. A polymeric, acrylic-based applique with the intended text and pictogram is adhered to the blanks and cut with a laser router, leaving up to 90% of the applique material as waste for text applications and up to 50% waste for pictograms. Therefore, the production of a typical 6″ by 9″ acrylic sign yields up to 100 grams of environmentally persistent waste by-product material.
Like buildings themselves, ADA signs have a useful life followed by a need for disposal, whether due to interior remodeling, building redesign, or demolition. The qualities of acrylic that make it a useful signage material also make it difficult to dispose of without environmental impact.
Acrylic is substantially impervious to degradation by common environmental mechanisms such as heat, water, sunlight, and microbial degradation. Acrylic is also very difficult to recycle and is therefore not collected in most recycling streams. The available recycling process involves the use of lead—a highly toxic material—to depolymerize acrylic. When deposited in landfills, acrylic signs add significant volume and, due to their chemical heat and oxidative stability, will persist for centuries. Acrylic signs that are not properly disposed of will persist for hundreds of years, though exposure to environmental conditions can result in physical wearing that is a source of plastic particles (i.e., microplastics) that end up in waterways and eventually the ocean, negatively impacting sea life.
While specific reference is made to the manufacture of plastic ADA signs, it is to be appreciated that the shortcomings of plastic ADA signs apply also to any plastic signs.
3D printing can be used to print characters on signage. This is particularly the case where the sign substrate is a significantly non-permeable and uniform base such as plastic.
ADA compliant signage requires raised letters, pictograms, and braille. These are provided relatively easily on plastic signage. Printing raised letters, pictograms, and braille on wood has several challenges. Specifically, direct fusing of 3D printing ink to a natural material has several challenges. Wood has a naturally uneven surface. Pits and valleys are present on virtually all slabs of wood. In addition, wood has saps and oils and is composed of fibers. Wood has an uneven surface with pits and valleys being present on virtually all wooden surfaces.
When 3D printing on a wood surface, the image printed can be uneven because of ink first filling the pit or valley whenever a pit or valley is present. FIG. 1 is an image of an example of 3D printing of a pictogram 10 on a wood surface 12 where the wood surface includes micro-valleys 14. This example was made without use of the new methods described herein. The pictogram has corresponding micro-valleys 16 such that the raised printed surface is not planar but rather has many linear indentations and ripples.
In addition, wood has sap and oils that can cause problems when 3D printing on wood. Due to the high temperature required to set 3D printing ink, the natural saps and oils in wood can explode or start to flow, creating cavities in the wood substrate and visual defects in the build itself. These usually follow the grain of the wood, often caused by events below the surface of the wood itself. FIG. 2 illustrates a close up image of surface 20 with a printed letter "P". The surface 20 is free of defects except for a linear cavity running along the top part of the "P" caused by flowing oils and saps disturbed by the heat in printing. The right part of the defect is bonded to the rest of the build but the left is not. This indicates that the build was disturbed by movement under the surface, with more movement on the left side causing a greater defect (comparable to a whole tectonic plate moving but an earthquake being localized).
Another feature of wood which can cause problems when used as a foundation for printing is that natural wood comprises fibers. Ink has a tendency to run along the fibers, creating a visual defect. FIG. 3 is a close up image of a wood surface 30 on which ink 32 was printed without the use of various novel improvements described later in this disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates ink flowing along the fibers of the wood, creating a visual imperfection. Rather than having a smooth edge, the ink as extended in lines 34 onto the wood along the edge of the ink.
There can be problems with ink not setting on the surface, flowing into the wood before it can build. FIG. 4 is a close up image of a wood surface 40 on which ink 42 was printed but the UV intensity settings were improper such that the ink 42 flowed into wood 40 before the UV lamp could fuse the ink properly.
Wood can also have fissures and these fissures can carry over to ink printed on the wood. Frequently, removing a layer of the wood from the surface may not be sufficient to address the issue of the fissures because micro fissures may be present in the new layer. FIG. 5 is a close up image of a wood surface 50, in this case red oak, in which fissures 52 are part of the growth pattern.
Therefore, there is a need for a method of providing eco-friendly signage. More particularly, there is a need for a method of providing eco-friendly ADA signage.


A protective device for hypodermic syringes capable of avoiding needlestick injuries comprises a sterile penetrable support member and a plurality of hypodermic syringe protective caps received in the support member. In an alternative embodiment, the support member is removably attached to a base member so that it (the support member) may be disposed of and replaced by a new, sterile support member.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to protective devices for hypodermic syringes and more particularly, to a holder for multiple hypodermic syringes capable of avoiding needlestick injuries.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The problem of preventing so-called "needlestick" injuries to medical personnel handling hypodermic syringes has been widely addressed in the prior art. Such injuries are frequent and particularly dangerous due to the possibility of spreading contagious or infectious diseases such as AIDS. A needlestick injury occurs when medical practitioners accidentally stick themselves on an uncapped, unprotected hypodermic syringe usually following injection of the solution contained in the syringe. Often the "needlestick" occurs when an attempt is made to recap the exposed needle of the syringe, or when reaching for a surgical instrument on a tray. A popular solution to this problem is to provide a protective device for the cap or the syringe needle. Thus, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,919,656 discloses a disk having a central aperture through which a hypodermic needle syringe protective cap is frictionally received. Failure to emplace the needle in the cap opening results in the needle harmlessly hitting the disk rather than striking the fingers of the person handling the syringe. A similar protective device in the shape of a truncated conical shield is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,747,835.
Another solution comprises the provision of a slidable protective barrel on the syringe which may be slid into position over the exposed needle following injection and use of the syringe. Examples of this type of protective device are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,747,837 and 4,898,590.
Still yet another attempt to minimize "needlestick" injuries is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,802,645 wherein a holder for the syringe is provided having a clamp for securing the syringe's protective cap in an horizontal position adjacent a dentist's chair. Hence, the dentist does not have to hold the cap in one hand when the used syringe is recapped by the other hand, a situation which frequently results in a "needlestick."
Nonetheless, it will be appreciated that although the foregoing prior art devices purport to reduce somewhat the risk of needlstick injuries, there still exists a need for a simpler, less expensive, and generally, more improved protective device for hypodermic syringes, particularly one which is capable of facilitating the use of multiple hypodermic syringes at the same time as would be required, for example, by an anesthesiologist during a surgical procedure, or by a nurse administering several different injections to a group of patients, respectively, during rounds on a ward.


Fiber optic gyroscope architectures that incorporate both (i) a WDM-based wavelength control and (ii) a wavelength reference based on a narrowband fiber Bragg grating (FBG), with the latter component providing significant improvement in the stability of the wavelength reference by calibrating out wavelength errors associated with a WDM-based wavelength control scheme.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to interferrometric fiber optic gyroscopes (IFOGs), and more particularly to control mechanisms for improving the stability of IFOGs.
2. Background of the Invention
The scale factor stability of an IFOG is highly dependent on the stability of the wavelength observed at the system photodetector. To improve IFOG performance, especially with respect to scale factor stability, IFOGs have been provided with a wavelength control scheme based on a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) coupler, that acts as a wavelength discriminator, and a pair of matched photodiodes. More specifically, FIG. 1 shows a highly conventional IFOG architecture that includes a light source 110, such as a fiber light source, a 50—50 power splitter 115, and integrated optics chip 118 that feeds light to and from a sensing coil 120, the latter two components sometimes being referred to herein as a "sensing loop assembly." Fifty-fifty coupler 115 is also connected to a photodiode and associated pre-amp 125 that is used to detected the Sagnac effect caused by rotation of sensing coil 120. IFOG loop closure electronics 130 bridge photodiode 125 and IOC 118 thereby providing desirable feedback, as is well-known.
To improve upon the known system of FIG. 1, as mentioned, an architecture like that shown in FIG. 2 has recently been proposed. Here, a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) coupler 210 along with a pair of matched diodes 220 is inserted in the optical circuit. This combination is sometimes referred to herein as a "wave division multiplexer/detector assembly." A signal representing the sum of the matched diodes is provided to IFOG loop closure electronics 130 and a differential signal is fed to wavelength control feedback electronics 230 to provide feedback directly to light source 110, and thereby provide improved wavelength stability for the light source itself.
Unfortunately, the wavelength stability of this system depends substantially on the stability of WDM coupler 210 and matched photodiodes 220, which may be subjected to external perturbations (e.g. temperature, radiation, etc.). These components may also be susceptible to long-term drift, thereby further degrading stability.
There is therefore a need for systems and methods that still further improve the wavelength stability of IFOG devices.

Fiber optic gyroscope using a narrowband FBG filter as a wavelength reference


An antenna driving apparatus includes an antenna driving gear (3) which has a tooth portion (3a) on part of its periphery and is rotated by rotation of a driving force transmitting gear (2) which is engaged with the tooth portion (3a) of the antenna driving gear (3). A gear cover (12) which has a plurality of cover elements (12a) and is pivotally supported on the tooth portion (3a) of the antenna driving gear (3) at each of both ends tracks around an opposite side of the driving force transmitting gear (2) and back to the antenna driving gear to cover the tooth portion (3a) and the driving force transmitting gear (2). Each of the cover element (12a) is designed to have a substantially U-shaped cross-section to form a space to which the tooth portion (3a) faces. Adjacent ones of the cover elements are swingably linked to each other.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an antenna driving apparatus having a gear cover to protect gears for driving an antenna such as a parabola antenna.
2. Description of the Related Art
An antenna driving apparatus having a gear cover which covers a gear tooth portion of an antenna driving gear in order to protect the antenna driving gear from dust, rain water, etc. has been generally known as one type of antenna driving apparatus for a parabola antenna, etc. which is mounted on the ground.
This type of antenna driving apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-open Publication No. Sho-57-46309 entitled "ANTENNA APPARATUS HAVING GEAR PROTECTION COVER", and this apparatus is constructed as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.
The antenna driving apparatus as disclosed in the above publication will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. In the figures, reference numeral 1 represents an antenna driving apparatus which includes a driving force transmitting gear 2, an antenna driving gear 3 and a gear cover 4.
The driving force transmitting gear 2 is rotated by a driving source 5 such as a motor, and it is mounted on an antenna support table 6. The antenna driving gear 3 is provided with a tooth portion 3a which is formed on the periphery thereof and pivotally rotated around a center shaft (elevation axis) 7 by the driving force transmitting gear 2. The tooth portion 3a is provided substantially 90 degrees around the center shaft 7 in the peripheral direction thereof. The antenna driving gear 3 is mounted on the antenna support table 6. A parabola antenna (antenna main reflection mirror) 8 is rotated by the above units. Further, a guide rail 9 is mounted on each side surface of the antenna driving gear 3 so as to extend along the peripheral or circumferential direction.
The gear cover 4 comprises a plurality of gear cover elements 4a (4a1, 4a2, . . . , 4an), and gear cover elements 4a1, 4a1 at both end portions relative to the peripheral direction are fixed to the side surface of the antenna driving gear 3 and the antenna support table 6, respectively. Each gear cover element 4a (4a1, 4a2, . . . , 4an) which covers the gear tooth portion 3a of the antenna driving gear 3 is mounted on the guide rail 9 through a shoe 10 so that the gear cover 4 is freely expanded and contracted in the peripheral direction.
Each cover element 4a1, 4a2, . . . , 4an of the gear cover 4 is made of metal and has a box shape, and the tooth portion 3a of the antenna driving gear 3 faces the inside of each cover element. Each cover element 4a1, 4a2, . . . is formed with an inner space therein so that a cover element at an antenna driving gear side of the adjacent cover elements can accommodate an antenna support table side of a cover element therein. Accordingly, the cover elements 4a1, 4a2, . . . , 4an are designed so that the cover element 4an at the terminal end has the largest inner space and the cover element 4a1 at the starting end has the smallest inner space, whereby the gear cover 4 can be expanded and contracted by changing a relationship in the circumferential position between the neighboring cover elements in accordance with the rotation of the antenna driving gear 3. FIG. 1 shows an expanded state of the gear cover 4, while FIGS. 2 and 3 show a contracted state of the gear cover 4.
In the above conventional antenna driving apparatus, the cover element at the antenna driving gear side of the adjacent cover elements 4a1, 4a2, . . . , 4an is designed in such a shape that it can accommodate the cover element at the antenna support table side of the adjacent cover elements, and thus the respective cover elements 4a1, 4a2, . . . , 4an must be designed to be different sizes. As a result, the respective cover elements 4a1, 4a2, . . . , 4an are designed to be different shapes or sizes, and this makes it cumbersome to manufacture the gear cover 4.
Further, since the respective cover elements 4a1, 4a2, . . . , 4an are designed so that the rear cover element (antenna driving gear side cover element) can accommodate the adjacent front cover element (antenna support table side of the cover element) therein, the cover elements are gradually larger in the order from the cover element 4a1 at the start end to the cover element 4an at the terminal end, and thus the overall gear cover size is increased.
Still further, since each cover element 4a1, 4a2, . . . , 4an is formed into a box shape, it is necessary to detach the gear cover 4 from the antenna driving gear 3 for cleaning and inspection, and this makes the cleaning and inspection of the gear cover 4 cumbersome.


A device for deflecting a light beam in response to an audio input signal includes a hub member, a mirror flexibly attached to the hub member, a magnet connected to the mirror, an electromagnetic coil, and a low pass filter. The electromagnetic coil is positioned adjacent the magnet for producing an electromagnetic field in relation to a received audio input signal when energized, thereby urging the magnet and the mirror to oscillate with respect to the hub member in relation to the audio input signal. The low pass filter filters out audio input signal frequencies that would cause the mirror and the magnet to naturally resonate. The mirror may be attached at an offset angle that causes a light beam striking the mirror to be deflected angularly away from an axis of rotation passing through the hub member.

A visual lighting effect device known as a laser show, projects a moving laser beam onto a viewing screen thereby creating graphic line images. Only one dot of light is projected at any instant of time. However, the dot moves at a rate that makes it appear as a continuous line. This effect is created by the human persistence of vision which acts much like the phosphorus coating in a cathode ray tube. Laser shows capable of producing complex sound responsive effects such as dancing figures or geometric patterns based on the frequency and amplitude data of music are costly and are not suitable for personal use. Low cost laser shows designed for personal use have been commercially successful. Most incorporate a sound responsive mode of operation, but the images produced become less entertaining over time because they are either redundant geometric patterns or random squiggly lines.
Low cost laser shows for home entertainment are cost constrained, heretofore limiting the image types to Spirographic or Lissajous in nature, or squiggly random lines. FIG. 1 shows images from conventional laser beam deflector devices. Images 13a-13h are from a group of low cost, sound responsive laser show devices. Random images, such as image 13a for example, are produced in relation to sound by vibrating one or more mirrors with an audio transducer such as a speaker or voice coil. Spirographic images, such as image 13b, are produced by devices rotating two or more mirrors using motors. Image patterns 13c-13h are examples of images created using various motor speeds. In the sound responsive mode of operation, these devices sequence through preset images in relation to the beat of music. Other sound responsive images may be produced by a rotating mirror galvanometer device. Image 13i shows four cycles of an audio frequency sinewave signal, and image 13j is of a complex audio waveform signal.


Methods, apparatuses and storage medium associated with navigation service are disclosed. In various embodiments, a method may include collecting, by a client mobile device, ambient barometric pressure information at a current location of the client mobile device. The method may further include providing, by the mobile device, contemporaneous navigation assistance to a user of the mobile device or for a user of the mobile device, assisted by a remote navigation assistance service. Assistance by the remote navigation service is associated with determining the current elevation level, based at least in part on ambient barometric pressure information collected by the client mobile device and by one or more crowdsourced mobile devices at the current location. Other embodiments may be disclosed or claimed.

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.
Advances in integrated circuit, computing, networking and related technologies have led to widespread adoption of mobile computing devices, such as, smartphones and tablet computers (hereafter simply "mobile device"). Mobiles devices are often employed to provide navigation services, and many mobile devices may include global positioning system (GPS) components to enable the provision of navigation services. However, GPS based navigation systems typically require signals from multiple satellites simultaneously to provide exact position and elevation information within few meters; which may be limited within high rise buildings/structures, as the building/structure, improvements therein, and/or furniture often block the satellite signals, especially in interior sections away from the windows. As a result, current GPS navigation systems in smartphones are typically very imprecise, when the smartphones are located inside high rise buildings/structures (hereinafter, simply, buildings). While the smartphones may provide approximate assessments based on their last known locations, in general, their navigational abilities are so in exact that a few floors can stand between the goal they indicate and the actual one, making current smartphones poor entities for providing navigation service indoor, especially within a high-rise building. This could pose a challenge, for example, to emergency responders (E911) responding to an emergency in a high rise building. The emergency responders may be able to determine only the ground level location of caller, but not the floor the caller is on.

Provision of navigation service including reporting of elevation information and/or vertical guidance


A circuit used to convert a DC input to an AC output includes a pair of series circuits. Each of the series circuits is in parallel with the DC input and includes a switch and a transformer primary. A capacitor couples the two series circuits, and is attached to each series circuit at a node between the respective transformer primary and switch. A secondary on the transformer provides the AC output. Optionally, multiple transformers may be utilized. Similar topologies may be used for rectification instead of inversion.

Often, electrical devices require the conversion of a DC voltage to an AC voltage. This function is referred to as the inversion of an electrical voltage and has previously been performed using several circuit topologies.
A first prior art circuit topology used to invert an electrical voltage is the push/pull circuit shown in FIG. 1. A DC source 13 (with optional filter capacitor 15 connected in parallel thereto) provides the DC voltage to be inverted. Two switches, 17 and 19 connect at a common node and to respective ends of a tapped transformer secondary 12. The center tap of secondary 12 connects to one terminal of DC source 13, with the other terminal of DC source 13 connecting to the common connection between the switches.
Operationally, alternate engagement of the switches 17 and 19 result in the generation of AC voltage at secondary 10. This topology has the disadvantage of the voltage on the switches being unclamped, and current only flowing in one of the two half-windings at a time.
Another prior art topology for an inverter circuit showing in FIG. 2, and is commonly understood to be the full-bridge type circuit. In this topology, again, a voltage source V.sub.IN 13 is connected in parallel with an optional filter capacitor 15 and provides the DC input for the circuit. In parallel with the DC input are two pairs of series connected switches, namely the series combination of SW.sub.3 27 and SW.sub.4 29 and the series combination of SW.sub.1 23 and SW.sub.2 25. A primary 14 of transformer 21 connects center nodes between the pairs of switches. The AC output is produced on a secondary 10 of transformer 21.
Operationally, the pairs of switches alternately engage, that is, SW.sub.1 23 and SW.sub.4 29 are simultaneously closed, and then the next switch pair, SW.sub.2 25 and SW.sub.3 27 are closed. This alternate engagement of the switches results in the AC voltage being generated on secondary 10. The full-bridge topology has the disadvantage of requiring the use of four switches, two of whom must conduct in series at any time, thereby resulting in complexity and additional switching losses.
Turning lastly to the prior-art half-bridge topology of FIG. 3, again a DC source V.sub.N 13 provides the DC input which is connected in parallel with a series combination of capacitors 37 and 39 and a series combination of switches SW.sub.1 31 and SW.sub.2 33. A transformer 35 has a primary 14 connected between a center node of the two series combinations of capacitors and switches, with transformer secondary 10 providing the AC output. Alternate operation of switches SW.sub.1 and SW.sub.2 result in the generation of the AC voltage output.
The half-bridge topology has the disadvantage of only applying one-half of the input voltage to the primary of the transformer at any given time.
Accordingly, the present invention is directed toward inversion circuits (and corresponding rectification circuits) which overcome the above-discussed defficiencies in the prior art.


The techniques disclosed herein provide a system that can generate targeted positioning of message content for multi-user communication interfaces. In some configurations a system may generate a user interface that displays a number of video stream renderings, wherein individual video stream renderings, e.g., thumbnail views, show a participant of a communication session. When one of the participants sends the user a private message, the system renders at least a portion of the private message in a semi-transparent format as an overlay on the video rendering of the sender. This allows a traditional video stream interface to also function as an organizer for private messages sent to a particular user. This user interface format allows a user to readily identify a broader perspective of chat activity without requiring a user to enter specific chat user interfaces or provide a number of manual input entries to view the private chat content.

There are a number of different types of collaborative systems that allow users to communicate. For example, some systems allow people to collaborate by sharing meeting chat messages, group chat messages, emails, etc. Some systems allow messages to be sent while a specific group of users are sharing live video streams. Although these systems can be useful for allowing users to coordinate and share ideas, some existing systems have a number of drawbacks. For instance, some systems do not organize messages in a way that allows users to optimally view each message without requiring a number of user inputs. Such a scenario may make it difficult for a presenter to see each message since that user may be required to open a specific user interface that is different than a user interface that may be used to view shared content, such as a presentation slide deck.
Some traditional user interface designs and user input mechanisms for collaboration applications have a number of shortcomings. For example, some traditional collaboration user interfaces do not allow users to readily view private chat sessions while they are participating in large group meetings. This may be particularly difficult for a user who may be presenting information to a large group of people. In some cases, a user may be required to take a number of manual steps to open separate user interfaces to view their private chat sessions during a group meeting. They may even have to open a separate user interface for each private message they receive from each user. This can create a number of inefficiencies and greatly detract from a user's focus on a meeting as they have to select a separate UI for each chat session, and then perform a number of manual steps to close each chat session to view other chat sessions or return to a main user interface displaying shared meeting content. Such inefficiencies can lead to scenarios where it is nearly impossible for a user to gain a broader context to all of their private chat messages, particularly in a situation where the user is engaged in dozens of private chat sessions while participating in large meetings that involve hundreds or thousands of participants. Such challenges can be exacerbated when a user is also tasked with presenting information to an audience.

Targeted positioning of message content for interfaces identifying multiple users


A selector valve system has been invented for selectively operating a motor for selectively actuating a main line valve on a pipeline, gas flowing through the pipeline, the system having, in one aspect, a body, a first poppet valve mounted on a first channel through the body, a second poppet valve mounted in a second channel through the body, a first limit valve for controlling flow of a portion of the gas to the first poppet valve so that upon such gas flowing to the first poppet valve the first poppet valve is actuated to permit gas flow to the motor to open the main line valve, and a second limit valve for controlling flow of a portion of the gas to the second poppet valve so that upon such gas flowing to the second poppet valve the second poppet valve is actuated to permit gas flow to the motor to close the main line valve. In one aspect the poppet valves are O-ring-saving cartridge valves.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is directed to gas operated valve actuators and to valve systems with such operators.
2. Description of Related Art
Certain prior art gas-operated valve actuators use O-ring seals in a variety of locations. One example of such a system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,743,897. A problem is encountered when these O-rings are sheared, e.g. by a moving valve spool forcing an O-ring against a projection thread, slot, keyway, spline, corner, edge, port or angled surface, particularly when an O-ring has expanded due to heat or by gas permeation. Sheared O-rings result in a variety of unwanted results, including line pressure gas leaking to a vent or exhaust which then makes it impossible for the actuator to operate the main valve. Leaking gas also pollutes the environment.
A variety of attempts have been made to overcome the O-ring shear problem, including: adding a chamfer to edges contacting or contacted by an O-ring; using O-rings made of relatively harder material; and use of a "floating groove" so that sealing is accomplished by peripheral squeezing applied to surface of the O-rings outside circumference as it enters the bore of the spool valve body and gas pressure moves the O-ring into facial contact with the wall of the groove. Even with the use of a floating groove, O-ring dimensions change, gas permeates the O-rings, gas trapped in an O-ring expands rapidly changing O-ring size, and O-rings swell due to a reaction to ingredients in the gas (e.g. additives, corrosion inhibitors, etc.) or lubricating oils. O-rings fail due to a lack of lubrication and the inability of O-rings to adjust to extremely low temperatures.
The conditions under which gas pipe line companies operate today are different from those in existence twenty to forty-five years ago when many of the actuators currently in use were first put into service. Environmental regulations today call for as little discharge of natural gas into the atmosphere as possible. Fines for uncontrolled discharges can be very costly. All leaks must be held to a minimum. Compressor stations are becoming fully automated with only maintenance personnel on duty in the daytime five days a week. New government regulations are expected regarding main line break protection. In the past there has been automatic system protection or automatic systems that were used that reacted to a rate of change of pressure which closed the main line acutated valve. No provisions were available to re-open the main line unless operating personnel were dispatched to the main line valve. Current planning is to equip the pipe line system with more instrumentation so a central dispatcher knows everything occuring on the system and has the ability to close and re-open all critical valves. To do this, the existing gas motor powered valve actuators must be modified with remote control devices that are reliable and leak free.


The invention relates to a white opaque film formed from a crystallizable thermoplastic, preferably thermo-plastic polyester in the form of polyethylene terephthalate, barium sulfate and titanium dioxide as pigments, at least one optical brightener, and optionally at least one dye soluble in the thermoplastic. The film optionally includes, an additional functionality, e.g. in the form of an adhesive coating, of a coating with aminosilane or silicone, of UV resistance, of hydrolysis resistance, of flame retardancy, or of a sealable outer layer.

Opaque films whose thickness is from 10 to 500 μm are known.
EP-A-1 125 967 likewise describes white opaque films comprised of crystallizable thermoplastics. However, that specification says nothing about the dielectric strength or the density of the films produced. Furthermore, those films comprise only barium sulfate and an optical brightener. In all of the examples listed, the transparency of those films is >12%, and is therefore unsuitable for the application sectors demanded here.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,780,402 describes white films with barium sulfate, and optical brightener if appropriate, and, if appropriate, incompatible polymer for adjustment of transparency. The density of all of those films is in the range from 1.1 to 1.33 kg/dm3. This low density indicates a very high number of voids (vacuoles), leading to markedly impaired dielectric strength. Furthermore, the yellowness index of those films is in the negative range, i.e. the film has a blue tinge.

White opaque film having low transparency and improved dielectric strength


The invention relates to non-systemic TGR5 agonist useful in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea, diabetes, Type II diabetes, gestational diabetes, impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, obesity, metabolic syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, disorders associated with parenteral nutrition especially during short bowel syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other TGR5 associated diseases and disorders, having the Formula:

Diabetes mellitus is an ever-increasing threat to human health. For example, in the United States current estimates maintain that about 16 million people suffer from diabetes mellitus. Type II diabetes accounts for approximately 90-95% of diabetes cases, killing about 193,000 U.S. residents each year. Type II diabetes is the seventh leading cause of all deaths. In Western societies, Type II diabetes currently affects 6% of the adult population with world-wide frequency expected to grow by 6% per annum. Although there are certain inheritable traits that may predispose particular individuals to developing Type II diabetes, the driving force behind the current increase in incidence of the disease is the increased sedentary life-style, diet, and obesity now prevalent in developed countries. About 80% of diabetics with Type II diabetes are significantly overweight. Also, an increasing number of young people are developing the disease. Type II diabetes is now internationally recognized as one of the major threats to human health in the 21st century.
Type II diabetes manifests as inability to adequately regulate blood-glucose levels and may be characterized by a defect in insulin secretion or by insulin resistance. Namely, those who suffer from Type II diabetes have too little insulin or cannot use insulin effectively. Insulin resistance refers to the inability of the body tissues to respond properly to endogenous insulin. Insulin resistance develops because of multiple factors, including genetics, obesity, increasing age, and having high blood sugar over long periods of time. Type II diabetes can develop at any age, but most commonly becomes apparent during adulthood. However, the incidence of Type II diabetes in children is rising. In diabetics, glucose levels build up in the blood and urine causing excessive urination, thirst, hunger, and problems with fat and protein metabolism. If left untreated, diabetes mellitus may cause life-threatening complications, including blindness, kidney failure, and heart disease.
Type II diabetes is currently treated at several levels. A first level of therapy is through diet and/or exercise, either alone or in combination with therapeutic agents. Such agents may include insulin or pharmaceuticals that lower blood glucose levels. About 49% of individuals with Type II diabetes require oral medications, about 40% require insulin injections or a combination of insulin injections and oral medications, and 10% use diet and exercise alone.
Traditional therapies include: insulin secretagogues, such as sulphonylureas, which increase insulin production from pancreatic β-cells; glucose-lowering effectors, such as metformin which reduce glucose production from the liver; activators of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), such as the thiazolidinediones, which enhance insulin action; and α-glucosidase inhibitors, which interfere with gut glucose production. There are, however, deficiencies associated with currently available treatments. For example sulphonylureas and insulin injections can be associated with hypoglycemic episodes and weight gain. Furthermore, patients often lose responsiveness to sulphonylureas over time. Metformin and α-glucosidase inhibitors often lead to gastrointestinal problems and PPARγ agonists tend to cause increased weight gain and edema.
More recently, new agents have been introduced to the market which prolong or mimic the effects of the naturally-secreted incretin hormones (Neumiller, J Am Pharm Assoc. 49(suppl 1):S16-S29, 2009). Incretins are a group of gastrointestinal hormones that are released from specialized intestinal cells when nutrients, especially glucose, are sensed in the gut. The two most important incretin hormones are glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 (released from L-cells), which stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas in a glucose-dependent manner and suppress glucagon secretion. However, GLP-1 itself is impractical as a clinical treatment for diabetes as it has a very short half-life in vivo. To address this, incretin-based agents currently available or in regulatory review for the treatment of T2DM are designed to achieve a prolonged incretin-action. For example, the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, such as sitagliptin, inhibit the normally rapid proteolytic breakdown of endogenous incretin hormones. There are also human-derived and synthetic incretin mimetics that are designed to be more stable and/or have a prolonged serum half-life compared to naturally secreted GLP-1, and include agents such as liraglutide and exenatide. In either approach, the goal is to provide a sustained incretin response and thus enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion. It is the glucose-dependence of the insulin response that provides incretin therapies with low risk of hypoglycemia. In addition, GLP-1 can also delay gastric emptying and otherwise beneficially affect satiety and hence, weight loss (Neumiller 2009).
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that causes segments of the gastrointestinal tract to become inflamed and ulcerated. IBD generally takes one of two forms, (CD) and (UC), and is generally thought to be a result of a combination of factors (environmental, genetic, microbiota alterations and immune dysfunction). These factors are likely all needed to some degree for clinical disease to be present. Ultimately, the dysregulation of the host immune system, which occurs in response to either environmental stimuli or intestinal bacteria, leaves the host at risk for chronic uncontrolled inflammation targeting the gut. The health of the intestine is compromised by reduced barrier function, which exacerbates the response to antigen load, creating a vicious circle of chronic inflammation and disease. The diversity of causal factors makes treating the disease very difficult and many IBD patients remain undertreated, resulting in a high proportion of surgical resections (especially in CD).
The worldwide incidence rate of UC varies greatly between 0.5-24.5/100,000 persons, while that of CD varies between 0.1-16/100,000 persons with prevalence rate of IBD reaching up to 396/100,000 persons (cdc.gov). In a 2012 review, the highest reported prevalence values for IBD were in Europe (UC, 505 per 100,000 persons; CD, 322 per 100,000 persons) and North America (UC, 249 per 100,000 persons; CD, 319 per 100,000 persons). Additionally, there was evidence of increasing incidence over time. IBD is one of the most important GI diseases in the US, requiring a lifetime of care for patients. Each year in the United States, IBD accounts for more than 700,000 physician visits, 100,000 hospitalizations, and 119,000 patients considered disabled (cdc.gov). Over the long term, up to 75% of patients with CD and 25% of those with UC will require surgery (Ref: http://www.cdc.gov/ibd/). IBD is more common in European Americans compared with African Americans, and the lowest rates of IBD have been reported in Hispanics and Asians. CD may affect as many as 700,000 Americans. Men and Women are equally likely to be affected, and while the disease can occur at any age, it is more prevalent among adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 and 35.
Treatment of the IBD includes conservative measures as well as surgical approaches in those who are non-responders to medical treatment. The therapeutic goals are to improve patient quality of life, induce and maintain remission, prevent complications, restore nutritional deficits, and modify the disease course. The major therapeutic categories for this disease are anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressant therapy, biologic agents, antibiotics, and drugs for symptomatic relief. Recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of IBD have resulted in numerous new targeted therapies entering development. First line treatment is generally mesalamine and derivatives. It is relatively safe and efficacious with 30-50% of patients achieving long term relief. Second line therapy is steroid treatment, with 30% long term efficacy. After steroids, immune modulators are tried (Thiopurines, cyclosporine). Recently, TNF inhibitors have become more widely used in IBD. They demonstrate good mucosal healing and salvage but have a high rate of complications and do not maintain efficacy long term. Last line treatment in IBD is surgical removal of diseased tissue. This is highly invasive and decreases quality of life for these patients.
GLP-2 is of particular importance to GI health. The peripheral actions of GLP-2 are largely restricted to the intestinal mucosa where it acts as a trophic hormone. Most of its effects occur in the small and, to a lesser degree, large bowel. Chronic administration of GLP-2 to healthy rodents enhances intestinal weight through increased crypt cell proliferation and decreased villous apoptosis resulting in expansion of villous height and, less consistently, crypt depth. As stated above, the trophic effects of GLP-2 are more pronounced in the proximal small intestine, and all changes of intestinal morphology rapidly reverse after treatment cessation. GLP-2 treatment also increases the digestive and absorptive capacity of the gut as indicated by enhanced expression and activity of brush border enzymes and absorption of nutrients and enhances barrier function through decreased permeability. The positive effects of GLP-2 treatment on intestinal growth and/or function have been demonstrated in rodent models of intestinal damage involving resection, colitis (IBD), chemotherapy-induced diarrhea, necrotizing pancreatiti, food allergy, psychological stress, and thermal injury and in patients with short bowel syndrome. Additional effects of GLP-2 in intestine include stimulation of intestinal glucose transport; inhibition of gastrointestinal motility in rodent models [results conflicting in humans]; gastric emptying, and acid secretion (GLP-2 infusion in healthy humans reduces stimulated gastric acid secretion but has no effect on basal acid or volume secretion).
Intestinal L-cells, the source of GLP-1 and GLP-2 co-express TGR5 receptors. Activation of TGR5 with small molecule agonists or partial agonists therefore has the potential to be a treatment for chemotherapy-induced diarrhea, diabetes, Type II diabetes, gestational diabetes, impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, obesity, metabolic syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, disorders associated with parenteral nutrition especially during short bowel syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other disorders. For this reason, there remains a considerable need for non-systemic potent small molecule agonists of TGR5.

Substituted 4-phenyl pyridine compounds as non-systemic TGR5 agonists

Abstract: where R1, R2, R2′, R3, R4, X1, X2, X3, X4, Q, and n are described herein.


A photographic material comprising a support and at least one at least one layer which comprises at least one spectrally sensitized silver halide emulsion, characterized in that the material contains at least one compound of formula

The invention relates to a photographic material comprising a support and at least one layer which comprises at least one spectrally sensitised silver halide emulsion.
It is known that spectrally sensitised emulsions can be supersensitised by depositing compounds apart from sensitisers, particularly additional dyes, on the surface of the silver halide crystals, which compounds are capable of increasing the spectrally sensitised sensitivity. Ascorbic acid is a typical example of such compounds. Other suitable compounds are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,945,762, 3,695,888, 3,809,561 and 4,011,083. The supersensitisation of silver halide emulsions with catechol sulphonic acids is also known. The aforementioned compounds do have a super-sensitising effect, but result in an unwanted increase in fogging.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,022 describes supersensitisation by metallocenes. These are aromatic transition metal complexes of cyclopentadiene and derivatives thereof which have a characteristic xe2x80x9csandwich structurexe2x80x9d without a direct metal-carbon "sgr" bond. The best known of these compounds are bis-(cyclopentadienyl)iron (ferrocene) and derivatives thereof. One disadvantage is that supersensitisation with ferrocenes results either in an unsatisfactory increase in sensitivity or is associated with an increase in fogging, during storage at the latest, due to which any increase in sensitivity is lost again.
With these known measures, however, no success has been achieved in obtaining photographic materials such as those which are currently required and which comprise a very high spectral sensitivity together with reduced fogging and a good shelf life, particularly when they are stored under humid climatic conditions.
The underlying object of the present invention is thus to identify photographic materials of increased spectral sensitivity which furthermore are distinguished by a high sensitivity/fogging ratio and by a good shelf life, particularly when stored under humid climatic conditions.
It has surprisingly been found that this object can be achieved by the addition of certain triazolines comprising thio- or selenoether radicals.
The present invention therefore relates to a photographic material comprising a support and at least one layer which comprises at least one spectrally sensitised silver halide emulsion layer, characterised in that the material contains at least one compound of formula
hereinafter also called compound I, wherein
X denotes sulphur or selenium,
R1 denotes aryl or heterocyclyl,
R2 denotes alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl or hetarylalkyl,
R3 denotes alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, aralkyl, hetaryl or hetarylalkyl, and
R4 denotes H, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, aralkyl, hetaryl or hetaralkyl, or
R3, together with R4, denotes the remaining atoms of a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring.
Of the possible rings formed by the radicals R3 and R4, saturated carbocyclic 4- to 6-membered rings are preferred.
The alkyl, aralkyl and alkenyl radicals in the sense of the present invention can be straight chain, branched or cyclic. The alkyl and alkenyl radicals can be substituted by aryl, heterocyclyl, hydroxy, carboxy, halogen, alkoxy, aryloxy, heterocyclyloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, heterocyclylthio, alkylseleno, arylseleno, heterocyclylseleno, acyl, acyloxy, acylamino, cyano, nitro, amino, thio or mercapto groups, for example, and the aryl, aralkyl, and heterocyclyl radicals can be substituted by alkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, hydroxy, carboxy, halogen, alkoxy, aryloxy, heterocyclyloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, heterocyclylthio, alkylseleno, arylseleno, heterocyclylseleno, acyl, acyloxy, acylamino, cyano, nitro, amino, thio or mercapto groups, for example, wherein the term heterocyclyl represents a saturated, unsaturated or aromatic heterocycle and the term acyl represents the radical of an aliphatic, olefinic or aromatic carboxylic, carbamic, carbonic, sulphonic, amidosulphonic, phosphoric, phosphonic, phosphorous, phosphinic or sulphinic acid.
R1 is preferably an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl, an unsubstituted or substituted pyridyl, an unsubstituted or substituted pyrimidyl, an unsubstituted or substituted thiazolyl or an unsubstituted or substituted tetrahydrothiophen-sulphone radical.
R1 is most preferably an unsubstituted phenyl radical, a mono-or di-substituted phenyl radical, an unsubstituted tetrahydrothiophen-sulphone radical or a substituted thiazolyl radical.
In a further preferred embodiment, the R2 radical contains polar substituents such as a phenol ether, pyridyl or carbonamide group.
Examples of preferred compounds of formula I are given below:
Compounds I-2, I-5, I-7, I-13, I-23, I-39 and I-40 are particularly preferred.
In the simplest case, for example, the preparation of triazoles of formula I which contain thioether groups is described by the etherification of a 4H-triazoline-3-thione with a reactive halide or sulphonic acid ester in the presence of bases.
Information on the preparation of 4H-triazoline-3-thiones is given, for example, in J. Heterocyclic Chem. 27 (1990) 2017-2020, in Liebigs Ann. Chem. 724 (1969) 226-228, in Synthesis 1990, 803-808 and 1048-1053, in Sci. Pharm. 51 (1983) 379-390 and in Chem. Ztg. 104 (1980) 239-240. The selenium compounds are prepared analogously.
Compound I-2 (1-phenyl-3,3-dimethyl-5-ethylthio-xcex944-1,2,4-triazoline)
23 g potassium hydroxide (0.41 mol) was introduced over 30 minutes at 15xc2x0 C. with stirring and cooling in ice into a batch comprising 83 g (0.4 mol) 1-phenyl-3,3-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazolidine-5-thione and 62 g (0.4 mol) ethyl iodide in 300 ml methanol. The batch was stirred at 20xc2x0 C. for a further 1 hour, 15 g ethyl iodide and 6 g potassium hydroxide were added, and the batch was stirred at room temperature for a further 2 hours and 200 g ice were added. The batch was filtered under suction as soon as the ice had dissolved, and was washed with water and with a little methanol (80% by weight). The yellowish, crystalline product was purified by crystallisation from methanol (80% by weight) and was dried under vacuum at 40xc2x0 C.
Yield: about 55 g of white needles (58% theoretical); melting point: 76-78xc2x0 C.
0.15 g potassium hydroxide were added with stirring to a batch comprising 0.56 g (0.4 mol) 1-phenyl-3,3-tetramethylene-1,2,4-triazolidine-5-selone, prepared by the reaction of cyclopentanone phenylhydrazone with glacial acetic acid and potassium selenocyanate at 50 to 60xc2x0 C. by analogy with Liebigs Ann. Chem. 724, 226-228 (melting point 143xc2x0 C.), and 0.35 g ethyl iodide in 10 ml methanol. After 45 minutes, 20 g ice were added thereto, the batch was filtered under suction as soon as the product became crystalline, and was washed with water and with a little methanol (80% by weight). The slightly reddish product was purified by recrystallisation from methanol (70% by weight) and was dried under vacuum at 40xc2x0 C. As identified by thin layer chromatography, the product still contained about 5-10% of non-alkylated selone.
Yield: about 0.41 g of white needles; melting point: 72-75xc2x0 C.
The compounds of formula I according to the invention can be hydrophobic or, in the presence of anionisable groups for example, can be hydrophilic. Moreover, in a preferred embodiment they can contain specific groups which improve their adsorption on a silver halide, e.g. thioether, selenoether, thio, thiol or amine radicals.
The preferred compounds of formula I are characterised in that their redox potential in aqueous solution, provided that it can be measured, differs by not more than +/xe2x88x92100 mV from the standard potential of the hydrogen electrode within the pH range between 5 and 7. In general, the redox potential of a compound I can readily be determined by cyclic voltammetry.
Compounds I can be added to the material at any point, in a preferred amount of 10xe2x88x926 to 10xe2x88x922 mol, particularly 10xe2x88x925 to 10xe2x88x922 mol per mol of total silver halide. This applies in particular to substances of low molecular weight which are capable of migrating within the layer composite. Compound I is preferably used in an amount of 10xe2x88x926 to 10xe2x88x922 mol, particularly 10xe2x88x925 to 10xe2x88x923 mol, per mol of layer silver halide, in the same layer which also contains the spectrally sensitised silver halide emulsion. Compound I is most preferably added during the production of the spectrally sensitised silver halide emulsion, particularly after the precipitation thereof, in an amount of 10xe2x88x926 to 10xe2x88x922 mol, particularly 10xe2x88x925 to 10xe2x88x923 mol per mol of emulsion silver halide. Moreover, compounds of formula I are preferably added after desalination of the emulsion. The expression xe2x80x9ctotal silver halidexe2x80x9d is to be understood as the silver halide of all the silver halide emulsions in the photographic material, the expression xe2x80x9clayer silver halidexe2x80x9d is to be understood as the silver halide of all the silver halide emulsions of the respective layer, and the expression xe2x80x9cemulsion silver halidexe2x80x9d is to be understood as the silver halide of the respective silver halide emulsion.
It is also advantageous if compound I is added, either as a solution or as a dispersion of a solid, to the sensitising emulsion before, during or after the addition of the spectral sensitisation dyes. It is particularly advantageous if at least one compound of formula I is added to the emulsion directly before the addition of at least one spectral sensitiser or together with at least one spectral sensitiser.
In a further, particularly preferred embodiment, a compound I is added to the emulsion directly before or during chemical sensitisation.
In an embodiment which is also particularly preferred, chemical ripening agents, supersensitisers and spectral sensitisers are added together.
Spectrally sensitising dyes which can be used in the presence of compounds according to the invention are to be found in the series comprising the polymethine dyes. Examples of these dyes are described by T. H. James in The Theory of the Photographic Process, 4th Edition 1977, Macmillan Publishing Co., pages 194 to 234.
These dyes are capable of sensitising silver halide over the entire range of the visible spectrum and furthermore over the infrared-and/or ultraviolet range. Particularly preferred dyes include mono-, tri- and pentamethine cyanines, the chromophore of which comprises two heterocycles which, independently of each other, can be benzoxazole, benzimidazole, benzthiazole, naphthoxazole, naphthiazole or benzo-selenazole, and the phenyl ring of each of these heterocycles can contain further substituents or further conjoined rings or ring systems. The preferred pentamethine cyanines in turn are those in which the methine part is a constituent of a partially unsaturated ring. The dyes can be cationic, can be uncharged in the form of betaines or sulphobetaines, or can be anionic. Compared with the dye concentration which was found to be the optimum for the respective emulsion without compounds of formula I according to the invention, the amount of dye can be increased about 1.5- to 2-fold in the presence of compounds according to the invention. The spectrally sensitising dye or spectrally sensitising dyes are preferably used in a total amount of 10xe2x88x926 to 10xe2x88x922 mol per mol silver halide, most preferably in an amount of 10xe2x88x924 to 10xe2x88x922 mol per mol silver halide.
The silver halide emulsions in the sense of the invention can be prepared by known methods such as conventional precipitation, single- to multiple double inlet methods, conversion, re-dissolution of a fine grained emulsion (micrate re-dissolution), and by any combination of these methods.
The emulsions according to the invention are preferably silver bromide, silver bromide-iodide or silver bromide-chloride-iodide emulsions with an iodide content of 0 to 15 mol % and a chloride content of 0 to 20 mol %, or are silver chloride, silver chloride-bromide, silver chloride-iodide or silver chloride-bromide-iodide emulsions with a chloride content of at least 50 mol %.
The crystals can be intrinsically homogenous or can be inhomogeneous in the form of zones; they can be single crystals or singly- or multiply-twinned crystals. The emulsions can consist of predominantly compact, predominantly rod-like or predominantly lamellar crystals.
Emulsions are preferred in which at least 50% of the projected area consists of tabular crystals with an average aspect ratio of at least 3. In a most preferred embodiment, the average aspect ratio of the crystals ranges between 4 and 12, and in a further most preferred embodiment the crystals are hexagonal crystals with an average side to length ratio between 1.0 and 2.0. It is even more advantageous if the proportion of tabular crystals amounts to at least 70% of the projected area of the emulsion. The term xe2x80x9caspect ratioxe2x80x9d is to be understood to mean the ratio of the diameter of the circle of equivalent area to the projected surface of the crystal to the thickness of the crystal. The side to length ratio is defined as the highest ratio of the lengths of two adjacent crystal faces which occurs in a crystal, wherein it is only the edges of tabular crystals which are taken into consideration; geometrically perfect hexagonal platelets have a side to length ratio of 1.0.
The emulsions can be monodisperse or polydisperse. Emulsions are preferred in which the crystals have a narrow grain size distribution V.
The distribution width V of an emulsion is defined as       V              xe2x80x83        [    %    ]    =            standard                    xe2x80x83                  deviation                    xe2x80x83                  of                    xe2x80x83                  the                    xe2x80x83                  grain                    xe2x80x83                  size                    xe2x80x83                  distribution      xc3x97      100              average                    xe2x80x83                  grain                    xe2x80x83                  size
Crystals with a distribution width Vxe2x89xa625% are preferred, particularly those with a distribution width Vxe2x89xa620%.
The emulsion crystals can also be doped with certain extraneous ions, particularly with polyvalent transition metal cations or complexes thereof. In one preferred embodiment, for example, hexacyanoferrate(II) ions or trivalent noble metal cations which comprise an octahedral ligand environment are used for this purpose, such as ruthenium(III), rhodium(III), osmium(III) or iridium(III).
The emulsions can be chemically sensitised in a conventional manner, e.g. by preparing them in the presence of ammonia or amines, by sulphur ripening, selenium ripening, tellurium ripening or ripening with gold compounds, and also be ripening with reducing ripening agents. Reduction ripening can also be carried out in the course of precipitating emulsion crystals in the interior of the crystals, wherein the reduction ripening nuclei are covered during the further growth of the crystals. Divalent tin compounds, N-arylhydrazides, salts of formamidinesulphinic acid and borohydrides or borane complexes can advantageously be used as reduction ripening agents. Thioureas and selenoureas can also act as reduction ripening agents. Organic and water-soluble reduction ripening agents which are rapidly and completely adsorbed on the silver halide are preferred. Different methods of ripening can also be combined.
The supersensitisation of spectrally sensitised emulsions with compounds corresponding to formula (I) in combination with the stabilisation of the photo-graphic material by palladium(II) compounds is particularly advantageous.
Examples of colour photographic materials include colour negative films, colour reversal films, colour positive films, colour photographic paper, colour reversal photo-graphic paper, and colour-sensitive materials for the colour diffusion transfer process or the silver halide bleaching process.
Photographic materials consist of a support on which at least one light-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer is deposited. Thin films and foils are particularly suitable as supports. A review of support materials and of the auxiliary layers which are deposited on the front and back thereof is given in Research Disclosure 37254, Part 1 (1995), page 285 and in Research Disclosure 38957, Part XV (1996), page 627.
Colour photographic materials usually contain at least one red-sensitive, at least one green-sensitive and at least one blue-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer, and optionally contain intermediate layers and protective layers also.
Depending on the type of photographic material, these layers may be arranged differently. This will be illustrated for the most important products:
Colour photographic films such as colour negative films and colour reversal films comprise, in the following sequence on their support: 2 or 3 red-sensitive, cyan-coupling silver halide emulsion layers, 2 or 3 green-sensitive, magenta coupling silver halide emulsion layers, and 2 or 3 blue-sensitive, yellow-coupling silver halide emulsion layers. The layers of identical spectral sensitivity differ as regards their photographic speed, wherein the less sensitive partial layers are generally disposed nearer the support than are the more highly sensitive partial layers.
A yellow filter layer is usually provided between the green-sensitive and blue-sensitive layers, to prevent blue light from reaching the layers underneath.
The options for different layer arrangements and their effects on photographic properties are described in J. Inf. Rec. Mats., 1994, Vol. 22, pages 183-193, and in Research Disclosure 38957, Part XI (1996), page 624.
Colour photographic paper, which as a rule is less sensitive to light than is colour photographic film, usually comprises the following layers on the support, in the following sequence: a blue-sensitive, yellow-coupling silver halide emulsion layer, a green-sensitive, magenta coupling silver halide emulsion layer, and a red-sensitive, cyan-coupling silver halide emulsion layer. The yellow filter layer can be omitted.
Departures from the number and arrangement of the light-sensitive layers may be effected in order to achieve defined results. For example, all the high-sensitivity layers may be combined to form a layer stack and all the low-sensitivity layers may be combined to form another layer stack in a photographic film, in order to increase the sensitivity (DE 25 30 645).
The essential constituents of the photographic emulsion layer are binders, silver halide grains and colour couplers.
Information on suitable binders is given in Research Disclosure 37254, Part 2 (1995), page 286, and in Research Disclosure 38957, Part IIA (1996), page 598.
Information on suitable silver halide emulsions, their production, ripening, stabilisation and spectral sensitisation, including suitable spectral sensitisers, is given in Research Disclosure 37254, Part 3 (1995), page 286, in Research Disclosure 37038, Part XV (1995), page 89, and in Research Disclosure 38957, Part VA (1996), page 603.
Photographic materials which exhibit camera-sensitivity usually contain silver bromide-iodide emulsions, which may also optionally contain small proportions of silver chloride. Photographic copier materials contain either silver chloride-bromide emulsions comprising up to 80mole % AgBr, or silver chloride-bromide emulsions comprising more than 95 mole % AgCl.
Information on colour couplers is to be found in Research Disclosure 37254, Part 4 (1995), page 288, in Research Disclosure 37038, Part II (1995), page 80, and in Research Disclosure 38957, Part XB (1996), page 616. The maximum absorption of the dyes formed from the couplers and from the colour developer oxidation product preferably falls within the following ranges: yellow couplers 430 to 460 nm, magenta couplers 540 to 560 nm, cyan couplers 630 to 700 nm.
In order to improve sensitivity, granularity, sharpness and colour separation, compounds are frequently used in colour photographic films which on reaction with the developer oxidation product release compounds which are photographically active, e.g. DIR couplers, which release a development inhibitor.
Information on compounds such as these, particularly couplers, is to be found in Research Disclosure 37254, Part 5 (1995), page 290, in Research Disclosure 37038, Part XIV (1995), page 86, and in Research Disclosure 38957, Part XC (1996), page 618.
The colour couplers, which are mostly hydrophobic, and other hydrophobic constituents of the layers also, are usually dissolved or dispersed in high-boiling organic solvents. These solutions or dispersions are then emulsified in an aqueous binder solution (usually a gelatine solution), and after the layers have been dried are present as fine droplets (0.05 to 0.8 xcexcm diameter) in the layers.
Suitable high-boiling organic solvents, methods of introduction into the layers of a photographic material, and other methods of introducing chemical compounds into photographic layers, are described in Research Disclosure 37254, Part 6 (1995), page 292.
The light-insensitive intermediate layers which are generally disposed between layers of different spectral sensitivity may contain media which prevent the unwanted diffusion of developer oxidation products from one light-sensitive layer into another light-sensitive layer which has a different spectral sensitivity.
Suitable compounds (white couplers, scavengers or DOP scavengers) are described in Research Disclosure 37254, Part 7 (1995), page 292, in Research Disclosure 37038, Part III (1995), page 84, and in Research Disclosure 38957, Part XD (1996), page 621.
The photographic material may additionally contain compounds which absorb UV light, brighteners, spacers, filter dyes, formalin scavengers, light stabilisers, anti-oxidants, DMin dyes, additives for improving the dye-, coupler-and white stability and to reduce colour fogging, plasticisers (latices), biocides and other substances.
Suitable compounds are given in Research Disclosure 37254, Part 8 (1995), page 292, in Research Disclosure 37038, Parts IV, V, VI, VII, X, XI and XIII (1995), pages 84 et seq., and in Research Disclosure 38957, Parts VI, VIII, IX, X (1996), pages 607, 610 et seq.
The layers of colour photographic materials are usually hardened, i.e. the binder used, preferably gelatine, is crosslinked by suitable chemical methods.
Suitable hardener substances are described in Research Disclosure 37254, Part 9 (1995), page 294, in Research Disclosure 37038, Part XII (1995), page 86, and in Research Disclosure 38957, Part IEB (1996), page 599.
After image-by-image exposure, colour photographic materials are processed by different methods corresponding to their character. Details on the procedures used and the chemicals required therefor are published in Research Disclosure 37254, Part 10 (1995), page 294, in Research Disclosure 37038, Parts XVI to XXIII (1995), page 95 et seq., and in Research Disclosure 38957, Parts XVIII, XIX, XX (1996) page 630 et seq., together with examples of materials.

Abstract: wherein

Abstract: X denotes sulphur or selenium,

Abstract: R1 denotes aryl or heterocyclyl,

Abstract: R3, together with R4, denotes the remaining atoms of a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring,

Abstract: is distinguished by increased spectral sensitivity, a high sensitivity/fogging ratio and a good shelf life under humid conditions.


A micro-oscillation element includes a movable main section, a first frame and a second frame, and a first connecting section that connects the movable main section and the first frame and defines a first axis of rotation for a first rotational operation of the movable main section with respect to the first frame. The element further includes a second connecting section that connects the first frame and the second frame and defines a second axis of rotation for a second rotational operation of the first frame and the movable main section with respect to the second frame. A first drive mechanism is provided for generating a driving force for the first rotational operation. A second drive mechanism is provided for generating a driving force for the second rotational operation. The first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation are not orthogonal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a micro-oscillation element, such as a micro-mirror element having a movable section capable of rotational displacement, and also relates to a drive method for such a micro-oscillation element.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, it has been sought to apply the use of elements having extremely small structures formed by micro-machining technology, in various technological fields. For example, in the field of optical communications technology, attention has focused on very small micro-mirror elements which have a light reflecting function.
In optical communications, an optical signal is transmitted by using an optical fiber as a medium, and furthermore, in general, a so-called optical switching device is used in order to switch the transmission path of the optical signal from one fiber to another fiber. Characteristics required in an optical switching device in order to achieve good optical communications include high capacity, high speed and high reliability, in the switching operation, and the like. From this point of view, expectations have been growing with regard to optical switching devices which incorporate micro-mirror elements fabricated by micro-machining technology. This is because the use of a micro-mirror element makes it possible to carrying out switching processes on the optical signal itself, without having to convert the optical signal to an electrical signal, between the optical transmission path on the input side of the optical switching device and the optical transmission path on the output side thereof, and this means that it is suitable for obtaining the characteristics described above.
A micro-mirror element is provided with a mirror surface for reflecting light, and it is capable of changing the direction in which the light is reflected by oscillation of the mirror surface. Electrostatic drive-type micro-mirror elements which use electrostatic force in order to cause the mirror surface to oscillate are used in many devices. Electrostatic drive-type micro-mirror elements can be divided broadly into two types: micro-mirror elements manufactured by so-called surface micro-machining technology, and micro-mirror elements manufactured by so-called bulk micro-machining technology.
In the case of surface micro-machining technology, a thin layer of material corresponding to a respective constituent area is formed on a substrate and processed into a prescribed pattern, and such patterns are layered in a sequential fashion, whereby respective areas constituting an element, such as a support, mirror surface and electrode section, and the like, are formed, and a sacrificial layer which is subsequently removed is also formed. On the other hand, in the case of bulk micro-machining technology, a support and mirror section, and the like, are formed in a prescribed shape by etching the actual material of the substrate, mirror surfaces and electrodes being formed as thin layers thereon according to requirements. Bulk micro-machining technology is described, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. (Hei)10-190007, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. (Hei)10-270714 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-31502.
One technical feature required in a micro-mirror element is that the mirror surface which performs light reflection has a high degree of flatness. However, in the case of surface micro-machining technology, since the mirror surface ultimately formed is thin, the mirror surface is liable to curve, and consequently, it is difficult to achieve a high degree of flatness in a mirror surface having a large surface area. On the other hand, in the case of bulk micro-machining technology, a mirror section is constituted by cutting into the actual material substrate, which is relatively thick, by means of an etching process, and since a mirror surface is provided on this mirror section, it is possible to ensure rigidity, even if the mirror surface has a large surface area. Consequently, it is possible to form a mirror surface having a sufficiently high degree of optical flatness.
FIG. 43 and FIG. 44 illustrate a conventional electrostatically driven micro-mirror element X8 fabricated by means of bulk micro-machining technology. FIG. 43 is an exploded oblique view of a micro-mirror element X8, and FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view along line XXXXIV-XXXXIV in FIG. 43 of the micro-mirror element X8 in an assembled state.
The micro-mirror element X8 has a structure in which a mirror substrate 80 and a base substrate 86 are layered on each other. The mirror substrate 80 is constituted by a mirror section 81, a frame 82, and a pair of torsion bars 83 linking same together. By performing etching from one side only on a prescribed material substrate, such as a silicon substrate having, electrical conductivity, it is possible to form the outline shape of the mirror section 81, frame 82 and torsion bars 83, on the mirror substrate 80. A mirror surface 84 is provided on the surface of the mirror section 81. A pair of electrodes 85a, 85b are provided on the rear face of the mirror section 81. The pair of torsion bars 83 define an axis A8 for the rotational operation of the mirror section 81, as described hereinafter. An electrode 87a opposing the electrode 85a of the mirror section 81, and an electrode 87b opposing the electrode 85b are provided on the base substrate 86.
In the micro-mirror element X8, when an electric potential is applied to the frame 82 of the mirror section 80, the electric potential is transmitted to the electrode 85a and the electrode 85b, by means of the pair of torsion bars 83 and the mirror section 81, which are formed in an integral fashion from the same conductive material as the frame 82. Consequently, by applying a prescribed electric potential to the frame 82, it is possible to charge the electrodes 85a, 85b, positively, for example. In this state, if the electrode 87a of the base substrate 86 is charged with a negative charge, then an electrostatic attraction is generated between the electrode 85a and the electrode 87a, and hence the mirror section 81 rotates in the direction of the arrow M8, as indicated in FIG. 44, whilst twisting the pair of torsion bars 83. The mirror section 81 is able to swing until it reaches an angle at which the force of attraction between the electrodes balances with the sum of the twisting resistances of the respective torsion bars 83. Alternatively, if a negative charge is applied to the electrode 87b whilst a positive charge is being applied to the electrodes 85a, 85b of the mirror section 81, then an electrostatic attraction is generated between the electrode 85b and the electrode 87b, and hence the mirror section 81 will rotate in the opposite direction to the arrow M8. By driving the mirror section 81 to swing as described above, it is possible to switch the direction of reflection of the light reflected by the mirror surface 84.
In the micro-mirror element X8, in order to attain a large angle in the rotational displacement of the mirror section 81, it is necessary to ensure a sufficient gap between the mirror substrate 80 and the base substrate 86, in order to avoid mechanical contact between the mirror substrate 80 and base substrate 86. However, since the electrostatic force generated between the electrodes 85a and 87a, or between the electrodes 85b and 87b, tends to decline as the distance between the electrodes increases, the drive voltage that is to be applied between the respective electrodes must be increased to a corresponding degree, in order that the mirror section 81 can be driven suitably, whilst guaranteeing a sufficient gap between the mirror substrate 80 and the base substrate 86. In many cases, increasing the drive voltage is undesirable, in terms of the composition of the element, or from the viewpoint of reducing power consumption.
FIG. 45 is a partially abbreviated oblique diagram of a further conventional micro-mirror element X9, which is fabricated by means of bulk micro-machining technology. The micro-mirror element X9 has a mirror section 91 provided with a mirror surface 94 on the upper surface thereof, a frame 92 (partially omitted), and a pair of torsion bars 93 for linking same together. Comb tooth-shaped electrodes 91a, 91b are formed at the two respective end portions of the mirror section 91. A pair of comb tooth-shaped electrodes 92a, 92b are formed in the frame 92, extending in an inward direction in positions corresponding to the comb tooth-shaped electrodes 91a, 91b. A pair of torsion bars 93 define an axis A9 for the rotational operation of the mirror section 91 with respect to the frame 92.
In a micro-mirror element X9 having a composition of this kind, the set of comb tooth-shaped electrodes provided in adjacent positions in order to generate an electrostatic force, for example, the comb tooth-shaped electrode 91a and the comb tooth-shaped electrode 92a, are oriented in a two-tier fashion as illustrated in FIG. 46A, when no voltage is applied to same. On the other hand, when a prescribed voltage is applied, as illustrated in FIG. 46B, the comb tooth-shaped electrode 91a is drawn inside the comb tooth-shaped electrode 92a, thereby causing the mirror section 91 to rotate. More specifically, for example, if the comb tooth-shaped electrode 91a is charged with a positive charge, and the comb tooth-shaped electrode 92a is charged with a negative charge, then the mirror section 91 will rotate about the axis A9, whilst twisting the pair of torsion bars 93. By driving the mirror section 91 to swing in this fashion, it is possible to switch the direction of reflection of the light reflected by the mirror surface 94 provided on the mirror section 91. It is known that the drive voltage required in order to drive a pair of comb tooth-shaped electrodes of this kind tends to be lower than the drive voltage required to achieve driving of a pair of planar electrodes, as in the micro-mirror element X8 described above.
FIG. 47 shows a method for manufacturing a micro-mirror element X9. In FIG. 47, the process of forming a portion of the mirror section 91 shown in FIG. 45, and the frame 92, torsion bars 93 and a portion of the set of comb tooth-shaped electrodes 91a, 92a, is illustrated by the changes in a particular cross-section. The cross-section represents a continuous cross-section which is modeled on a plurality of cross-sections that are contained within the section in which a single micro-switching element is formed on a material substrate (wafer) that is subjected to various processes.
In the method of manufacturing a micro-mirror element X9, firstly, a wafer S9 is prepared as illustrated in FIG. 47A. The wafer S9 is a so-called SOI (Silicon on Insulator) wafer, which has a laminated structure comprising a silicon layer 901, a silicon layer 902 and an insulating layer 903 interposed between these layers. Next, by carrying out anisotropic etching via a prescribed mask on the silicon layer 901, as illustrated in FIG. 47B, the constituent parts that are to be formed in the silicon layer 901 (the mirror section 91, a portion of the frame 92, the torsion bars 93, and the comb tooth-shaped electrode 91a) are formed Next, by carrying out anisotropic etching via a prescribed mask on the silicon layer 902, as illustrated in FIG. 47C, the constituent parts that are to be formed in the silicon layer 902 (a portion of the frame 92, and the comb tooth-shaped electrode 92a) are formed. Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 47D, the exposed portion on the silicon layer 903 is removed by carrying out isotropic etching on the insulating layer 903. In this way, the mirror section 91, frame 92, torsion bars 93, and the set of comb tooth-shaped electrodes 91a, 92a, are formed. The other set of comb tooth-shaped electrodes 91b, 92b are formed in a similar manner to the comb tooth-shaped electrodes 91a, 91b.
In the micro-mirror element X9, since the comb tooth-shaped electrodes 91a, 91b are displaced in accordance with the rotational operation of the mirror section 91, the comb tooth-shaped electrodes 91a, 91b must have sufficient thickness corresponding to the prescribed angle of inclination of the mirror section 91. Therefore, in order to achieve a large angle in the rotational displacement of the mirror section 91 of the micro-mirror element X9, it is necessary to design the comb tooth-shaped electrodes 91a, 91b to be long in the direction of rotational operation, thus ensuring a sufficient length for the stroke of the drive electrodes (the stroke being the range of relative movement of the electrode pair in the direction of the rotational operation which is tolerable whilst still being able to generate a suitable driving force). In order to ensure a long stroke, in the aforementioned method of manufacture, it is necessary to carry out processing on a material substrate S9 having silicon layers 901, 902 of a thickness which corresponds to the required stroke length. However, it tends to be difficult to form comb tooth-shaped electrodes 91a, 91b wherein each electrode tooth has a relatively small width, to a high degree of accuracy, by carrying out etching processes, or the like, on relatively thick silicon layers 901, 902.
In addition, in the micro-mirror element X9, since the mirror section 91 is formed to the same thickness as the comb tooth-shaped electrodes 91a, 91b, then the formation of comb tooth-shaped electrodes 91a, 91b which are long in the direction of rotational operation inevitably leads to the formation of a thick mirror section 91. The thicker the mirror section 91, the greater the mass of the mirror section 91 and hence, the greater the inertia thereof. Consequently, cases have occurred in which it is not possible to achieve the desired speed in driving the rotational operation of the mirror section 91.
In this way, in a conventional micro-mirror element X9, it has been problematic to achieve rotational operation of the mirror section 91 involving a large amount of rotational displacement, at a high speed of operation.

Method for driving micro-oscillating element having comb-teeth electrodes


Apparatuses, methods, and computer program products are provided for improved model compliance. An example method includes receiving a product model that is generated from user data associated with a plurality of users and receiving a first regulation offending model that is non-compliant with respect to a first regulatory factor. The method also includes analyzing the product model with the first regulation offending model and generating a first regulation compliance score for the product model with respect to the first regulatory factor. The method further includes determining whether the first regulation compliance score satisfies a first regulatory factor threshold. In an instance in which the first regulation compliance score fails to satisfy the first regulatory factor threshold, the method includes generating a first violation notification or modify the product model.

Financial institutions and other entities often collect or otherwise have access to a large amount of user data. This user data may be utilized by these entities to generate models (e.g., machine learning models or otherwise) for providing products to their customers. These institutions, however, are also subject to a number of regulations that limit the factors that may be considered in identifying/selecting customers as well as the model's effect on customers in protected classes

Apparatuses and methods for regulation offending model prevention