One embodiment of the present invention is an array of nanoscale latches interconnected by a nanowire bus to form a latch array. Each nanoscale latch in the nanoscale-latch array serves as a nanoscale register, and is driven by a nanoscale control line. Primitive operations for the latch array can be defined as sequences of one or more inputs to one or more of the nanowire data bus and nanoscale control lines. In various latch-array embodiments of the present invention, information can be transferred from one nanoscale latch to another nanoscale latch in a controlled fashion, and sequences of information-transfer operations can be devised to implement arbitrary Boolean logic operations and operators, including NOT, AND, OR, XOR, NOR, NAND, and other such Boolean logic operators and operations, as well as input and output functions. Nanoscale-latch arrays can be combined and interconnected in an almost limitless number of different ways to construct arbitrarily complex, sequential, parallel, or both parallel and sequential computing engines that represent additional embodiments of the present invention.

During the past 70 years, enormous progress in the theoretical foundations of computer science, in materials science and integrated circuit fabrication, and in systems design and integration have led to fantastic increases in the computational power, flexibility, and affordability of computers, along with a surprising and equally fantastic decrease in the sizes of, and power consumption and dissipation by, modern computer systems. A currently available, inexpensive desktop personal computer provides far more computing power than a supercomputer of twenty years ago. Much of the progress in computing can be attributed to a steady increase in the density of circuitry that can be manufactured in integrated circuits resulting from a steady decrease in the widths of signal lines and dimensions of submicroscale electronic components that can be fabricated by photolithographic processes. Unfortunately, the tiny dimensions at which signal lines and submicroscale electronic components can be manufactured may be approaching physical limits to further size decreases. Further increases in the density of fabricated submicroscale electronic components may depend on using a very different fabrication strategy, rather than photolithography-based methods. Continued progress in computing may depend either on developing new integrated circuit fabrication methods and materials, or may instead depend on finding entirely new strategies for computing, such as quantum computing, massively parallel computer architectures, or other such innovations.
During the past decade, an entirely new fabrication method for nanoscale electronic circuits and nanoscale electronic components has begun to be developed, and has become a foundation of the emerging field of molecular electronics. One promising type of nanoscale-component fabrication process is based on nanoscale crossbars composed of nanowires, with passive and active electronic components, including resistors, diodes, and various types of transistors, fabricated at selected points of overlap between approximately perpendicular nanowires in stacked, orthogonally oriented layers of parallel nanowires. Working nanowire-crossbar circuits have been fabricated in research laboratories, and have been integrated with conventional submicroscale circuitry to produce tiny, high-density memories and logic circuits. Although nanowire crossbars represent an exciting and promising approach to fabrication of computer components at molecular dimensions, much additional research and development effort is needed for commercial production and integration of nanowire-crossbar-based computer components. Many issues remain concerning the reliability of fabrication of passive and active electronic components at nanowire junctions, and much effort will be needed to efficiently construct dense circuitry at molecular dimensions. Furthermore, it remains a challenge to fabricate fully functional processors using nanowire crossbars, because it is not currently easy to store computed values in nanowire crossbars and to route stored, computed values from one storage location to another within nanowire crossbars. For these reasons, researchers, developers, and manufacturers of submicroscale electronics have recognized the need for simple, universal computing devices, with the full computational power of Turing machines (simple theoretical computing devices used in theoretical studies of computability and undecidability that can solve the class of problems solvable by all currently known computing devices), that can be practically fabricated at molecular dimensions and that can be practically controlled and operated to perform general computation tasks.

Nanoscale latch-array processing engines

Hewlett-Packard Develoment Company, L.P.


A process for producing a vinyl chloride-based polymer in which an aqueous suspension of a vinyl chloride-based monomeric material placed in a polymerization vessel equipped with an agitating element is subjected to suspension polymerization by introducing a polymerization initiator to the aqueous suspension at a position located inside the diameter of the agitating element being rotated. By this process it is possible to prevent totally the deposition of polymer scale on the inside wall of the polymerization vessel, particularly in the vicinity of a gas-liquid interface. Therefore, troubles arising from polymer scale formation and labor needed for removing such polymer scale are obviated, and a vinyl chloride-based polymer of high quality can be produced efficiently.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a process for producing a vinyl chloride homopolymer or a vinyl chloride-based copolymer (hereinafter generically referred to as "vinyl chloride-based polymer"). More specifically, the invention relates to a process by which a vinyl chloride-based polymer of high quality can be produced by suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer or a vinyl chloride-based monomeric mixture (hereinafter generically referred to as "vinyl chloride-based monomeric material") in a polymerization vessel, with high productivity while preventing the formation of polymer scale in the polymerization vessel.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Heretofore, suspension polymerization of a vinyl chloride-based monomeric material has been carried out by a process in which water, the vinyl chloride-based monomeric material, a polymerization initiator, a dispersant and, optionally, other various additives as required, are placed into a polymerization vessel equipped with a jacket, an agitator and a reflux condenser, then hot water is passed through the jacket to heat the reaction system to a predetermined temperature, and thereafter cooling water is passed through the jacket and reflux condenser to remove the heat of polymerization, thereby controlling the temperature of the reaction system to a predetermined temperature.
With the recent trend toward use of larger polymerization vessels and rationalization of production systems, however, various techniques for carrying out polymerization have come to be employed, such as, for example, feeding water at a raised temperature (so-called "hot charge") or automatic feeding of a polymerization initiator by use of a metering high-pressure pump. Consequently, where a polymerization initiator with high activity is used, it is necessary to introduce the initiator into the polymerization vessel after feeding of the monomeric material but before the temperature is raised. In such a situation, the polymerization initiator introduced to the surface of an aqueous mixture containing the monomeric material drifts across a gas-liquid interface portion and the surface of a liquid-phase portion before gradually diffusing into and throughout the bulk of the liquid phase. Depending on the position of introducing the polymerization initiator, therefore, polymer scale deposition in the gas-liquid interface portion can increase. Besides, where an easily foaming dispersant is used, formation of a foamed polymer can occur. Especially where the introducing position of the polymerization initiator is in the vicinity of the wall surface of the polymerization vessel, block form polymer scale can grow on the downstream side with respect to an agitated flow direction, resulting in that a large mass of polymer scale may peel off, to produce a serious trouble such as clogging of an open piping.
Due to the above difficulties, the prior art processes have the drawbacks of an increased idle time, associated with polymer scale removal or the like, and incapability to maintain good polymer quality, because of fish-eye formation or the like.

Process for producing vinyl chloride-based polymer


An athletic shoe includes stabilization mechanisms designed to inhibit ankle sprains while also providing comfort for a wearer. Such mechanisms include inner and outer straps that overlie the instep of the athletic shoe and wrap around the wearer's ankle to provide ankle support and inhibit inversion of the ankle during athletic activity. The athletic shoe also includes an inner boot liner that stabilizes the wearer's foot within the athletic shoe, provides a comfortable buffer between the wearer's foot and the inner and outer straps, and wicks perspiration away from the wearer's foot during athletic activity.

The lateral ankle sprain is the most common injury in basketball players and one of the most common overall sports injuries seen in medical emergency rooms. While this injury is most common for basketball players, it often occurs in other sports which involve jumping, and running with sharp cuts. These sports include, but are not limited to, soccer, football, volleyball, cross-country running, tennis, track, lacrosse, and baseball, as well as other activities.
The most common mechanism of injury in basketball is a player jumping up and landing on an uneven surface, often another player's shoe, such that the foot is generally in plantar flexion and inverted. When the vertically loaded lateral forces exceed the everting muscles of the lower leg, the lateral ligaments tear. The anterior talofibular ligament is the most commonly injured ligament, followed by the calcaneofibular ligament and the posterior talofibular ligament.
In the other sports described above, similar vertical loading also can occur. For example, excessive force can be applied to the medial ankle, such as when a baseball player slides into another player's ankle or when a soccer player "slide tackles" another to steal the ball.
While athletic shoes have become increasingly stylish, they have not been able to reduce the incidence of lateral ankle sprains. In fact, the nature of the design of shoes with a hard sole with firm medial and lateral edges in conjunction with a soft upper portion actually contributes to, and often exacerbates, the problems of lateral instability described above. When an ankle inverts in plantar flexion, the point of landing is on the hard lateral edge of the sports shoe, especially when a vertical load is applied when landing from a jump. The relatively softer upper portion of the shoe connected to the hard lower sole bends on an acute angle. This causes apposition of the medial part of the shoe with the medial ankle and a wide gap that forms between the soft upper shoe and the lateral ankle. It is this "disconnect" that develops between the shoe and the lateral ankle that leads to a lack of support. The forces are entirely placed on the lateral ligaments (described above) which subsequently tear, as they cannot support the full weight of the body landing on them.
A number of athletic shoes have been provided to alleviate the above concerns regarding ankle and foot inversion. One such shoe is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,775,929 B2, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The present invention provides a number of improvements upon such athletic shoes, as will be described in further detail below.


In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor integrated circuit device, a resist pattern is formed on a lower layer pattern of a semiconductor substrate using a mask. An image signal along a line extending on the lower layer pattern and the resist pattern is generated by an optical system. Based on the image signal, a center position of the resist pattern and a center position of the lower layer pattern are calculated using correlation calculation and an overlay error of the resist pattern to the lower layer pattern is determined. When the overlay error falls within a predetermined range, a next manufacturing process such as an etching process and an ion implantation process to the semiconductor substrate is executed. When the overlay error does not fall within a predetermined range, the resist pattern is removed, and a relative position between the semiconductor substrate and the mask is adjusted. Thereafter, the above steps are repeated.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an overlay measuring method in manufacturing a semiconductor integrated circuit, and more particularly to a method of measuring an overlay error of a photo-resist pattern which is formed in a photo-lithography process to a lower layer pattern.
2. Description of Related Art
FIGS. 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a conventional method of measuring an overlay error of a photo-resist pattern 11 to a lower layer pattern 12-1. FIG. 1A is a cross sectional view of a portion of a semiconductor integrated circuit in which the photo-resist pattern 11 is formed on a lower layer pattern 12-1. FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an optical image of the semiconductor integrated circuit portion and FIG. 1C is a diagram indicative of an image signal along a line A-A' of the optical image shown in FIG. 1B. In this example, the cross sectional shape of the lower layer pattern 12-1 is symmetrical.
In the conventional overlay measuring method, in a case where the semiconductor integrated circuit has the structure composed of the photo-resist pattern 11 and a lower layer pattern 12-1 in a photo-lithography process during manufacture of the semiconductor integrated circuit as shown in FIG. 1A, the image signal along the line A-A' of the optical image shown in FIG. 1B is extracted as shown in FIG. 1C. Because the contrast is dull at the edge positions of the lower layer pattern 12-2 and the edge portions of the photo-resist pattern 11, the image signal which is extracted in this way has four recess portions corresponding to the respective edges portions, as shown in FIG. 1C. The distances between the pattern edges can be determined from the positions of these recess portions.
In the case of FIG. 1A in which the lower layer pattern 12-1 is symmetrical, suppose that a distance between the edge on the left side of the lower layer pattern 12-1 and the edge on the left side of the photo-resist pattern 11 is "L1" and a distance between the edge on the right side of the photo-resist pattern 11 and the edge on the right side of the lower layer pattern 12-1 is "M1", as shown in FIG. 1C, the overlay error "G" of the photo-resist pattern 11 to the lower layer pattern 12-1 can be represented by the following equation (1). EQU G=(L1-M1)/2 (1)
By the way, in the conventional overlay measuring method, the edge positions are calculated using algorithms such as a "least squares method", a "threshold method", and a "steep point method". Referring to FIG. 3A, the "least squares method" is a method in which each of the recess portions of the image signal is approximated by a secondary curve, and a position having a minimal value in the secondary curve is set as a "recess portion". Thus, the position is defined as the edge position, as shown in FIG. 3A.
The "threshold method" is a method in which after the difference between the maximum value and minimum value of the image signal is set to be "1", the image signal is sliced with a line having a predetermined ratio from the minimum value. The intersection points of the image signal and the line are defined as the edge positions, as shown in FIG. 3B.
The "steep point method" is a method in which primary differentiation is performed to the image signal and then the position having the maximum value in one recess portion and the position having the minimum value in another recess portion are defined as the edge positions, as shown in FIG. 3C.
All the above algorithms are devised that the overlay pattern is symmetrical. Therefore, if a symmetrical pattern is measured such as the photo-resist pattern and the pattern when a film is formed in a diffusion furnace, the correct measurement with less error can be performed.
However, if an asymmetrical pattern is measured such as a pattern when a film is formed by a sputtering apparatus, a shift component to either of a left direction and a right direction is superposed on the measuring result so that the measurement error becomes large. Thus, there is a problem in that it becomes not possible to perform an exact overlay measurement.
In this manner, in the conventional overlay measuring method, there is the problem that the measurement error becomes large in the overlay measurement, depending on the forming process of the lower layer pattern. This is because the image signal is also asymmetric at the edge sections on the left and right sides when the lower layer pattern is asymmetric in shape. As the result of this, in the method of calculating the edge positions using one of the above conventional algorithms, the shift component is superposed on the left or right side depending on an asymmetric extent.
The problems of the above conventional overlay measuring method will be further described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C. FIGS. 2A to 2C are diagrams illustrating the method of measuring an overlay error of the photo-resist pattern to the lower layer pattern when the lower layer pattern has asymmetric edge portions. FIG. 2A is a cross sectional view of such a semiconductor integrated circuit device in which a photo-resist pattern 11 is formed on a lower layer pattern 12-2, FIG. 2B is an optical image of the semiconductor integrated circuit device, and FIG. 2C is a diagram indicative of an image signal along a line B-B'.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the shape of the lower layer pattern 12-2 has asymmetric left and right edge portions. For this reason, both of the optical image and the image signal have also asymmetric left and right edge portions, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C. As a result, a measurement error is generated compared to the above case of FIGS. 1A to 1C in which the lower layer pattern 12-2 has a symmetrical shape at the left and right edge portions. In FIG. 2C, L2 indicates a distance between the edge on the left side of the lower layer pattern 12-2 and the edge on the left side of the photo-resist pattern 11 and M2 indicates a distance between the edge on the right side of the photo-resist pattern 11 and the edge on the right side of the lower layer pattern 12-2.

Overlay measuring method using correlation function


In a stand-by condition, a distal end of a lock portion is received in a lock protective portion and it is not projected beyond a hood portion of a housing, and therefore the lock portion will not be broken during transport. When fixing the connector to a panel, pawls of the housing portion are inserted into a through hole in the panel, and are positioned relative thereto, and then the lock portion is slid, and therefore the lock portion will not accidentally strike against the panel, and hence will not be damaged.

This invention relates to a panel fixing connector.
FIG. 10 shows a conventional panel fixing connector mounted in a through hole formed through a panel (Japanese Utility Model Unexamined Publication No. Hei 5-87844).
The panel fixing connector 1 shown in FIG. 10 includes a terminal receiving portion 1a, and a housing portion 1b which has a fitting hole 1e for receiving a mating member, and also has lock portions 1c each having a tapering projection at its distal end.
The panel fixing connector 1 is inserted into a panel hole 2a, formed through a panel 2 of a car body or the like, in a direction X in FIG. 10, and the lock portions 1c at a distal end of the connector are flexed, and are projected to a Y-side, so that the lock portions 1c are retainingly engaged with the Y-side surface of the panel 2, thereby fixing the connector.
Although the above conventional connector can be fixed to the panel quite easily, it has the following problems. In the above conventional connector, the lock portions 1c are exposed, and are lower in strength than the other portions since these lock portions 1c need to be flexed when inserting the connector into the panel hole. Therefore, when an accidental external force acted on the lock portion 1c during transport of the connector, the lock portion 1c was often broken or damaged. And besides, when fixing the connector to the panel, the lock portions 1c were caused to inadvertently strike against the panel, and therefore were often broken or damaged.


A Fourier transform optical detection system for use with a test assay that has a sensitivity pattern, the detection system including a lens having a Fourier transform plane and detectors located in the Fourier transform plane positioned in an arrangement of a Fourier transform pattern of the sensitivity pattern.

Currently, assays are read by human eye or a high cost imaging system. Assay readings done by eye are based on individual human judgment and therefore are subject to human error. Assays readings done by imaging systems require expensive detection systems. The purpose of reading these assays is to determine whether a test sample of biological or chemical material being assayed includes a particular analyte, or a derivative or constituent of the analyte. The particular analyte that is the subject of the assay is referred to as the analyte of interest. The test sample may include biological material such as urine, saliva, blood plasma, or the like. The test sample may include chemical material such as rainwater, sludge, or the like.
An assay is performed using a substrate having a sensitive region patterned on the surface of the substrate. Such substrates are known in the art, and the sensitive region is formed by a chemical treatment or a physical manipulation of the surface. The pattern of the sensitive region includes one or more shapes, for example, a circular shape with a diameter of approximately one centimeter (cm).
The substrate is typically made of silicon or glass and has a smooth surface. The surface of the substrate includes a sensitive region that reacts to exposure to an analyte of interest. The sensitive region is indistinguishable from the substrate outside the sensitive region until the sensitive region is exposed to the analyte of interest. The sensitive region will react to exposure of the sensitive region to an analyte of interest.
Detection of the reaction of the sensitive region upon exposure to the analyte of interest is performed by human eye or high-cost, high-resolution detection systems that determine the shape of the sensitive region upon exposure to the analyte of interest.
A human observes the sensitive region to determine if exposure to the sample resulted in a change in the appearance of the sensitive region relative to the rest of the substrate. If there was a sufficient change, the observer concludes that the sensitive region was exposed to the analyte of interest and thus, that the analyte of interest was included in the sample. When readings are made by the human eye to determine an exposure of the sensitive region to an analyte of interest, the readings may not be consistent and may be prone to error.
When assays are read by high-resolution systems, such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) systems and some CMOS-based system, the determination of an exposure of the sensitive region to of a analyte of interest is determined by a reading across the entire substrate to determine the shape and location of the sensitive region exposed to the analyte of interest. Such systems may be consistent and relatively error free. However, the equipment is expensive and such detailed determination is unnecessary.
Application Ser. No. 11/019,183 filed by the applicant on Dec. 23, 2004 (also referred to here as the "11/019,183 Application") describes a low resolution detection system that is strategically arranged in the image plane of a lens to detect illumination from reactive regions in a test assay in which the reactive regions for different analytes have different shapes, such as circular shapes, square shapes and/or rectangular shapes. The detection is done in the image plane of the lens using a priori knowledge of the shape for each reactive material in the test assay.
A market demand exists for a simple, consistent and inexpensive system to determine whether a test sample of biological or chemical material being assayed includes an analyte of interest.

Method for recognizing patterns from assay results


This invention is substantially an all purpose workstation suitable for use by electricians, jewelers, etc. The workstation is portable, and attachable to a work bench, or the like. The workstation includes specific tools commonly used in these trades, such as a solder pad container, a ring mandrel, and gripping members.

Craftsman, such as jewelers or electricians are highly skilled individuals, and while working on jewelry or electronics they must perform extremely precise work. Also, it is very critical that they do not make any mistakes, as the materials are much to costly to replace if accidentally damaged.
Therefore, there is a need to provide a workstation for such craftsmen which is portable, convenient and highly efficient, and which allows them to adjustably position their work thereon, in a very secure manner.
Furthermore, such a workstation should include in combination, a base, a removable adjustable anvil block, an adjustable C-clamp for removably attaching the base to substantially a worktable, first and second adjustable attachment means for attaching either a gripping member and/or a ring mandrel thereon, a solder pad container and solder pad, such as taught by the present invention.
Nowhere in the prior art did the applicants find any portable workstation which includes the unique combination as described above. Nor did we find any workstation which is specifically designed for use by jewelers, electricians, or more specifically a workstation for soldering. Nor did we find a workstation which is completely adjustable, such as taught by the present invention.
The most pertinent references found by the applicants are U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,744,552, 4,028,967 and 3,849,945. Each of which are specifically designed for use by a jeweler. However, none of the noted references provide the unusual results and unique advantages as taught by the present invention, as will be seen within the following specification.

Multipurpose craftsman's portable workstation


A symmetric multiprocessor system constructed from industry standard commodity components together with an advanced dual-ported memory controller. The multiprocessor system comprises a processor bus; up to four Intel Pentium.RTM. Pro processors connected to the processor bus; an I/O bus; a system memory; and a dual-ported memory controller connected to the system memory, the dual ported memory controller having a first port connected to the processor bus to manage processor to system memory transactions and a second port connected to the I/O bus to manage I/O transactions. Furthermore, two such systems can be connected together through a common I/O bus, thereby creating an eight-processor Pentium.RTM. Pro processor SMP system.

Currently available Standard High Volume (SHV) commodity computer components, such as processors, single in-line memory modules (SIMMs), peripheral devices, and other specific components, have made it possible to easily and cheaply design and build computer systems including personal computers and multiprocessor servers. While it is possible to create custom personal computer and server designs which may be more clever and efficient than systems fashioned from standard components, the benefits of volume pricing and availability provided by the use of commodity components imparts a significant advantage to computer systems constructed from commodity SHV components.
FIG. 1 provides a simple block diagram of a standard high volume (SHV) symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) computer system employing currently available commodity components. The design shown employs Intel Pentium.RTM. Pro.TM. processors and a high-performance bus and chipset, such as an Intel processor bus and 8245GX chipset, respectively, that are intended to be the SHV companions of the Pentium.RTM. Pro processor.
The system as shown in FIG. 1 includes up to four processors 101 connected to a high-bandwidth split-transaction bus 103. A system memory 105 is connected to bus 103 through a memory controller chipset 107. Connection to standard PCI devices, not shown, is provided through PCI I/O interfaces 109. As stated above, all of these components are currently available commodity components. The characteristics of the SHV architecture shown in FIG. 1 include:
Support for up to four processors 101 and two PCI interfaces 107 on a single bus 103. PA1 A high-performance bus topology operating at 66 Mhz with a 64 bit datapath, and capable of a sustained data transfer rate of 533 MB/s. PA1 A memory controller 107 consisting of two chips 111 and 113 which present two loads to bus 103. PA1 processor bus-to-PCI I/O bridges (IOBs) 109 that will peak at a data transfer rate of 132 MB/s with a sustained data transfer rate of about 80 MB/s.
The architecture shown in FIG. 1, constructed of commodity components, simplifies the design of reasonably powerful multiprocessor system having up to four processors. However, the Pentium.RTM. Pro processor/processor bus architecture described above does not permit expansion beyond four processors. Other improvements to the system thus far described are also possible.

Dual-ported memory controller which maintains cache coherency using a memory line status table


An illuminator includes a light source section having at least one solid-state light source, a multi-lens array provided in a position downs ream of a diffractive optical member and having a plurality of lenses, and a superimposing system provided in a position downstream of the multi-lens array. The diffractive optical member divides light from the light source section into a plurality of sub-light fluxes corresponding to the plurality of lenses. Each of the plurality of sub-light fluxes is incident on a corresponding lens. The plurality of sub-light fluxes having passed through the multi-lens array are superimposed on one another on an illumination receiving region through the superimposing system.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an illuminator and a projector.
2. Related Art
A projector is an apparatus in which a light modulator modulates light outputted from a light source section in accordance with image information and a projection lens enlarges and projects the resultant image. In recent years, as a light source in an illuminator used in such a projector, a semiconductor laser (LD) or any other laser light source that produces high-luminance, high-intensity light has received attention.
To achieve a projector including an illuminator formed of such a laser light source, there is a known technology using a diffractive optical element to reduce the degree of interference fringes (see JP-A-2012-9872, for example).
In the illuminator described above, however, any variation in the position of the mounted laser light source or collimator lens undesirably shifts the direction of the principal ray of light incident from the laser light source on the diffractive optical element. A region illuminated with the light therefore greatly shifts, resulting in a problem of decrease in illumination efficiency.

Illuminator and projector for preventing a shift of an illumination region


An apparatus is for performing a medical procedure using an inflation fluid. The apparatus includes a shaft with two inflation lumens for transmitting the inflation fluid. A balloon supported by the shaft has an interior capable of being inflated by the inflation fluid transmitted through the inflation lumens of the shaft. The tubes defining the inflation lumens provide two outlets for transmitting different flows of the inflation fluid to the interior of the balloon. A stent and related methods are also disclosed.

Balloon catheters have been devised for use in various medical procedures, including angioplasty and balloon expandable stent/stent graft (implant) delivery. Commonly, a guidewire introduced percutaneously into the patient's vascular system advances via steering to the site of a stenosis. A dilatation balloon on the catheter is advanced over the guide wire until the balloon is positioned within the stenosis (which makes it desirable to provide the balloon with a particularly low profile, yet with adequate strength to be pushed through the vasculature). On inflation, the balloon compresses the stenosis by dilatation of the blood vessel to re-establish a more adequate blood flow path past the stenosis. To facilitate even compression pressure distribution along the length of the stenosed lesion, it is a clinical preference that the dilation balloon be sized and centered relative to the stenosis so as to fully engage the lesion.
Balloon dilation catheters have also been utilized in balloon expandable implant delivery in which the implant is disposed about the balloon and inflated into place at the stenosis. Catheter operators seek accurate deployment of the implant directly on the diseased tissue of the vessel in order to avoid stent migration to either side of the diseased tissue thereby avoiding or minimizing the chance of leaving some of the diseased tissue untreated. Accurate deployment also desirably avoids adversely affecting healthy tissue.
Implant misplacements may occur because of specific inflation dynamics experienced by the expandable balloon when deploying the implant. Many balloon expandable implant delivery catheters inflate the balloon preferentially from the proximal end of the balloon (and may suffer from the inability to transmit inflation fluid from the proximal to the distal end as a result of the placement of the compressed or unexpanded implant over the balloon). During inflation, the expanding balloon may form an asymmetrical growth or inflation wave that may be said to drive or plow the implant so that it opens progressively from one end to the other along the front of the inflation wave. The wave may sometimes cause the implant to disengage prematurely from the balloon, and may also cause a deploying implant to displace longitudinally away from its intended delivery site, thereby potentially ineffectively treating the diseased lesion within the patient's vasculature. This premature deployment is often described as "watermelon seeding." Accuracy of positioning is also important for stents and stent grafts, as missing the target can have deleterious consequences.
Accordingly, a need is identified for a balloon catheter that may be inflated in a preferential manner and with better regulation in order to facilitate the proper delivery of a stent, stent graft, or the like, yet without sacrificing the desire for a low-profile arrangement.

Balloon catheter having multiple inflation lumens and related methods


Plastic conveyor belts made up of modules interconnected by transverse rods and capable of straight or radius travel are adjusted as to minimum radius the belt can traverse by restricting collapsibility at the inner edge of the belt. This can be accomplished using shims in the slotted apertures of link ends, preventing full rod travel in those apertures, at each row or at alternating or selected rows of the belt; or shims otherwise placed in the belt to prevent full collapse; or by using different modules in certain rows, with less collapsibility; or by substituting different edge modules in belts of multiple modules per row. In this way, a basic radius conveyor belt can be defined, with a relatively tight minimum radius, and then can be modified so as to be custom-fitted to spiral conveyor or other belt systems having specific curve radii which are larger than the radius of the basic belt. By substantially matching the conveyor belt""s minimum achievable radius to the actual radius in service on the conveyor belt system, better driving performance is achieved, eliminating belt edge chatter and vibration.

This invention concerns plastic modular conveyor belts, and is particularly concerned with such conveyor belts of the radius type, that travel around curves as well as straight paths, and with fitting a belt of a certain minimum radius to a particular radius of curvature in a spiral conveyor system or in other radius conveyor travel.
Radius conveyor belts of the type with which this invention is concerned are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,742,907, 4,901,844, 5,181,601 and 5,573,105. So called spiral conveyor belts, which travel in a helical path as driven by a driving cage or tower, are shown or described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,901,844 and 5,069,330.
Spiral conveyors are often fitted with modular plastic radius-type conveyor belts which have a certain minimum radius of is curvature. These belts are used to fit a variety of different radii of driving tower on the spiral systems, and thus are often not matched even approximately to the actual radius of the driving tower, the belt thus not fully collapsing at the inner side of the curve and not assuming its minimum radius as it travels along the driving tower. Typically the driving tower has bars which engage against the ends of module rows on the conveyor belt, and in nearly all cases, the spiral conveyor system is operated in an xe2x80x9coverdrivexe2x80x9d condition whereby the driving tower""s actual speed of rotation is slightly faster than the belt inner edge travel speed. As a result, in the typical situation in which the modular conveyor belt is not assuming its minimum radius in being driven by the driving tower, the ends of module rows tend to bunch together and then jerk as a bar of the driving tower finally overcomes the group of row ends and moves forward beyond them. This causes a vibration or chatter to repeatedly occur at many different points along the inner edge of the belt. This repeated sticking and jumping back of the belt modules causes problems of uneven travel, premature wear and unsteady, unstable transport of the items being conveyed.
The same concern exists on non-spiral conveyor belts involving curving travel, where the belt is guided along the inside of the belt on curves and thus the inner edge must slide along a wear strip or guide at the edge of a belt platform. Again, the belt when on a curve whose radius is larger than the minimum possible radius of curvature of the belt can repeatedly stick and then jump forward because of the excess, unused collapse capability between the modules at the inner edge.
Therefore, it is desirable to substantially match the minimum radius of curvature of a belt to the actual radius of curvature of the system on which it is to travel, whether that system is a spiral conveyor belt system or another belt system wherein the belt travels around lateral curves. This is an object of the invention described below.
By the method of the invention, a radius plastic conveyor belt of the type described above is modified and adjusted so as to custom fit the belt to a specific radius of curvature as may be encountered on a spiral conveyor belt system or simply on a belt having lateral curves in its path of travel. In one preferred embodiment of the method the radius belt is defined as a basic radius conveyor belt with modules that allow a degree of collapse to define a preselected minimum radius of curvature small enough to allow the basic radius conveyor belt to be used on a plurality of conveyor systems having different curve radii. A belt system is selected for which the radius plastic conveyor belt is to be fitted, that belt system having curves which are larger in radius than the preselected minimum radius of curvature of the basic conveyor belt.
The basic radius conveyor belt is then modified by restricting its minimum radius of curvature to a larger radius than the preselected minimum radius, the larger radius substantially matching the actual radius of curvature of the belt system to which the belt is to be applied. This modification does not necessarily involve physically changing a belt; instead, the basic radius conveyor belt can be defined as containing a specific series of modules, but not actually assembled in that way. The modification can be simply by placing different elements in the basic belt as it is actually built, to provide the modified-radius belt. This is the intended meaning of the term modification, herein and in the claims.
Modification of the radius can be accomplished in several different ways. One method is to place at the inner side of the basic radius conveyor belt modules that are restricted to a more limited degree of collapse than the other modules, due to having shorter slotted apertures than the other modules, or other structural limitations to collapsing together. This can be done in every row, alternate rows, or every third row, etc., in regular fashion so as to restrict the ability of the belt to collapse together at the inner side in a way such as to limit the overall minimum radius of curvature of the belt, so that the row ends are substantially fully collapsed and bearing against one another at the inside of the curve, preventing chatter and vibration.
Another method for restricting curvature is to use a uniform array of modules, but to add restricting devices to modules at the inner side of the belt relative to curves. These restricting devices can be shims or stops placed in some of the slotted apertures or in other areas of the belt, such as against a center bar of the belt between adjacent projecting link ends, so as to prevent full collapsing together of the belt modules.
The shims or stops or modified modules with lesser degree of collapse can be located elsewhere than at the inner edge of the belt. For example, they could be located at about the middle of the belt, still being effective to limit collapse at the inner edge but allowing a flexibility or springing action at the inner edge which still can be objectionable if the inner edge is quite distant from the point where the collapse is limited. If modules with shorter slotted apertures are used, the slots preferably are positioned so as to allow full extension, to provide for tension across the full width of the belt in straight travel.
Another alternative is to restrict collapse at the same edge of the module rows by use of snap-on (or otherwise attachable) side plates or product holding devices which can be selected to restrict collapse as desired, to substantially match the desired radius. Product holding devices are often provided for snap-in attachment at or near belt edges, to provide a raised barrier. These can be configured to engage with each other in successive rows (or to engage with the succeeding module itself) to restrict radius as needed.
Thus, the invention in its broadest sense comprises a method for fitting a modular plastic radius conveyor belt as closely as possible to the particular radius of the path of travel of a designated installation, the method including defining a basic radius conveyor belt made up of a basic array of modules permitting radius travel in curves having tightness up to a particular minimum radius R1, then, when a particular installation needing a radius belt is designated, that installation having a radius of curvature R2 which is larger than R1, modifying the basic radius belt by restricting the radius of the modular conveyor belt. This is done by substituting different modules at a series of regularly spaced locations or otherwise hampering by a preselected degree the ability of the belt to travel around curves, such that the minimum possible radius of the modified belt is substantially equal to the radius of curvature in the designated installation. The installation may be a spiral conveyor belt or a belt traveling generally horizontally but through lateral curves, particularly when the belt is guided around the curve at the inside edge of the belt.
It is thus among the objects of the invention to substantially match the minimum radius of curvature of a plastic modular conveyor belt to the actual curves of an installation for which the belt is designated, the method comprising modifying a basic set of modules (whether the basic conveyor belt is actually assembled with such modules or not) to restrict the minimum possible radius of the basic belt and thus to modify the belt to fit a particular curvature, and thereby to prevent or minimize chatter or xe2x80x9cstick and slipxe2x80x9d action at the inner edge of belt curves. These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment, considered along with the accompanying drawings.

Method for radius limit adjustment on radius conveyor belts


A double buffered flash bank. In one embodiment, a flash interface may be programmed by a register interface with a first set of data while a second set of data is being written to the register interface. In one embodiment, flash banks may be programmed in parallel using latched register interfaces. For example, while data from a first register interface is being written to the first flash bank and data from a second register interface is being written to a second flash bank, new data may be written to the first register interface and to the second register interface. The new data may then be written from the first register interface to the first flash bank and from the second register interface to the second flash bank.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to computer system memory and specifically to flash interface in computer systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
Computer systems may use flash memory devices for storing data in a non-volatile memory medium. For example, the flash memory device may be electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) that uses transistors to store data without requiring power to maintain the data storage. Flash memory devices may be faster than other non-volatile memories, and therefore may be used in a firmware hub (FWH) for information storage. Flash memory devices may also be used as portable memory devices and in devices requiring quick, reliable access to data such as a basic input output system (BIOS), a memory card for a digital camera, and a memory device for a video game.
Flash memory devices may also be used when assembling computer systems to store programs on a motherboard. Programming time during computer system assembly may be critical so it may be necessary to program the chips on the motherboard as fast as possible. However, read/writes to a flash memory device may require relatively long periods of time to use in programming chips. Because conventional flash memory devices may not be read while data is being written to the flash memory device, a flash memory device may be relatively slow for use in programming chips or even in using a computer system in normal operating mode. For example, in conventional chip programming, data may be written to the flash memory device in programming mode and then read (i.e., verified). Usually, the read (or verify) process can only be done when the flash memory device is not in programming mode. Switching back and forth between programming mode can be very time consuming and therefore programming a flash memory device may be inefficient.


A system and method of monitoring vibrations, in a machine having a rotating element, where composite vibration signals are measured and filtered into discreet vector components associated with machine operating frequency. The filtered vectors are then evaluated to obtain a mean and standard deviation, whereupon a further value is obtained and compared to the prior values. Trip conditions may be set to initiate certain actions based on the meeting of the conditions. Additional data related to operating conditions of the machine may be analyzed in conjunction with the vibration data to be considered as providing a cause for vibration anomalies that may be observed. The operating, conditions of the machine may be displayed on a computer display in association with the discreet vector components, for example in a second level folder to the first level folder of the discreet vector components.

The present invention relates to the monitoring of vibration signals from machines with rotating elements. It is well known that rotating elements within machinery may subject the machinery to vibrations at different vectors related to operating frequency, yet most vibration monitors collect data as a composite for all vectors. As such, a single composite vibration vector is measured even though it results from a composite of, for example, 1× operating frequency, 2× operating frequency, and 3× operating frequency vibration vectors. Conventionally, this composite frequency vector is analyzed as such by hand in analyzation methods that are painstakingly slow. While this technique has been useful, it limits the ability of machine users to analyze and predict the true effects of vibration signals in a more refined manner, for example as separate 1×, 2×, and 3× vectors, and therefore represents a limited approach to machine vibration analysis.


A surgical instrument for repairing a lesion, in particular during arthroscopic procedures, in which the lesion is closed by a chemical and for physical repair is preferably a bioabsorbable tubular member placed across a lesion and irradiated with RF energy. The repair member is placed via a trocar delivery device. The repair system disclosed herein is easily usable for arthroscopic procedures.

Numerous surgical instruments for the suturing of human or animal tissues by physically or chemically attaching the tissue to the suture material are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,239 to Sinofsky and U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,934 to Sawyer both disclose examples of laying down a layer of energy reactive adhesive material along the incision and closing the incision by applying energy (either optical or RF energy) to the adhesive and surrounding tissue. The applied energy denatures the filler material and adjacent biological tissue. The reaction occurs to different degrees depending on the type, amount and intensity of energy applied. The denatured tissue and filler mix and when cooled harden to essentially glue the tissue together. Drawbacks to the disclosed methods include the need to physically place the adhesive material on the wound site, the cumbersome and thus inaccurate direction of the energy beam, both disclosures require that the surgeon manipulate several instruments to accomplish the task including physically holding the tissue in place and neither of patented devices or methods that may be readily used during arthroscopic procedures, such as meniscus repair.
It also known in the art that it may be desirable to mechanically attach the tissue to an anchor wherein the anchor is attached to "thread-type" sutures which are then used to sew up the incision such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,676. There is also the conventional approach to joining tissue segments by employing mechanical sutures or staples. This suffers from the draw back that use of conventional sutures may leave gaps between stitches and requires several steps to complete a stitch. Additionally both conventional staples and sutures do not chemically bind or mechanically attach to the tissue, thus they may move about or slip.
There remains a need in the art for a less complex, and more precise instrument for binding or securing together incisions or injured tissue in a variety of surgical procedures, particularly in arthroscopic procedures.


A display device includes a frame body (15) formed by joining a plurality of frame members (15a to 15f) for supporting a circumferential end portion of a display panel (2), wherein a cushioning material (17a) of a first frame member (15a) of the plurality of frame members includes a protruding portion (Ta) protruding toward a second frame member (15b) to be joined to the first frame member and a recessed portion (Ha) recessed inwardly, and a cushioning material (17b) of the second frame member (15b) includes a recessed portion (Hb) recessed inwardly so as to correspond to the protruding portion (Ta) of the cushioning material (17a) of the first frame member and a protruding portion (Tb) protruding so as to correspond to the recessed portion (Ha) of the cushioning material (17a) of the first frame member (15a).

In recent years, as a display portion of electrical products such as computers and televisions, for example, a flat display device (flat panel display) such as a liquid crystal display device has been used widely.
In the aforementioned display device, the positional relationship between a base portion such as a backlight unit and a display panel is fixed by supporting a circumferential end portion of the display panel with a frame body. A cushioning material may be provided on the frame body for supporting the circumferential end portion of the display panel. For example, in a liquid crystal display device described in the following Patent Document 1, a cushioning material is provided between a bezel and a liquid crystal display panel. Consequently, display quality is prevented from being degraded in a wide temperature range.


The present invention is concerning to a sheet processing apparatus comprising: a pressing member configured to press a folding line portion of a sheet bundle being folded; and a moving unit configured to move the pressing member to a folding line direction of the sheet bundle, wherein the pressing member pressurizes a part of the sheet bundle corresponding to a downstream side of a conveyance direction of the sheet bundle.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus and an image processing system, more particularly to an additional folding process mechanism which reinforces a folding line of a center-folded sheet bundle formed of a sheet of paper or the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
A sheet such as a sheet of paper printed out by an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or a printing machine is discharged from the image forming apparatus in one case and, in another case, made into a booklet by a center folding process in which a center part of a predetermined number of sheets being put together is stitched and folded inside.
On the other hand, in order to reinforce the folding line at a center-folded part of the booklet formed of a saddle-stitched sheet bundle, there is known an additional folding work in which a roller moving along the back of the booklet is pressed against the folding line portion.
It is known that the additional folding work is configured to press the roller against the folding line portion while moving the roller parallel to a folding line direction, the roller having a shaft direction perpendicular to the folding line of the booklet.
Having been folded in, however, the folding line portion of the booklet is bulged out by a shape restoration force generated at the time the booklet is pressurized and folded up by the roller. The bulged-out portion is thus pressurized by an edge of the roller that is in contact with a sheet end side from a stitch position, namely, the folded booklet corresponding to an upstream side of a conveyance direction, in a direction perpendicular to the folding line direction. This kind of work sometimes causes damage such as a pressurized mark left in a pressurized part.
There has been proposed a configuration, as a configuration that reduces such damage, in which the direction of the roller pressurizing the folding line portion is tilted with respect to the folding line direction (refer to Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 2003-341930, for example).
This configuration gets rid of the bulged-out portion and avoids leaving the pressurized mark by stretching the bulged-out portion while using a component of force that is obtained from a tilt angle and works in a direction to generate tension on the sheet of paper at the time the roller adds pressure while moving along the folding line or what is called a back of the booklet.
The configuration disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 2003-341930 can get rid of the bulge at the stitch position of the sheet of paper, but a shaft line of the roller is sometimes tilted due to processing accuracy or assembling accuracy of a mechanism used to add the pressurizing force.
In this case, the shaft line is tilted not in the aforementioned folding line direction but tilted relative to the surface of the booklet, specifically in a vertical direction relative to the surface.
This kind of tilt causes an edge of the roller in a width direction to be strongly pressed against a part of the sheet, thereby sometimes leaving the pressurized mark in the pressed part. Therefore, as it stands, the damage such as the pressurized mark done to the sheet cannot be completely eliminated even when the roller is tilted with respect to the folding line direction.
Considering the problem in the aforementioned sheet processing apparatus in the related art, there is need to provide a sheet processing apparatus and an image forming system including a configuration that can completely eliminate the damage such as the pressurized mark in pressurizing the center-folded part of the sheet.

Sheet processing apparatus and image processing system


A laser work station has a base member, a laser head mounted on a laser head support carried on the base member for movement of the laser head relative to the base member, so that it is movable thereon in X, Y and Z axes. A guidance system effects precision movement of the laser head in the X, Y and Z axes to move the beam about a workpiece, and an optical sensor assembly comprising a light source and light sensors about the light source to detect light reflected from the surface of the workpiece. The sensor assembly is operable to detect reference formulations on the workpiece as it is moved thereabout. The computer control indexes the sensor assembly to a preselected position relative to the approximate position of a reference formation on the workpiece, and moves it in a predetermined path from the preselected position to sense passage of the beam over the edge of the reference formation, and the work station uses data obtained from such sensing of the passage of the beam over the edge of the reference formation to adjust the coordinates of the guidance system to reflect the actual position of the workpiece.

The present invention relates to laser work stations and, more specifically, to a laser work station in which a workpiece guidance system may be calibrated to reflect the actual position of the workpiece therein.
Laser work stations are now widely employed for cutting and welding various types of parts. Generally, in the processing of sheet metal workpieces, the workpiece may be supported upon a work table and moved by a clamping and guidance system about the table relative to a laser head at a fixed work station, or the laser head may be moved relative to the workpiece by the guidance system. In the latter type of laser work station, it is desirable to be able to effect relative movement of the laser head in X, Y, and Z axes.
In some work stations, the workpieces are loaded onto the workpiece support or work table automatically by robots or other loading devices, and in others the workpieces are loaded manually. Some work tables have loaders cooperating therewith to position the workpiece thereon in a position to be engaged by the clamping assembly for movement by the guidance system.
In some machining centers, workpieces are initially processed and moved from a first machine tool such as a punching or nibbling machine, and the further processing of the workpiece may require the precise alignment of the workpiece in the guidance system of the laser work station. In some installations, the workpiece may be supported on a cart or carrier which is moved into the work station, which may be moved within the work station, and which then may be withdrawn therefrom so as to minimize the handling within the station. In other installations, the workpiece may be moved into the work station on a pallet.
In the copending application of Fredrich Kilian and Hans Klingel, Ser. No. 07/577,475 filed Sep. 4, 1990, there is disclosed a laser work station in which the workpiece is moved on a carriage into the work station, and a sensor probe is provided for movement within reference formations in the workpiece to provide information on their precise location within the work station for correction of the X-Y guidance system to the coordinates of the workpiece on the support. However, such mechanical probes have been found to have limited accuracy and to be limited in the types of formations which they may detect.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a ,novel laser work station in which an optical sensor system accurately senses the position of reference formations on the workpiece to enable precise calibration of the guidance system to the actual position of the workpiece within the station.
It is also an object to provide such a laser work station in which the workpieces may be partially processed prior to entry thereinto, and their position within the station may be precisely and quickly determined for calibration of the guidance system.
Another object is to provide such a laser work station in which the X-Y guidance system of a laser work station is rapidly and accurately compensated to permit precise operation on a workpiece which has been previously processed and/or which has shifted as it is moved within the work station.

Laser work station with optical sensor for calibration of guidance system


The present invention relates to a Drop Counter for counting a succession of falling liquid drops. The Drop Counter includes a light emitting diode for providing a light beam directed to a falling liquid drop. A photo diode sensor is positioned in side-by-side relation with the light emitting diode and detects reflected light from the falling liquid drop. The photo diode sensor provides an output signal when reflected light is detected and further includes a counter for receiving the output signal and counting the number of times the output signals are received.

This invention relates to apparatus for counting drops and this particular application for counting drops from a burette to obtain a measure of the amount of liquid reactant (titrant) added to an unknown solution.
Drop counters are known. These drop counters use apparatus directing a light beam across a chamber toward a light sensor on the other side of the chamber. When a drop falls through the chamber the light beam is interrupted, and thus providing an indication of the presence of a drop. See for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,181,130 to Bailey. Other known apparatus include a light source for directing a light beam toward a falling drop and include a beam detector located to detect a refracted light beam that has passed sidewardly out of a drop. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,982,289 to Kingsley, et. al.
There is a need for a compact drop counter which is reliable and not affected by ambient light or by conditions occurring when drops become fragmented.


A dispensing nozzle comprising an ultrasound emitter is disclosed. A wall of the ultrasound emitter defines a channel. The ultrasound emitter comprises an inlet, a top and a bottom. The bottom of the ultrasound emitter may comprise a conical outlet. The conical outlet comprises an outer diameter that decreases in size in a direction towards an outlet opening defined by the conical outlet. The channel may extend from the inlet to the conical outlet. The dispensing nozzle further comprises a tube. The tube may be configured to deliver free-flowing material to the inlet. The ultrasound emitter may be configured to deliver ultrasound waves to free-flowing material flowing through channel. The ultrasound emitter may be configured to induce cavitation in free-flowing material passing through the conical outlet. The cavitation may be sufficient to destroy microorganisms and reduce microbial contamination of the free-flowing material dispensed from the dispensing nozzle.

Use of ultrasound for pasteurization and sterilization of liquids is known. For example, in an existing method ultrasonic waves are emitted into a fluid with the goal of sterilizing the fluid, and killing and inactivating organisms within the fluid. In existing methods, ultrasonic waves are typically emitted into the laminar flow of the treated liquid, with an ultrasound transducer being mounted on a tank wall, where the laminar flow is arranged.
However, use of ultrasound treatment of fluids for their sterilization or pasteurization inside a dispenser nozzle presents different challenges than those addressed by existing apparatuses and methods. It would be desirable to achieve high efficiency of cavitation excitation in a liquid flow and a more compact design so that ultrasound treatment of fluids can be used for sterilization or pasteurization inside a dispenser nozzle.

Dispensing nozzle with an ultrasound activator


A plasma CVD method for forming a carbonaceous material containing diamond or microcrystalline grains therein is disclosed, which comprises placing a substrate in a reaction chamber said substrate provided with reduced Ni, Ge, or Mn on its surface; inputting a carbon compound gas into said reaction chamber; supplying an electric energy to said gas to convert said gas to a plasma; and forming said cabonaceous material on said substrate, wherein said reduced Ni, Ge, or Mn act as seeds on said surface of said substrate to promote formation of said carbonaceous material.

This invention relates to a carbon deposition method, and more particularly, relates to a microwave enhanced CVD method for performing carbon depostion such as diamond.
Recently, ECR (Electric Cyclotron Resonance) CVD has attracted the interest of researchers as a new method of manufacturing thin films, particularly amorphous thin films. For example, Matsuo et al discloses one type of such as ECR CVD apparatus in U.S. Pat. No. 4,401,054. This recent technique utilizes microwave energy to energize a reactive gas such that it develops into a plasma. A magnetic field functions to pinch the plasma gas within the excitation space. Within this excitation space, the reactive gas can absorb the energy of microwaves. A substrate to be coated is located distant from the excitaion space (resonating space) for preventing the same from being spattered. The energized gas is showered onto the substrate from the resonating space. In order to establish electron cyclotron resonance, the pressure in a resonating spaces is kept at 1.times.10.sup.-5 Torr at which pressure electrons can be considered as independent particles and resonate with the microwave energy in an electron cyclotron resonance on a certain surface on which the magnetic field strength meets the requirement for ECR. The excited plasma is extracted from the resonating space, by means of a divergent magnetic field, and is conducted to a deposition space which is located distant from the resonating space and in which there is disposed a substrate to be coated.
In such a prior art method, it is very difficult to perform carbon deposition of a polycrystalline or single-crystalline structure, so that currently available methods are substantially limited to processes for manufacturing amorphous films. Also, high energy chemical vapor reaction can not be readily accomplished by such a prior art and therefore it has not been possible to form diamond films or other films having high melting points, or uniform films on a surface having depressions and caves can not be formed. Furthermore, it was impossible to coat the surface of a super hard metal such as tungsten carbide with a carbon film. Because of this it is necessary to coat a super hard surface with a fine powder of diamond for use of abrasive which has a sufficient hardness and to make sturdy mechanical contact between the diamond powder and the substrate surface.

Plasma CVD of carbonaceous films on substrate having reduced metal on its surface

Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.


An outside plant equipment enclosure for housing telecommunications equipment, which normally operates when the equipment enclosure is closed, is provided. The enclosure includes an internal compartment for storing telecommunications equipment, at least one opening in the internal compartment and a hydrophobic material. The at least one opening defines substantially the entire area of the internal compartment which is open to an outer atmosphere when the telecommunications equipment is normally operating. The hydrophobic material entirely covers every opening of the at least one opening.

1. Field of the Invention.
This invention relates in general to outside equipment enclosures, and more particularly to venting watertight equipment enclosures which house telecommunications equipment.
2. Description of the Related Art
Highly sensitive telecommunications equipment, such as remote phone switching equipment, is often housed in an outside enclosure. Because of the sensitivity of the equipment, it is crucial that the enclosure be watertight, even in inclimate weather. Thus, enclosures of this kind are often sealed.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an enclosure for housing electronic telecommunications equipment. The enclosure has sidewalls 2, 4, top 6 and base 8. An interior chamber 10 for housing telecommunications equipment is provided above base 8. To cool the electronics equipment, heat exchangers 12 are provided. The interior chamber 10 is sealed by diagonal plates 14, 16 and a longitudinal plate 18. Air is not permitted to flow around plates 14, 16, 18.
The telecommunications equipment to be stored in the enclosure may have volatile memories which could be erased upon power loss. Therefore, backup batteries 20 and battery charger 22 are provided within the enclosure to protect the telecommunications equipment in the event of a power loss. However, the batteries 20 emit hydrogen and other gases when the batteries 20 are being charged and used. Therefore, there is a need to vent gases from the enclosure. However, as stated above, it is crucial that the enclosure be watertight.
Currently, fiber optics are used to transmit data long distances between large commercial users. However, it is generally not possible for an individual or small company to use fiber optics for receiving information. Work is progressing so that an individual user can receive multimedia data (video) through asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) on optical fibers. To this end, an optical fiber would be fed to a "pedestal" from which signals would be distributed to individual users by conventional means, such as twisted coaxial wires.
The electronics equipment housed in the pedestals used for distributing signals is highly sensitive. Moisture seriously interferes with the operation of such equipment. However, in flooding conditions, a pedestal may be under several feet of water. Moreover, it is necessary to dissipate heat generated by the electronics equipment.

Outside telecommunications equipment enclosure having hydrophobic vent


A coherent tracking apparatus for a CDMA receiver capable of achieving high accuracy tracking by suppressing noise. It includes a demodulation correlator for detecting correlation between a received spread signal and a demodulation spreading code replica inphase with a received spreading code included in the received spread signal by multiplying them, an absolute coherent detector for demodulating information data through absolute coherent detection of the correlation signal (despread signal) fed from the demodulation correlator, a tracking correlator for detecting correlation by multiplying the received spread signal by a pair of tracking spreading code replicas whose phases are shifted by .+-.1/2 chip period from the phase of the demodulation spreading code replica, a decided code corrector for performing reverse modulation of the difference (phase error signal) between the outputs of the tracking correlators with the output of the absolute coherent detector to remove modulated components of the information data included in the phase error signal, and a spreading code replica generator for generating the demodulation spreading code replica and the tracking spreading code replicas by carrying out phase control using the phase error signal output from the corrector.

As is well known, it is necessary for a direct sequence receiver to synchronize a replica of a spreading code generated in the receiver with the spreading code in a received spread signal. The synchronization process falls into initial acquisition and tracking.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a conventional DLL (Delay Locked Loop) used for the tracking. A spreading code replica is generated by a spreading code replica generator 1, and spreading codes whose phases are advanced and lagged by one chip with respect to the spreading code replica are fed to multipliers 3 and 4, respectively. The multipliers 3 and 4 take correlation between these spreading codes and the received spread signal. The correlation signals output from the multipliers 3 and 4 are passed through BPFs 5 and 6 which remove spurious high frequency components, and undergo square-law detection by square-law detectors 7 and 8. The outputs of the square-law detectors 7 and 8 are added in opposite phase by an adder 10 so that the phase error components are extracted between the received spreading code and the spreading code replica. The phase error components obtained are passed through a loop filter 11, and fed back to a voltage controlled clock generator 1. Thus, the generating phase of the spreading code replica is controlled so that its phase matches that of the received spreading code.
In this DLL, the signals after the correlation are passed through the square-law detectors to remove the residual frequency components of the carrier after the quadrature detection, or to remove the modulated components of the information data, which are contained in the signals after the correlation. Although this method has an advantage that the phase error can be easily extracted between the received spreading code and the spreading code replica, it has a disadvantage that noise and tracking jitter are increased because the noise components are also squared.

Coherent tracking apparatus and method for CDMA receiver


An object is to provide a new type of near-infrared ray-emitting phosphor which exhibits excellent emission intensity. A near-infrared ray-emitting phosphor is represented by a general formula, (Y, Lu, Gd)3-x-y (Ga,Al,Sc)5O12:(Crx,(Yb,Nd)y) (0.05<x<0.3, 0≤y<0.3).

Since phosphors have excellent emission characteristics and emit light while saving energy remarkably, phosphors are materials which attract attention also environmentally. Phosphors have been greatly requested to substitute for existing lamps by utilizing excellent energy-saving properties of the phosphors especially with an increase in social demand for power saving in recent years. The light transmissivity of near-infrared light through the living body is high, and application to nondestructive measurement has been expected. Near-infrared broadband light sources are suitable for multivariate analysis, and application to component analysis or the like has been expected. Especially for light sources having broadband emission distribution, light sources combining phosphors having broad emission spectra have been more strongly desired than combination of LEDs having sharp emission spectra.
Phosphors which are excellent in emission characteristics and have various wavelength regions are necessary to achieve such lamps. It cannot, however, be said that especially phosphors which emit light in near-infrared ray wavelength regions (near-infrared ray-emitting phosphors) have enough emission characteristics as compared with phosphors having other wavelength regions. Phosphors which are further excellent in emission characteristics have been desired.
As conventional near-infrared ray-emitting phosphors, chromium-activated phosphors such as InBO3:Cr, Y3Al5O12:Cr, Y3Ga5O12:Cr, Gd3Al5O12:Cr, and Gd3Ga5O12:Cr are known. It has been reported that the excitation intensity at 254 nm did not change even though the concentrations of a chromium element contained in these phosphors were changed (refer to Non Patent Literature 1).
Especially as to the molar blending ratio of the chromium element of the above-mentioned Y3Al5O12:Cr, Y3Al5O12:Cr wherein Cr=0.0005 to 0.008 (refer to Patent Literature 1), Y3Al5O12:Cr wherein Cr=0.33 to 2% (namely, 0.0033 to 0.02) (refer to Patent Literature 2), and Y3Al5O12:Cr wherein Cr=0.0005 to 0.05 (refer to Patent Literature 3) are known.

Near-infrared light-emitting phosphor, phosphor mixture, light-emitting element, and light-emitting device


A method of calibrating an incoherent optical fibre bundle to be used for image transmission, by determining the relative input to output position of each fibre in the bundle and processing the light output of the bundle accordingly. The calibration technique comprises, defining an address array capable of defining for the optical bundle the position of the ends of individual optical fibres in the bundle; transmitting a series of test images into one end of the optical fibre bundle, each test image illuminating a substantial proportion of the pixels and the combination of which selectively illuminate each pixel of the address array; analysing the output of the fibre bundle with reference to the transmitted images to produce a reference table of input to output for the fibres; and using the reference table to deconvolve an image transmitted along the fibre bundle. Calibrated incoherent optical fibres are of particular use for examining nuclear reactors, chemical vats and other harsh environments.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the transmission of visual images along optical fibre bundles.
Two types of optical fibre bundle are used: coherent fibre bundles and incoherent fibre bundles.
2. Discussion of Prior Art
Coherent fibre bundles are assembled in such a way that the spatial relationships between fibres are maintained, i.e. there is an exact positional correspondence between the two ends of each fibre in the bundle. Any image transmitted along the fibre therefore remains in its original orientation and is not corrupted.
Incoherent fibres are primarily used as flexible light sources and as such have no requirement for maintaining the orientation of the images transmitted along the fibre. Such light guides are manufactured by assembling the fibres at one end and clamping them, then stretching them out and clamping them at the other end. This process does not require the high levels of accuracy necessary in the manufacture of coherent optical fibres and therefore results in much lower costs. Light guides can also be made in very long lengths (tens of meters) whereas it is difficult to manufacture coherent fibres in such lengths.
It is consequently desirable to be able to calibrate incoherent optical fibre bundles so that they can be used as coherent bundles for the transmission of images.
In this respect various techniques have been proposed. UK Patent Application No. 2082012 concerns a system for a non-coherent fibre-optic bundle image decoder wherein the information on the relative input to output position of each optical fibre is stored, and a computer uses this information to reconstruct an image which has become jumbled in transmission along the fibres. However the relative input to output position for each fibre is determined by interrogating each fibre input with a spot of light, identifying its output position and storing the information. As the number of fibres necessary to produce a reasonably detailed output image has to be large, typically several tens of thousands, this approach is very time consuming. UK Patent Applications Nos. 2092859 and 2124054 also discuss devices using calibrated incoherent optical fibre bundles but as with UK 2082012 calibration is achieved by interrogating single fibres so that determining and storing the fibres positional information is again very time consuming. UK Patent Application No. 2128839 concerns an image display apparatus which uses incoherent optical fibre bundles. In this case the relevant positional information about the fibres is determined by illuminating successive single fibre wide columns of one end of the fibre bundle and noting the output positions of the illumination. Subsequently, and at the same end as the columns were illuminated, perpendicular illumination of successive rows of the fibre bundle, again one fibre wide, is undertaken and the output positional information noted. The combination of the information provided allows the relative input to output position for each fibre in the bundle to be determined. This technique is still very time consuming because a large number of measurements still need to be made for a fibre bundle suitable for image transmission.

Visual image transmission by fibre optic cable

The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northen Ireland


The thickness of a retardation layer made of a liquid crystalline polymer used in improving visibility in a liquid crystalline display or the like is changed every color pattern of a color filter layer laminated with the retardation layer without adding a special process therefor to realize retardation suitable for each color pattern as the problem of the invention. This problem is solved in the invention by making the total thickness of the layers 4 and 5 constant in a structure having black matrix 3, color filter layer 4 and retardation control layer 5 laminated on substrate 2, and changing the thickness of the color filter layer 4 depending on each pattern, such that each region of the retardation control layer 5 has predetermined thickness.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a color filter comprising a retardation control layer for improvement of reflection prevention properties or viewing angle and suitable for indicating various displays particularly liquid crystalline displays in color, as well as a method for manufacturing the same. The present invention relates to a display constituted of the color filter comprising a retardation control layer.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various types of displays have been practically used, and these displays are applied often by combining a retardation control layer with a linear polarizing plate or the like. For example, a circularly polarizing plate consisting of a combination of a linear polarizing plate and a ¼ wavelength retardation plate or a combination of a ½ wavelength retardation plate, a ¼ wavelength retardation plate and a linear polarizing plate is arranged at the observation side of an electroluminescence display thereby preventing light reflection to improve display contrast. In reflective liquid crystalline displays or semi-permeable and semi-reflective liquid crystalline display, a circularly polarizing plate or ellipse polarizing plate is used to utilize the light shutter effect of liquid crystalline molecules. For improving color compensation and viewing angle characteristics of supertwisted nematic mode liquid crystalline displays, retardation plates have been utilized. Particularly in vertically oriented mode liquid crystalline displays capable of high contrast display in recent years, a retardation film (negative C plate) having negative birefringence anisotropy with an optical axis perpendicular to a substrate is used in combination with a retardation film (positive A plate) having positive birefringence anisotropy with an optical axis parallel to a substrate (for example, JP-A No. 10-153802 (pages 12 to 13, FIG. 54).
As the retardation control layer in such a display, a stretched polycarbonate film, or a retardation control film obtained by applying a liquid crystalline material having birefringence anisotropy onto a triacetyl cellulose film or the like, is used, but an adhesive layer used in attaching the retardation control layer to a linear polarizing plate to form a laminate or in further attaching the laminate to a laminate display may cause light reflection, and the thickness of the retardation plate is not negligible.
Formation of a retardation layer by laminating a polymerizable liquid crystalline material on a color filter is also conceivable, but the retardation required of the retardation plate is varied depending on the color (which is actually the wavelength of transmitted light) of each pattern constituting the color filter; for example, when the central wavelength of red light is 650 nm, the central wavelength of green light is 550 nm, and the central wavelength of blue light is 450 nm, the retardation required of a ¼ wavelength retardation plate is 650/4=163 (unit: nm) for red light, 550/4=138 for green light, and 450/4=113 for blue light.
Accordingly, a linear retardation plate and a retardation plate having a retardation of 138 nm are usually used in order to realize circularly polarized light in green of highest visibility, but deviation from circularly polarized light occurs in a narrow sense in red and blue so that when a mirror surface is observed via a circularly polarizing plate made of this retardation plate under a white light source, reddish purple color is observed due to leakage of red and blue lights, which is problematic upon use in prevention of reflection. For use in improving the viewing angle characteristics of liquid crystalline displays, optical designing is conducted mainly in green so that upon indication in black subjected to compensation of viewing angle is diagonally observed, the observed black assumes reddish purple due to leakage of red and blue lights.

Color filter comprising retardation control layer, method for manufacturing the same, and display


NBT-PVA film dosimeters performance is affected due to high humidity levels. NBT-PVB film dosimeters with a relatively small effect of high humidity levels on its performance are invented. NBT-PVB film dosimeters are made by using alcoholic solution to dissolve both of NBT and PVB. The films are very useful for routine dosimeter in industrial radiation processing. A very high sensitivity NBT-PVB Radio-chromic film dosimeter is achieved due to high solubility of NBT dye in 2-methoxyethanol enabling the addition of very high concentrations of NBT dye in the film dosimeters. The dose response of conventional NBT-PVA dosimeter films are normally saturated after 50 kGy, while the invented composites of NBT-PVB dosimeter films demonstrated high dose range up to 100 kGy for high dose industrial use.

In radiation dosimetry there are numerous problems associated with the measurement of isodose curves and depth-dose distributions in high-gradient regions of beams using conventional measuring systems such as ionization chambers, semiconductors, thermoluminescent detectors (TLDs), and radiographic films. The evaluation of an ionizing photon beam is difficult by using silver-halide radiographic film, because of large differences in sensitivity to photon energies in the 10-200 keV region, even though its relatively high spatial resolution offers an advantage over most other radiation measuring systems. Energy absorption and transfer properties of radiographic films do not match those of biological tissues. Radiographic films also have the disadvantages of being sensitive to room light and requiring wet chemical processing.
The radiation sensitivity of the Radio-chromic Nylon Dosimetry Film System FWT-60-00 has been studied as a function of relative humidity of the air with which it is equilibrated. Data is presented for several temperatures and relative humidities of 20%-80%. The prior art results of the studies indicate a very low dependence on humidity over the range of 30% to 70% relative humidity with decreasing sensitivity at both lower and higher humidities.
Radiation dosimeters currently lack a high spatial resolution, absolute value of the absorbed dose, wet processing, environmental instability, and difficult data handling.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method of manufacturing a nitro blue tetrazolium and polyvinyl butyral based dosimeter film

KING ABDULAZIZ CITY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY


A narrow-band UVB emitting phosphor is described wherein the phosphor has a preferred composition represented by the general formula (Y1-x-y-zGdxCeyPrz)MgB5O10 where x has a value in a range from 0.02 to 0.80, y has a value in a range from 0.01 to 0.97, and z has a value in a range from greater than 0 to 0.05 and x+y+z<1. The phosphor has a narrow emission centered at about 312 nm when excited by radiation from a low-pressure mercury discharge.

The use of ultraviolet (UV) radiation for phototherapy is well established. In fact, UV therapy is now involved in the treatment of more than 40 types of skin diseases and disorders such as psoriasis, vitiligo and eczema. Phototherapy studies of UVB wavelengths between 260 nm and 320 nm found that a narrow-band UVB emission centered at approximately 312 nm is most effective for phototherapy while at the same time limiting undesirable erythemal effects. Since the skin's erythemal (or sunburning sensitivity) is at its maximum at about 297 nm, a narrow-band emission at about 312 nm allows a patient to have longer treatment times before an erythemal response appears.
The Gd3+6P7/2→8S transitions are ideal for 312 nm narrow-band emissions. However, f-f transitions of rare earths, being parity forbidden, are very weak and the use of a sensitizer is necessary to obtain a useful emission intensity. One of the first narrow-band UVB phosphors to be developed was sensitized with bismuth, e.g., (Gd0.5,La0.487)B3O6:Bi0.013. On excitation by 254 nm radiation, this borate phosphor emits the characteristic radiation with a very narrow band centered on 312 nm. However, because of the toxicity of the bismuth sensitizer, other narrow-band UVB phosphors were developed, in particular (Gd0.45,Y0.5)MgB5O10:Ce0.05, which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,319,161.
Unfortunately, the peak intensity of the 312 nm emission of the Ce-sensitized phosphor is only about 60% of the peak intensity of the Bi-sensitized phosphor. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a phosphor having a narrow-band UVB emission similar to the Ce-sensitized phosphor but with a greater emission intensity.


A drinking device adapted for use by young children includes a cap adapted to sealingly cover a drinking cup. The cap has a spout and a mount, and a valve cartridge removably attached to the mount for controlling fluid flow through the spout. The valve cartridge is removable for easy cleaning or replacement, and includes a valve holder that manually, frictionally pressfits into a barrel-shaped mounting flange on the cap. The valve holder includes a grip to facilitate removal of the valve cartridge from the cap. A valve retainer snap-attaches to the valve holder to hold a silicon rubber valve in place on the valve holder. The valve includes a head section with slits that define cooperating valve fingers that cooperate to selectively allow fluid to flow out of the spout or to allow air to flow back into the cup, thus allowing the valve to operate as a single and only valve on the drinking cup.

The present invention concerns drinking cups, and more particularly concerns a cap having a valve for controlling fluid flow from and back into a drinking cup.
Drinking cups for young children often include a cap with an apertured spout and a valve to prevent fluid from being spilled. However, traditional valved youth drinking cups are difficult and/or time consuming to clean such that the valve can potentially become unsanitary and/or not fully functional. This problem is compounded by the fact that some mothers forget or are too busy to spend the time necessary to thoroughly clean the valve, or do not realize how important a thorough cleaning is. Another problem is that, in many existing cups having valves, it is difficult to tell if or when their valve(s) is properly cleaned, particularly when the valve is positioned inside of a concave region in their cap where it is difficult to see and reach. There are also numerous additional functional requirements that are difficult to achieve simultaneously. For example, the valve must be fast acting in order to prevent spillage, yet must allow fluid to flow easily out the spout to a young child using the drinking cup. Also, the drinking cup must reliably prevent leakage, yet must also operate equally well at multiple angles. Also, it is preferable that the valve allow fluid still in the spout to redrain back into the drinking cup so that small spills do not occur. In the cost competitive industry of products for young children, the drinking cup must be mechanically non-complex with a minimum number of pieces to minimize cost. Where the cap and valve can be disassembled, the loose pieces must be large enough to prevent them from being lost and to allow easy reassembly, yet must fit into and operate in the relatively small interior of a cup sized for a young user. Further, the reassembly procedure must be apparent from the parts themselves.
Some known drinking cups have a cap that includes a first valve to control fluid flow out of the spout, and a second valve to control air flow into the drinking cup. However, this valving arrangement increases the number of pieces, doubles the sanitation and misfunction problems, and adds significant expense to the product. Another problem is that these known valving arrangements do not work properly if either of the valves becomes plugged or partially inoperative, which is more likely to occur with two valves than with a single valve.
Silicon rubber valves are known that can be used for dispensing food in a controlled manner. Several such valves are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,439,143 and 5,409,144 and patents related thereto. However, the silicon material can be difficult to retain in place since it is generally not possible to glue or adhere it to a surface. Further, the valve requires room to operate, which can be a problem in a youth-sized drinking cup located inside of a spout on a cap. Also, sanitation and/or replacement of non-functional valves continues to be problematic.
Accordingly, an apparatus solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

Cup for young children with cap valved for fluid control