The present invention provides a system of providing broadcast informations, comprising: a receiving processing unit for receiving both program and advertisement informations broadcasted and for extracting only the advertisement information therefrom; a reproducing unit being connected to the receiving processing unit for fetching both the program and advertisement informations from the receiving processing unit and for re-producing both the program and advertisement informations; an accumulating unit being connected to the receiving processing unit for fetching only the extracted advertisement information from the receiving processing unit and for accumulating the advertisement information; and a control unit being operable by an operator and being connected to both the accumulating unit and the reproducing unit for fetching at least operator-selected one of the accumulated advertisement informations from the accumulating unit and for transferring the at least operator-selected advertisement information to the reproducing unit for enabling the reproducing unit to re-produce the at least operator-selected advertisement information.

The present invention relates to system and method of providing broadcasting informations, and more particularly to system and method of providing broadcasting informations, for accumulating and reproducing advertisement informations of such multi-channel digital satellite broadcasting as received by a radio receiver loaded on a vehicle.
The advertisement information of the advertiser or sponsor such as enterprise are broadcasted between broadcasting programs in the television broadcasting and the radio broadcasting. Audiences such as television viewers and radio listeners view and/or listen not only the programs but also the advertisement information. The advertisement information is recorded on a video recorder and/or a tape recorder for subsequent broadcasting the advertisement information. In case of programs of multi-channel digital satellite broadcasting, the programs are selectively recorded in digital data formats on the basis of identification codes which identify the contents of the programs.
It was proposed that the audiences select desired advertisement information from various advertisement broadcastings and accumulate the selected ones to form data base. This conventional technique is disclosed in, for example, Japanese laid-open patent publication No. 9-214875 entitled "television receiver and radio receiver". There was also proposed a computer system such that after the broadcast of the advertisement information has been made via the radio or television broadcasting, then the audiences operate the computer system to display the advertisement information on the display screen and/or to print-out the same. This other conventional technique is disclosed in, for example, Japanese laid-open patent publication No. 10-111894 entitled "computer system allowing radio-listener or television-viewer to obtain the advertisement information".
If the above conventional techniques are applied to the radio receivers loaded on the vehicle, the driver does not usually desire to record all of the advertisement informations in driving and listen the advertisement informations not in driving. The driver usually concentrates to drive the vehicle and pays no attention to the advertisement informations. It is difficult for the driver on driving the vehicle to surely hear or catch the advertisement informations such as product informations and telephone numbers for contact in which the driver might feel interested. This difficulty may be solved by recording the advertisement informations. It is necessary to operate the recorder at the same time when the advertisement informations are broadcasted. Actually, however, the time for broadcasting the advertisement informations are short, and it is difficult to operate the recorder at the same time when the advertisement informations are broadcasted.
Meanwhile, the advertisers such as sponsors desire to repeat the broadcasts of the advertisement informations to enable the audiences to pad the attention to the broadcast and recognize the contents of the advertisement informations. On the other hand, the audiences or the drivers desire to listen again the already broadcasted interesting advertisement informations such as the product informations and telephone numbers for contact in order to surely recognize the contents of the advertisement informations.
It is difficult for the driver audience or listener to pay the attention to the real-time broadcasts of the advertisement informations and surely to recognize the contents of the advertisement informations when driving the vehicle. The advertiser or the sponsor is unlikely to have great deal of expectation in the effect of advertisement.
In the above circumstances, it had been required to develop a novel system and method of providing broadcast informations free from the above problem.

System and method of providing broadcasting informations


An apparatus and method for servicing multiple graphics processing channels are described. In one embodiment, a graphics processing apparatus includes a scheduler configured to direct servicing of a graphics processing channel by issuing an index related to the graphics processing channel. The graphics processing apparatus also includes a processing core connected to the scheduler. The processing core is configured to service the graphics processing channel by: (i) correlating the index with a memory location at which an instance block for the graphics processing channel is stored; and (ii) accessing the instance block stored at the memory location.

Advanced Graphics Processing Units ("GPUs") sometimes implement techniques for multitasking. In general, multitasking refers to a technique by which multiple contexts can be serviced using a common processing resource. Typically, multitasking accomplishes this goal by scheduling which context is to be serviced during a particular time interval, while another context waits its turn. In the case of a GPU, each context can be referred to as a graphics processing channel, and multiple graphics processing channels can correspond to distinct threads of execution of the same application program or multiple application programs.
When servicing a particular graphics processing channel, a GPU typically accesses a memory address space assigned to that graphics processing channel. For example, a memory address space can store an instance block, which is a data structure similar to a process control block and represents an execution state of a particular graphics processing channel. In accordance with a conventional multitasking implementation, each graphics processing channel is assigned a respective memory address space within a predetermined memory, such as a frame buffer that is closely associated with a GPU. While use of the frame buffer allows fast access to its contents, the relatively small size of the frame buffer can limit the number of memory address spaces that can be assigned, which, in turn, can limit the number of graphics processing channels that can be defined for the GPU. Unfortunately, application programs utilizing the GPU can sometimes require more than this limited number of graphics processing channels.
It is against this background that a need arose to develop the apparatus and method described herein.

Apparatus and method for servicing multiple graphics processing channels


A hole cutting device comprises a spike for driving through a sheet of material; at least one handle located on the spike at an end opposite to that of the tip of the spike; a first cutting member located on the spike and substantially adjacent the handle, a cutting edge of the first cutting member to be positioned substantially adjacent a first side of the sheet of material; a second cutting member located on the spike and joined with the first cutting member, a cutting edge of the second cutting member to be positioned substantially adjacent a second side of the sheet of material; and the handle moving the first cutting member toward the second cutting member to cut a hole in the sheet of material by the cutting edges.

This invention relates to a hole cutting device.
In particular this invention relates to a hole cutting device adapted for cutting holes in sheets of material.
In general, the present invention relates to a device for cutting holes in sheets of plasterboard, such as those sold in New Zealand under the GIB(trademark) brand name, and used as interior wall liners in buildings. However, this should not be seen as limiting, as the present invention may also have application to other types of sheets of material.
In practice, prior to plasterboard being affixed to the framing of a building, holes must be cut in the plasterboard which correspond with the location of switchboxes (i.e. for light switches/power points) attached to the framing.
Currently holes for switchboxes are created using a knife such as a STANLEY(trademark) knife to cut both sides of the plasterboard into a shape which substantially corresponds to that of the switchbox.
However, as should be appreciated this method of cutting holes for switchboxes suffers from a number of drawbacks.
One drawback with this method is that it is unnecessarily time consumingxe2x80x94due to the requirement to cut both sides of the plasterboard.
A further drawback with this method is that often builders do not cut holes which substantially correspond with the shape/dimensions of the switchbox. As a result, electricians often have difficulty accessing the mounting holes in the switchbox to which the light switch/power point covers are attached. Consequently, electricians often have to hack at the hole created by the builder so as to access the mounting hole which risks visible damage occurring to the plasterboard which may not be covered by the switch/power-point covers.
It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.
It would also be useful if there could be provided a device which is able to cut both sides of a sheet of plasterboard so as to ensure the structural rigidity of the plasterboard is not compromised.
Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a hole cutting device characterised in that the device includes:
a spike capable of being driven through a sheet of material;
at least one handle which is or can be located on the spike at the opposite end to that of the tip;
a first cutting member capable of being located on the spike such that:
a) the first cutting member is positioned substantially adjacent the handle(s); and
b) the cutting edge(s) of the member can be positioned substantially adjacent a first side of the sheet of material;
a second cutting member capable of being located on the spike such that:
a) the spike is effectively united with the member; and
b) the cutting edge(s) of the member can be positioned substantially adjacent a second side of the sheet of material;
the device further characterised in that the handle(s) is/are adapted so as to be capable of moving the first cutting member along the spike towards the second cutting member so as to cause the respective cutting edges of the cutting members to cut a hole in the sheet of material therebetween.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a hole cutting device substantially as described above wherein the cutting edge(s) of the first and second cutting members have the same or similar external outlines.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a hole cutting device wherein the cutting edges of the first and second cutting members have the same or similar dimensions.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided cutting members adapted to be used with a hole cutting device substantially as described herein.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a set of cutting members adapted to be used with a hole cutting device substantially as described herein.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of cutting a hole in a sheet of material characterised by the steps of.
a) driving a spike through the sheet of material; and
b) fitting at least one cutting member to the spike so that two cutting members are positioned on either side of the sheet of material such that the cutting edge(s) of the members are positioned substantially adjacent the sheet of material; and
c) moving the cutting members towards one another so as to cut a hole in the sheet of material therebetween.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for assembling a hole cutting device, said kit including:
a) a spike capable of being driven through a sheet of material;
b) at least one handle which is or can be located on the spike at the opposite end to that of the tip; said handle(s) being adapted so as to be capable of moving the first cutting member along the spike;
c) a first cutting member capable of being located on, the spike such that:
(i) the first cutting member is positioned substantially adjacent the handle(s); and
(ii) the cutting edge(s) of the member can be positioned substantially adjacent a fist side of the sheet of material.
d) a second cutting member capable of being located on the spike such that:
(i) the spike is effectively united with the member; and
(ii) the cutting edge(s) of the member can be positioned substantially adjacent a second side of the sheet of material.
It is envisaged that the spike may have a number of different configurations.
In general, the spike will be a member whose length is substantially longer than its width.
In some embodiments the spike may have a substantially circular cross-section.
In preferred embodiments the spike may have a substantially square transverse cross-section.
In general it is envisaged the sheet of material may be any sheet of substantially rigid material. However, this should not be seen as limiting.
In preferred embodiments the sheet of material may be plasterboard.
The handle(s) may have a number of different configurations provided the handle(s) is/are capable of being grasped.
In preferred embodiments the handle(s) may be pivotally attached to the spike.
In some other embodiments, the handle may have a threadable core capable of engaging a threaded region of the spike.
The first cutting member may have a number of different outward configurations.
In general, the first cutting member may have a substantially rectangular external outline, although this should not be seen as limiting.
The first cutting member may be adapted so as to be capable of being located on the spike in a variety of different ways.
In preferred embodiments, the first cutting member may include an aperture of a size and shape that substantially corresponds to the transverse cross-sectional profile of the spike, on which it is to be located. The aperture being such as to allow the first cutting member to easily slide along the spike.
The second cutting member may have a number of different outward configurations.
In general, the second cutting member may have a substantially rectangular external outline, although this should not be seen as limiting.
The second cutting member may be adapted so as to be capable of being located on the spike in a variety of different way.
In preferred embodiments, the second cutting member may include an aperture of a size and shape that substantially corresponds to the transverse cross-sectional profile of the spike, on which it is to be located. The aperture being such as to allow the second cutting member to easily slide along the spike.
It is envisaged that the second cutting member may be capable of being effectively united with the spike in a variety of different ways.
In some embodiments, the second cutting member may have its aperture shaped/orientated so that it is capable of interlocking with a recess/protrusion on the spike. Thus, a second cutting member may effectively interlock with a recess/protrusion on the spike when it is rotated from a first orientation to a second orientation; such that the recess/protrusion on the spike prevents the cutting member being slid back off the spike.
In preferred embodiments, the second cutting member may be effectively united to the spike via a pin which passes through the spike and protrudes therefrom to prevent the second member from moving back off the spike.
In preferred embodiments, the first cutting member may also include markings which enable the spike to be easily aligned with the central point of the hole to be cut from the sheet of material.
The cutting edges on the first and second cutting members may be a variety of external outlines so as to create a number of differently shaped holes.
In preferred embodiments, the cutting edges may have a substantially rectangular outline so as to cut a rectangular hole in the sheet of material. However, this should not necessarily be seen as limiting.
The cutting edges of the first and second cutting members may have a variety of different configurations provided 1the edges are capable of cutting holes in the sheet of material.
It is envisaged the handle(s) may be adapted in a number of ways so as to be capable of moving the first cutting member along the spike towards the second cutting member.
In one preferred embodiment, the handle(s) may include a cam portion which is able to contact and move the first cutting member towards the second cutting member when the handle is pivoted.
In another preferred embodiment, where the core of the handle is threaded, the handle may simply be screwed further onto the spike so as to move the first cutting member towards the second cutting member.
In a further preferred embodiment, the handle(s) may include a substantially curved end portion extending past a pivot axis, said curved end portion being capable of contacting and moving the first cutting member towards the second cutting member, as the handle(s) are pivoted.
In a further preferred embodiment substantially similar to Example 3, the handle(s) may pivot about a point off-centre with the central longitudinal axis/axes of the handle(s); dependent on the orientation of the handle(s), the first cutting member may be positioned, prior to pivoting the handle(s), either closer to, or further away, from the second cutting member.
Consequently, the hole cutting device is capable of cutting thicker or thinner sheets of materialxe2x80x94dependent on the initial orientation of the handles prior to cutting.
In use, the first cutting member may already be positioned on the spike at the time it is initially driven through the sheet of material. Consequently, in this instance all that is required is to fit and unite the second cutting member to the spike.
However, this should not be seen as limiting, as in some embodiments once a spike has been driven through the sheet of material, the spike may be withdrawn to allow for the fitting of the first and second cutting members thereto.
The first cutting member being fitted to the spike first before the spike is reinserted through the hole it made in the sheet of material. At which point the second cutting member may then be located on and united to the spike on the other side of the sheet of material.
Thus preferred embodiments of the present invention may have a number of advantages over the prior art which can include:
1. The provision of a quick and efficient device/method for cutting hole(s) of uniform size in sheets of material.
2. The ability to cut both sides of the sheet of material so that the structural rigidity of the sheet of material is maintained (i.e. there is no unnecessary ripping away of portions of the cardboard outer surface of the plasterboard).
3. The apparatus/method being more time efficient than the existing methods for cutting holes in sheets of material.


A cartridge includes a segmented elastomeric projectile and associated motion transfer member. The motion transfer member includes a cutting surface to separate the projectile segments when deployed. In a preferred embodiment, a cartridge includes a plurality of segmented elastomeric projectiles, each with its own motion transfer member. A piston element which is deployed by expanding gases, includes a force transfer element which engages an overlying motion transfer member which, in turn, engages its overlying transfer member. As each transfer member engages an overlying transfer member, its projectile is severed into its constituent segments.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to special purpose shot gun ammunition for use by law enforcement and the military and to methods for discharging multiple pliant projectiles reliably and very effectively from weapons. In particular, the present invention provides the ability to discharge a multiplicity of either less lethal or breaching projectiles from weapons at elevated levels of kinetic energy while minimizing the risk of both lethality and collateral damage.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the field of 12 gauge shotgun rounds there exists two general categories, especially in less lethal ammunition. The first is referred to by the military as a "point" cartridge or round. This round employs a single projectile and is directed toward and intended to deter a single or individual target. Significant improvement in this technology is disclosed in a related U.S. Pat. No. 6,782,828 B2, of the present inventor, which discloses novel techniques for discharging unitary less lethal or breaching projectiles from weapons.
The second type of cartridge or round is referred to as an "area" round. This round has multiple projectiles and is intended for use against multiple targets or personnel such as might be employed to quell an unruly crowd or a riot. Presently, the universal choice for the "area" cartridge has been rubber buckshot. The rubber buckshot round has approximately 10–12 hard rubber buckshot pellets that are from 60 to 90 Shore "A" in Durometer hardness, enclosed in a standard 12 gauge shotgun shell. That level of hardness is required to enable the rubber pellets to pass safely thru the barrel of the weapon.

Multi-projectile less lethal and breaching ammunition


A console assembly includes a console housing with a storage compartment having a member in a wall that is rotatable between a plurality of positions. The member includes an electronic port for connecting an electronic device that is accessible from within the compartment when the member is rotated to a first position and accessible from outside the compartment when the member is rotated to a second position. A second port may be added to the member such that the member can rotate to an intermediate position where one port is accessible from within the compartment while the second port on the member is simultaneously accessible from the outside of the compartment.

As automotive interior styling progresses, there has been an increased desire for unique and stylish solutions for console assemblies while providing a sufficient amount of electronic ports for vehicle occupants. These electronic ports, however, are not usually aesthetically pleasing to the vehicle occupant. Accordingly, the electronic ports, in some instances, are concealed within compartments inside a vehicle cabin making the electronic port only accessible to certain vehicle occupants located within very specific locations.


Systems and methods for performing a simplified risk assessment are provided. A historical transaction value for past transactions associated with related promissory payments is maintained. A request is received from a merchant to determine authorization of a financial transaction associated with a proffered promissory payment. The historical transaction value associated with the related promissory payments is accessed and determination, based on the historical transaction value, of whether to authorize the financial transaction based on a risk score or whether to authorize the financial transaction based on data stored in a negative database is made.

Many financial transactions involve a customer making a payment to a merchant in exchange for goods or services. Many times the payment is in a promissory form, such as a check that instructs the customer's bank to pay the merchant from a demand deposit account (DDA). A DDA is an account, such as a checking account, whose balance can be drawn upon on demand without prior notice. As is well known, the funds promised by the check are sometimes not paid, due to reasons such as insufficient funds in the customer's checking account or fraud. Examples of fraud include, but are not limited to, payments made with checks or debit cards that are stolen, counterfeit, or written for accounts that no longer exist. Thus, although it may be considered good business practice for a merchant to accept promissory DDA payments, the merchant is taking a risk whenever a check or other promissory DDA payment is accepted in exchange for goods or services.
In order to manage these and other financial transaction risks, some merchants subscribe to a service that assesses risks associated with financial transactions. For a given check transaction, a subscribed merchant can send a point-of-sale transaction approval request to the service with information, such as check amount, account identification, and check-writer identification. The service assesses the risk and either authorizes or declines the transaction based on the risk assessment.
In order to assess a transaction risk, the service typically calculates a risk score by inputting information about the check, the check writer, and the merchant into one or more algorithms. The algorithms return a risk score that is indicative of the transaction risk. A typical check approving process typically comprises a cutoff risk score such that a transaction whose risk score is higher than the cutoff risk score is authorized. Conversely, a transaction whose risk score is lower than the cutoff risk score is declined.
However, there are costs associated with performing the algorithms and calculating the risk score. Calculating the risk score consumes costly processor time. In addition, when the merchant has a high volume of transactions, calculating the risk score for each transaction can cause a significant delay in completing the transaction for the merchant and the customer.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A lithium battery having a weldable feedthrough which is compatible with liquid electrolytes containing organic solvents and lithium salts under long term use conditions. The feedthrough comprises a pin of niobium or tantalum and ductile alloys thereof and a low silica insulating glass positioned around a portion of the pin in sealing engagement with the pin. The feedthrough is assembled into an aperture of the battery case where it provides an electrically conductive pathway from the anode or cathode to the exterior of the case and provides a hermetic seal.

This invention relates to hermetically sealed batteries having glass-to-metal seals and especially to lithium batteries with organic electrolytes containing lithium salts which are intended for long term use in implantable medical devices.
Low silica glasses such as Ta-23 glass were developed for glass-to-metal seals for hermetically sealed batteries with lithium-containing electrolyte compositions. They are highly resistant to lithium ion attack for long term battery applications (more than 2 years of reliable operation and typically 7-10 years of reliable operation) and are highly effective insulators. A feedthrough pin bonded to the center of the glass seal is typically molybdenum due to its resistance to the corrosive effects of lithium battery materials and due to its close match with the thermal expansion characteristics of the glass. However, molybdenum also has a serious disadvantage in that it is difficult to make reliable electrical connections by welding to the molybdenum pin. Molybdenum can react with atmospheric moisture to form an oxide layer which can inhibit effective welding. Molybdenum is also a material with low ductility which makes welding difficult. Other pin materials such as tantalum or niobium, which are known to be more easily welded, would therefore be desirable.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,556,613 issued to Taylor et al., glass-metal seals for lithium batteries are disclosed with particular applications directed to sulfur dioxide and thionyl chloride cells. Although Taylor et al. does not disclose a glass with a low silica content (such as the silica content of Ta-23 glass) for the feedthrough, it does suggest that such metals as tantalum and niobium are stable with lithium. Similar suggestions are made in U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,372 issued to Bro et al. and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,168,351 issued to Taylor. However, not all of the materials set forth in those patents can be relied on to provide long term corrosion stability in battery feedthrough pin applications. Localized corrosion of metals in the form of crevice corrosion may occur when two metals or nonmetal-to-metal components are joined to form a crevice. These crevices can contain electrolyte which seeps into the interfaces, causing crevice corrosion in the form of pitting attack on certain materials. Feedthroughs prompt concern about corrosion due to the relatively small diameter of the feedthrough pin and the crevices formed between the sealing glass and the pin. Tantalum and other metals have, however, been taught to be suitable for use in feedthroughs outside of battery applications. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,858 issued to Taylor et al., a feedthrough for an implantable pulse generator is disclosed in which a feedthrough pin of niobium or tantalum is said to be suitable for use in combination with a fusible glass composition such as Ta-23 glass. However, it is not disclosed that whether these combinations could be suitable to make a corrosion-resistant hermetic seal for lithium batteries.


Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) data is obtained via network switch (SNMP) queries to enhance identification of switch-to-switch links in Layer-2 mapping. In particular, by analyzing the STP data, ambiguity in determining switch uplink ports may be reduced. Specifically, the STP data can be used in conjunction with other topography data to provide Layer-2 connectivity for nodes on a network topology. Layer-2 address mapping tables are collected from a topology mapping, and STP data is collected, along with address translation tables (ARP) tables. Using this information, switches are identified using Layer-2 address tables. The STP data can be correlated by comparing data in switches, identifying switch ports directly connected to other switch ports, and eliminating direct switch-to-switch port connections from consideration for further Layer-2 node mappings.

Network topology is the study of the arrangement or mapping of the elements (links, nodes, etc.) of a network, especially the physical (real) and logical (virtual) interconnections between nodes. A local area network (LAN) is one example of a network that exhibits both a physical topology and a logical topology. Any given node in the LAN will have one or more links to one or more other nodes in the network and the mapping of these links and nodes onto a graph results in a geometrical shape that determines the physical topology of the network. Likewise, the mapping of the flow of data between the nodes in the network determines the logical topology of the network.
Thus, network topology describes the specific physical or logical arrangement of the elements of a network. The elements may be physical or logical such that physical elements are real, and logical elements may be, for example virtual elements or an arrangement of the elements of a network. Two networks may share a similar topology if the connection configuration is the same, although the networks may differ in other aspects such as physical interconnections, domains, distances between nodes, transmission rates, and/or signal types. A network may incorporate multiple smaller networks. By way of example, a private telephone exchange is a network and that network is part of a local telephone exchange. The local exchange is part of a larger network of telephones which permit international calls, and is networked with cellular telephone networks.
Any particular network topology is determined only by the graphical mapping of the configuration of physical and/or logical connections between nodes. LAN Network Topology is, therefore, technically a part of graph theory. Distances between nodes, physical interconnections, transmission rates, and/or signal types may differ in two networks and yet their topologies may be identical. The arrangement or mapping of the elements of a network gives rise to certain basic topologies which may then be combined to form more complex topologies (hybrid topologies). The most common of these basic types of topologies include bus (such as Linear, Distributed Bus), star, ring, mesh (including a partially connected or a fully connected mesh), tree, hybrid that is composed of one or more network topologies, and point-to-Point.
Logical topology corresponds to a mapping of the apparent connections between the nodes of a network, as evidenced by the path that data appears to take when traveling between the nodes. The logical classification of network topologies generally follows the same classifications as those in the physical classifications of network topologies, the path that the data takes between nodes being used to determine the topology as opposed to the actual physical connections being used to determine the topology. Logical topologies are often closely associated with media access control (MAC) methods and protocols. The logical topologies are generally determined by network protocols as opposed to being determined by the physical layout of cables, wires, and network devices or by the flow of the electrical signals, although in many cases the paths that the electrical signals take between nodes may closely match the logical flow of data, hence the convention of using the terms 'logical topology' and 'signal topology' interchangeably. Logical topologies are typically able to be dynamically reconfigured by special types of equipment such as routers and switches.
Layer-2 topology mapping is difficult to accomplish because of the way Layer-2 switching data is organized within switches. A switch maintains a table of MAC addresses organized by port where each port has one or more MAC address entries for every MAC address received on that port. In the simplest example, a port in the table will have a single MAC address which can be used to uniquely map a network node that corresponds to that single MAC address to the given switch port. However, even this simplest case may not represent the true topology as switch tables can contain out-of-date or incomplete data depending on the network traffic that flows through the switch.
Further complicating Layer-2 topology mapping is the port data associated with links between switches. For example, when one switch, e.g. T1, is directly connected to another switch, e.g. T2 on port 3, the table maintained in switch T2 is likely to have many MAC address entries for port 3. This storage of multiple MAC address entries for port 3 is because some or all of the MAC addresses known by switch T1 that transmit data through switch T2 will be present in switch T2, port 3. It is these intra-switch links that present the most difficult challenge in rendering accurate network topology maps.
In conventional methodologies, STP data is regularly transmitted between switches for two general purposes: (a) to identify and prevent loops in network topology and (b) to select the fastest routes between switches when redundant switch links are present. Switches that implement STP maintain a table of directly-connected neighbor switches based on receipt of these periodic data. These STP table data can be used to identify intra-switch links and thereby reduce the complexity in rendering intra-switch connections and identifying and rendering other Layer-2 network connections.

Using spanning tree protocol (STP) to enhance layer-2 network topology maps


The invention provides improvements on a digital data processing system of the type having a first set of hosts, storage devices or other components coupled for communication with a first network manager. A second set of components is likewise coupled to a second network manager. Communications between the network managers and their respective sets of components utilize different protocols, the first network manager referring to components of the first set with identifiers that are unique to those respective components under the first protocol, and the second network manager referring to components of the second set with identifiers that are unique to those respective components under the second protocol.

The invention pertains to digital data processing and, more particularly, to networks and methods of operation thereof. The invention has application, for example, in managing mixed-protocol or heterogeneous storage area networks.
In early computer systems, long-term data storage was typically provided by dedicated storage devices, such as tape and disk drives, connected to a data central computer. Requests to read and write data generated by application programs were processed by special-purpose input/output routines resident in the computer operating system. With the advent of "time sharing" and other early multiprocessing techniques, multiple users could simultaneously store and access data-albeit only through the dedicated storage devices.
With the rise of the personal computer (and workstation) in the 1980's, demand by business users led to development of interconnection mechanisms that permitted otherwise independent computers to access data on one another's storage devices. Though computer networks had been known prior to this, they typically permitted only communications, not storage sharing.
The prevalent business network that has emerged is the local area network, typically comprising "client" computers (e.g., individual PCs or workstations) connected by a network to a "server" computer. Unlike the early computing systems in which all processing and storage occurred on a central computer, client computers usually have adequate processor and storage capacity to execute many user applications. However, they often rely on the server computer—and its associated battery of disk drives and storage devices—for other than short-term file storage and for access to shared application and data files.
An information explosion, partially wrought by the rise of the corporate computing and, partially, by the Internet, is spurring further change. Less common are individual servers that reside as independent hubs of storage activity. Often many storage devices are placed on a network or switching fabric that can be accessed by several servers (such as file servers and web servers) which, in turn, service respective groups of clients. Sometimes even individual PCs or workstations are enabled for direct access of the storage devices (though, in most corporate environments such is province of server-class computers) on these storage area networks or SANs.
To date, most of the focus of SAN management has been on providing solutions for networks that operate under the fiber channel protocol (FCP). However, storage area devices that operate under different protocols, notably, SCSI-like storage devices that operate under the Internet Protocol (IP), are becoming increasingly popular. The disparity of these protocols and components operating under them presents a challenge for network management, which is only further complicated by the existence of devices (such as gateway) that themselves may operate under multiple protocols.

Methods for management of mixed protocol storage area networks

International Business Machines Corporation


A method comprises continuously discharging a persistent vapor of bird repellant from a non-propulsion apparatus on a flying aircraft into an elevated airspace to substantially cover a runway flight path corridor at a commercial airport to prevent birds from striking subsequent aircraft in the corridor. The discharging automatically begins from a runway at the airport and automatically ends when the corridor is substantially covered.

Bird strikes can cause damage to commercial aircraft. The resulting aircraft damage is costly to repair. Also, aircraft downtime during repair is costly as it results in lost revenues for aircraft operators. So, it is desirable to minimize bird strikes.
Some have suggested putting lights (flashing lights, for example) and/or noise makers on the aircraft themselves. Such expedients have proven ineffective.
Accordingly, a more effective way of keeping flying birds out of the flight path of aircraft at airports is needed.


A threaded fastener includes an outer body defining a cavity and a central axis extending through the cavity, and a plurality of threaded segments positioned substantially within the cavity. The plurality of threaded segments is movable relative to the outer body generally toward and away from the central axis. The threaded fastener also includes a cap positioned at least partially within the cavity to secure the plurality of threaded segments within the cavity. The cap includes a plurality of projections engaging the plurality of threaded segments and the outer body to inhibit relative rotation between the plurality of threaded segments and the outer body. The plurality of projections is formed as a single piece with the cap. The threaded fastener further includes a snap ring removably coupled to the outer body to secure the cap within the cavity.

Embodiments of the invention generally relate to threaded fasteners and, more particularly, to quick-acting threaded fasteners.
Quick-acting threaded fasteners allow a user to quickly connect the threaded fasteners to threaded members (e.g., bolts) without rotating the fastener relative to the bolt. These fasteners typically include a plurality of threaded segments positioned within an outer body. When a bolt is inserted into the fastener, the threaded segments spread slightly radially apart, allowing the bolt to slide through the fastener. However, in order to remove the fastener from the bolt, either the fastener or the bolt must be rotated by a user. Such quick-acting fasteners also typically include small pins inserted through the outer body to prevent relative rotation between the threaded segments and the body. Properly aligning, inserting, and securing these pins within the body may be a cumbersome and time-consuming process, increasing the assembly time, and thereby cost, of each fastener.


A method of making dynamic random access memory cells having stacked capacitors of fin structures enabling the extension of the capacitor regions, irrespective of the used design rule. The method uses insulation layers having different etch selectivities, in order to extend the area of capacitor regions. The method comprises the steps of depositing three insulation layers on a semiconductor substrate, etching the uppermost insulation layer partially and then wet etching the intermediate insulation layer to remove its exposed portions completely and its hidden portions disposed beneath the third insulation layer partially to a predetermined length for extending the area of capacitors regions. The wet etch time of the insulation layers are controlled to control the etched length. With this extension of the area of capacitor regions, the buried contacts are formed by wet etching and are stable. Also, the number of mask processes is reduced, thereby enabling the manufacturing process to be simplified.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to semiconductor memory elements and more particularly to dynamic random access memory cells having stacked capacitors of fin structures and a method of making thereof.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Presently, semiconductor memory elements have a tendency to be highly integrated on a semiconductor chip. This high integration is achieved by increasing the density of the semiconductor memory elements on the chip. However, this increase in density results in a decrease in the area of the cell regions of the semiconductor memory elements. For obtaining a sufficient capacitance in a small cell region, there have been various developments such as dielectric materials having high dielectric constants and superior characteristics, methods of increasing the capacitor region, and methods for reducing the thickness of the dielectric layers.
The currently developed structures of capacitors capable of increasing the capacitor region are, for example, a stack structure, a trench structure, a stack-trench structure, a fin structure and a cylinder structure. Although these structures can increase the capacitor region, they require complex additional processing. As a result, they have been used sparingly in increasing the capacitor region of dynamic memory cells.
An example of one of the methods of increasing the capacitor region will now be described in conjunction with the manufacture of a DRAM cell having capacitors of what are known as fin structures.
FIGS. 1a to 1g are schematic sectional views illustrating a method of making a DRAM cell having stacked capacitors of fin structures. As shown in FIG. 1a, field oxide layer 2 is first grown on silicon substrate 1 so that silicon substrate 1 is divided into active regions and field regions. Subsequently, gate oxide layer 3a, polysilicon layer 3 and cap gate oxide layer 3b are formed in turn on the active and field regions. Cap gate oxide layer 3b, polysilicon layer 3 and gate oxide layer 3a are subjected to a photoetching process so as to form polysilicon gate structures (word lines) as shown in FIG. 1a. Silicon substrate 1 is then subjected to a impurity ion injection to form source and drain regions 4, also as shown in FIG. 1a.
As shown in FIG. 1b, Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 layer 5 (Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 is known as "nitride") is deposited over the surface of silicon substrate 1. As discussed below, Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 layer 5 is used as an etch stop layer in a subsequent processing step.
As shown in FIG. 1c, SiO.sub.2 layer 6, polysilicon layer 7 for a first fin of the storage node and SiO.sub.2 layer 8 are deposited in turn on Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 layer 5. Thereafter, an opening for a storage node buried contact is formed by a dry etching process.
As shown in FIG. 1d, polysilicon layer 9 is deposited on the overall exposed surface. Polysilicon layer 9 is formed as to contact the remaining portions of polysilicon layer 7 and also region 4 to form a buried contact as shown in FIG. 1d.
As shown in FIG. 1e, storage nodes are then defined by using a mask having a predetermined pattern. That is, polysilicon layers 7 and 9 (for the storage node) and SiO.sub.2 layers 6 and 8 are etched by a dry etching process with Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 layer 5 serving as an etch stop layer.
As shown in FIG. 1f, remaining SiO.sub.2 layers 6 and 8 between polysilicon layers 7 and 9 for the storage node and Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 layer 5 are completely removed by a wet etching process. Subsequently, dielectric layer 10 (denoted by a thick line in FIG. 1g) is formed on the overall exposed surface of the storage node defined by the remaining portions of polysilicon layers 7 and 9 (denoted 9, 7 in FIG. 1g).
As shown in FIG. 1g, polysilicon layer 11 for a plate node is deposited over the overall exposed surface. Polysilicon layer 11 subsequently is defined by mask and etching processes, and SiO.sub.2 layer 12 for insulating is deposited on the overall exposed surface. SiO.sub.2 layer 12 and Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 layer 5 are then etched by a dry etching process so as to form bit line contact holes. Thereafter, metal is deposited on the overall exposed surface, and the deposited metal layer is subsequently defined by mask and dry etching processes to form bit line 14. Thus, a DRAM cell having stacked capacitors of fin structures is obtained.
However, such prior art DRAM cells having stacked capacitors of fin structures have the following problems.
First, the process used to produce these structures is complicated due to repeated mask processing steps.
Second, silicon surface 1 at the buried contact regions may be easily damaged because the buried contact regions are formed by a dry etching process. As a result, the junction quality at the buried contact can be deteriorated, and the refresh time for the memory cell increased.
Third, the corner edge angles at the etched portions by the dry etch process are approximately 90.degree., which can cause irregularities in the thickness of the dielectric layer deposited on and around the etched portions. As a result, the deposited dielectric layer may be easily damaged, thereby resulting in the leakage of current.

DRAM cells having stacked capacitors of fin structures and method of making thereof


This disclosure relates to a milling blank for the production of medical-technical molded parts, in particular dental splints or ear molds, as well as a method for the production of such a blank.

Blanks for the production of medical-technical molded parts of the initially named type are known in various designs from the prior art. Both dental splints as well as ear molds are currently produced substantially by means of two different methods of the prior art.
In the case of the first method known from the prior art, an impression of the positive (tooth crown or ear canal) is taken in a first step. Then, in the case of a dental splint, a positive plaster model is produced from the impression, on which then e.g. a splint (negative) is deep-drawn or a 2-component material is applied by means e.g. of a spreading technology and is then hardened. In the case of the so-called PNP process (positive-negative-positive) for the production of ear molds, the hearing aid acoustician takes in a first step an ear impression (positive) for the production of an otoplasty (for devices worn behind the ear) or a shell (for devices worn in the ear). In a second step, a negative mold (N) is prepared by means of the impression, into which either a radiation-curable or an autopolymerizing, low-viscosity formulation is subsequently poured. It is then hardened by means of heat in a pressure pot or by means of radiation.
The dental splint (negative) prepared in this manner or the ear mold (positive) must be optimally fitted for the anatomical conditions. Inaccurate molds would otherwise cause discomfort (e.g. pressure points, poor hold) and impair the function of the splint or hearing aid (e.g. misaligned teeth/feedback). As a result, it is important that the formulation has the lowest viscosity possible so that even undercuts and the finest surface textures are filled in with material and can be formed as true to detail as possible.
Additive layer processes such as e.g. stereolithography, are used as another method group of the prior art for the production of splints/ear molds, which functions based on digital data. It is thereby known from publication U.S. Pat. No. 4,575,330 that low-viscosity, radiation-curable resins or respectively resin mixes can be used for the production of three-dimensional objects by means of stereolithography. Furthermore, it is known from publications U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,012 and WO 01/87001 that the stereolithography can be used advantageously for the production of ear-pieces.
In the case of the stereolithographic method, three-dimensional objects made of a low-viscosity, radiation-curable formulation are structured in a manner that respectively one thin layer (approx. 25-100 μm) of the formulation is precured by means of actinic radiation in a defined manner such that the created layer has the desired cross-sectional shape of the object at this position. The created layer is simultaneously polymerized on the layer cured in the previous step. The structure of the overall object can thus be accomplished with the help of a computer-controlled laser system such as e.g. an Nd:YVO4 solid-state laser (Viper si2 SLA System, 3D Systems, USA). The generated mold is postcured, if necessary, e.g. through radiation.
Special demands are made of the resin formulations that can be used in the stereolithographic process. In particular, the radiation sensitivity and the viscosity of the resin formulations as well as the strength of the molds precured by means of the laser curing should thereby be named. This not fully cured mold is called a green compact in stereolithographic technology and the strength of this green compact, characterized by the E Modulee and the bending strength, is called green strength. The green strength is an important parameter in the practical application of stereolithography, since molds with a low green strength are deformed under their own weight during the stereolithography process or can sink or bend during the postcuring, for example with a xenon arc or halogen lamp.
Furthermore, for process-related reasons, the green compacts are built on supporting structures called supports. These supports must position the green compact in a stable manner during the entire production process since the position of the green compacts must not change due to the coating process. Accordingly, the supports for a stereolithographic process can only have a minimal flexibility.
For all of these reasons, it is only possible in a very limited manner to generate flexible ear molds on the basis of three-dimensional data. For one, it is necessary for the stereolithographic process to use the lowest-viscosity resins (<3 Pa s) possible. For this reason, certain material classes, such as silicone materials or highly filled composites, are not accessible or only accessible to a very limited degree.
This also applies to systems that have a so-called temperature-induced memory effect. However, this effect is useful for many medical-technical applications and is even essential for new applications. For example, a dental splint can be twisted during insertion in the mouth. Through the memory effect induced by the body heat, it is then molded back into the optimal position while it is worn. This considerably increases the wear comfort and prevents the generation of defective positions in comparison to a hard, deformed material.

Milling blank for the production of medical-technical molded parts


A record linking platform having a computer system with a processor, multiple databases each having records, such as private health information. Each of the multiple databases are not in direct communication with one another. A control center is in communication with the different entities, the control center configured to: generate a site configuration file, a key configuration file, and a broker configuration file. A keymaster configured to: receive the key configuration file, generate a hash key, and transmit the hash key to the databases. The databases configured to: receive the site configuration file and the hash key; process the records to generate evaluation records data that conform to a data model specified in the site configuration file; and encrypt the evaluation records using the hash key. An honest broker configured to: receive the broker configuration file and the encrypted evaluation records; and link the encrypted evaluation records without decrypting.

With the proliferation of electronic devices and corresponding use of electronic records, more information is being stored than ever. Typically, there is no common formatting or shared record. Instead, each entity creates, stores, and manages their own records. Rarely does one entity have access to the records of another entity. Even if access to the multiple records were available, merging the data is not a simple task as each entity often acts independently and creates individualized record formats. In addition, typographical errors, outdated information, name changes, and other differences in the underlying data can make matching and merging the data even more difficult.
Record linkage generally refers to the process of linking records or data entries that represent the same entity in one or more databases. Similarly, privacy-preserving record linkage (PPRL) generally refers to record linkage without revealing clear-text linkage data or too much sensitive information about the units represented (e.g., through encryption or hashing). For example, electronic health records (EHRs) are being adopted across diverse clinical practice settings. EHRs enable clinical investigators to access detailed longitudinal patient-level and practice-level data not previously available. Rapidly evolving sources of rich health and wellness data include personal medical records, electronic diaries, online social media, disease-specific virtual communities, registries, and real-time personal health monitoring devices. Important data for research also exists in operational, administrative, and financial systems.
Linking data from these various sources presents many challenges. Moreover, some fields may be missing from one set of records or populated with outdated or incorrect information. As such, identifying data entries that should be combined may be challenging. There exists for improved systems and techniques for identifying data entries that should be combined.

The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate


A sintered titanium-based carbonitride alloy contains hard constituents based on, in addition to Ti, W and/or Mo, one or more of the metals Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta or Cr in 5-30% binder phase based on Cobalt and/or nickel. The content of tungsten and/or molybdenum, preferably molybdenum in the binder phase is >1.5 times higher than in the rim and >3.5 times higher than in the core of adjacent hard constituent grains. The alloy is produced by a particular method.

The present invention relates to a sintered carbonitride alloy with titanium as main component and containing molybdenum. This alloy is preferably used as an insert for milling and turning. By starting the sintering with an oxidizing treatment, it is possible to obtain a high molybdenum-content in the binder phase which gives the alloy improved properties.
Classic cemented carbide, i.e., based upon tungsten carbide (WC) and with cobalt (Co) as binder phase has in the last few years met with increased competition from titanium-based hard materials, usually called cermets. In the beginning, these titanium-based alloys were used only for high speed finishing because of their extraordinary wear resistance at high cutting temperatures. This property depends essentially upon the good chemical stability of these titanium-based alloys. The toughness behavior and resistance to plastic deformation were not satisfactory, however, and therefore the area of application was relatively limited.
Development has proceeded and the area of application for sintered titanium-based hard materials has been considerably enlarged. The toughness behavior and the resistance to plastic deformation have been considerably improved. This has been done, however, by partly sacrificing the wear resistance.
An important development in titanium based hard alloys is the substitution of carbides by nitrides in the hard constituent phase. This decreases the grain size of the hard constituents in the sintered alloy. Both the decrease in grain size and the use of nitrides lead to the possibility of increasing the toughness at unchanged wear resistance. Characteristic for said alloys is that they are usually considerably more finegrained than normal cemented carbide, i.e., WC-Co-based hard alloy. Nitrides are also generally more chemically stable than carbides which results in lower tendencies to stick to work piece material or wear by solution of the tool.
Besides Ti, the other metals of the groups VIa, Va and VIa, i.e., Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo and/or W, are normally used as hard constituent formers as carbides, nitrides and/or carbonitrides. The grain size of the hard constituents is generally <2 .mu.m. As binder phase nowadays both cobalt and nickel are used. The amount of binder phase is generally 3-25% by weight. In addition, also other metals are used, for example aluminum, which sometimes are said to harden the binder phase and sometimes improve the wetting between hard constituents and binder phase, i.e., facilitate the sintering.
During sintering the relatively seen less stable hard constituents are dissolved in the binder phase and precipitate then as a rim on the more stable hard constituents. A very common structure in the alloys in question is therefore hard constituent grains with a core-rim structure. An early patent in this area is U.S. Pat. No. 3,971,656 which comprises Ti-and N-rich cores and rims rich in Mo, W and C. Through U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/543,474 filed Jun. 26, 1990 and herein incorporated by reference, it is known that at least two different combinations of duplex core-rim-structures in well balanced proportions give optimal properties regarding wear resistance, toughness behavior and/or plastic deformation. Further examples of patents in this area are U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,904,445, 4,775,521, 4,957,548.
As a result of the dissolution of the hard constituents in the binder phase during sintering, the binder phase will contain a certain part of these in solid solution which affects the properties of the binder phase and thereby those of the whole alloy. The composition of the binder phase is determined by the starting raw materials as well as the way of manufacture, i.a., time and temperature during the sintering. It would be desirable to increase the alloying of group VI elements in order to obtain a more rigid alloy which gives improved resistance against mechanical stresses, i.e., a tougher behavior. However, such alloying has not heretofore been practically available.

Sintered carbonitride alloy with highly alloyed binder phase


Provided is an eccentric oscillation gear device including: a crank shaft having eccentric portions; oscillation gears having insertion holes into which the eccentric portions are inserted; an outer cylinder; and a carrier. The outer cylinder and the carrier concentrically rotate relative to each other by the oscillation of the oscillation gears due to the rotation of the crank shaft. The eccentric oscillation gear device includes a storage unit which stores at least one type of information out of: information on a parameter that originates from a processing error and influences rotation angle characteristics; information on a parameter that changes depending on temperature and influences rotation angle characteristics; and information on a parameter that influences time-dependent change characteristics and influences rotation angle characteristics.

As disclosed in the following Patent Literature 1, an eccentric oscillation gear device that reduces the rotational frequency between two mating members at a predetermined reduction ratio is conventionally known. This eccentric oscillation gear device includes an outer cylinder which is fixed to one mating member, and a carrier which is fixed to the other mating member. The carrier rotates relative to the outer cylinder by the oscillating rotation of an oscillation gear mounted on an eccentric portion of a crank shaft. In the eccentric oscillation gear device, a rotational phase difference is generated in the torsional rigidity of a gear device, due to the eccentric direction of the assembled crank shaft (eccentric direction of the eccentric portion). This changes the phase of the torsional rigidity at reassembly, such as during maintenance. Therefore according to the invention disclosed in Patent Literature 1, a rotational phase adjusting unit, to determine the direction of the crank shaft, is disposed. Thereby even during reassembly after disassembly, the phase of the torsional rigidity becomes the same as the original state before disassembly.


An image reduction method and apparatus to digitize and process an image signal. Level values a to h of peripheral pixels of a pattern, the level value of a watched pixel, and the value of a reference level Θ are input. The level value o of the watched pixel is a gain set value α, and added with the level values a to h output from the output ports of a selection circuit and supplied to a divider. The gain set value a is added with a value output from the selection circuit and supplied to the divider. The degree of signal processing is set by a ε-filter and the rate of watched pixels relating to the averaging operation is controlled and thereby, optionally setting the degree of signal processing.

For example, to reduce noise components included in an image signal, various methods have been proposed so far. Particularly, one of the simplest methods having a large noise reduction effect is a method using a low-pass filter (hereafter referred to as LPF). The LPF is a device for transmitting only signals having components lower than a reference frequency. That is, by inputting a signal whose frequencies change to the LPF and observing the amplitude of an output signal, a characteristic is obtained that a component at a higher frequency lowers in level.
However, when viewed from a different point, the LPF uses the average value of a watched pixel and adjacent pixels around the watched pixel as a new value of the watched pixel. That is, in the case of this method, signal levels of watched pixels strongly correlated with peripheral pixels are not greatly changed in their values even if the levels are averaged. However, random noise components having no correlation are averaged with noise components included in peripheral pixels and thereby, the value of the component is approached to "0".
Therefore, when using the above LPF, the noise suppression effect increases as the search area of peripheral pixels is widened. However, in the case of the averaging operation with peripheral pixels by the LPF, image edge information is reduced similarly to noises and resultantly, the whole image becomes blurry though noises are decreased and a disadvantage occurs that the image quality is deteriorated. Therefore, an LPF serving as noise reduction means is not generally used.
To solve the disadvantage of the LPF, the so-called ε-filter is disclosed (refer to Journal of Institute of Electronics, Information, and Communication Engineers Vol. 77 No. 8, pp. 844–852, April, 1994, Kaoru Arakawa "Nonlinear Digital Filter and Its Application"). That is, in the case of the ε-filter disclosed in this document, when averaging a watched pixel and peripheral pixels, it is first determined whether the peripheral pixels has a correlation with the watched pixel.
Specifically, by setting a certain reference level θ, levels of the peripheral pixels are incorporated into averaging factors when the levels are included in the range of ±θ of the level of the watched pixel but they are not incorporated into averaging factors if they are not included in the range of ±θ. Thus, whether to incorporate all peripheral factors into averaging factors is searched and a new value of the watched pixel is obtained by the averaging operations with the watched pixel and the peripheral pixels which are regarded as operation objects.
Therefore, even if an image edge enters a search area, when the levels of pixels constituting the edge exceeds the range of ±θ of the level of the watched pixel, the edge is not regarded as an operation object, for example, it never happens that an image becomes blurry due to pixels constituting the edge being included in averaging. That is, with the ε-filter, it is possible to suppress only noise components while leaving an image edge as it is by properly selecting the value of he reference level θ.
Moreover, an actual circuit configuration of the ε-filter is described below by using FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the diagram 1 shows a certain one point in an image area and imaged states of a watched pixel o and its peripheral pixels a, b, c, d, e, f, g, and h. Moreover, when substituting level values of these pixels with the same notation as a to h and o, the level values a to h of these peripheral pixels are supplied to a selection circuit 2. Moreover, the value of the above reference level θ and the level value o of the watched pixel are input to the selection circuit 2.
In the selection circuit 2, the absolute value (|a−o|) of the difference between the level value a of the peripheral pixel a and the level value o of the watched pixel o is first calculated and the absolute value of the difference is compared with the reference level θ. Then, when the absolute value of the above difference is smaller than the value of the reference level θ, the level value a is output to an output port 3. Moreover, when the absolute value of the difference is larger than the value of the reference level θ, the level value a is not output to the output port 3 but the value "0" is output. Furthermore, the same calculations are applied to level values b to h of other peripheral pixels b to h.
Therefore, eight output ports 3 equal to the number of peripheral pixels, for example, are provided for the selection circuit 2, and the level values a to h are output to the output ports 3 when the absolute value of the above difference is smaller than the value of the reference level θ and the value "0" is output to the ports 3 when the absolute value of the difference is larger than the value of the reference level θ. Moreover, an output port 4 is provided for the selection circuit 2 and a value obtained by adding "1" to the number of the output ports 3 to which the above level values a to h are output is output to the output port 4.
That is, level values a to h are output from the output ports 3 of the selection circuit 2 when absolute values of differences between a watched pixel and peripheral pixels are all smaller than the value of the reference level θ and the value "9" is output to the output port 4. Moreover, when absolute values of differences between the watched pixel and peripheral pixels are all larger than the value of the reference level θ, the value "0" is output from all output ports 3 and the value "1" is output from the output port 4.
Outputs of the output ports 3 of the selection circuit 2 and the level value o of the watched pixel o are supplied to an adder 5 and a value selected by the output port 6 of the adder 5 is supplied to a divider 7. Moreover, a value outputted from the output port 4 of the selection circuit 2 is supplied to the divider 7. Then, in the divider 7, a value outputted from the output port 6 of the adder 5 is divided by a value outputted from the output port 4 of the selection circuit 2 and the value of the above operation result is output by an output port 8.
A certain reference level θ is set, and levels of the peripheral pixels are incorporated into averaging factors when the levels are included in the range of ±θ of the level of a watched pixel but the levels are not incorporated into averaging factors when they are not included in the range and then, whether to incorporate all peripheral pixels into averaging factors is searched and only peripheral pixels to be incorporated as averaging factors are regarded as operation objects and as a result, a new value of a watched pixel obtained through the averaging operation with the watched pixel is output to the output port 8.
A specific circuit configuration of the selection circuit 2 of the above device is similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 6. That is, in FIG. 6, for example, eight comparators 20 equal to the number of the above peripheral pixels are obtained. Level values a to h of the above peripheral pixels, the level value o of the watched pixel, and the value of the reference level θ are input to the comparators 20. Then, each comparator 20 outputs the value "1" when the absolute value of the difference between a peripheral pixel and the watched pixel is smaller than the value of the reference level θ.
Moreover, a signal output from each of the comparators 20 is supplied to an AND gate 21. Furthermore, level values a to h of peripheral pixels are supplied to the AND gate 21 and corresponding one of the level values a to h of peripheral pixels is output to the output ports 3 through the AND gate 21 when a signal output from each of the above comparators 20 is equal to "1". Furthermore, signals output from the comparators 20 are supplied to an adder 22. Furthermore, an addition output of the adder 22 is supplied to an adder 23 and the value "1" is added and output to the output port 4.
Thereby, in the case of this circuit configuration, level values a to h of peripheral pixels are output through the AND gate 21 when absolute values of differences between level values a to h and the level value o of the watched pixel are smaller than the value of the reference level θ. Moreover, the value "0" is output when absolute values of the differences are larger than the value of the reference level θ. Furthermore, a value obtained by adding "1" to the number of level values a to h output to the output ports 3 through the above AND gate 21 is output to the output port 4.
Thus, the selection circuit 2 outputs level values a to h when absolute values of the above differences are smaller than the value of the reference level θ and a value obtained by adding "1" to the number of output level values a to h. Moreover, the level values a to h and the level value o of the watched pixel are added and the addition value is divided by a value obtained by adding "1" to the number of output level values a to h. Thereby, the averaging operation is applied to only pixels regarded as averaging factors and a new value of the watched pixel is derived.
Thus, in the case of the above ε-filter, it is possible to effectively reduce noises while preserving an image edges. However, even when using the ε-filter, because basic processing is performed by an LPF, image details having a high-frequency component and a small amplitude disappear. Meanwhile, when an object is flat, noises easily become conspicuous and the ε-filter has a large effect. However, when there are many high-frequency components, the effect of the ε-filter is small and noises do not easily become conspicuous.
Therefore, when an object has many high-frequency components, the ε-filter is turned off. However, it is alternative whether to perform signal processing by the ε-filter or not. In this case, a case occurs that a state in which processing is performed or not performed is not necessarily the optimum image processing. That is, noises increase when no operation is performed or image details disappear when an operation is performed depending on the content of an object.

Method and apparatus for reducing image noise


An ink drop ejecting printhead includes a substrate having an ink drop emitting opening; a heater on the substrate surrounding the opening; and an ink supply communicating with the opening to supply ink, whose surface tension decreases inversely with its temperature, to the opening under positive pressure relative to ambient. A variable-energy electrical power supply connected to the heater, whereby application of an electrical pulse of sufficient energy to the heater will cause separation of an associated ink drop from the ink supply. A power supply control is adapted to regulate the energy of electrical pulses applied to the heater from the power supply, whereby the volumes of separated ink drops are proportional to the energy of the associated electrical pulses.

This invention relates generally to the field of digitally controlled printing devices, and in particular to liquid ink drop-on-demand printheads which integrate multiple nozzles on a single substrate and in which a poised liquid meniscus on a nozzle is expanded to a pre-determined volume and is separated for printing by thermal activation. Furthermore, the volume separated drop may be controlled to permit continuous toning and grayscale toning of images.
Ink jet printing has become a preferred technology for the printing of color images. The term xe2x80x9cink jetxe2x80x9d as used herein is intended to include all drop-on-demand or continuous ink jet propulsion systems including, but not limited to, bubble jet, thermal ink jet, piezoelectric and continuous.
There are two types of drop-on-demand ink jet printers that dominate the market. Drop-on-demand thermal ink jet printers operate by rapidly heating a small volume of ink, causing it to vaporize and expand, thereby ejecting ink through an orifice or nozzle and causing it to land on selected areas of a recording medium. The sequenced operation of an array of such orifices moving past a recording medium writes a dot pattern of ink on the recording medium, forming text or pictorial images. The print head typically includes an ink reservoir and channels to replenish the ink to the region in which vaporization occurs. An arrangement of thermal ink jet heaters, ink channels, and nozzles is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,595.
The drop-on-demand piezoelectric printers operate by using a separate piezoelectric transducer for each nozzle generating a pressure pulse to expel the drops. U.S. Pat. No. 3,946,398, which issued to Kyser et al. in 1970, discloses a drop-on-demand ink jet printer which applies a high voltage to a piezoelectric crystal, causing the crystal to bend, applying pressure on an ink reservoir and jetting drops on demand. Color rendition is accomplished by adding a few (typically three) color ink reservoirs and associated nozzles and ejection means so that dots of different colors may be overlaid on an appropriate recording medium.
The above methods as practiced suffer from drawbacks, notable the difficulty of achieving continuous tone (grayscale) color reproduction. One method used to provide continuous tone color reproduction, namely the deposition of multiple drops with the same volume onto a single image pixel, allows only a limited number of gray levels corresponding to the number of drops deposited. The volume of ink drops has also been controlled in piezoelectric drop-on-demand printers by varying the applied energy, such as by adjusting the pulse height or pulse width of the applied electrical signal. This method tends to allow only a small volume variation and exhibits a drop velocity variation with size, making placement difficult on the recording medium.
Commonly assigned co-pending U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 08/750,438 entitled A LIQUID INK PRINTING APPARATUS AND SYSTEM filed in the name of Kia Silverbrook on Dec. 3, 1996, discloses a liquid printing system that affords significant improvements toward overcoming the prior art problems associated with power usage, durability, thermal stresses, other printer performance characteristics, manufacturability, and characteristics of useful inks. The invention provides a drop-on-demand printing mechanism wherein the means of selecting drops to be printed is by thermal reduction of the surface tension of the selected drop producing a difference in position between selected drops and drops which are not selected but which is insufficient to cause the ink drops to overcome the ink surface tension and separate from the body of ink, and wherein an additional means is provided to cause separation of the selected drops from the body of ink. To cause separation of the drop the system requires either proximity mode, for which the recording medium must be in close proximity to the orifice in order to separate the drop from the orifice, or the use of an electric field between recording medium and orifice. A drop volume adjustment can be made, for example in proximity mode, by altering the distance between print head and recording medium which requires increased system complexity.
Commonly assigned co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/787,657 entitled INK PRINTING WITH DROP SEPARATION filed in the names of James M. Chwalek and John A. Lebens on Jan. 21, 1997, discloses a printing system where by the separation of the selected drop is achieved by controlled thermal activation propelling it to the recording medium without the need for proximity or an electric field.
It is an object of the present invention to improve upon the above invention by demonstrating a new mode of operation. This mode, which was not previously predicted, permits control of the separated drop volume for continuous toning and gray scale toning of images. A volume change of at least a factor of 3 can be obtained with only a small change in drop velocity.
It is another object of the present invention to demonstrate a new mode of operation for a drop-on-demand printhead wherein electrothermal pulses applied to an annular heater located around the rim of a nozzle controls the expansion of a poised meniscus, the separation of the drop, and the volume of the separated drop, propelling it to the recording medium. Electrothermal pulses applied to selected nozzles heat the ink in those nozzles, altering material properties of the ink, including a reduction in the surface tension of the ink and causing it to expand past its initially poised state. Heating the ink adjacent to the heater surface to a temperature greater than its boiling point results in separation of the drop. By controlling the heating, a pre-determined drop volume may be delivered to the recording medium. This pre-determined drop volume may consist of more than one drop ejected as a result of a singly-applied electrothermal pulse.
According to a feature of the present invention, an ink drop ejecting printhead includes a substrate having an ink drop emitting opening; a heater on the substrate surrounding the opening; and an ink supply communicating with the opening to supply ink, whose surface tension decreases inversely with its temperature, to the opening under positive pressure relative to ambient. A variable-energy electrical power supply connected to the heater, whereby application of an electrical pulse of sufficient energy to the heater will cause separation of an associated ink drop from the ink supply. A power supply control is adapted to regulate the energy of electrical pulses applied to the heater from the power supply, whereby the volumes of separated ink drops are proportional to the energy of the associated electrical pulses.
According to another feature of the present invention, a process for ejecting ink from a printhead includes the steps of communicating an ink supply, whose surface tension decreases inversely with its temperature, with an ink-emitting opening to supply ink to the opening; applying positive pressure relative to ambient to the ink supply; adjustably applying pulses of heat to the ink at the opening of sufficient energy to cause separation of associated ink drops from the ink supply; and variably adjusting the applied heat pulse energy, whereby the volume of the separated ink drops are proportional to the energy of associated heat pulses.
The invention, and its objects and advantages, will become more apparent in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments presented below.

Ink printing with variable drop volume separation


A liquid dispenser includes a body having an inner cavity for containing liquid, and an aperture providing access to the inner cavity. A push pump is fitted within the aperture. At least one height adjustable mount is connected to the body for releasably attaching the body to a surface. Preferably the body is conformingly shaped. An adapter can connect the liquid dispenser to a liquid container for filling the liquid dispenser.

The present invention relates to the dispensement of liquids. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a device and method for dispensing liquids such as soap.
Liquid dispensers that incorporate push pumps are found in various places throughout the home, including in the kitchen and bathroom. These liquid dispensers can be used for dispensing soap, lotion, or other types of liquid. Liquid dispensers for dispensing soap are often preferred over using a bar of soap because liquid dispensers are generally cleaner and create less mess than bars of soap. Nevertheless, despite this advantage of liquid dispensers, problems remain. These problems are magnified when young children use liquid dispensers. For example, children often cannot reach the soap on the back of the sink. Therefore, the soap is difficult to dispense for the children, and they may not even use it. Moreover, children may be inclined to pump more soap than is necessary thereby wasting the soap. Children may also pump soap and dispense it onto the countertop. Children are not likely to clean the countertop.
Of course, liquid dispensers are found in environments outside the home as well, including, for example, in boats, recreational vehicles (RVs), and other environments where liquid may need to be dispensed.
Therefore, what is needed is an improved dispenser for dispensing liquid.
Thus, it is a primary object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to improve upon the state of the art.
It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a liquid dispenser that reduces the likelihood of messes being made.
Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is a liquid dispenser that can be used by children which promotes better hygiene and prevents the spread of germs.
Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a liquid dispenser with an ergonomic design, making the dispenser adaptable to various environments including, but not limited to the home environment, boats, and RVs.
These and/or other objects, features or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specification and claims. The present invention is not to be limited by these objects, features, or advantages.


A composition of matter includes one or more functionalized vinylbenzyl components of the formula

Some current dental restorative applications may include: 1) a bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate/triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA/TEG-DMA) (see FIG. 1), and/or a urethane dimethacrylate-based polymer to provide a resin network, 2) reinforcing filler particles treated with coupling agents (containing hydrolyzable ester connecting groups) to bind the resin to the particles, and 3) bonding agents (also containing hydrolyzable ester connecting groups). These systems and their accompanying use instructions may not produce satisfactory durability and esthetics over time. In addition to a short average service life, these systems are subject to leaching of unreacted monomers, bisphenol A (BPA), and system degradation products.

Resin composites for use in dental preventive and restorative applications

Abstract: covalently connected to one or more R functional components; the one or more R functional groups selected from a group including one or more hydroxyl methyl (—CHOH—) moieties and/or derivatives thereof, one or more ethoxy (—CH2—CH2—O—) moieties and/or derivatives thereof, end one or more benzene (C6H6) and/or derivatives thereof; and ether links that connect the functionalized vinylbenzyl components and the R functional components.


A system and method substantially eliminate reticle slip during the movement of a reticle stage. The system includes a mask holding system, a mask force device, and a support transport device. The mask holding system includes a support device and a holding device where the holding device releasably couples a mask, e.g., a patterning device such as a reticle having a pattern, to the support device. The mask force device is releasably connected to the mask in order to provide an accelerating force to the mask, such that a projection optic in a lithographic apparatus may accurately project a pattern imparted by the patterning device onto a target portion of the substrate by using a radiation beam. The support transport device is coupled to and moves the mask support device concurrently with the mask force device.

Lithography is widely recognized as a key process in manufacturing integrated circuits (ICs) as well as other devices and/or structures. A lithographic apparatus is a machine, used during lithography, which applies a desired pattern onto a substrate, such as onto a target portion of the substrate. During manufacture of ICs with a lithographic apparatus, a patterning device, which is alternatively referred to as a mask or a reticle, is typically used to generate a circuit pattern to be formed on an individual layer in an IC. This pattern is transferred onto the target portion (e.g., comprising part of, one, or several dies) on the substrate (e.g., a silicon wafer). Transfer of the pattern is typically via imaging onto a layer of radiation-sensitive material (e.g., resist) provided on the substrate. In general, a single substrate contains a network of adjacent target portions that are successively patterned.
Known lithographic apparatus include steppers, in which each target portion is irradiated by exposing an entire pattern onto the target portion at one time, and scanners, in which each target portion is irradiated by scanning the pattern through a radiation beam in a given direction (the "scanning" direction) while synchronously scanning the substrate parallel or anti-parallel to this direction. It is also possible to transfer the pattern from the patterning device to the substrate by imprinting the pattern onto the substrate.
To increase production rate of scanned patterns, a patterning device, e.g., a mask or reticle, is scanned at constant velocity, for example 3 meters/second across a projection lens, back and forth along a scan direction. Therefore, starting from rest, the reticle quickly accelerates to reach the scan velocity, then at the end of the scan, it quickly decelerates to zero, reverses direction and accelerates in the opposite direction to reach the scan velocity. The acceleration/deceleration rate is, for example, 15 times the acceleration of gravity. There is no inertial force on the reticle during the constant velocity portion of the scan. However, the large inertial force encountered during the acceleration and deceleration portions of the scan, for example 60 Newtons (=0.4 kg of reticle mass×150 m/sec2 of acceleration) can lead to slippage of the reticle. Such slippage can result in a misaligned device pattern on a substrate. Attempts to solve misalignment include using a clamp to hold the reticle in place and/or using a friction coating to increase friction between the reticle and the clamp. Ever increasing production rates demand ever faster direction reversals, and therefore higher accelerations have reduced the benefits of these solutions.
Other attempts to solve reticle slippage include devices that are mounted on a chuck of a reticle stage to exert a force between the reticle and the chuck equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the inertial force experienced by the reticle during the acceleration portion of the motion of the stage. External power or inertial masses and levers are used to produce the force.
Externally powered anti-slip devices dissipate power near the reticle so they can cause thermal stability problems. Also, wires can dynamically couple the chuck to a moving frame, which is undesirable for vibration isolation. Separate control requires extra electronic hardware and software.
Inertial anti-slip devices can add substantial mass to the chuck, which is undesirable for high acceleration. Inertial anti-slip devices can further complicate the dynamics of the chuck by adding low eigenmodes that require additional filtering of an input motion command signal.

Reticle support that reduces reticle slippage


A deterrent apparatus having a non-conductive tubing having a length, an outer surface and an inner surface defining a lumen, and at least a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor present on the outer surface of the non-conductive tubing. A power source comprising a battery having a first terminal and a second terminal is connected to the conductors so that the first terminal is electrically connected to the first conductor and the second terminal is electrically connected to the second conductor. The deterrent apparatus is suitable for use on medical tubing or veterinary tubing, for example, to deter animals from chewing or biting at the tubing.

There exist various medical tubes, hoses or lines which function to administer fluids (liquid or gas), medicines and/or nourishment into the body of a patient. In some embodiments, the patient is an animal, for example, a dog or a cat. IV lines are typically thin, flexible, plastic tubes that run from a bottle or bag of liquid a certain distance to an injection needle or to an intravenous catheter placed in a vein in the patient's body. Medicines may be injected into the IV system and infused into the fluid contained in the bottle or bag. The rate or speed of the infusion is typically set or controlled by a roller clamp on the tube, by a balloon that squeezes out the medicine, or by an electronic pump. Gas tubes are somewhat similar to IV lines, and typically transmit oxygen gas from a tank to a mask or small tubes (e.g., nasal cannula) placed just inside the nostrils. Feeding tubes transmit liquid food or nutrients from a bag or bottle to a tube placed in the stomach or the small intestine. The tube may go in through the nose or via the wall of the stomach. Liquids in IV lines must be sterile to avoid introducing germs into the bloodstream and causing infections. The IV lines must be handled carefully to keep germs out of the patient's body. Tube feedings and oxygen tubes should be kept clean, but do not have to be sterile.
From time-to-time, patients, particularly animals, resist having medical tubes attached to them. The tubing may cause discomfort. Also, animals are naturally inclined to attempt to remove such devices by licking or biting the device. If the patient removes the device, the effect of the medication, feeding or breathing means will be lost, resulting in a danger to the patient. At the very least, this necessitates reapplication of a new tube, incurring added expense in both time and money.
For animals, a common device to deter this removal is the placement of a collar on the animal so that it cannot gain access to the device. This is not always effective and thus a solution to this problem has been to devise a means to deter the animal from removing the therapeutic device.
In addition to the collar, there exists a means to deter animals from licking, chewing or removing bandages, wraps, and the like attached to the animal for treatment of wounds and surgical incisions. A product, STOPLIK™ Lick Deterrent System, is manufactured and sold by Rockway, Inc. of Spring Valley, Wis., USA. This deterrent device includes an adhesive strip with low electric current for application to the body of an animal either on, over or adjacent to a wound or injury to deter or discourage the animal from aggregating the wound by licking or chewing on the wound or the wrap or bandage. This device is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,896,830 and 6,453,850. This device comprises a strip-like laminate body, adhesively coated on the inward side and with printed conductors on the outward side connected to a battery. When the animal attempts to remove the wound wrapping by licking or biting, a low voltage electrical shock is administered when the tongue contacts both terminals of the printed conductive surface.
The existing technology is believed to have limitations and shortcomings. A need therefor exists for improvements.