The present invention relates to a polyester-fiber-treatment agent that can impart smoothness and flexibility to polyester fiber at the same time that it also equips the polyester fiber with nonflammability. The treatment agent for the polyester fiber is based on an organosilicon compound that contains an organic group comprising a bromine-containing organic group bonded to silicon via carbon where the organosilicon compound has a bromine content of at least 5 weight percent.

The present invention relates to a composition for a treatment agent for polyester fiber (polyester-fiber-treatment agent or PFTA). More specifically, the present invention relates to a PFTA that is capable of imparting smoothness and flexibility to polyester fiber at the same time that it can equip polyester fiber with nonflammability. Polyester (PE) fiber has better heat-settability, crease resistance, and dyeability than other synthetic fibers such as nylon fiber, acrylonitrile fiber, polyvinyl chloride fiber, and polypropylene fiber, and has therefore been used for clothing fabric where such properties are critical. However, polyester fiber suffers from poor flexibility and poor smoothness. In response to these problems, there have been attempts at improving the smoothness and flexibility of polyester fiber or PE fiber-based fabric through the application of various types of organopolysiloxanes, for example, dimethylpolysiloxanes, amino-containing organopolysiloxanes, epoxy-containing organopolysiloxanes, and carboxyl-containing organopolysiloxanes. However, all of the above-listed organopolysiloxanes are flammable compounds, and the flammability of PE fiber coated with them is therefore increased. In order to resolve this problem, various types of flame retardants have been blended into PE resins and the aforementioned polyorganosiloxane has then been applied to the PE fiber or fabric made from this flame-retarded PE resin. However, these methods are unsatisfactory because they cause a deterioration in the physical properties of the PE fiber.


An amplifying apparatus provided by the present invention comprises a direct-coupled inverting amplifier and an alternating-current feedback circuit as well as a direct-current feedback circuit connected between input and output terminals of the direct-coupled inverting amplifier, wherein the direct-current feedback circuit comprises an operating-point extracting circuit for extracting a direct-current component and a bias-voltage generator having a direct-current signal gain larger than an alternating-current signal gain thereof and a direct-current operating bias voltage of the direct-coupled inverting amplifier is set by using a signal output by the bias-voltage generator. Such a configuration enables the amplifying apparatus to offer high-speed operations, a large dynamic range and a highly stable direct-current operating point regardless of the type of a signal input therein and allows an alternating-current signal gain to be set independently of the stability of the direct-current operating point.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an amplifying apparatus suitable for amplification of, among other things, a detection signal output by an object detecting apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to an amplifying apparatus which has a high direct-current operating-point stability and a large dynamic range as well as an alternating-current signal gain adjustable independently of the high direct-current operating-point stability.
2. Description of the Related Art
As shown in FIG. 24, a conventional amplifying apparatus used for amplification of a detection signal output by an object detecting apparatus comprises an alternating-current coupling inverting amplifier 100, a comparator 103, a direct-current power supply 104, a signal input terminal 105 and a signal output terminal 106. The alternating-current coupling inverting amplifier 100 further comprises amplifying transistors 1001, 100b and 100c which are each capacitor-coupled. The comparator 103 further comprises an operational amplifier 101 and a potentiometer 102.
As a signal from an object detecting sensor, not shown in the figure, is supplied to the signal input terminal 105. The signal is amplified by the alternating-current coupling inverting amplifier 100 employed by the conventional amplifying apparatus to a predetermined level before being supplied to the comparator 103. The operational amplifier 101 employed in the comparator 103 compares the amplified signal supplied thereto to a reference voltage generated by the potentiometer 102. The comparison produces an output signal higher than a predetermined level at the signal output terminal 106.
By the way, the amplifying apparatus of this type employs the amplifying transistors 100a, 100b and 100c which are each capacitor-coupled as described above. In the case of a pulse signal having a small duty cycle or a signal with a duty cycle varying with the lapse of time, the direct-current operating point of the alternating-current coupling inverting amplifier 100 for such a signal fluctuates so that the signal cannot be amplified accurately. In addition, the amplifying apparatus has a problem that a signal amplified by the alternating-current coupling inverting amplifier 100 with a fluctuating direct-current operating point causes the comparator 103 to produce a varying output-signal level due to the fluctuation of the direct-current operating point.
In order to solve the problem, a new technique is introduced. In this technique, the alternating-current coupling inverting amplifier 100 is replaced by an operational amplifier or an amplifying circuit which has a non-differential input and can thus be used for a high-frequency operation. However, the new technique introduces other problems. That is to say, the operational amplifier cannot be used for high-frequency operation or, if it can, it consumes much power, requiring a high direct-current operating voltage. As for the amplifying circuit proposed in the new technique, its dynamic range is small and its direct-current operating point is unstable.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an amplifying apparatus which can solve the technical problems described above.

Amplifying apparatus with ac/dc feedback circuit


An audible tone signal service apparatus of the digital mobile services switching center designs a separate board which transmits audible signal tone only to simplify a hard ware construction of a USTA and to process 32 channel per sheet of the USTA board. Thus, a generally-designed signal processing circuit pack which heretofore processes all R2 MFC, DTMF signal, CCT signal and audible signal tone to inevitably adopt digital signal processors, I/O memories and a receiving sections which were not required for the audible signal tone transmitting service but provided due to the structural aspect of the USTA is separately designed as a board assembly of processing the R2, MFC, DTMF and CCT signals and an audible signal tone transmitting board assembly.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an audible tone signal service apparatus and method of a digital mobile services switching center (hereinafter simply referred to as "MSC"), and more particularly to an audible tone signal service apparatus and method of a digital MSC for separately designing a board for transmitting only an audible signal in the MSC which uses a code division multiple access (CDMA) system to simplify a hard ware construction of a universal signal transceiver board assembly (hereinafter simply referred to as "USTA"), and processing 32 channels for a single USTA board.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Generally, a general signal processing apparatus used in MSC which is an exchanger of the CDMA system is a signal apparatus for processing every signal received via a time switch. As shown in FIG. 1, the general signal processing apparatus receives to process time slots in respective sub highways SHW from a time-division time switch 1 via a signal processing 0 group USTU 0 and a signal processing 1 group USTU1, respectively, and reports the result of the processing to first and second higher processors 3 and 4 via a telephony device-BUS (hereinafter referred to as TD-BUS). Then, an alarm collecting apparatus 2 connected to respective signal processing groups collects for processing information about the various alarms such as an alarm for warning of an error generated in the USTA board of respective groups, i.e., detachment of the USTA board, while the time slot is provided to respective signal processing groups and an alarm warning of a functional impedient.
The internal construction of the USTA board installed within the general signal processing apparatus is as illustrated in FIG. 2. Here, a pulse code modulation (hereinafter simply referred to as "PCM") data input circuit 5 receives an R2 multi-frequency code (hereinafter referred to as "MFC") provided from the time switch, a dual tone multi frequency (hereinafter referred to as DTMF) signal and continuity check tone (hereinafter referred to as CCT) signals to perform PCM data processing. A clock generator 6 generates clocks to provide a clock required the digital signal processor. A first processing section 7 for processing 8 channel with respect to 16 channel from PCM data input circuit 5 consists of a first digital signal processor 7-1 which receives to detect the signal output via PCM data input circuit 5, and produces signal information with respect to the output signal into a first input/output memory 7-2 which receives the data from first digital signal processor 7-1 to inform a higher processor of the result via a control block, and an EPROM 7-3 which includes a control program therein for controlling first digital signal processor 7-1. Also, a second processing section 8 is identically constructed to first processing section 7 to process the remaining 8 channels with respect to the input 16 channels.
Respective digital signal processors (DSP) 7-1 and 8-1 employed as above adopt `TMS320C25`, which respectively detect 8 channels with respect to respective R2 MFC, DTMF and CCT signals for each chip of DSPs 7-1 and 8-1 and number two per one sheet of the USTA board to function the signal processing service of 16 channels (i.e., 2 (number of DSP)=8 channels=16 channels).
Respective board assemblies (USTAs) of the signal processing apparatus constructed as above are controlled by the higher processor with respect to the signal service function of R2 MFC, DTMF signal, CCT signal tone and audible signal tone to generate a signal to the time switch while detecting and discriminating the signal received from the time switch.
However, the signal processing apparatus functioning as above is formed as the general system as shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, when performing the transmitting service of the audible signal tone, digital signal processors 7-1 and 8-1, I/O memories 7-2 and 8-2, receiving section are not required in actual practice, but are employed due to the USTA structure in spite of the unnecessary function.

Audible tone signal service apparatus and method of a digital mobile services switching center

Hyundai Electronics Industries Co., Ltd.


A method to form a TFT includes providing an insulating substrate. An amorphous silicon layer, a first polysilicon layer, an oxide layer, a second polysilicon layer are sequentially formed on the insulating substrate and are patterned to form an active region. On the active region, there are a desired gate region, and a desired interchangeable source/drain region. A portion of the second polysilicon, the oxide layer, the first polysilicon layer above the desired interchangeable source/drain region are removed, and a top portion of the amorphous-Si layer with a depth is also removed. The remaining portion of the a-Si layer is converted into a conductive layer through, for example, laser crystallization method so as to serve as the interchangeable source/drain region.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to semiconductor fabrication, and more particularly to a method for fabricating a thin-film transistor (TFT).
2. Description of Related Art
Recently, a TFT has wide applications in a liquid crystal display (LCD) and other related products. The TFT typically includes two types: one is an amorphous TFT, and the other one is a polysilicon TFT. Generally, the amorphous-silicon TFT has lower leakage current but its field effect mobility is too low, causing its activating current to be low. The is the main problem of the amorphous-silicon TFT. The polysilicon TFT has higher field effect mobility with a larger activating current but its leakage current cannot be effectively reduced. The leakage current causes an increase of a switching current (I.sub.on /I.sub.off) The polysilicon TFT therefore cannot be applied in a large area LCD. It becomes an important issue for a TFT to increase the field effect mobility and reduce the switching current.
In the conventional technology, a lightly doped drain (LDD) structure can reduce leakage current but it needs a more complicate fabrication process. K. Y. Choi et al. And J. H. Jeon et al. proposed to use amorphous silicon (a-Si) as an offset structure in 1997 at SSDM. In this proposal, the leakage current can also be effectively reduced but its structure is still complicate.

Method for fabricating a film transistor


A composition, bleaching agent, bleaching element, method for making a bleaching element and a method for intentionally distressing fabric, typically blue indigo denim cloth. The disclosed composition includes a mixture of an oxidizer and an acid that eliminates or substantially reduces yellowing of the fabric after acid washing. The preferred oxidizer is preferably selected from the group consisting of potassium permanganate, sodium permanganate and sodium hypochlorite. The preferred acid is an acid such as phosphoric acid. A bleaching element made in accordance with the present invention includes an abrading device impregnated with the composition of the present invention. The method for intentionally distressing fabric such as denim includes the step of tumbling or otherwise subjecting the fabric to a bleaching element made in accordance with the invention. The disclosed invention further includes a finished garment treated by the disclosed method for intentionally distressing fabric.

Clothing made from cellulose fabrics such as cotton is well known. For example, a denim fabric has been used for many years to manufacture work clothes such as jeans. Such clothing was produced with a starch based sizing that eased the manufacturing and handling processes, but resulted in a stiff relatively uncomfortable garment. Also, the fabric had been dyed with a dark blue indigo that, when washed, bled from the fabric. Thus, after a substantial period of wear and washing, the denim fabric lightened in color and the garment became more pliable and comfortable. In addition, the fabric took on a used or distressed appearance, particularly on the seams, panels and raised areas where the stitching had been made.
In time, and particularly recently, denim clothing has become more popular. Denim fabrics are being utilized not only to make work clothes, but for jackets, coats, shirts and a seemingly endless variety of other garments. The used or distressed look has likewise become fashionable. As a result, manufacturers of denim clothing have developed methods by which to distress denim fabric. One method employed to distress a denim fabric is known as "acid washing." This method typically consists of abrading the denim fabric through the use of pumice stones or some other abrading device such as silica sand to produce a softer, more pliable fabric with random, localized areas of lighter color.
Described more particularly, acid washing of a denim garment has been accomplished by the following steps. A quantity of garments are first washed in a solution to remove the starch-based sizing. The garments are then dry tumbled in a quantity of pumice rock or silica sand that has been impregnated with an oxidizer solution, usually potassium permanganate. After tumbling, the garments are washed in a neutralizing solution to remove any excess oxidizer. The garments are then dried in a conventional manner.
Other methods of distressing denim or other fabrics are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,740,213, issued on Apr. 26, 1988 to Francesco Ricci, discloses a method of producing a random faded effect on cloth or made-up garments, and the endproduct obtained by implementation of such a method. The method described in this patent comprises the steps of bleaching the cloth in a dry state, utilizing granules of pumice or similar materials impregnated with a fluid having powerful bleaching properties, tumbling the granules and cloth together in a rotating drum such that close contact is brought about between the two, recovering the granules following rotation of the drum for a set duration, and neutralizing any residual bleaching agent held in the cloth by washing and drying.
Another method of distressing fabrics is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,156, issued on Jul. 25, 1989 to David L. Bellaire. This patent discloses a method of preparing porous abrasive rock for use in distressing fabric including the steps of impregnating rocks placed in a vacuum vessel with a bleaching solution under reduced pressure, maintaining the reduced pressure for a first interval while injecting the solution beneath the rocks, and then increasing the vessel pressure above ambient for a second interval prior to removal and use of the rocks to abrade fabric.
These method have provided a distressed appearance to the denim fabric suitable for the many types of denim garments. However, it has been observed that the acid-washed denim fabric is susceptible to yellowing when exposed to ultraviolet light, such as sunlight. Such latent yellowing of the fabric is undesirable. Further, the intensity of the yellowing increases with the duration of the fabric's exposure to ultraviolet light. In some instances, the yellowing can be so severe that the finished garment is rendered unsaleable. It is not unusual for otherwise acceptable denim garments to yellow sufficiently to render the garments unsaleable. Thus, manufacturers of acid washed or distressed denim clothing seek to inhibit, if not eliminate, yellowing of the denim fabric.
Yellowing of the denim fabric is believed to result from the presence of anthranilic acid on or in the garment. The anthranilic acid is believed to be produced during the acid washing process. As noted above, denim fabric is conventionally treated with the well-known dye indigo. While naturally available, indigo dye can be and is synthesized for industrial use. Synthesized indigo dye is usually a blue powdery material with a copper luster. The principal coloring matter of indigo dye has a chemical formula of C.sub.16 H.sub.10 O.sub.2 N.sub.2. During the acid washing process, the indigo dye oxidizes to produce isatin, a crystalline compound or indole that has oxygen molecules at carbon positions "2" and "3". Isatin is commonly orange to red in color, water soluble and has a chemical formula of C.sub.6 H.sub.5 NO.sub.1.
As also noted above, at least one method of preparing pumice stones for use in the acid washing process is to soak or otherwise impregnate the stones with a bleaching agent such as potassium permanganate, KM.sup.n O.sub.4. An excess amount of potassium permanganate is usually present in the acid wash process. It is believed that this excess of potassium permanganate facilitates further oxidation of the isatin, resulting in the formation of anthranilic acid. Anthranilic acid is a white to pale powder and water soluble. It is known that, in time, anthranilic acid discolors to a yellow color. The chemical reaction whereby the anthranilic acid becomes discolored is not known to the inventor. However, the inventor is aware of the fact that such discoloring occurs. It is believed by the inventor that the presence of anthranilic acid on or within the distressed denim material is a, if not the, primary cause of the latent yellowing which occurs when acid-washed denim garments are exposed to ultraviolet light.
There is a need in the art, therefore, for a composition and method by which to inhibit the yellowing of denim fabric. This need has been recognized previously. Various chemicals have been used to attempt to combat this problem including ultraviolet and ozone inhibitors. For example, different methods and chemicals have been used to try to neutralize the bleaching agent in an effort to inhibit yellowing. Some of these attempts have included treating the acid-washed denim fabric with bi-sulfates. These methods, however, are expensive and have met with limited success. The need for a cost effective method and composition for inhibiting the yellowing of distressed denim fabric thus remains.

Composition, bleaching element, method for making a bleaching element and method for inhibiting the yellowing of intentionally distressed clothing manufactured from dyed cellulose fabric


A fully automatic gravure preparation processing system having high degrees of freedom, which is capable of manufacturing a gravure printing roll more quickly as compared to a conventional case, achieving space saving, performing an unattended operation even in the nighttime, flexibly customizing a manufacturing line, and satisfying various customer needs. The fully automatic gravure preparation processing system includes a processing room-A having a handling area of a first industrial robot for chucking and handling a roll to be prepared and a processing room-B having a handling area of a second industrial robot for chucking and handling the roll to be prepared. The first industrial robot and the second industrial robot are configured to transfer the roll to be prepared therebetween when preparation processing is performed.

Conventionally, gravure preparation plants described in Patent Documents 1 to 6 have been known.
As can be seen from the drawings of Patent Documents 1 to 3, a manufacturing line for a gravure printing roll has conventionally been constructed of an industrial robot and a stacker crane used in combination.
In the manufacturing line using the stacker crane, processing is performed in each of various processing units under a state in which a roll to be prepared is chucked at the stacker crane with use of a cassette-type roll chuck rotary transportation unit.
However, in the case of such a manufacturing line using the stacker crane, the roll to be prepared is sequentially transferred to the various processing units under the state in which the roll to be prepared is chucked with use of the cassette-type roll chuck rotary transportation unit, and hence there arises a problem in that a longer time period is required accordingly.
Further, in recent years, there have been customer needs for more flexible customization of the manufacturing line.

Fully automatic gravure preparation processing system


A computer program product is provided for power delivery analysis and design for a hierarchical system. The product includes a storage medium, readable by a processing circuit, for storing instructions for execution by the processing circuit for facilitating a method. The method includes building a model corresponding to each element of the hierarchical system, and compiling a repository that contains models corresponding to each element, where the repository includes a net list, a domain list, a component list, a pin list, and a layer list. The method also includes performing optimized gridding for each element, the net list, the domain list, the component list, the pin list, and the layer list; assembling a system model from the models contained in the repository; flattening the system model by converting the system model to a flattened system model that consists entirely of resistors; and running a simulation on the flattened system model.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to a power delivery analysis system and in particular to a power delivery analysis system for server designs consisting of several packaging hierarchies.
2. Description of Background
It is often desirable in the microelectronics industry to be able to implement physical solutions in as little time as possible for coping with new market opportunities and/or emerging problems. Computer-provided simulations are often used to predict the behaviors of to-be-manufactured electrical circuits or other like systems. This is preferably done before the electrical circuits are finalized so that design errors may be corrected and design parameters may be optimized prior mass production.
Computers and software simulators can be used for obtaining fairly accurate predictions of the analog behaviors of linear circuitry. Other examples of analog-behavior simulators include HSPICE® (available from Avant! Corp. California), SPICE-3® (available from Berkeley University of California), SPECTRE® (available from Cadence Corp. of California), ACES® (Adaptively Controlled Engine Simulator), and ITA® (Interactive Timing Analysis engine). These simulators and/or simulation engines are not to be confused with digital-behavior simulators such as VHDL which predict behavior of gate-level and lower-resolution hardware descriptions (e.g., register transfer level) in the digital realm rather than at the finer resolution of transistor-level signals and in the analog realm.
SPICE-like simulations can provide fairly accurate predictions of how corresponding circuits will behave when actually built. The predictions are preferably made not only for individual sub-circuits but also for whole systems (e.g., whole integrated circuits) so that system wide problems relating to noise and the like can be uncovered and dealt with.
However, simulation of whole systems becomes more difficult and problematic as the industry continues its relentless trek of scaling down to smaller and smaller device geometries as is predicted by Moore Law and of cramming more interconnected components into a system. An example of such down scaling is the recent shift from micron-sized channels toward deep submicron sized transistor lengths. Because of this, circuit designers are able to cram exponentially larger numbers of basic components or 'elements' (e.g., transistors, diodes, capacitors) into a given integrated circuit (IC) or other such, mass-producible device.
Due to the shortened time-to-market pressures in the industry, the designers of these mass-producible systems (e.g., IC's) want the makers of pre-fabrication SPICE-like simulators to come up with new ways for quickly and accurately predicting the system-wide behaviors of these exponentially more dense and more complex, interconnected system designs.
Accordingly what is needed is a method of providing end users with the capability under one system of performing fully flattened model simulations.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

International Business Machines Corporation


The present invention provides a method and apparatus using a meltable filter medium for separating a mixture to be separated (liquid-solid or liquid-liquid mixture). The mixture to be separated is separated into a liquid passing through a filter layer of the filter medium and a captured material captured in the filter layer. The filter medium and the captured material are separated by melting the filter medium.

A technique for separating liquid/liquid mixtures and liquid/solid mixtures includes filtration (Perry Robert H. Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook, 6th ed., pp. 19.65-19.89, 1984) (this hand book is referred to as the "Perry document" hereinafter). In the filtration, a mixture to be separated (liquid-solid mixture or liquid-liquid mixture) is supplied to a filter layer made of, for example, a porous material (such as diatomaceous earth) or a fibrous material, and a liquid is passed through the filter layer due to differential pressure (such as centrifugal force) while solids are captured in the filter layer. Alternatively, a low-viscosity liquid is passed through the filter layer, while a high-viscosity liquid and/or solids are captured in the filter layer and separated. With respect to the low-viscosity liquid and the high-viscosity liquid, a liquid and a liquid immiscible therewith (hereinafter referred to as an "immiscible liquid") (a plurality of immiscible liquids may be included) in a liquid-liquid mixture are regarded as the low-viscosity liquid and the high-viscosity liquid, respectively, by a relative comparison of viscosities.
1. Filtration and Recovery of Captured Material
In the filtration, it is a difficult problem to improve recovery and a recovery rate (=recovery amount/capture amount) of substances captured in the filter layer. The filtration also includes separation by a membrane (such as ultra filtration membrane). Methods for improving the recovery rate of captured substances include a method using an organic solvent (such as hexane) (Perry, pp. 15 1-15 20). However, this method may cause deterioration of the captured substances. In addition, the solvent is generally recovered by an evaporation method, thereby increasing the cost of the method (a large quantity of heat energy is required for evaporating the solvent).
2. Meltable Filter Medium
It is considered that filter crystals described below can be used as a filter medium for capturing viscous liquid and/or solids. The filter crystals are the followings:
1) Fine crystals (which may be grains), needle/rod-like crystals, dendrite-like crystals, or flake/plate-like crystals produced in a liquid; crystals produced by removing or scraping crystals formed by contact between a cooled solid such as metal and a liquid; or crystals by grinding (such as impact grinding using rotation centrifugal force) or crystals by crushing after their formation.
2) Crystals produced by mixing liquid in gas by low-temperature evaporation, heating evaporation, spraying, or liquid dropping, forming crystals by contact between the resultant mixture and a cooled solid (such as metal) or a solid (such as plastic), and removing or scraping the crystals from the cooled solid or the solid.
3) A crystal group including the crystals described in 1) and/or 2).
The filter crystals are meltable single crystals and/or polycrystals. Possible substances for the filter crystals include materials such as ice. The above-mentioned 1), 2) and 3) are described in the following a) and b).
a) Formation of Filter Crystals in Liquid
It is known from documents below that filter crystals can be formed in liquid by rapid crystallization of single-components liquid or rapid crystallization of multi-component liquid.
With respect to formation of ice crystals from an aqueous solution, Thijssen, H. A. C., A. Spicer ed., Applied Science Pub. LTD., London UK, p. 117-121, 1974 (hereinafter referred to as the "Thijssen document") discloses the followings:
1. By unidirectional freezing, the ice grows in the form of needles or bars with an irregular cross section perpendicular to the cooled surface.
2. In a liquid, amounts of fine crystals increases (the occurrence rate of crystal nuclei (fine ice) increases) with increasing cooling rates or increasing solute concentrations.
3. Ice crystals increase in size over time.
With respect to freezing of water, Yoshinori F. and Etsuro Y., JASMA Vol. 21, 217-223 2004 discloses that an the amount of dendrite crystals increases with increasing cooling rate.
In addition, PETER V. HOBBS, CLARENDON PRESS OXFORD, pp. 580-581 1974 discloses that dendrite crystals are easily formed from an aqueous solution as compared with pure water.
Examples of materials other than water that can be used for the filter crystals of the present invention include materials such as clathrate hydrates (U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,346 B1).
U.S. Pat. No. 3,845,230 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,320,153 disclose techniques that form a ice-crystal layer from a mixture composed of a mixture to be separated and ice crystals. The U.S. Pat. No. 3,845,230 discloses a centrifugal method to form an ice-crystal layer using a rotating basket. Also it is described that spherical ice crystals are formed by extending a residence time during slow freezing and that fine ice crystals are produced by shortening the residence time during rapid freezing. The U.S. Pat. No. 3,320,153 relates to a technique for separating an oil and a mixture of ice crystals and solidified wax.
b) Formation of Filter Crystals in Gas
A type of formation of filter crystals in a gas includes natural snow.
Filter crystals can be artificially formed in gas as follows: A liquid is mixed in a gas by low-temperature evaporation, heating evaporation, spraying, or liquid dropping, and the resultant mixture is contacted with crystal-forming materials or cooled-crystal-forming materials to produce solidified materials (artificial snow) of the liquid.
3. Filtration
Documents explaining a filter layer and a fluid mixture to be passed through the filter layer according to the present invention are described below. According to these documents, the following matters are found. 1) A filtration is considered as a method capable of separating a liquid-liquid (a high-viscosity liquid and a low-viscosity liquid) mixture by capturing the high-viscosity liquid by a crystal-filter layer and passing the low-viscosity liquid through the crystal-filter layer. 2) A filtration has the function to coalesce immiscible droplets and/or fine solids.
3.1 Characteristics of Filtration
a) Based on research of freeze concentration (separation between ice crystals and concentrate), the Thijssen document describes on pp. 130-132 the following. In a method for separating between ice crystals and a liquid (press, centrifugal filtration, and washing), a permeation rate of the liquid (filtrate amount per unit area and time) is inversely proportional to the viscosity of the liquid and the filter layer thickness (the distance for the liquid to pass) and is proportional to the square of the mean crystal diameter. The Thijssen document also describes that in centrifugal filtration of ice crystals and a liquid, the amount of a liquid remaining in the filter layer is proportional to the viscosity of the liquid, and that the amount of remaining liquid decreases with increasing centrifugal effect (G).
b) In regard to centrifugal filtration, Masao et al., AlChEJ, Vol. 33, pp. 109-120 1987 and Perry document pp. 19.96-19.103 describe the following: The permeation flow rate decreases as the viscosity of a liquid increases and the filter layer thickness (the distance for the liquid to pass) increases. In addition, the permeation flow rate increases with increasing centrifugal effect (G) and with increasing rotation time.
3.2 Coalescing Function of Filtration
In Spielman, L. A. and Goren, S. L., Ind. Eng. Chem., Vol. 62, No. 10, p. 10-24 (1970), U.S. Pat. No. 4,335,001, and S. D. Rege, H. S. Fogler, AlChE Vol. 34, pp. 1761-1772 1988, it is described that the filtration has the function to coalesce fine solids and/or immiscible droplets (such as emulsion) in a mixture to be separated.
In the document of Spielman, L. A. and Goren, it is also described that the larger solids and/or droplets (the larger aggregates), the more easily the solids and/or droplets are captured in a filter layer.
In the present invention, considering the coalescing function (facilitating subsequent separation) of the filter layer, the coalescing function may be used as pre-treatment for separation of the mixture to be separated regardless of the presence of capture in the filter layer.
The document of Spielman and Goren further describes that a difference in permeability occurs between a high-viscosity liquid and a low-viscosity liquid when a mixture of these liquids is passed through the filter layer.

Filter melting method for separating mixtures


A system for generating or determining a desired height of a biped mobile robot having a body and two articulated legs each connected to the body through a hip joint and each including a knee joint, an ankle joint and a foot. In the system, body trajectory of body displacement including desired horizontal body position and orientation, except for a desired body height in the direction of gravity and leg trajectory of foot displacement including a desired position and orientation are predetermined on an off-line computer. Based on the parameters, a body height in the direction of gravity is determined by solving an equation comprised of a continuous function of the body height. Then, desired angles of said hip joints, said knee joint and said ankle joint are determined, through an inverse kinematic solution, based on said determined body trajectory, said leg trajectory and said determined desired body height. With the arrangement, it becomes possible to determine a smooth body height trajectory appropriately reduced in vertical motion on a real time basis during robot locomotion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system for and a method of generating a gait of a legged mobile robot, and more particularly to a system for and a method of generating or determining a height, in the direction of gravity (the vertical direction), of a body of a legged mobile robot such as a biped robot.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a legged mobile robot comprises of a body (trunk) and articulated legs (leg linkages) each connected to the body by a joint. In a conventional gait generation in a legged mobile robot, the desired body height (in the direction of gravity) has been expressed by a polynomial of time as follows and the body trajectory has been generated or determined based on the solution of the polynomial. ##EQU1## where Z is the desired body height and t is time.
In another conventional technique, the desired body height has been expressed by a polynomial of desired horizontal body displacement and the body height trajectory has been generated or determined based on the solution. Specifically, ##EQU2## where Z is the desired body height and X is the desired fore/aft body displacement.
In the conventional first and second methods mentioned above, the desired distal end (foot) positions/orientations of the legs and the desired body orientation are also expressed using similar polynomials. The desired horizontal body position is determined so as to satisfy the condition of robot dynamics, more specifically to place the ZMP (Zero Moment Point; explained later) within a prescribed range. Then, based on the thus determined desired body height, desired horizontal body position, desired body orientation and desired distal end positions/orientations of the legs, all joint angles are determined through an inverse kinematic solution.
However, since the determination or generation of desired body height determined in either of the conventional first and second methods does not take into account the influence which would be caused by the desired horizontal body position, desired body orientation and the desired distal end positions/orientations of the legs, a robot posture determined by the joint angles which are in turn determined from the above mentioned positions/orientations can not always satisfy the determined desired body height. For example, if the joint angles are determined such that the resulting distance between the leg distal end and the body exceeds, even for an instant, the total leg length, the desired body height will not be achieved even when the joints are controlled to stretch the leg to the full extent.
In order to avoid this, the conventional second method determines the function of the desired body height by repeating a trial and error procedure of computer simulation. However, locomotion or walking of a legged mobile robot includes a number of variations. For example, the gait may be different in environments such as on a horizontal plane, an incline, stairs, a curved path, etc. The gait may also differ with velocity and/or acceleration in the kinds of locomotion such as at the time of starting, walking at a low or high speed, and stopping. It is therefore quite difficult to determine the desired body height in advance through trial and error on computer simulation, even when the environment and the nature of locomotion are simplified or restricted to a limited range. Moreover, since the conventional methods can not always ensure that the robot posture defined by the joint angles determined will satisfy the determined body height over the entire course of locomotion, as mentioned earlier, the conventional methods fail to generate or determine a desired gait, more specifically the desired body height on a real-time basis during the locomotion.
In a third conventional method, it has been proposed to determine a desired horizontal body position, a desired body orientation and desired distal end positions/orientations of the legs beforehand, and the desired body height is determined within a maximum limit determined by the height at which at least one of the leg(s) is drawn to the full length, in other words, by the highest position that the robot can possibly take. This third method can always ensure a robot posture that satisfies the desired body height unless the horizontal distance between the leg distal end and the root of the body at which the leg is connected, is within the leg length.
However, this conventional third method is disadvantageous in that the vertical acceleration of body (vertical body motion in the direction of gravity) becomes discontinuous at the instant when both legs are stretched. In particular, if the robot is a biped robot, the body height trajectory is not smooth at the instant when both legs are stretched, resulting in a sharp vertical acceleration (displacement acceleration in a motion in the direction of gravity).

Gait generation system of legged mobile robot


Power conversion sub-blocks are combined to be configured as a power conversion block. The power conversion sub-blocks include power conversion modules including cooler base sections on which semiconductor elements are mounted and cooler fin sections provided on the rear surface side of semiconductor element mounting surfaces in the cooler base sections and cooler attachment members to which cooler fin sections are attached back to back, the cooler attachment members being configured to be capable of separating an opened section where the cooler fin sections are present and external air circulates and a closed section where the semiconductor elements are present and circulating cooling air to the cooler fin sections.

In general, a power conversion device for an electric motor vehicle according to the related art is configured to collectively drive, in parallel, with one inverter circuit in the power conversion device, a plurality of induction motors directly connected to axles mounted on trucks of the electric motor vehicle.
Usually, in many examples, the power conversion device of this type is configured to collectively control, in parallel, with one inverter circuit, four induction motors that respectively drive four axles in total incorporated in trucks arranged at both ends of the electric motor vehicle.
Further, in a power conversion device for driving an electric motor vehicle that travels in an alternating-current section, a converter circuit for once converting alternating-current power received from an overhead wire into a direct current and supplying the direct current to an inverter circuit is added.
As a cooling system in the power conversion device for electric motor vehicle driving, for a reduction in the size and the weight of the device, a forced air cooling system for circulating the external air with a cooling fan to cool an inverter circuit and a converter circuit (both the circuits are hereinafter generally referred to as "power conversion circuit") is the main stream (e.g., Patent Literature 1).

Forced air cooling-type power conversion device


The present invention provides a transgenic non-human animal, in particular a transgenic mouse encoding the NOX and Duox family of proteins, which generate reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI). The present invention additionally comprises cells and cell lines containing transgenes encoding for members of the NOX and Duox family of proteins. The present invention further comprises methods and compositions for evaluating regulators of abnormal cell growth and in the development of compounds that effect ROI expression.

Reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI), which include the superoxide anion (O2−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), result from the stepwise, monovalent reduction of oxygen: O2− results from the addition of a single electron to O2, and H2O2 results from the addition of a single electron to O2−. ROI are cytotoxic and mutagenic, with high levels of ROI causing damage to biomolecules such as DNA, proteins, and biomembranes. However, recent data indicate that lower levels of ROI may function in signal transduction as intracellular mediators of cell growth, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and senescence.
Several biological systems generate ROI. For example, within the phagocytic-based immune defense against invading microbes, cells such as neutrophils produce large quantities of ROI via the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-reduced form (NADPH) oxidase (also known as the respiratory burst oxidase). The catalytic subunit of this enzyme, gp91phox, oxidizes NADPH and reduces oxygen to form O2−.
In many non-phagocytic cell types including cells in the colon, lung, brain and kidney, the gp91phox homologue family of NADPH oxidase (NOX) and dual oxidase (Duox) enzymes is responsible for producing low levels of ROI. At present, six human homologues of gp91phox have been identified, with additional homologs present in rat, mouse, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Drosophila.
Although the functions of NOX and Duox-derived ROI are unclear, several studies suggest that the non-phagocytic generation of ROI modulates cellular proliferation and activation of growth-related signaling pathways. For example, both fibroblasts and endothelial cells produce increased levels of superoxide in response to cytokines such as interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). In rat vascular smooth muscle cells, exposure to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) increases the release of H2O2 while concomitantly increasing cell proliferation (Meier et al., Biochem. J. 263:539-45 (1989); Matsubara et al., J. Immun., 137:3295-98 (1986)). Additionally, data show that low levels of ROI elicit downstream effects on the redox-sensitive transcription factor nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκ-B) and activator protein-1 (AP-I) (Schreck et al., EMBO J., 10:2247-58 (1991); Schmidt et al., Chemistry & Biology, 2:13-22(1995)).
Non-phagocytic ROI appear to have a direct role in regulating cell division, and may function as mitogenic signals in pathologic conditions related to cell growth, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. For example, cytokine-mediated endothelial production of O2− may play a role in angiogenesis (Matasubara et al., J. Immun., 137:3295-98 (1986)). Matasubara et al. have proposed that O2− and H2O2 function as "life signals", preventing cells from undergoing apoptosis. (Matasubara et al., J. Immun., 137:3295-98 (1986)). Other data suggest that ROI mediate both pro-apoptotic and pro-survival signals. (Garg & Aggarwal, Mol. Immunol., 39:509-17 (2002)).
NOX Enzymes
A series of overexpression studies using the NOX1 enzyme of the NOX family of proteins indicates a specific role for NOX1-derived ROI in pathological conditions related to cell growth and proliferation. For example, overexpression of NOX1 in fibroblasts induces an H2O2-dependant malignant transformation, resulting in a highly tumorigenic phenotype (Arnold et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 89:5550-55 (2001); Suh et al., Nature (London), 401:79-82 (1999)). Consistent with these findings, overexpression of NOXI in prostate epithelial cells has been found to increase tumorigenicity. This increased epithelial cell tumorigenicity is also associated with increased tumor vascularity and increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), indicating a specific role for NOX1 in angiogenesis. (Arbiser et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 99:715-20 (2002)).
One specific pathophysiological condition that may involve ROI is colorectal cancer (CRC), a form of cancer highly prevalent in the Western world. Sporadic colorectal cancer, which accounts for approximately 85% of diagnosed CRC, is linked to somatic mutations in the tumor suppressor gene adenomatous polyposis coli (APC). Genetic analyses of adenoma-carcinoma sequences for CRC indicate that mutations in APC are common, and may be the triggering event for the disease. The identification of a role for APC in CRC arises from the discovery of germline mutations in APC that result in the rare inherited form of colorectal cancer, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Even though APC mutations may serve as a trigger for CRC, the fact that families carrying identical mutations in APC often exhibit varying degrees of colorectal cancer, both in severity and onset, suggests that other factors influence the function of APC. In other words, although a mutational loss of APC function may predispose an individual to colon cancer, other factors, such as ROI, may ultimately determine the onset and severity of CRC.
Duox Enzymes
Dual oxidases, or Duox, have both a peroxidase-homology domain and a gp91phox domain. It is currently believed that Duox enzymes have dual enzymatic functions, catalyzing both the generation of superoxide and peroxidative type reactions. The latter class of reactions utilizes hydrogen peroxide as a substrate. Since hydrogen peroxide is generated spontaneously from the dismutation of superoxide, it is believed that the NAD(P)H oxidase domain generates the superoxide and/or hydrogen peroxide which can then be used as a substrate for the peroxidase domain. The peroxidase domain is likely to confer additional biological functions. Depending upon the co-substrate, peroxidases can participate in a variety of reactions including halogenation such as the generation of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) by myeloperoxidase and the iodination of tyrosine to form thyroxin by thyroid peroxidase. Peroxidases have also been documented to participate in the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and in the chemical modification of tyrosine in collagen. Duox is also theorized to function in the formation or modification of extracellular matrix or basement membrane. Since the extracellular matrix plays an important role in tumor cell growth, invasion and metastasis, it is believed that the Duox type enzymes play a pathogenic role in such conditions.
Although a strong link exists between NOX and Duox enzymes and ROI function in a multitude of different physiological and pathophysiological conditions, in vivo models to study this link in a tissue-specific fashion are lacking. Without such models, the extent to which NOX or Duox-generated ROI participate in cellular proliferation and activation of growth-related signaling pathways in different tissue types is difficult to ascertain. Similarly, the identification of NOX or Duox enzyme regulatory molecules is difficult in the absence of such models.
Accordingly, what is needed are in vivo and in vitro models to examine the effect of NOX and Duox-derived ROI on cell proliferation and activation of growth-related signaling pathways. Additionally, what is needed are in vivo and in vitro models to examine the effect of NOX and Duox-derived ROI on cell proliferation and activation of growth-related signaling pathways in a tissue specific manner. Also needed are in vivo and in vitro models to identify the regulators of NOX and Duox activity, including models to test the ability of different compounds to modulate the function of NOX and Duox and the effect of NOX and Duox-derived ROI on cellular proliferation and activation of growth-related signaling pathways.

Methods and transgenic mouse model for identifying and modulating factors involved in the production of reactive oxygen intermediates


In a dual-wavelength semiconductor laser in which a first semiconductor laser element and a second semiconductor laser element are integrated onto a substrate made of a compound semiconductor, a constituent material of an etching stopper of the first semiconductor laser element is a material which allows diffusion of impurities less easily than a constituent material of an etching stopper of the second semiconductor laser element.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor laser device, in particular to a dual-wavelength semiconductor laser device having two semiconductor lasers formed on a common semiconductor substrate and to a method for fabricating the same.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Today, a semiconductor laser device is widely used in various fields. Especially in recent years, a dual-wavelength semiconductor laser device having two semiconductor laser elements which have different oscillation wavelengths and are formed on a common semiconductor substrate has been in the limelight and has enjoyed a rapidly increasing demand as a light source of an optical pickup device for recording/playback of DVD and CD.
An example of a conventional dual-wavelength semiconductor laser device having two semiconductor laser elements is shown in FIG. 7 (see Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2004-349286). FIG. 7 shows a configuration of a monolithic dual-wavelength semiconductor laser device having an infrared laser element A for emitting light in a band of 780 nm and a red laser element B for emitting light in a band of 650 nm on a common substrate. The infrared laser element A and the red laser element B are separated from each other by a separation groove C which reaches the substrate.
First, a structure of the infrared laser element A will be described.
The infrared laser element A includes an N-type buffer layer 1202 made of GaAs (the amount of doped Si:1.0×1018 cm−3), an N-type clad layer 1203 made of (Al0.3Ga0.7)0.5In0.5P (the amount of doped Si:1.0×1018cm−3), an undoped infrared active layer 1204, a P-type first clad layer 1205 made of (Al0.3Ga0.7)0.5In0.5P (the amount of doped Zn:3×1017 cm−3), a P-type etching stopper 1206 made of Ga0.5In0.5P (the amount of doped Zn:1×1018 cm−3), a P-type second clad layer 1207 made of (Al0.3Ga0.7)0.5In0.5P (the amount of doped Zn:1×1018 cm−3), and a P-type cap layer 1208 made of Ga0.5In0.5P which are stacked in sequence from the underside on a substrate 1201 made of N-type GaAs. It is to be noted that, the N-type buffer layer 1202 is provided to improve the crystalline quality of the N-type clad layer 1203.
The P-type second clad layer 1207 is processed to have a striped ridge shape. On the P-type second clad layer 1207, the striped P-type cap layer 1208 is provided. Moreover, on both sides of the P-type second clad layer 1207, an N-type current block layer 1209 made of Al0.5In0.5P (the amount of doped Si: 1.0×1018 cm−3) is provided. On the P-type cap layer 1208 and the N-type current block layer 1209, a contact layer 1210 made of P-type GaAs (the amount of doped Zn: 7×1018 cm−3) is provided. On an upper surface of the contact layer 1210, a P-side electrode 1211 is provided. On a lower surface of the substrate 1201, an N-side electrode 1215 is provided. To etch the P-type second clad layer 1207 for forming a ridge, the P-type etching stopper 1206 which is different from the P-type second clad layer 1207 in composition is provided. Using an etching process in which the etching rate of the etching stopper 1206 is considerably low allows the ridge to be formed with high dimensional accuracy.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the infrared active layer 1204 of FIG. 7. As shown in the figure, the infrared active layer 1204 has a multiple quantum well structure composed of, in sequence from the underside (n side), a first optical guide layer 1104a made of undoped Al0.4Ga0.6As, a layered structure including a total of four well layers 1104b made of undoped GaAs and a total of three barrier layers 1104c made of undoped Al0.4Ga0.6As which are alternately stacked, and a second optical guide layer 1104d made of undoped Al0.4Ga0.6As.
Next, a structure of the red laser element B will be described.
As shown in FIG. 7, the red laser element B includes an N-type buffer layer 1222 made of GaAs (the amount of doped Si:1.0×1018 cm−3), an N-type clad layer 1223 made of (Al0.3Ga0.7)0.5In0.5P (the amount of doped Si: 1.0×1018 cm−3), an undoped red active layer 1224, a P-type first clad layer 1225 made of (Al0.3Ga0.7)0.5In0.5P (the amount of doped Zn:5×1017 cm−3, an etching stopper 1226 made of Ga0.5In0.5P (the amount of doped Zn:1.0×1018 cm−3), a P-type second clad layer 1227 made of (Al0.3Ga0.7)0.5In0.5P (the amount of doped Zn:1×1018 cm−3), and a P-type cap layer 1228 made of Ga0.5In0.5P which are stacked in sequence from the underside on the substrate 1201. It is to be noted that, the N-type buffer layer 1222 is provided to improve the crystalline quality of the N-type clad layer 1223.
The P-type second clad layer 1227 is processed to have a striped ridge shape. On the P-type second clad layer 1227, the striped P-type cap layer 1228 is provided. Moreover, on both sides of the P-type second clad layer 1227, an N-type current block layer 1229 made of Al0.5In0.5P (the amount of doped Si: 1.0×1018 cm−3) is provided. On the P-type cap layer 1228 and the N-type current block layer 1229, a P-type contact layer 1230 made of GaAs (the amount of doped Zn: 7×1018 cm−3) is provided. On an upper surface of the P-type contact layer 1230, a P-side electrode 1231 is provided. Also in the red laser element B, the etching stopper 1226 is different from the P-type second clad layer 1227 in composition, and a process is used in which etching is substantially stopped by the etching stopper 1226. This allows the ridge formation with good dimensional accuracy.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the red active layer 1224 of FIG. 7. As shown in the figure, the red active layer 1224 has a multiple quantum well structure composed of a first optical guide layer 1224a made of undoped (Al0.5Ga0.5)0.5In0.5P, a layered structure formed by alternately stacking well layers 1224b made of undoped Ga0.5In0.5P and barrier layers 1224c made of undoped (Al0.5Ga0.5)0.5In0.5P, and a second optical guide layer 1224d made of undoped (Al0.5Ga0.5)0.5In0.5P which are stacked in sequence from the underside (n side).
A very important point in the fabrication of the conventional dual-wavelength semiconductor laser device is that the infrared laser structure is formed before the formation of the red laser structure. The reason is as follows. That is, in the red laser structure, the red active layer is made of a material containing P, for example, GaInP or AlGaInP. However, in these material films, the diffusion rate of Zn under a high temperature over 500° C. is greater than or equal to ten times as fast as in a material containing As, for example, GaAs or AlGaAs. Therefore, if the red laser structure is first formed, Zn diffuses from the P-type first clad layer 1225 and the P-type second clad layer 1227 of the red laser element into the red active layer 1224 in the subsequent crystal growth of the infrared laser structure, which may cause a change in band gap, and thus in oscillation wavelength.

Dual-wavelength semiconductor laser device and method for fabricating the same


The invention is a paper making machine and a method of making paper. The machine includes a section for forming a wet paper web having first and second sides and a dryer for drying the wet paper web. At least a first portion of the dryer is capable of preferentially drying the first side of the wet paper web to a dryness level of at least about 70% solids. In a variation of the paper making machine, the first portion of the dryer is capable of preferentially drying the first side of the wet paper web to a dryness level of at least about M, as represented by the formula: EQU M=101-0.246 (WRV). in which WRV is the water retention value of the web. The method for drying a web of paper includes a forming step and a drying step. The forming step is carried out by forming a wet paper web having first and second sides. The drying step is carried out, at least in part, by preferentially drying the first side of the wet paper web to a dryness level of at least about 70% solids, or alternatively a dryness level of "M" as defined previously. After this preferential drying step, various apparatus and steps can be employed to inhibit curl.

In the manufacture of lightweight paper grades, such as tissue, newsprint and fine paper, a continuous web or strip of paper is formed and in some cases pressed in the wet end of the machine, then dried on a series of steam-heated drying cylinders. The wet web is pressed directly onto at least some of the cylinders by tensioned, permeable fabrics or felts.
A conventional double-felted, two tier dryer group is shown in FIG. 1. The two tier, double felted dryer group, generally designated 10, includes internally steam-heated dryer cylinders 12, 14 and 16 arranged as an upper tier, generally designated 18, and similar dryer cylinders 20, 22 and 24 arranged as a lower tier, generally designated 26.
The rolls 30 and 32 are located closely adjacent to and between adjacent dryer cylinders of the upper tier 18. The rolls 34 and 36 are located closely adjacent to and between adjacent dryer cylinders of the lower tier 26.
In the double-felted, two tier dryer group of FIG. 1, the wet paper web shown as a dashed line W is threaded and travels around the bottom of one dryer cylinder such as 20 in the bottom tier 26 of dryers, where the top of the web W is dried; then around the top of one dryer cylinder such as 12 in the top tier 18 of dryer cylinders, where the bottom of the web W is dried; then around the next dryer cylinder 22 in the bottom tier 26 of dryer cylinders; and so forth in a generally serpentine or up and down fashion. The directions of rotation of the dryer cylinders in FIG. 1 dictate that the web W is working its way from left to right in that machine.
The portions of the web W passing between the upper and lower tiers 18 and 26 of dryer cylinders form long, unsupported "open draws" as shown at the points 40, 42, 44, 46 and 48. The majority of the water vapor that leaves the sheet or web is released in these open draws. As it passes through the double-felted, two tier dryer group, the web W is dried alternately on each side. This two-sided drying tends to inhibit curl.
Problems have been experienced during operation of conventional double-felted, two tier dryer groups. For example, the sheet or web flutters as it moves through the open draws. This problem particularly occurs in the "wet end" of the dryer, where the web is still quite wet. A fluttering web frequently breaks on the machine. A web break is expensive and time-consuming to correct. Even an occasional web break is a very big problem. It can damage the felt and even the machine, and it inevitably causes production of paper to stop until any necessary repairs can be made and the web can be re-threaded in the running machine.
While a web break is being corrected, a web of undried paper as wide as the machine (often about 30 feet or nine meters wide) and miles (several km.) long is formed and must be collected, broken up, mixed with a much larger quantity of water, and recycled in the paper machine. The web must then be re-threaded in the machine while it is running.
Machine speeds, and thus the amount of paper a machine could produce, were limited by the need to avoid an excessive number of web breaks by keeping the web speed low enough to minimize its flutter in open draws. Even after taking this precaution, web breaks were a common occurrence.
Also, in conventional double-felted, two tier dryer groups, problems are caused by cross-directional sheet shrinkage and inefficient ventilation of evaporated water. Additionally, conventional double felted two tier dryer groups typically require threading ropes in order to thread a tail of the web.
Some of the problems with sheet flutter, sheet shrinkage, and vapor ventilation have been solved by using one or more top-felted single tier dryer groups in the wet end of the dryer.
Top-felted single tier dryer groups are arranged much like the top tier 18 of dryers, rolls 30 and 32, and top felt of FIG. 1. The primary difference is in how the web is threaded through the dryer group. Instead of going back and forth between two tiers of dryer cylinders, in a single tier dryer group the web and supporting felt follow the same path throughout the group. The web W and felt are wound together about one dryer cylinder with the paper web facing the dryer cylinder and the felt on the outside, then around a counter roll (typically a vacuum cylinder or other arrangement to keep the web on the felt) with the felt facing the counter roll and the paper on the outside, then to the next drying cylinder in sequence. The same side of the web contacts each dryer in the single tier group.
For example, in the top-felted single tier arrangement of FIG. 4, the dryer felt, with the web beneath it and following the same path, winds over the dryer cylinder 81, under the vacuum roll 88, over the dryer cylinder 82, under the vacuum roll 89, over the dryer cylinder 83, under the vacuum roll 90, over the dryer cylinder 84, under the vacuum roll 91, over the dryer cylinder 85, under the vacuum roll 92, and over the dryer cylinder 86. Each cylinder 81-86 directly contacts and thus preferentially dries only the bottom of the web.
Dryers as shown in FIG. 2 including one or more top-felted single tier dryer groups 60, 62, and 64, followed by two or more two-tier double-felted dryer groups 65, 66, and 67 at the dry end, like the one shown in FIG. 2, have been sold by Beloit Corporation under the trademark "BEL-RUN". Each top-felted single tier dryer in the groups 60, 62, and 64 only directly contacts one side of the web --specifically, the bottom side--with the heated surfaces of the drying cylinders.
It is well known that the sheet tends to curl toward the last side of the web to be dried, at least in laboratory studies. Therefore, a dryer consisting entirely of top-felted groups such as 60-64 would directly dry only one side throughout, and would severely curl the paper toward that side. Those skilled in the art have believed that preferentially drying the web on one side for very long without periodically compensating by drying directly on the other side would create an imbalance in drying on the respective sides of the web, leading to a problem with sheet curl.
In the dryers represented by FIG. 2, this problem was addressed by limiting the series of top-felted single tier groups to the wet end of the machine, and following the single tier dryer groups with double tier groups 65-67 which reverse the sheet with each succeeding dryer cylinder and thus avoid curl. A typical dryer including single tier sections had approximately 40 percent of the dryer cylinders in top-felted single tier groups, and the remaining dryer cylinders are two tier, double felted dryer cylinders. In FIG. 2, 14 of the 36 dryer cylinders--39%--are in the single tier groups 60-64, and 61% of the dryer cylinders are in the two-tier groups 65-67.
Subsequently, the dryer illustrated in FIG. 3 was developed, consisting entirely of single tier sections. The problem of one sided drying was addressed in these all-single-tier machines by providing alternating top-felted groups (60B, 72, and 76) and bottom-felted or inverted groups (70, 74). Such dryers have been sold, for example, under the trademark "BEL-CHAMP" by Beloit Corporation.
In this arrangement, a top-felted group like 60B preferentially dries the bottom of the web and a bottom-felted group like 70 preferentially dries the top of the web. Thus, any one single tier dryer group preferentially dries just one side of the web.
Concern about sheet curl led paper dryer builders to dry alternate sides even in the very early stages in the alternating single tier dryers. For example, the #3 machine at CTS, Duino, Italy, was designed with the first three dryer cylinders top felted, the next three bottom felted, and the following three top felted. These first three groups were made small to ensure alternate-sided drying would be started in the very early stages of the drying process.
According to conventional thinking, therefore, the sheet must be reversed periodically by contacting it alternately with top-felted and bottom-felted dryer cylinders or groups to avoid curl by frequently reversing the side of the web being dried.
Top-felted single tier dryer groups are preferred over bottom-felted single tier dryer groups, particularly in the wet end of the machine. Although web breaks are infrequent in single tier groups, when the web does break, if it then wraps around a bottom felted dryer cylinder, the wrapped paper cannot be easily dumped into the basement, as the felt underlies the web throughout the group. (The "basement" of a paper machine is the open space beneath the machine. The "broke" or displaced, partially made paper produced by the machine is collected in the basement for recycling.) Rather, the broke must be manually removed from the bottom felted dryer group by a worker. The manual removal of broke is time-consuming, and often must be done while the machine is stopped.
Top-felted groups are open beneath the web, as the felt is above the web in such a group, so broke automatically goes into the basement when the web breaks, or can be easily diverted there.
Thus, adding bottom-felted single tier groups like 70 and 74 in FIG. 3 to avoid curl has caused other problems in alternating single tier arrangements.
Another difficulty with the entirely single tier dryer is that none of its dryer cylinders are stacked vertically by providing upper and lower tiers of dryers. Conventionally, the successive dryer cylinders are in a generally horizontal arrangement rather than in a two tier arrangement. Thus, the machine commonly is longer than earlier machines which have the same number and size of dryer cylinders. This all single tier arrangement can have the disadvantage of requiring more interior floor space than a double tier dryer group, even though each dryer cylinder of a single tier arrangement commonly has a higher drying capacity than one dryer cylinder of a two tier arrangement.
The alternating single tier figuration also commonly requires two vacuum rolls at each of the transfers from the last dryer of one dryer group to the first dryer of another group, compared to an all-top-felted single tier arrangement which requires just one vacuum roll near the transfer or a double-felted two-tier group which may require none.

Paper making machine providing curl control


At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a zoom lens system which includes a first lens unit having negative refractive power and a second lens unit having positive refractive power. The first and second lens units are provided in order from the object to image sides. The distance between the first and second lens units change during zooming. The first lens unit includes a compound optical element including a lens element and a resin layer having optical performance different from that of the lens element and being stacked on the lens element. The zoom lens system can satisfy:20<|νdg−νdj| andfg/fj<0,where fg and νdg represent the focal length and the Abbe number of the lens element and fj and νdj represent the focal length and the Abbe number of the resin layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to lens systems and to an image-pickup apparatus including the lens system.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently the demand for high-quality image-pickup apparatuses (cameras), such as video cameras and digital still cameras including solid-state image-pickup devices has increased. Moreover, the optical systems used in such image-pickup apparatuses are required to be zoom lenses that have a wide angle of view and a large focal ratio.
Such a camera includes optical members, such as a low-pass filter and a color correction filter, between the rearmost lens and an image-pickup element. Therefore, the zoom lens system used for the image-pickup apparatus is required to have a relatively long back focus.
For a camera including an image-pickup element for color images, the zoom lens system is required to have good telecentricity on the image side.
An example of a zoom lens system that has good telecentricity is a retrofocus zoom lens system that includes a lens unit having negative refractive power and a lens unit having positive refractive power, in this order from the object side to the image side.
An example of a retrofocus zoom lens system has a two-group short zoom lens system that includes a first lens unit having negative refractive power and a second lens unit having positive refractive power and that carries out zooming by changing the distance between the two lens units (refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 59-33417, 7-209581, and 2001-4920).
The two-group zoom lens system carries out zooming by moving the second lens unit having positive refractive power and corrects the position of the image point in accordance with the zooming by moving the first lens unit having negative refractive power. Many typical two-group zoom lens systems have a zoom magnification (zoom ratio) of about two times.
To reduce the size of the entire lens unit while increasing the magnification, a three-group zoom lens system that includes a third lens unit having negative or positive refractive power on the image side of a two-group lens unit is known (refer to Japanese Patent No. 2556046, U.S. Pat. No. 6,124,984, and US Patent Published Application Nos. 2004/0150890 and 2005/0207024).
A four-group lens unit that includes a third lens unit having negative refractive power on the image side of a two-group lens unit and a fourth lens unit having positive refractive power on the image side of a three-group lens unit is known (refer to Japanese Patent No. 3315671 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-152558).
Recently, the demand for small video cameras and digital cameras with a zoom lens system having a high zoom ratio has increased. To reduce the entire size of the camera, a retractable lens barrel in which, when the camera is not being used for image-capturing, the distance between the lens units are reduced so that the protrusion amount of the lens from the camera main body is reduced compared to when image-capturing is being carried out.
In general, when the number of lenses included in each lens unit constructing the zoom lens system is large, the length of the lens units on the optical axis is increased, and a desired barrel length cannot be achieved.
To reduce the length of the lens units on the optical axis and to reduce the length of the lens barrel, the number of lenses included in the lens units have to be reduced.
However, when the number of lenses is simply reduced, it becomes difficult to correct aberrations, such as spherical aberration and coma, related to the single-color image-forming performance. Moreover, it becomes difficult to correct chromatic aberration within the limited range of glass material. As a result, it is difficult to reduce the size of the apparatus and to obtain high quality images at the same time.
When the number of lenses included in the entire optical system is reduced, the refractive power of each lens included in the optical system is relatively increased. Therefore, sensitivity to manufacturing error increases, and processing accuracy of the lenses and assembly accuracy of the optical system have to be increased.
Conventionally, by providing the optical system with lenses that have aspherical surfaces, the number of lenses has been reduced while maintaining image-forming performance. When lenses having aspherical surfaces are used, aberration related to the single-color image-forming performance can be corrected. However, it is difficult to correct chromatic aberration that is mostly dependent on the selection of glass material.
A method of processing an aspherical surface is discussed in the embodiments of Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 59-33417, 2001-4920, and 8-152558, U.S. Patent Published Application No. 2004/0150890 and 2005/0207024. In the method discussed in these documents, resin is stacked on the surface of the lens that is provided as a base. An aspherical surface is formed by pressing a metal mold having an aspherical surface against the resin layer.
However, according to these documents, the lens and resin both have negative refractive power, and chromatic aberration is not actively corrected by using the difference in the properties of the lens and resin.
A zoom lens system having excellent optical performance and an image-pickup apparatus including the zoom lens system according to the present invention include a small number of lenses, has a wide view of angle, and is capable of effectively correcting chromatic aberration.

Zoom lens system and image-pickup apparatus including same


A group global positioning system includes a plurality of positioning signal processing devices with a global positioning function and a plurality of radio signal processing devices corresponding to the positioning signal processing devices. With one of the corresponding radio signal processing devices, one of the positioning signal processing devices outputs analog global positioning information to the remaining ones of the positioning signal processing devices which then performs analog-to-digital conversion on the analog global positioning information and recovers digital global positioning information, thus allowing the remaining ones of the positioning signal processing devices to execute the global positioning function and display related information. The present invention discloses a grouping technique for simultaneously displaying on the positioning signal processing devices the digital global positioning information thereof.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to global positioning systems, and more particularly, to a group global positioning system.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A global positioning system (GPS) is typically used for performing a positioning operation. The positioning operation involves comparing geographic location coordinates with road/street data stored in a road/street database (i.e. e-maps), calculating the data related to a road/street where a portable electronic device is presently located and the data related to the actual geographic location of the portable electronic device, and displaying the data. Global positioning systems nowadays are widely used in vehicle-oriented road/street positioning devices for positioning any moving vehicle. The positioning function of the global positioning systems is increasingly integrated into portable electronic devices like cellular phones and PDAs.
Nevertheless, the aforesaid positioning function configured for just a single tool is never adequate to meet a need. For instance, if a member of a group tour of sparsely populated places (for example, deserts and mountains) lags behind her or his fellow tour members, the slow tour member can identify her or his own geographic location, using an electronic device with a positioning function, but s/he will not be able to know the geographic location of her or his fellow tour members, and in consequence s/he will be prevented from hurrying to catch up. On the other hand, her or his fellow tour members fail to lend a helping hand to the slow tour member, as they have no idea about the slow tour member's current geographic location. Another problem is that a tour organizer is ignorant of the current geographic location of individual tour members, and thus the tour organizer fails to know whether the group tour is underway as scheduled.
Accordingly, an issue calling for urgent action is related to development of a global positioning technology to overcome the aforesaid drawbacks of the prior art.


The present disclosure relates to CDR defined antibodies targeting the 5T4 oncofoetal antigen (TPBG, 5T4, Wnt Activated Inhibitory Factor 1, WAIF1) which exhibit a binding affinity for human 5T4 antigen which is in the same order of magnitude as their affinity for cynomolgus monkey 5T4. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and their use in the treatment of human solid tumours and haematological malignancies are claimed.

The 5T4 oncofoetal antigen is a 72 kDa glycoprotein defined by a monoclonal antibody raised against wheat germ agglutinin isolated glycoproteins from human placental syncytiotrophoblast microvillus membrane. This monoclonal antibody (mAb) was named 5T4 in WO89/07947. Whereas the 5T4 antigen has a limited expression in normal tissue, it is (over)expressed by various types of cancer cells. This renders the 5T4 antigen a specific cancer target and a potential and promising therapeutic target. However, although the target was discovered in the late eighties, approved therapeutic antibodies are still not available.
WO2006/031653 discloses the original mAb 5T4, i.e., H8 and its humanized version, both of which are not cross-reactive towards various non-human animal species typically used in in vivo preclinical (toxicity) studies. These preclinical studies aim to identify an initial safe dose for subsequent dose escalation schemes in humans; to identify healthy tissues or organs that are potential targets of reversible or irreversible toxic effects; and to identify safety parameters for clinical monitoring. For biopharmaceuticals, such as monoclonal antibodies, regulatory guidelines require testing in at least one relevant species (e.g. ICH S6 regulatory guideline). The species is not relevant in case the monoclonal antibody is not cross-reactive for the species and therefore insufficiently potent in said species. In such cases an alternative animal model may be used, e.g. a genetically modified species. However, this will require extensive effort not only to develop the model, but also to be able to provide an acceptable scientific justification to the regulatory authorities.
WO2007/106744 discloses the anti-5T4 antibodies A1, A2 and A3, but although these three antibodies exhibit some cross-reactivity towards non-human animal species, e.g. cynomolgus monkey, their affinities for human 5T4 are much lower than the affinity of H8 for human 5T4.
Anti-5T4 antibodies H8, A1, A2 and A3 linked via 4-(4′-acetylphenoxy)-butanoic acid to calicheamicin were disclosed in WO2007/106744 on p. 73. WO2012/131527 discloses A1 linked to maleimidocapronic-monomethylauristatin F (A1-mc-MMAF).
Only a few therapies targeting the 5T4 antigen have reached the clinical trial stage. The vaccine of modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) vector encoding the 5T4 antigen induces an endogenous antibody response against the 5T4 antigen, but its phase III study on metastatic renal cancer failed to meet its primary end point of increased survival. Another example is naptumomab estafenatox, which is the Fab fragment of mAb 5T4 conjugated to a modified Staphylococcal enterotoxin E. This conjugate is thought to activate a T-cell response in the proximity of the tumour. However, a randomized phase II/III study of naptumomab estafenatox plus IFN-α versus IFN-α in advanced renal cell carcinoma did not meet its primary endpoint of prolonged survival. Recently as well, clinical development evaluating the A1-mc-MMAF ADC was discontinued. Currently, no active clinical trials are listed in the US and EU clinical trials registers.
WO 2015/155345 discloses new anti-5T4 antibodies and corresponding ADCs wherein an anti-5T4 antibody is (site-specifically) linked to a pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PDB) dimer or to a tubulysin. However, no clinical data is yet available.
The above leads to the conclusion that the clinically tested 5T4 targeted therapies, i.e. antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates and vaccines, do not measure up to the requirements of a cancer therapeutic. Therefore, there is a need for new antibodies against the 5T4 antigen and for corresponding antibody-drug conjugates for cancer therapy. To determine the suitability of these antibodies and corresponding ADCs in a preclinical setting, such antibodies should be cross-reactive for the 5T4 antigen of non-human animal species relevant for the preclinical development of a drug candidate.

Anti-5T4 antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates


A casino card game played by up to eight players using eight, ten or twelve standard decks of playing cards. The game comprises three sequential games of blackjack followed by a game of five card poker wherein the players, competing against a dealer, must wager on the black jack and poker games before the cads are dealt.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a casino card game bearing similarities to two existing casino card games, and more particularly to a game known as "Fimarolla" which combines certain features of the card games known as Poker and Blackjack.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The public perception of the card games played by the public against the house is that the player's statistical probability of continued success is limited. Because of the nature of the games played in casinos, such as Blackjack, Gin Rummy or Poker, the initial cards dealt to the player, especially a novice, can quickly eliminate any possibility of beating the house thus lessening the inclination of the player to continue playing. Certain card games have been developed which are more "player friendly" thereby enabling the player to have a plurality of chances to win.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,946 discloses a card game played with one or two decks of cards involving two hands in which no player strategy affects the outcome of the game. The player selects which of the hands he thinks will win the game or whether the game will end in a tie. The game utilizes the numerical value of the cards as determinative of the outcome.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,415 discloses a card game played with fifty-two cards and four jokers that is not Blackjack but requires counting of card values to reach a predetermined unique point total, for example, a point total count of twenty-two points or as close to it as possible. Contrary to many casino card games, each of the players in turn is designated the dealer. The game rules are similar to Blackjack.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,486,005 discloses a method and apparatus for playing a poker-like game in which the player competes against the dealer. Each player can select his hand or a position after seeing a predetermined number of cards dealt to each hand.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,300 discloses a card game similar in form to the game of Twenty-One, but in which different play options are provided by modifying the deck of cards used. The object is to get closest to a numerical hand count of twenty. If the numerical count exceeds twenty, then the numerical count of the cards reverts by subtracting ten therefrom. Thus the player never encounters a "bust" hand situation.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a card game based upon a combination of the rules of Poker and Black Jack. The game of the present invention, "Fimarolla," combines many of the rules of the aforementioned card games into a single game and is ideally suited as a casino game.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed invention.

Method of playing the card game Fimarolla


An improved friction material may be made having reinforcing fibers aligned generally perpendicular to the friction surface of said material by forming a paper of fibrous friction materials such that the fibers in the paper are aligned closely to the longitudinal axis of the paper and then folding or cutting the paper into pleats or strips such that the pleats or strips are bonded together with the edges defining the friction surface of the friction body and the fibers perpendicular to that surface.

Conventionally manufactured friction materials are produced by mechanically blending particulate friction-producing and lubricating additives, short fibers and thermosetting resin materials and then molding the mass under heat and pressure to form a finished brake pad or lining or the like. During molding of the mixed material, pressure is applied perpendicular to the broad face of the pad. This results in a high degree of fiber orientation generally parallel to what is to be the wear surface of the pad. This procedure and the resulting fiber orientation limits the friction and wear performance of the final pad due to material restriction and the inability to orient fibers in the optimal direction, which would often be perpendicular to the wear surface.
One of the primary limitations of friction materials is their thermal stability. On a conventional automotive disk brake pad, the wear surface temperature can exceed 700.degree. C. The wear rate of the surface materials increases dramatically as the wear surface temperature rises above the decomposition temperatures of the fibers and/or the binder that joins them together. The fibrous constituents serve as both a reinforcement for the friction material and a bearing surface to increase wear life. Thus, it is desirable to incorporate fibers into the friction material with the decomposition temperature above 700.degree. C. Such fibers include metallic, carbon, graphite, glassy and ceramic fibers. Except for the metallic fibers, all of these classes of potential friction material reinforcing fibers are intrinsically brittle, and they fracture with a loss of reinforcing capability when subjected to the mixing and molding pressures used to form friction materials by conventional processes.
Thus, conventional friction material processing does not allow the exploitation of the most thermally-resistant fibers due to breakage of the fibers and to their alignment in a least desirable orientation parallel to the wear surface. When the fibers are in line with the contact of the wear surface, they are readily pulled from the matrix when the binder wears away and exposes the length of the fiber. When the fiber is gone, there is additional binder wear and so forth. Thus, in the conventional friction material processing, the high temperature-resistant brittle fibers break and they are aligned in a direction not especially suitable to the integrity of the friction material.
In addition to the above problems, the conventional mixing of friction material formulations often lends itself to segregation of the materials so that the friction material is not uniform in its mixture, as would be most desirable.
Accordingly, it is apparent that alternative and improved practices for the making of friction materials would be useful. It is an object of the present invention to provide such a method.

Manufacture of friction material using fiber oriented paper


An electroosmotic pump may be fabricated using semiconductor processing techniques with a nanoporous open cell dielectric frit. Such a frit may result in an electroosmotic pump with better pumping capabilities.

This invention relates generally to electroosmotic pumps and, particularly, to such pumps fabricated in silicon using semiconductor fabrication techniques.
Electroosmotic pumps use electric fields to pump a fluid. In one application, they may be fabricated using semiconductor fabrication techniques. They then may be applied to the cooling of integrated circuits, such as microprocessors.
For example, an integrated circuit electroosmotic pump may be operated as a separate unit to cool an integrated circuit. Alternatively, the electroosmotic pump may be formed integrally with the integrated circuit to be cooled. Because the electroosmotic pumps, fabricated in silicon, have an extremely small form factor, they may be effective at cooling relatively small devices, such as semiconductor integrated circuits.
Thus, there is a need for better ways to form electroosmotic pumps using semiconductor fabrication techniques.

Electroosmotic pump using nanoporous dielectric frit


A method of composite part manufacturing includes inserting a tooling pin of a magnet into a ply charge. The method also includes coupling the ply charge to a tool using the magnet and a second magnet of the tool. The magnet positions the ply charge on the tool. The tooling pin provides a retaining force to resist movement of the ply charge. The method further includes applying resin to the ply charge and curing the resin to form a cured composite material.

In some composite part manufacturing processes, a tooling pin is used to position or retain materials on a tool. During formation of a composite part, composite materials and a vacuum bag or vacuum bags are deformed on the tool using a pressure differential (commonly referred to as vacuum). If tooling pins are used, deformation of the composite materials and the vacuum bag(s) can cause the tooling pins to puncture the vacuum bag(s). Thus, for some manufacturing processes, such as double bag vacuum processes, the composite materials are laid-up on a layup surface of a tool by hand and are manually affixed to the layup surface with adhesives (rather than tooling pins). Such manual layup processes are time consuming.

Composite part manufacturing using magnetically-indexed tooling pins