An image processing device comprises a decoder, a sprite buffer interface, and a sprite buffer as well as a rendering engine, a frame buffer interface, and a frame buffer, which is characterized by synchronizing the write timing for the sprite buffer with the read timing for the frame buffer. That is, the decoder decodes compressed image data to restore original image data before compression. The sprite buffer interface writes the decoded data (i.e., sprite pattern data) into the sprite buffer, from which the sprite pattern data are read and supplied to the rendering engine. The rendering engine performs a prescribed rendering process (e.g., magnification, reduction, rotation, deformation, etc.) on the sprite pattern data, which are then written into the frame buffer. A display controller reads rendering-completed data (i.e., display data) from the frame buffer so as to output them to a display.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to image processing devices for drawing pictures and images on computer screens in association with sprites and rendering in image processing.
This application claims priority on Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-23444 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-23445, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, graphical displays using sprites have been frequently used in playing video games and television games as well as other games such as 'pachinko' (a Japanese form of pinball). FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the overall constitution of an image display device using sprites in image processing, wherein reference numeral 1 designates a central processing unit (CPU), 2 designates an image processing device, 3 designates a pattern read-only memory (ROM) for storing compressed patterns of sprites, and 4 designates a display such as a liquid crystal display. Upon reception of instructions from the CPU 1, the image processing device 2 reads sprite patterns from the pattern ROM 3 so as to decode (e.g., expand) the read sprite patterns, which are thus restored to 'original' sprite patterns before compression and are expanded in a sprite buffer (not shown) internally arranged therein. The 'decoded' sprite patterns are read from the sprite buffer and are then subjected to rendering processes such as magnification (or enlargement), reduction, rotation, and deformation, so that they are drawn in a frame buffer arranged internally of the image processing device 2. Thereafter, the 'drawn' pattern data are read out in synchronization with horizontal and vertical scanning timings and are output to the display 4. Conventionally-known technologies regarding the aforementioned display processing using sprites are disclosed in various documents such as Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-16810, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-112263, and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-341859.
The conventionally-known image processing device is designed to perform a process for expanding a sprite pattern in the sprite buffer and a rendering process regarding the expanded sprite pattern, thus actualizing synchronization on drawing of an image at a prescribed location of the frame buffer. For this reason, one of these processes whose processing speed is relatively low may cause a bottleneck in image processing; and this reduces a drawing ability in processing.

Image processing device with synchronized sprite rendering and sprite buffer


The method of attaching a pulling head to two or more wires or cables for installation in a conduit, comprising providing a first area for attaching the pulling head, placing two or more wire or cable supply spools on a first side of the first area, placing a receiving spool on the opposite or second side of the first area, feeding a portion of the wires or cables from the wire or cable supply spools onto the receiving spool, placing a terminating table in the first area below the wires or cables, cutting the wires or cables at staggered length from the receiving spool, stripping a portion of the covering from the wires or cables from the outer diameter of the two or more wires or cables, installing a connection onto each of the two or more wires or cables.

The field of this invention is that of putting multiple independent cables onto a single spool and terminating the cables with a pulling head with axially spaced connectors for pulling into a conduit.
Multiple conductor cabling consisting of multiple, independent wires or conductors are an integral part of many systems, including electrical and power systems. Such cabling may be installed by pulling the independent conductors in parallel through pipe or conduit over long distances. A pulling rope running through the conduit is attached to each conductor, and the rope is pulled through the conduit, drawing the multiple conductors cabling from multiple spools or other delivery mechanisms and through the conduit. The amount to force required to pull several conductors through a length conduit, potentially with many bends or turns, may be substantial, and if the force is applied to the cabling improperly, one or more conductors may be prohibitively damaged during the pull. Such damage may hamper performance of the multiple conductor cabling or present safety issues. In addition, finding and repairing the damaged portions of the conductors may be prohibitively expensive or physically impossible, and may necessitate replacement of the entire cabling.
The conductors may be attached to the pulling rope through a pulling head. Traditionally, pulling heads are created for a given pull on an ad hoc basis at the jobsite. This procedure adds time and expense to the installation of the cabling and requires the installers have the tools and skills necessary for creation of the pulling heads. These ad hoc created pulling heads may also lead to damaged conductors during the pull.
Recent industry progress has been made in terms of wrapping multiple wires or cables onto a single spool, bringing the single spool to a termination table in a shop, and terminating the cable with a pulling head before shipment to the field for installation. Each wire or cable has an independent crimp connector from the pulling head, and each crimp connector represents a lump in the cable. If all the crimp connector "lumps" occur at one place, they simply will not go into a conduit which is efficiently designed, i.e. not oversized. For this reason, they are spaced apart a distance, i.e. 6 inches. When the single spool is brought to the termination table, all the wires or cables will be cut to a common dimension. As they are cut to a required varying distance. An amount of expensive cable will be wasted.
A need has existed since the inception of this handling of multiple conductors or wires or cables in a conduit which will quickly install a termination head without wasting sections of conductor or wire or cable in each termination.

Method for in situ multiple cable terminations


Barrier element for bounding a carriageway, including a guide element extending about a longitudinal axis. The guide element transversely to the longitudinal axis has on the underside a foot part, which on the first end of the guide element has a base plate. The base plate has parts of a tenon and mortise connecting system as the first connector for connecting the barrier element to a second barrier element, provided with parts of a tenon and mortise system as the second connector, which interact with the first connector. The first end of the barrier element has a fixing member for accommodating a fixing element for fixing the barrier element relative to the carriageway.

The invention relates to a barrier element for bounding a carriageway, comprising a guide element extending along a longitudinal axis, which guide element transversely to the longitudinal axis has on the underside a foot part, which on the first end of the guide element is provided with a base plate, which base plate is provided with parts of a tenon and mortise connecting system as the first connecting means for connecting the barrier element to a second barrier element, which is provided with parts of a tenon and mortise system as the second connecting means, which interact with the first connecting means. Such a barrier element is known from Dutch Patent Application 1006481.
In the case of the known barrier element tenons can be fitted on the base plate as the first connecting means, which can be connected to a base plate provided with mortises so as to form a joint, which base plate forms the second connecting means in a second barrier element which can be connected to the first barrier element. Of course, other combinations and configurations of tenons and mortises are conceivable, as is known from Patent Application 1006481. For the sake of completeness, the full content of this application is deemed by this reference to it to be incorporated in the present description.
It is also known from the abovementioned application to pre-connect several, for example two, barrier elements to form an assembly, in which case use is made of a different connecting system comprising connecting plates and mounting bolts.
It is desirable, after a barrier element or an assembly of barrier elements has been placed on a road surface, to fix said barrier element or assembly of barrier elements relative to the road surface, in order to prevent slipping or tilting if a road vehicle crashes against the barrier element(s).


A method for installing software components includes: a terminal receives a software component package delivered by a Device Management (DM) server directly or a download address of the component package and a command instructing to download delivered by the DM server, where the software component package contains more than one software component; when the terminal receives the download address and the command instructing to download, the terminal downloads the software component package from the download address; the terminal installs the obtained software component package locally and generates management nodes and subnodes of the management nodes corresponding to the software components under a Deployed subtree of the Software Component Management Object (SCOMO) of the terminal. With the present invention, the process of installing software component is more reasonable. A system and apparatus for installing software components are also provided.

Mobile terminals are an important part in an entire mobile network system. With Device Management (DM), data is downloaded from the network to a terminal device via an Over The Air (OTA) mechanism and the terminal device reads the downloaded data and further completes subsequent installation and configuration of the software components. Meanwhile, service information required by the user and function information of the terminal device are transferred from the terminal device to the DM server automatically. Thus, a Device Management System (DMS) provides a cost-effective solution for maintaining and managing data in a terminal device, including setting initial configuration information of a terminal device, installing and updating permanent information on the terminal device, and extracting management information from the terminal device, as well as processing different types of event and alarm information generated by the terminal device.
Now it is able to download, install and remove software components for a terminal device. The following describes how a software component is downloaded and installed to illustrate the technical solution of the conventional art.
In the conventional art, a Software Component Management Object (SCOMO) is stored in the management tree of a terminal device. A DM server delivers an Exec command to an executable node in the SCOMO to manage software components.
FIG. 1 shows a partial structure of a SCOMO in the conventional art. The download and installation process includes: the DM server downloads a software component by operating on the Download subtree and the Delivered subtree of the SCOMO; after the terminal downloads the component, the DM server delivers an Exec command to the executable node of the SCOMO; the terminal device executes the command to install the software component. The node that receives the Exec command is an Install node or an Install Inactive node in the Delivered subtree. After the installation is complete, the terminal reports the installation result to the DM server. If the reporting mode is asynchronous, the terminal reports the installation result by sending a Generic Alert. The information reported includes a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) of the installed software component. If the reporting mode is synchronous, the terminal reports the execution result code of the Exec command via a Status command corresponding to the Exec command.
However, the conventional DM solution for downloading and installing a software component is subject to the following defects:
1. In the process of installing and managing a software component, parameters are not supported so that the operation may fail. For example, the installation of a software component may require information such as a serial number. In addition, personalized management is not supported to the extent needed to meet various user requirements.
2. After the installation is complete, due to the lack of an access control right assignment method for the installed component object, the security level may be degraded.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method, system, terminal and device management server for installing software components


A method of calibrating and debugging a testing system is provided. First, values of different electrical path segments are calibrated, and parameters of the electrical path segments while being calibrated are saved. After calibration, electrical tests can be processed on a DUT. If the testing system malfunctions, the values of the electrical path segments are calibrated again to compare the current parameters to the previously saved parameters. The component which goes wrong can be found out quickly in this way.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to a testing system, and more particularly to a method of calibrating and debugging a testing system.
2. Description of Related Art
To ensure the quality of electronic products, manufacturers commonly use a testing system to check electrical connections between each precision electronic component in different stages of the manufacturing process.
In most cases, before doing electrical tests, the probes of a testing system may have to be calibrated by using a calibration plate, which does tests and provides information of compensation (i.e., returning to zero) for the probes. However, such compensation is applied on the whole circuit of the testing system at once, without knowing the actual condition of each component. Once a testing system malfunctions, it has to take down and test every component in the testing system one by one just to find the problematic one. The process is time-consuming, and leads to poor efficiency of maintaining a testing system.

Method of calibrating and debugging testing system


Provided are containment structures having a substrate structure having a plurality of walls extending from a surface to define a space, wherein at least one of the walls has an overall negative slope; a first layer deposited in the space having a first surface energy no greater than 30 mN/m; and a second layer deposited on top of the first layer.

Organic electronic devices convert electrical energy into radiation, detect signals through electronic processes, convert radiation into electrical energy, or include one or more organic semiconductor layers. The manufacturing of electronic components that include organic layers, however, can be difficult, especially when coating over a low energy surface.
Thus, what is needed are additional coating methods for forming layers of an organic electronic device.

Coated substrate and method of making same


A system for keeping a firefighter's uniform together. Typically, firefighter's trousers can slip over the boots when the uniform is sitting together with the trousers on the boots in a "ready to use" position. In this position, the firefighter slips on the boots, pulls up the trousers and leaves to go to the fire. Applicant's system includes a strap attached to the top of the boot and fastened to the inside of the trousers so the trousers will not slip over the heel of boot and make it more difficult to get to the scene of the blaze.

Firefighters, because of the nature of their work, are required to use fire protective clothing. This clothing includes firefighting pants and a pair of firefighting boots. The pants and the pair of boots are only part of the total protective gear worn by the firefighter however, these parts of the gear are put on first, in a very timely manner, usually before the firefighter even boards the fire truck, leaving the remainder of the clothing and equipment to be put on en route.
Since time is a very important factor in this dressing process, the firefighter cleverly has his protective gear and equipment arranged in a strategic manner, allowing for quick and easy access in anticipation of a fire call. Included in this arrangement are the boots and the pants smartly placed next to the fire truck. This arrangement calls for the pants and the boots to be placed in relation to each other in a "ready for a call" manner (see FIG. 1). This means that the pants are at the bottom of the boots awaiting the firefighter to outfit himself by: first, stepping into his boots, and second, pulling up the pants, which are stacked over the boots (see FIG. 1). The firefighter is bound from doing anything else to outfit himself until his pants and boots are put on first, then he is free to continue dressing himself in a timely manner.
Though it is important for the firefighter to have his firefighting boots and pants placed in this "ready for a call" manner, the placement of the pants around and on the boots actually begins a process resulting in an annoying problem. This problem begins when the firefighter removes and drops his pants on and around his boots, creating a pants and boots unit placed in the "ready for a call" position (see FIG. 1). In this position, the pants and the boots are not actually connected together as a unit. Since the pants are actually dropped onto the boots, the front part of the pants are supported by the front part of the boots, leaving the rear of the pants (adjacent heel portion of boots) unsupported by the boots except by contact (friction), where the main support must be provided by the floor, or the ground. The problem begins when the firefighter, responding to a call, attempts to pick up the boots by their pull straps. To move the boots and pants together, as in FIG. 1, from one place to another, the cuffs or bottom portion of the pants finds its way under the boots and continues to travel this way until a large portion of the pants are now under the boots (and in danger of falling off the boots) (see FIG. 2).
This is very annoying to a firefighter, who must now stop everything and correct this problem before a call comes in; or who must anxiously correct this problem in response to an emergency call which has come in. Knowing that time is a factor, this is a dreadful situation for a firefighter to be in, especially if the emergency or fire scene is only minutes, sometimes only seconds, away. This problem is presently reluctantly accepted by the firefighter.

Firefighter's boot-to-trouser strap device


A coolable airfoil (25) for a gas turbine engine includes a leading edge portion (52) cooled by a combination of radial and impingement flows through internal passages (80) and (90) separated by an internal wall (95) which is imperforate along a radially inner portion (100) thereof and apertured along a radially outer portion (105) thereof

1. Technical Field
This invention relates to coolable airfoils of the type used in high temperature rotary machines such as gas turbine engines and more particularly, to an improved scheme for cooling the leading edge portion of such airfoils, with enhanced efficiency.
2. Background Art
Gas turbine engines for powering aircraft, watercraft or for industrial use include a compressor, a combustor and a turbine. Air drawn into the engine is compressed in the compressor causing the temperature and pressure of the air to rise. The compressed air is mixed with fuel in the combustor and the mixture is burned. The products of combustion are expanded in the turbine section to provide useful work in powering the turbine (and in turn the compressor to which the turbine is mechanically connected) as well as thrust.
The turbine typically comprises a series of rotatable disks having a plurality of blades extending radially outwardly therefrom. The blades receive energy from the hot products of combustion and in reaction thereto, cause the disks to which they are attached, to rotate. The products of combustion at temperatures in the range of 2500.degree. F.-3000.degree. F., are capable of damaging the turbine blades unless the blades are cooled interiorly thereof with the cooling fluid such as air bled from the compressor.
As is well known, modem turbine blades are provided with internal passages through which cooling air is channeled and then expelled, typically along the airfoil surfaces of the blades. Typical of the cooling passage arrangements employed in modern turbine blades is that found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,159 to Green et al. entitled "Coolable Airfoil Structure" and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. Perhaps the most difficult portions of turbine blades to cool are the leading edges thereof, particularly the leading edges of the high pressure turbine blades which encounter the products of combustion directly from the combustor. Prior schemes to cool the interior of turbine blades at the leading edges thereof involved channeling cooling air radially outwardly through the blades, immediately adjacent to an inner surface of the leading edge of the blade. Subsequently, it was learned that a more effective cooling of the blade leading edges could be achieved by impinging cooling air against the inner surface of the leading edge of the blade from an adjacent cooling passage. Although effective, such a cooling scheme does not necessarily make the most efficient use of the cooling air, which, as set forth hereinabove, is typically bled from the compressor of the engine. It will be appreciated that the more air bled off of the compressor for cooling, the less air is available to support combustion, thereby adversely affecting the efficiency of the engine. Optimizing the efficiency of turbine blade, leading edge cooling schemes optimizes the efficiency of the engine into and therefore reduces the amount of fuel burned by the engine, thus enhancing the economy of operation of the engine.

Coolable air foil for a gas turbine engine


A non-contaminating pressure transducer module having an isolation member is disclosed. The isolation member isolates a pressure sensor within the transducer module from exposure to ultra high purity fluids flowing through a conduit in the module without significantly affecting the accuracy of the pressure measurement. The transducer module may be positioned within a fluid flow circuit carrying corrosive materials, wherein the pressure transducer module produces a control signal proportional to either a gauge pressure or an absolute pressure of the fluid flow circuit. The pressure transducer module of the present invention also avoids the introduction of particulate, unwanted ions, or vapors into the flow circuit.

I. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to non-contaminating pressure transducer modules, and more particularly relates to a pressure transducer module that effectively operates within Ultra High Purity (UHP) processing equipment that utilize UHP chemicals and require UHP conditions. The pressure transducer module of the present invention provides a continuous measurement of the pressure within a fluid flow circuit of the UHP processing equipment without contaminating the fluid within the circuit. An isolation member which isolates a pressure sensor from the chemically corrosive fluid flow. The pressure sensor adjoins the isolation member without compromising the accuracy of the pressure measurement or increasing the risk of fluid contamination. The isolation member may be interchangeable and eliminates the need to submerge the pressure sensor in an oil or other fluid, thereby eliminating potential contaminants to the fluid flow channel.
II. Discussion of the Related Art
Over the years, the processing equipment used during the manufacture of semiconductor substrates has evolved, attempting to isolate the substrate from the presence of any small particles, metallic ions, vapors or static discharge in the environment during the manufacturing process. The processing equipment may be used to manufacture, for example, a wafer, LCD, flat panel display, and/or memory disks. Significantly, industry standards require ultra high purity environments within the processing equipment.
During the processing of semiconductor substrates, the substrate is commonly subjected to chemically corrosive fluids and high temperatures. These fluids are delivered and removed from the substrate by the UHP processing equipment through fluid lines. The various components of the processing equipment are commonly designed to reduce the amount of particulate generated and to isolate the processing chemicals from contaminating influences. Typically, the processing equipment will include monitoring and sensing devices connected in a closed loop feedback which are used in monitoring and controlling the equipment. These monitoring and sensing devices must also be designed to eliminate any contamination which might be introduced and must operate with accuracy through a wide range of temperatures.
A highly corrosive environment may be created when aggressive processing chemicals are delivered to the processing equipment. Liquid transporting systems carry these chemicals from supply tanks through pumping and regulating stations and through the processing equipment itself The liquid chemical transport systems, which includes pipes, tubing, valves, and fittings, are frequently made of plastics resistant to the deteriorating effects of the aggressive processing chemicals. Of course, anything mechanical is subject to potential leakage and such leakage can create extremely hazardous conditions both to the processing of semiconductor wafers or other products and also to personnel who may have to tend and maintain the processing equipment. Hence, the chemical transport system must be designed to detect and avoid such leakage.
Monitoring and sensing devices are incorporated into the UHP processing equipment to detect, for example, this leakage. The monitoring and sensing devices may incorporate sensors which also must be designed to avoid the introduction of particulate, unwanted ions, or vapors into the processing steps. Monitoring the pressure within the chemical transport system is useful for several reasons. First, a change in pressure within the system may indicate leakage within the system. Second, the pressure within the transport system is regulated to avoid exceeding predetermined safety limits. Third, the pressure within a fluid flow circuit may be controlled to actuate various processing tools connected to the processing equipment.
When highly corrosive hazardous chemicals are used, such corrosive atmospheric environments are extremely hard on the monitoring and sensing equipment. Further, the monitoring and sensing equipment may transmit wafer damaging particulate, ions, or vapors as a result of exposure to the corrosive atmospheric environment. Metals, which are conventionally used in such monitoring devices, cannot reliably stand up to the corrosive environment for long periods of time. Hence, the monitoring and sensing devices must incorporate substitute materials. Significantly, a mere substitution of materials in the monitoring device oftentimes produces a device with other deficiencies, including leaks and inoperativeness. Although pressure sensors have generally been developed for use in other applications, these sensors are not particularly well suited for use in semiconductor substrate UHP processing equipment. Exemplary of such a fluid pressure sensor are the pressure gauges disclosed by Schnell in U.S. Pat. No. 4,192,192 and Zavoda in U.S. Pat. No. 3,645,139. The sensing portion of the pressure gauge of the '192 and '139 devices are contained within a housing that requires a cavity filled with a sensor fluid or oil. The cavity is formed adjacent the fluid flow and separated by a protective member. The protective member is described by Schnell '192 as being made from a metal having a TEFLON.RTM. coating being applied thereto. TEFLON.RTM. coatings are permeable and allow small amounts of fluid to permeate through the coating. When subjected to chemically corrosive fluids used in semiconductor substrate processing equipment, the processing fluids permeate through the coating of the protective member, corrode the metal and permeate back through the coating thereby contaminating the processing fluids. This contamination is not acceptable in UHP processing equipment. Further, it is believed that the stiffness of the metal coated '192 protective member decreases the accuracy and resolution of the measured pressure. Hence, use of the sensors disclosed in the '192 and '139 patents are not acceptable in the UHP processing equipment.
The protective member of the Zavoda '139 device is described as a TEFLON.RTM. molded single-unitary structure having a wavelike cross-section to enhance the flexibility and displacement characteristics of the diaphragm. TEFLON.RTM. films and molded parts are also permeable and allow small amounts of fluid to permeate through the part. Thus, when positioned in-line within the fluid flow circuit of semiconductor substrate processing equipment, the sensor fluid or oil contained within the housing of Zavoda would permeate through the protective member and contaminate the fluid within the fluid flow circuit. Also, a diaphragm having a wavelike cross-section as described by Zavoda '139 is believed to decrease the accuracy of pressure measurements when measured over a wide range of temperatures. Significantly, Zavoda does not describe a diaphragm that adjoins an enclosed sensor. Further, it is believed that adjoining the sensor to the diaphragm disclosed by Zavoda would result in an inoperable or unreliable pressure sensor having minimal accuracy and resolution. Hence, there is a need for a chemically inert pressure sensor module that isolates the sensor from the fluid flow without affecting the accuracy of the pressure measurements or requiring sensor fluid.
A device in accordance with the teachings of either the '192 or '139 patent includes additional shortcomings when used in semiconductor substrate processing equipment. The fluid contained within a cavity of the pressure gauge of these devices is typically a silicone oil. A change in pressure within the fluid flow of the processing equipment affects the oil pressure within the cavity of these devices. Also, the oil within the cavity typically has large thermal expansions which cause large deflection changes in the protective member. The large deflection changes in the protective member increases the likelihood that the oil within the cavity will leak into the fluid flow, contaminating the flow circuit of the processing equipment. Also, the accuracy of the pressure gauge is negatively affected by the large thermal expansions of the oil. Hence, a need exists for an in-line pressure gauge that does not leak contaminating fluids into or out of the fluid flow circuit. Also, a need exists for an in-line pressure sensor, wherein the accuracy is not affected by thermo changes within the fluid flow circuit.
Other devices have been described for measuring a pressure within a fluid flow circuit. For example, Ridenour in U.S. Pat. No. 5,063,784 and Sorrell in U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,078 describe devices that may be connected in-line within a fluid flow circuit to measure the pressure therein. Each device includes a check valve which functions as a barrier between the fluid flow circuit and a remote pressure sensor. When the valve is opened, fluid from the circuit flows through the valve and a certain amount of contaminating back flow results. Thus, the devices disclosed by Sorrell and Zavoda are not suitable for use in environments where high purity is desired.
Collins et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,035 (the '035 patent) describes a device that appears suitable for use in highly corrosive environments where high purity is desired. Collins describes a capacitance proximity monitoring device that detects the presence of liquids in the environment. The capacitance proximity device determines the change of electrical characteristics within a predetermined area as various fluids flow past the predetermined area. The changes in current from the sensing field is utilized to detect the presence of liquids within the sensing field. Although utilizable in high purity environments, the '035 patent does not describe a device capable of measuring pressure within a fluid flow conduit of the processing equipment.
Therefore, a need exists for a non-contaminating pressure transducer which may be positioned within a fluid flow circuit carrying corrosive materials, wherein the pressure transducer determines either a gauge pressure or absolute pressure of the fluid flow circuit with a reliable resolution and accuracy. A need also exists for a pressure transducer that avoids the introduction of particulate, unwanted ions, or vapors into the flow circuit. The present invention overcomes these and other disadvantages of the related art.

Non-contaminating pressure transducer module


Spinal rod reduction apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided. In various examples, a rod reduction apparatus includes a first threaded member (130, 210, 330) including an engagement feature (138A, 138B, 220, 332, 334) configured to selectively anchor the first threaded member to the implantable screw assembly. A second threaded member (110, 230, 310) is configured to threadably engage with the first threaded member. The second threaded member is axially movable with respect to the first threaded member with rotation of the second threaded member. A spinal rod urging member (120, 240, 320) is axially movable with the second threaded member. The urging member includes a bearing surface (126, 242, 320) that is configured to selectively abut the spinal rod and selectively urge the spinal rod toward the implantable screw assembly with rotation of the second threaded member in a first rotational direction.

Several techniques exist in the field of spinal surgery for reducing a spinal rod into a posterior pedicle screw. The primary technique utilizes a separate rod reduction instrument that couples to the head of the screw after the screw is inserted and the rod is placed, such as rocker forks or ratchet style instruments, which are designed to reduce the rod one level at a time, i.e., to each pedicle screw separately. Such segmental reduction techniques may produce large axial loads on the pedicle screws.
Alternatively, a rod can be conformed to a specific deformity and then seated within an implanted pedicle screw. Once seated, the deformity can be corrected by bending the rod in situ. This technique may be time-consuming and places stresses and strains on the rod prior to implantation.
Certain rod reduction techniques utilize specialty reduction pedicle screws that include integrated upwardly extending tabs that can be used to reduce the rod gradually over the entire length of a deformity. Once the rod reduction is completed, the extended tabs are broken off. This technique, however, is typically limited to the reduction screw only and can cause the implant to be expensive.

Rod reducer apparatus for spinal corrective surgery


A portable sprayer includes a tank and a measuring device in selective fluid communication with the tank. The measuring device may be located adjacent to a funnel at the top of the tank and a valve provided to selectively control the flow of fluid from the measuring device into the funnel. The measuring device may include a plurality of surfaces extending from the internal wall of the measuring device to provide indicia of the amount of fluid within the measuring device.

Pressure sprayers are well known in the art, having been developed many years ago. They essentially consist of a tank that is adapted to hold a liquid and become pressurized with air. The tank becomes pressurized via a pump. When a spray head and/or wand that is attached to the pressurized tank is opened, the liquid within the tank is ejected from the spray head/wand by the pressure in the tank. Eventually, the pressure within the tank decreases with the ejection of liquid therefrom. When the pressure upon the liquid within the tank drops to a particular value, the liquid will not be ejected from the tank due to lack of pressure. The amount of liquid that is ejected before the pressure in the tank drops to the particular value is a function of both the volume of air in the tank and the pressure of the air. Therefore, in order to maintain (have) adequate pressure within the tank in order to eject the liquid therefrom, the pressure must be periodically increased. This is accomplished by a manually actuated pump associated with the pressure sprayer.
Such pressure sprayers may be used for spraying insecticides, pesticides, biocides, and herbicides, as well as paints, stains, water, and virtually any other low viscosity liquid. Small, portable (i.e. hand-carried) pressure sprayers have been used by the home and business industry. Early pressurized sprayers included metal canisters with a manually actuated pump. When these metal tanks were filled with a liquid, and manually pumped to the appropriate pressure, they were quite heavy and cumbersome to carry. Currently, most pressure sprayers are formed from a suitable plastic.
The liquid that is ejected from the pressure sprayers is typically mixed just prior to use. Accordingly, a concentrated solution of the toxic insecticide, pesticide, biocide, etc. is measured and mixed within the sprayer with a measured amount of water. Beneficially, only a small amount of the toxic solution is needed. The measurement of the correct amount of the solution in a small measuring vessel, however, may be problematic.
For example, measuring vessels typically include indicia marked upon the vessel walls, such as a line circumscribing the vessel. Such indicia are difficult to read. Accordingly, while positioning the vessel so as to be able to discern the markings, the vessel must also be balanced to maintain the vessel level. Additionally, the positioning and pouring of the toxic solution into some small measuring vessels such as teaspoons and tablespoons must be done without spilling the contents of the measuring vessel either on the ground or on the user.
In some measuring vessels, the user need only fill the vessel to the brim of the vessel in order to measure the desired amount. Such measuring vessels significantly ease the determination of when the desired amount has been measured. These vessels suffer, however, from an increased likelihood of spillage since the measured solution must be poured to the very brim of the measuring vessel and then the measuring vessel must be positioned over the tank prior to spilling any of the contents. Of course, some users may attempt to avoid spillage onto the ground by first positioning the measuring vessel over the tank. This approach may lead to undesired consequences when the measuring device is overfilled, dumping an undetermined amount of the solution into the tank.
Moreover, when measuring liquid having a high viscosity, some amount of the liquid tends to remain in the measuring vessel even after attempting to pour the contents of the vessel in to the tank. It is thus necessary to rinse the measuring vessel, and pour the rinsed solution into the tank. The rinsing of the measuring vessel is preferably also done without spilling the rinsed solution outside of the tank or on the user.
Of course, the measuring of the solution presupposes that an appropriate measuring device may be located. Many solutions are provided without any such measuring device. Moreover, even when a device is provided with the solution, the measuring device is frequently lost or misplaced. Accordingly, the user typically absconds with a measuring device previously used in measuring foodstuffs. While providing a short term solution, such misappropriation of measuring vessels may lead to various other problems, of which replacement of the measuring vessel may be the least problematic.
What is needed is a measuring device for use with hand-pressurized compressed air sprayers that is eases the process of determining the amount of fluid in the measuring device.
What is further needed is a measuring device for use with hand-pressurized compressed air sprayers that reduces the potential for spilling a measured fluid.
What is still further needed is a measuring device for use with hand-pressurized compressed air sprayers that simplifies rinsing of the measuring device.
What is also needed is a measuring device for use with hand-pressurized compressed air sprayers that may be stored with a hand-pressurized compressed air sprayer.

Tank sprayer with integrated measuring device


A balloon catheter for delivering a therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent to tissue is described including an outer balloon having a wall with an opening therethrough and an inner surface, an inner balloon disposed in the outer balloon, enclosing an inflation chamber and having an outer surface defining a space between the outer surface of the inner balloon and the inner surface of the outer balloon, a catheter having a first lumen in fluid communication with the space between the inner balloon and the outer balloon for supplying the agent thereto, and a second lumen through which fluid is supplied to the inflation chamber for inflating the inner balloon to urge the agent out of the opening in the outer balloon, wherein the outer balloon and/or the inner balloon comprise at least one protrusion for directing the agent formed by an inner balloon wall and/or the outer balloon wall.

In diagnosing and treating diseases of various body cavities and organs, it is necessary to deliver diagnostic and/or therapeutic agents to the organs at specified locations. Most common routes of drug delivery include a non-invasive peroral (through the mouth), topical (skin), transmucosal (nasal, buccal/sublingual, vaginal, ocular and rectal) and inhalation routes. However, many therapeutic and diagnostic agents in general may not be delivered using these routes because they might be susceptible to enzymatic degradation or cannot be absorbed into the systemic circulation efficiently due to molecular size and charge issues, and thus, will not be therapeutically effective. For this reason, many such drugs have to be delivered by injection.
There are several known problems associated with the injection process. One of such problems is undesirable extravasation of the diagnostic or therapeutic agents into tissue, which is particularly prevalent with intravenously injected agents. Extravasation generally refers to leakage of fluids out of a container, and more specifically refers to leakage of intravenous drugs from a vein into surrounding tissues, resulting in an injury to the tissues. Once the intravenous extravasation has occurred, damage can continue for months and involve nerves, tendons and joints. If treatment is delayed, surgical debridement, skin grafting, and even amputation have been known to be the unfortunate consequences.
Occurrence of extravasation is possible with all intravenous drugs, but it is a particularly significant problem with cytoxic drugs used for treatment of cancer (i.e. during chemotherapy).
Chemotherapy is the general term for any treatment involving the use of chemical agents to stop cancer cells from growing. Chemotherapy can eliminate cancer cells at sites great distances from the original cancer. As a result, chemotherapy is considered a systemic treatment. More than half of all people diagnosed with cancer receive chemotherapy. A chemotherapy regimen (a treatment plan and schedule) usually includes drugs to fight cancer plus drugs to help support completion of the cancer treatment.
Chemotherapy can be administered through a vein, injected into a body cavity, or delivered orally in the form of a pill, depending on which drug is used. Chemotherapy works by destroying cancer cells. Unfortunately, it cannot tell the difference between a cancer cell and some healthy cells. Thus, chemotherapy often eliminates not only the fast-growing cancer cells, but also other fast-growing cells in the body, including hair and blood cells. Some cancer cells grow slowly while others grow rapidly. As a result, different types of chemotherapy drugs target the growth patterns of specific types of cancer cells.
Each chemotherapy drug works differently and is effective at a specific time in a life cycle of the cell it targets. Brachytherapy, sometimes called seed implantation, is an outpatient procedure used in the treatment of different kinds of cancer. The radioactive "seeds" are carefully placed inside of the cancerous tissue and positioned in a manner that will attack the cancer most efficiently. The radioactive seeds are about the size of a grain of rice, and give off radiation that travels only a few millimeters to kill nearby cancer cells. There are two different kinds of brachytherapy: permanent, when the seeds remain inside the body, and temporary, when the seeds are inside of the body and are then removed. With permanent implants (e.g. prostate), the radioactivity of the seeds typically decays with time.
The other type of chemotherapy is when cytotoxic agents are delivered intravenously. Veins of people receiving chemotherapy are often fragile, mobile, and difficult to cannulate. Patients who receive chemotherapy at the same site as radiotherapy may experience a reactivation of skin toxicity known as a "recall" phenomenon. Patients who have had previous radiation therapy at the site of injection may develop severe local reactions from cytotoxic drugs. Cytotoxic drugs also have the potential to cause cutaneous abnormalities in areas that have been damaged previously by radiation, even in areas that are distant from the injection site. Patients who receive further chemotherapy in a different site may experience an exacerbation of tissue damage in the original site.
Furthermore, areas of previous surgery where the underlying tissue is likely to be fibrosed and toughened dramatically present an increased risk of extravasation. Radical mastectomy, axillary surgery or lymph node dissection may impair circulation in a particular limb. This reduces venous flow and may allow intravenous solutions to pool and leak around the site of cannulation.
Some chemotherapy drugs often never reach the tumors they are intended to treat because the blood vessels feeding the tumors are abnormal. A tumor's capillaries (small blood vessels that directly deliver oxygen and nutrients to cancer cells) can be irregularly shaped, being excessively thin in some areas and forming thick, snarly clumps in others. These malformations create a turbulent, uneven blood flow, so that too much blood goes to one region of the tumor, and too little to another. In addition, the capillary endothelial cells lining the inner surface of tumor capillaries, normally a smooth, tightly-packed sheet, have gaps between them, causing vessel leakiness.
The systemic and intravenous side effects of chemotherapy coupled with the limited effect of systemic administration due to abnormal characteristics of tumor blood vessels have given the scientific community pause, in searching for more direct, localized and biologic solutions. Accordingly, the oncology literature has become increasingly populated with articles espousing prospective benefits and positive outcomes of intra-tumoral chemotherapy. A direct administration of cytotoxic drugs such as Mytomycin, Mytomycin-C, Bleomycin, Fluorouracil, Mitoxantrone, Cisplatin, and Avastin in endobronchial intra-tumoral chemotherapy has been done experimentally via direct injection of the agent into the endobronchial tumor. In these cases, the tumor was reported to have died and been subsequently removed.
However, while some experimental uses of the localized delivery of cytotoxic drugs have been attempted, there has been little implementation of such drug delivery in practice, possibly due to numerous problems associated with such delivery. First, it is often necessary to deliver cytotoxic drugs to remote and not easily accessible blood vessels and other lumens within body organs, such as lungs. It is also important to be able to deliver defined doses of the cytotoxic substances because such substances are often very expensive or are capable of causing serious harm if delivered in excess. Moreover, the existing methods lack the ability to contain the cytotoxic agent and/or radiation therapy and mitigate collateral damage to non-affected anatomy and structures.
Several devices have been proposed for a targeted delivery of drugs to internal bodily cavities, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,994,033 to Shokey et al and U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,132 to Shaffer et al. In these systems, a catheter is provided with an inner balloon and an outer balloon. The inner balloon is inflated to dilate a lesion in an affected blood vessel. The outer balloon is provided with openings, and the drug is ejected out of the openings and into the lesion as the inner balloon is inflated.
While useful for treatment of stenotic lesions, these systems are not particularly useful for other applications, such as treatment of cancerous tumors, and are not efficient at infusing the relevant biological material with the drug. Instead, the catheter may need to remain in place for an unnecessarily long period of time while the infusion of the drug into the biological material is allowed to take place. This is undesirable, especially in applications such as pulmonology, where the patient's respiratory passage has been somewhat restricted by the device. Further, this can result in some of the agent never being infused into the targeted material and instead remaining in the cavity and, after the balloon catheter is removed, subsequently migrating to other undesired portions of the body.
What is desired, therefore, is a balloon catheter system for delivering therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents to bodily tissues, tumors, and other biological materials that can locally deliver the agent to a specific target site. What is further desired is a balloon catheter system for delivering therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents that facilitates the infusion of the drug into surrounding bodily tissues, tumors, and other biological materials. What is also desired is a balloon catheter system for delivering therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents that can adjust for changing conditions during the process of delivering the drug.

Nested balloon catheter for localized drug delivery


A pipe joint with earthquake-proof function is provided. A lock ring engages with an accommodating groove of a socket. A tapered surface converging toward the opening side of the socket is formed on at least one of a portion of the lock ring engaging the accommodating groove and a portion of the accommodating groove engaging the lock ring. When a disengagement prevention force in a pipe axial direction for preventing a spigot from being disengaged from the socket by the engagement is transmitted from an accommodating groove to the lock ring through the tapered surface, a line of action of a component force of the disengagement prevention force in a direction perpendicular to the tapered surface passes the opening side of the socket of a contacting point between a socket bottom end part of the lock ring and the outer periphery of the spigot along the outer surface of the spigot.

A pipe joint with earthquake-proof function has, at the same time, an expansion/contraction function and a disengagement prevention function.
For such a pipe joint, a pipe joint of a socket-spigot structure in which a spigot formed at an end of one pipe is inserted inside a socket formed at an end of the other pipe joined with respect to each other is known. The pipe joint is configured so that a lock ring is accommodated in an accommodating groove formed at the inner circumference of the socket and is engaged with a spigot projection formed at the outer periphery of the spigot from the inner part of the socket to exhibit an earthquake-proof function. The lock ring is configured so as to elastically press against the outer periphery of the spigot. A tapered surface is formed on the outer periphery of the lock ring, and due to the reactive force based on the contact of the tapered surface with the inner circumferential edge of the accommodating groove, the lock ring presses against the outer periphery of the spigot and a satisfactory earthquake-proof function is exhibited.
In the pipe joint with earthquake-proof function of such a configuration, since the lock ring is engaged with the spigot projection, an annular groove for fitting the lock ring does not need to be formed on the outer periphery of the spigot to engage the lock ring and the spigot, and thus can be applied to a pipe essentially having a thin thickness. The lock ring is pressed against the outer periphery of the spigot by the action of the tapered surface thereof, and thus a plurality of set bolts do not need to be separately used along the pipe circumference from the outer periphery side of the socket to press the lock ring against the outer periphery of the spigot. Therefore, a sealing structure for the set bolt does not need to be used. Further, after arranging the lock ring within the accommodating groove of the socket and expanding the diameter, the attachment of the lock ring is completed by simply inserting the spigot into the socket, and thus, the application is greatly enhanced compared to when using the set bolt. Moreover, since the set bolt and the sealing mechanism thereof are unnecessary, application failure thereof does not arise, and the reliability of the application enhances.

Pipe joint with earthquake-proof function


A gas feed-through 150 to provide gas to a plasma chamber 10, comprises a dielectric insert 155 having a passage 160 that allows the gas to be flowed therethrough, and a electrically conducting cup 165 around a portion of the passage. The electrically conducting cup 165 is shaped to reduce plasma formation in the gas feed-through 150.

The present invention relates to a chamber having a gas feed-through for introducing gas into the chamber.
In the fabrication of electronic devices, semiconductor, dielectric and conductor materials, such as for example, polysilicon, silicon dioxide, and metal containing layers, are deposited on a substrate and etched to form features such as patterns of gates, vias, contact holes and interconnect lines. These features are typically formed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), oxidation and etching processes. For example, in a typical etching process, a patterned mask of photoresist or oxide hard mask is formed on a deposited layer by photolithographic methods and exposed portions of the deposited layer are etched by an energized halogen gas, such as Cl2, HBr, and BCl3. In a typical CVD process, a gas provided in the chamber is decomposed to deposit a layer on the substrate. In PVD processes, a target facing the substrate is sputtered to deposit the target material onto the substrate.
In these processes, gas is supplied to the chamber through a gas feed-through. For example, the gas feed-through can be used to feed process gas into the chamber for processing of the substrate. The gas feed-through can also be used to feed gas to a surface of a support below the substrate, the gas being useful for enhancing heat transfer rates to and from the substrate, and for reducing deposition of byproducts on the backside or edges of the substrate. However, when an electrode in the chamber is electrically biased, for example, to energize a plasma in the chamber or generate electrostatic forces, the electric potential applied to the electrode can cause plasma formation, arcing, and glow discharge in the gas passing through the gas feed-through. Such arcing and glow discharges damage the gas feed-through and adjacent chamber components or surfaces. Arcing can also cause catastrophic failure of the gas feed-through upon plasma ignition; randomness (or wide error band) of breakdown voltage across a large substrate; sensitivity of breakdown voltage to material imperfections, voids, and gaps at interfaces within the gas feed-through; and cause the applied voltage at which an ignited gas in the gas feed-through is extinguished to be more than an order of magnitude smaller than the voltage at which it is ignited. All these effects impede the efficient processing of substrates or other workpieces in the chamber.
Commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/965,690, filed on Nov. 6, 1997, entitled xe2x80x9cElectrostatic Chuck Having Improved Gas Conduitsxe2x80x9d to Weldon, et al., which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a ceramic insert that is positioned in a conduit in a ceramic electrostatic chuck (which has an electrode that is charged to electrostatically hold an overlying substrate) to reduce plasma formation in the conduit. While this device reduces plasma formation in the conduit it has been observed that plasma formation still often results in the conduit when the voltage applied to the electrode exceeds certain levels. In addition, instantaneous changes in electrical potential can ionize the gas adjacent to the gas feed-through, particularly when the diameter of the conduit is relatively large and provides a long mean free path that leads to avalanche breakdown of gas molecules in the conduit. For example, arcing has been occasionally observed at voltages of about 2 KVp and at high frequencies of 13.56 MHz.
Thus there is a need for a gas feed-though that reduces plasma formation, glow discharges and arcing, during passage of gas through the feed-through. There is also a need for a chamber that can process a substrate in a gas while reducing the incidence of plasma formation of gas in conduits that feed gas into the chamber. There is a further need for a method of providing gas to a chamber while simultaneously reducing the incidence of plasma formation in the feed-through.
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a gas feed-through that provides gas to a chamber, the gas feed-through comprises a dielectric insert having a passage that allows the gas to be flowed therethrough, and a electrically conducting cup around a portion of the passage. The electrically conducting cup is shaped to reduce plasma formation in the gas feed-through during the passage of gas in the feed-through into a chamber.
In another aspect, the present invention comprises an substrate support assembly comprising a dielectric layer covering an electrode that may be charged with an RF voltage; and a gas feed-through comprising a dielectric insert having a passage through which gas may be passed to the surface of the dielectric layer, and a electrically conducting cup around a portion of the passage.
In yet another aspect, the present invention comprises a chamber capable of processing a substrate in a plasma, the chamber comprising a gas feed-through comprising a dielectric insert having a passage through which a gas may be passed into the chamber, and a electrically conducting cup around at least a portion of the passage.
In still another aspect, the present invention comprises a method of processing a substrate in a chamber, the method comprising the step of passing a gas through a passage in a dielectric insert of a gas feed-through, and maintaining a electrically conducting cup around a portion of the passage to reduce an incidence of plasma formation in the passage.

Chamber having improved gas feed-through and method


An optical disk drive includes a device body. A turntable is disposed on the device body, for rotating a disk. There is an optical pickup head for reading and/or writing of data with the disk. A multi-segment cover assembly is shiftable between a folded position and a spread position. The multi-segment cover assembly, when in the folded position, allows loading and unloading of the disk on the turntable, and when in the spread position, has a larger area than when in the folded position, and contains and protects the disk on the turntable. The multi-segment cover assembly includes a plurality of pie-shaped cover sectors, rotatable about an axis defined concentrically with the turntable, for extending to nest in one another when in the folded position, and for spreading by offsetting from one another when in the spread position.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a disk device and electronic apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a disk device and electronic apparatus, in which a disk can be loaded in a safely protected manner.
2. Description Related to the Prior Art
A disk device, disk drive or disk player is loaded with a disk on a turntable. An optical pickup head is shifted to read data from a disk or write data to a disk at a high density. The disk device is externally connected with a notebook personal computer, or is incorporated in the notebook personal computer as an electronic apparatus. As the notebook personal computer is portable, there is a requirement of reducing the size of the disk device for the purpose of size reduction of the entirety of the notebook personal computer.
JP-A 7-130137 (corresponding to JP-B 3003481) discloses a built-in type. A device body of the disk device has such a small size as to correspond to a small disk with a diameter of 8 cm, for the purpose of reducing the size of the disk device. To use the disk device with a large disk with a diameter of 12 cm, the disk is partially protrudes externally from the device body while the disk device or the disk is contained in the personal computer.
JP-A 7-111076 discloses an externally connectable type of the disk device. An upper pickup unit is combined with a lower pickup unit in an openable manner. The lower pickup unit is constituted by a drive shaft for a disk and the optical pickup head. Thus, the disk device has a U shape as viewed laterally as entirety. The lower and upper pickup units have a smaller size than the disk. A disk cartridge including a disk and a cartridge in a quadrilateral shape for containing the disk is used, for example, floppy disk (trade name) of 3.5 inches. The disk is rotated in the disk cartridge, so as to protect difficulties, such as breakage of the disk, injury of a user's fingers and the like.
According to the disk device of JP-A 7-130137 (corresponding to JP-B 3003481), the device body movable into and out of the notebook personal computer has a size smaller than the disk. However, there is a limit in reduction of the size of the notebook personal computer, because a disk must be contained in the notebook personal computer.
Also, a special type of the disk cartridge is required for the disk device of JP-A 7-111076 for the purpose of preventing injury of fingers and breakage of the disk. Disks of a widely available type at present are a type of a cartridge-free structure. The structure of the document cannot be used for this available type of disks.


A swash plate compressor includes a housing that has a cylinder bore and rotatably supports a drive shaft. A swash plate is operatively coupled to the drive shaft for rotation therewith. A piston is accommodated in the cylinder bore for reciprocating movement. First and second spaced shoes are fitted to the piston on a side adjacent to the cylinder bore and on a side away from the cylinder bore, respectively, for coupling the piston to the swash plate. The rolling body is mounted on the swash plate through a bearing and in slide contact with the first shoe. A surface of the rolling body in slide contact with the first shoe or a surface of the first shoe in slide contact with the rolling body has a diamond-like carbon film. A surface of the rolling body in rolling contact with the bearing exposes a base material of the rolling body.

The present invention relates generally to a swash plate compressor and, more specifically, to a mechanism for converting the rotation of a swash plate into the reciprocating movement of pistons.
A conventional variable displacement swash plate compressor for compressing refrigerant gas is disclosed, for example, in unexamined Japanese patent application publication No. 8-28447. According to this publication, the compressor has a single-headed piston 22 which is slidably received in each cylinder bore 1a and a pair of spherical shoes 23A, 23B which is fitted in neck portion of the single-headed piston 22. The swash plate 15 has a boss portion formed at its rear face, and a thrust bearing 20 is fitted to the boss portion through the races 20a, 20b on the front and rear sides of the bearing 20, respectively. The race 20a is in contact with the swash plate 15. The swash plate 15 and the thrust bearing 20 are inserted between the shoes 23A, 23B, so that the shoes 23A, 23B are in contact with the swash plate 15 and the race 20b, respectively. The rotation of the swash plate 15 is converted into the reciprocating movement of the single-headed piston 22 through the shoes 23A, 23B and the thrust bearing 20.
In such swash plate compressor, the race 20a adjacent to the swash plate 15 rotates following the rotation of the swash plate 15, but the race 20b adjacent to the shoe 23B hardly follows the rotation of the swash plate 15 because of the rollers 20c. Therefore, the resistance due to the relative displacement between the swash plate 15 and the shoe 23B is provided only by the rolling resistance of the rollers 20c. This rolling resistance is far smaller than the slide resistance produced when the shoe 23B is provided in direct contact with the swash plate 15. This helps improve the compression efficiency by reducing power loss.
Another conventional compressor is disclosed in unexamined Japanese patent application publication No. 2002-5013. The compressor has a drive shaft 21 which is rotatably supported by the housing assembly H and a swash plate 22 which is supported on the drive shaft 21 and accommodated in crank chamber 16 of the compressor. The swash plate 22 has a land portion 23 at its radially inner portion and a peripheral portion 24 having a reduced thickness. This swash plate 22 is operatively connected to the drive shaft 21 through a hinge mechanism 25 and a lug plate 26, so that the swash plate 22 is rotatable with the drive shaft 21 and tiltable with respect to the drive shaft 21 while sliding in the axial direction of the drive shaft 21.
The peripheral portion 24 of the swash plate 22 is slidably held between the pair of shoes 27 and 28 so that the swash plate 22 is operatively connected to each single-headed piston 20. As the swash plate 22 rotates with the drive shaft 21, the rotation of the swash plate 22 is converted into reciprocating movement of each piston 20 for compression of refrigerant gas in a manner that is well known in the art. The swash plate 22 is coated with a film of amorphous hard carbon 43, 44, which is called diamond-like carbon film, at the front and rear surfaces 39, 40 of the entire peripheral portion 24 thereof. The provision of such film protects the slide surfaces between the swash plate 22 and the shoes 27, 28 from abrasion or seizure which may otherwise occur.
According to the swash plate compressor disclosed in the publication No. 8-28447, however, it is difficult for an oil film to be formed on the contact surface between the race 20b and the shoe 23B due to the less relative rotation therebetween in the rotational direction of the swash plate 15. Moreover, small vibration of the swash plate 15 occurring in vertical direction during the compression and suction strokes may cause abrasion or seizure between the race 20b and the shoe 23B despite the provision of the thrust bearing 20.
To solve the problem in the above publication No. 8-28447, it is conceivable that the disclosure of the above publication No. 2002-5013 is applied to the compressor of the publication No. 8-28447 by forming an amorphous hard carbon film having characteristics of low friction and high hardness over the whole surface of the race 20b thereby to improve the sliding condition between the race 20b and the shoe 23B. However, in the case of the swash plate compressor disclosed in the publication No. 8-28447, the race 20b is pressed against the rollers 20c by the compression reaction force and minute dents are formed partially on the surface of the race 20b adjacent to the rollers 20c. Resistance due to such dents on the race 20b and the rolling friction of the rollers 20c cause the amorphous hard carbon film on the surface adjacent to the rollers 20c to peel off. Peeled-off film pieces present in the compressor as a foreign substance may affect various sliding portions of the compressor.
The present invention is directed to providing a swash plate compressor wherein a rolling body assembled to a swash plate through a bearing is arranged in slide contact with a shoe fitted to the piston so as to prevent the abrasion of the contact surfaces between the rolling body and the shoe and also the abrasion of the contact surfaces between the rolling body and the bearing and further to prevent peeling of the coating from the contact surfaces of the rolling body and the bearing.


Provided is a two-axis actuator having a large stage area. The two-axis actuator includes a stage moving in two directions and connected to an upper part of an inertial part. The two-axis actuator is configured to maximize a stage area relative to the overall area of the actuator, thereby increasing the data storage capacity of the stage.

1. Field of the Invention
An apparatus consistent with the present invention relates to a two-axis actuator and, more particularly, to an X-Y stage micro-actuator for a data storing system that uses a Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM) technique.
2. Description of the Related Art
A data storing system which uses a Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM) technique includes a medium for information storage; an actuator for moving a stage, on which the medium is mounted, in two axes (ex., X and Y directions); one or more probes, each having a tip for storing information on the medium or reading information from the medium; and a signal processing unit for processing storing and reading signals.
The multi-probes can write or read multiple pieces of information at the same time and require that the tip of the multi-probe approach the medium. Therefore, the multi-probe needs an actuator and a sensor. The actuator deforms the multi-probe in a direction (ex., a Z direction) so that the tip of the multi-probe can approach the medium. The sensor reads information from the medium by sensing the deformation of the probe according to the information on the medium.
In order to move along two axes (or more than two axes) such as in the X and Y directions, an actuator requires at least three electrodes for unidirectional movement along each axis and at least five electrodes for bidirectional actuation along each axis. According to U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,988, two-axis actuation can be achieved by forming the actuator that requires multiple electrodes in one silicon structure via a thermal oxidation insulating method. This method solves the insulating problem among the electrodes in a two-axis actuation structure, but this method requires a very complicated process.
In order to solve this problem, a single stage micro-actuator capable of moving along two axes using only one electrode was disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,445,107.
However, the stage in the above patent is inefficient because the stage, for locating a medium, is formed on the same plane as the actuating part for generating an electrostatic force. Thus, the information storage capacity is decreased due to a limited stage area.

Two-axis micro-actuator with multidimensional actuation with large area stage


A universal attachment assembly for installing, and bracing covers over openings. More particularly securing shutter panels over doors and windows in masonry construction without defacing the walls. Novelty, simplicity, economy, vibration resistance and speed of installation are characteristics of the assembly. Tensile force is created by commercially available ratcheting device 21 and transmitted by flexible, lightweight straps 22 within universal attachment assembly 20. Marginally distributed paired fulcrum holes 23 in shutter 24 provide bearing against the structural rigidity of shutters 24 to convert strap tension into compression by novel specialized structural clamping levers 10. Corner of wall opening 25 is clamped by lever against shutter 24. Elasticity of straps provides resilience in maintaining constant, high, compressive loading against concrete sills, etc. despite fluctuations due to turbulent wind loads. An additional embodiment is structural column assembly 30, which provides braces for garage doors or intermediate structure for wide architectural openings. All applications use identical, unaltered, universal attachment assemblies 20 for: shutter attachment, garage door bracing, and bracing of shutters in large architectural openings. Structural column, 31, herein shown as lumber and termination angle (not shown), provide shear connections of brace to structure.

This invention relates to a mechanism for attaching covers over openings, anchoring intermediate supports between covers and securing braces behind weak covers and more particularly to the specialized clamping lever which enables these capabilities. Such attachment assemblies are commonly used to attach shutters over window and door openings and to anchor structural columns to brace garage doors and provide intermediate support for shutters during hurricanes.

Universal attachment assembly for clamping and bracing covers over openings


A Schmitt trigger circuit capable of adjusting a trigger voltage includes a trigger inversion output portion for outputting an input signal by trigger inversion with a predetermined margin, first and second A/D converters for converting a voltage applied from outside to a digital signal to adjust a trigger voltage, first and second trigger voltage adjusting signal output portions for outputting adjusting signals to adjust a negative trigger voltage or a positive trigger voltage by the digital signal of the first and second A/D converters, and first and second trigger voltage adjusting portions having transistors selectively turned on/off by the adjusting signals of the first and second trigger voltage adjusting signal output portions, for outputting the adjusted trigger voltage to the trigger inversion output portion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a Schmitt trigger circuit, and more particularly, to a Schmitt trigger circuit.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Generally, a Schmitt trigger circuit maintains a uniform amplitude output voltage even when an input voltage increases or decreases around a threshold voltage. The uniform amplitude output voltage is maintained that is proportional to a hysteresis coefficient. Such a Schmitt trigger circuit may be used as an input buffer which stabilizes a pulse signal and prevents chattering and noise.
A conventional Schmitt trigger circuit will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a conventional Schmitt trigger circuit. FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b are graphs illustrating trigger points of a conventional Schmitt trigger circuit.
The conventional Schmitt trigger circuit having a uniform trigger voltage includes a first PMOS transistor MP1, a second PMOS transistor MP2, a second NMOS transistor MN2, and a first NMOS transistor MN1. These transistors are connected to one another in series and connected to an input terminal in common. The conventional Schmitt trigger circuit also includes a third PMOS transistor MP3 and a third NMOS transistor MN3.
The second NMOS transistor MN2 is connected to the second PMOS transistor MP2 in series. The first PMOS transistor MP1 is connected to a power source voltage terminal. The first NMOS transistor MN1 is connected to a ground terminal. Each gate of the third PMOS transistor MP3 and the third NMOS transistor MN3 is in common and connected to a drain electrode and an output terminal of the second NMOS transistor MN2 and the second PMOS transistor MP2. A drain electrode of the third PMOS transistor MP3 is connected to a source electrode of the first PMOS transistor MP1, and a source electrode of MP3 is connected to the ground terminal. A source electrode of the third NMOS transistor MN3 is connected to a source electrode of the second NMOS transistor MN2, and a drain electrode of MN3 is connected to the power source voltage terminal.
The conventional Schmitt trigger circuit may be used as a modified buffer or inverter in which a direct current transition curve has a noise margin as compared to a general buffer or inverter in which a direct current transition curve has a logic threshold voltage when the input signal transitions from low to high or from high to low.
The operation of the conventional Schmitt trigger circuit will be described with reference to FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b.
As a transition of the input signal occurs from low to high, the output signal becomes high. If the input voltage increases to exceed the threshold voltage of the first NMOS transistor MN1, the first NMOS transistor MN1 is turned on to operate the third NMOS transistor MN3. Once the third NMOS transistor MN3 is turned on, a voltage is applied to the source electrode of the second NMOS transistor MN2. At this time, to turn on the second NMOS transistor MN2, the threshold voltage of the second NMOS transistor MN2 in addition to the voltage applied to the second NMOS transistor MN2 should be applied to the gate of the second NMOS transistor MN2 because the first NMOS transistor MN1 and the third NMOS transistor MN3 have a predetermined resistivity. If the input voltage continues to increase, the output voltage becomes low to the ground voltage through MN2 and MN1.
On the other hand, when the input signal transitions from high to low, the potential level of the input terminal continues to decrease to exceed the threshold voltage of the first PMOS transistor MP1. Thus, the first PMOS transistor MP1 is turned on to operate the third PMOS transistor MP3. Once the third PMOS transistor MP3 is turned on, the first PMOS transistor MP1 and the third PMOS transistor MP3 have a predetermined resistivity. In addition, a voltage is applied to the source electrode of second PMOS transistor MP2. At this time, the voltage as low as the threshold voltage should be applied to the gate of the second PMOS transistor MP2. If the input voltage continues to decrease, the first PMOS transistor MP1 and the second PMOS transistor MP2 pass the power source voltage and the output voltage is maintained at the potential of the power source voltage.
The conventional Schmitt trigger circuit has a predetermined noise margin in accordance with an adjustment of the trigger voltage by means of the first and third PMOS transistors MP1 and MP3 and the first and third NMOS transistors MN1 and MN3.
The conventional Schmitt trigger circuit has a uniform trigger voltage as illustrated in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b. This voltage cannot be adjusted after the fabrication of the IC. In addition, when the trigger voltage of the IC needs to be adjusted, the IC must be replaced with another IC having the desired trigger voltage level.

Schmitt trigger circuit with an adjustable trigger voltage


A system and method for guiding consumers through category-based transactions leads consumers through the creation of registries or shopping lists by displaying a group of items in a series of categories, and selecting one or more of the items within the categories. A user's progress in creating the registry may be displayed in a persistent menu bar that remains displayed on an interface as the user advances from one category to another. The systems and methods may be utilized by one or more users to create an electronic baby registry or wedding registry, to prepare for any event, or to enhance any category-based shopping experience at an online marketplace.

Presently, online marketplaces enable consumers to review and order items for purchase by entering search terms, or keywords, into a search engine, or by selecting a broad category and exploring a list of items within that category, or among other items relating to that category. Such search-based or category-based systems are effective at identifying items when a consumer knows, either generally or specifically, what he or she is looking for. For example, a consumer searching for a bicycle may enter keywords such as "bicycle," "Huffy," or "Schwinn Crest" into a search engine, and receive information regarding dozens of different bicycles. Likewise, a consumer interested in buying sneakers may select a category "Clothing," a subcategory "Shoes," and a sub-subcategory "Sneakers" in order to review information regarding different types and models of sneakers. The power and potential of the contemporary online marketplace is limited only by the creativity of the user and the availability of the product offerings at the online marketplace.
Despite their capacity to expose users to information regarding a wide variety of available items, online marketplaces may be overwhelming to users in certain circumstances, such as when a user is not experienced in searching for items for a particular experience or event; when the user is searching for items across multiple categories; or when the user simply would like more guidance in navigating through the items available at an online marketplace. In such circumstances, the standard search-based or category-based methods for identifying desired items at an online marketplace are often insufficient.
For example, where a first-time parent is preparing a baby registry at an online marketplace, he or she may not know which items are essential upon the baby's arrival (e.g., a car seat for driving the baby home from the hospital), and which items may be merely desirable or are not immediately necessary (e.g., baby toys or shoes). Where a first-time bride is preparing a wedding registry, she may not know what types of appliances, furniture, window dressings or bath accessories she should select for inclusion in her registry. Also, where someone is planning a party or significant event, such as a wedding reception, he or she may not be aware of everything that he or she needs to know in order to host a successful party or event (i.e., recommended photographers, reception halls, chefs or bakers), or may simply want automated, guided assistance through the planning process.
Furthermore, it is believed that none of the existing systems and methods for engaging in electronic commerce is able to provide guided shopping experiences to users, including recommendations as to specific types or categories of items to be added to a registry or other list of items to be purchased by or on behalf of a user.

Methods and systems for guiding consumers in category-based transactions


A cooling system is provided for a vehicle having an engine. The cooling system includes an engine cooling radiator positioned in front of the engine, a radiator fan for moving air through the radiator, a duct fro conducting air blown through the radiator, and a pair of subsystem heat exchangers, each with an electric motor driven fan. The duct has a forward opening inlet receiving warmed air from the radiator, a housing extending substantially upwardly from the inlet to an upwardly opening outlet. The heat exchangers are positioned higher than the radiator, and adjacent to and in front of the outlet of the duct. The radiator fan may be mounted in front of the radiator, or it may be mounted inside the duct outlet. An air cleaner unit may be positioned higher than and forward of the radiator and lower than the heat exchangers.

The present invention relates to a cooling system for an off-road work vehicle which is powered by an internal combustion engine, such as an agricultural tractor.
In conventional vehicle cooling systems heat exchangers are arranged in series. This requires the air to pass through all the heat exchangers to meet an individual cooler's needs. This arrangement, which typically uses a mechanically driven fan to pull the air through the heat exchangers, also limits the area through which the air must pass. This is inefficient.
An advance vehicle cooling system, such as an agricultural tractor having an engine with a horizontally oriented rotation axis and a hood covering the engine is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/617,612 filed 11 Jul. 2003 and assigned to applicant's assignee. This cooling system includes an engine cooling radiator positioned above the engine and between the engine and the hood and a fan unit with electric motor-driven fans blowing air upwardly through the radiator. The fan unit is positioned above the engine and between the engine and the radiator. An engine charge air cooler is also positioned above the engine and between the engine and the hood, and a charge air cooler fan unit has electric motor-driven fans which blow air upwardly through the cooler. The hood has openings in its upper surface through which passes air blown by the radiator fan unit and the charge air cooler fan unit. This cooling system blows heated cooling air vertically upwardly, thus preventing the heated cooling air from being drawn back into the intakes of the cooling system and preventing heated air from being blown onto the exterior of the tractor cab.
However, in this system the air inlets and outlets are close enough together that they can compete for common air. Cooling air for the forward cooling components can flow over surfaces where it may be heated prior to entering the heat exchanger. Also, not all heated air is exhausted vertically, because the oil cooler and AC condenser are mounted behind the engine so that the heated air from these units is discharged laterally.
Another advanced vehicle cooling system is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/221,602 filed 8 Sep. 2005 and also assigned to applicant's assignee. This design requires that the air cleaner be located rearwardly with respect to the radiator and heat exchangers, and requires that the air cleaner be partially enclosed between left and right portions of the duct which receives air from the heat exchangers.
It is desired to provide a vehicle cooling systems with more flexibility, and which is efficient and cost competitive. Such systems should reduce recirculation, reduce fan power consumption, reduce or eliminate mechanical ties to the engine, and provide improved control capability.


A receiving apparatus for a filter cigarette making machine comprises a rotatable catcher drum (2). The drum (2) has receiving grooves (6) in its outer circumferential surface, for each receiving a cigarette rod (CR). A rod (CR) received in the groove (6) moves forward into a braking area therein. In the braking area, the rod (CR) receives braking force due to suction and is stopped. A pair of limit sensors (40, 42) are arranged outside the drum (2). The sensors (40,42) optically detect a rear end of the rod (CR), and on the basis of the result of this detection, whether a stop position at which the rod is stopped is within a tolerance area or not is determined. On the basis of the result of this determination, a controller (38) regulates the braking force exerted on rods (CR) to thereby control the stop position of the rods (CR). Then, a pusher (26) pushes the rod (CR) from its stop position back to a normal position, in each of the grooves (6).

A filter cigarette making machine has a predetermined conveying path, and cigarette rods are supplied to the conveying path and carried along the carrying path. While carried along the conveying path, each cigarette rod is cut into two equal parts to form two cigarettes.
Then, on the conveying path, a cigarette/plug assembly having a filter plug arranged between two cigarettes is formed. By wrapping a piece of tip paper around the cigarette/plug assembly,. the cigarette/plug assembly is formed into a double filter cigarette. Then, by cutting the double filter cigarette at the center of the filter plug, individual filter cigarettes are obtained.
Generally, a filter cigarette making machine has a drum train, and the drum train forms the conveying path. More specifically, the drum train includes a plurality of grooved drums, and the grooved drums are arranged in line, adjacent to each other. The grooved drum at the beginning end of the drum train is called a catcher drum. The catcher drum is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. hei 10-14556, for example.
The catcher drum disclosed in this publication has a plurality of receiving grooves in an outer circumferential surface thereof. The receiving grooves are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the catcher drum. As the catcher drum rotates, the receiving grooves pass a receiving position one after another. The receiving position is defined as a predetermined angle position in the direction of rotation of the catcher drum.
When each receiving groove passes the receiving position, a cigarette rod is fed into the receiving groove and received in the receiving groove. The cigarette rod received in the receiving groove moves forward in the groove. While moving forward, braking force from a braking means is applied to the cigarette rod so that the cigarette rod stops at a predetermined position in the receiving groove.
Specifically, the braking means comprises a plurality of suction holes open at the bottom of each receiving groove and a suction source for supplying suction pressure to the suction holes, and the suction pressure brakes the cigarette rod moving forward in the receiving groove.
The cigarette rod in the receiving groove is then pushed back to a normal position by a pusher and placed at the normal position. As a result, the cigarette rod is surely transferred from the catcher drum onto the next grooved drum, which is a transfer drum, and carried along the conveying path.
The position at which the cigarette rod is stopped in the receiving groove by the braking means varies to a large degree even when the speed at which the cigarette rod is fed or the weight of the cigarette rod varies slightly.
Thus, when the cigarette rod is stopped in the receiving groove after overrunning the normal position to a large degree, not only the distance that the cigarette rod slides increases but also the distance that the cigarette rod is pushed back, namely the distance between the position at which the cigarette rod is stopped and the normal position increases. In this situation, the cigarette rod rubs against the inner surface of the receiving groove, and wrinkles are easily formed on the wrapping paper of the cigarette rod.
Meanwhile, when the cigarette rod is stopped in the receiving groove before reaching the normal position, the pusher cannot push back the cigarette rod to the normal position. As a result, the cigarette rod cannot be transferred from the catcher drum to the transfer drum, hence cannot be carried along the conveying path.


A method of controlling a heat transfer apparatus comprising the steps of: providing a heat transfer apparatus; providing a control apparatus comprising a thermal sensor configured to control operation of the heat transfer apparatus; providing a casing comprising a casing wall enclosing a casing chamber, a casing entrance, and a casing seal; and inserting the thermal sensor into the casing chamber through the casing entrance an aperture in the casing seal.

Since the early 1800s, first generation refrigeration systems have accomplished heat exchange via a vapor compressor controlled by a thermostat receiving air temperature data from inside the refrigeration cabinet via a thermal sensor. This is problematic because the ultimate goal of the refrigeration system is to maintain product temperature, and air temperature fluctuates much more rapidly than product temperature, thus creating creating premature compressor starts and stops. These premature compressor starts and stops create unnecessarily high fluctuations in product temperature, increase mechanical shock on the system, and create significant energy waste.

Method and system for controlling a heat transfer apparatus


A system for installation of multiple panels for shelving and the like, wherein the geometry of the junction between panels provides a cavity adapted to receive the anchoring portion of shelf support brackets, or the like.

Retailers and others who display goods commonly use demountable shelving and display supports for displaying those goods.
One requirement for commercial display systems is that they be versatile with respect to shelf or support positioning, in order to accommodate different types of displays and product lines. A commonly employed display system would be expected to include a plurality of cantilevered supports for shelving panels or the like, a display wall that features a plurality of display wall support mountings arranged in a suitable array, and a plurality of support brackets that can be inserted in selected ones of the mountings and which have a cantilevered arm that support the shelves or products at the display wall. The functional geometry of the interacting support mounting wall, with respect to strength, ease of installation and removal, and cost, are strong marketplace differentiators between the available systems.
A display mounting system of the above-described type, well known in the art in Australia is supplied by Australian Slatwall Industries Pty Ltd and is sold under the trademark SLATWALL. Problems inherent with this type of system, that will be familiar to those skilled in the art, include an inability to support heavy loads. These problems are described in more detail in Australian Patent Document No. 2004201505, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The above patent document further describes an improved shelving bracket mounting system and in particular describes an arcuate anchor portion for said cantilevered arms which has various benefits over the existing SLATWALL display mounting system, as well as a particular cavity profile for receiving said cantilevered arms which, in combination, provide a secure retention of the mount in the cavity having a very good strength and practical utility. The cavity profile described in the patent document provides a good level of support for the anchor portion which has a different profile to that of the cavity. A cavity which has an identical internal profile that is congruent or identical to the external profile of the anchor portion would provide improved support. That is, it would be most preferable to have a direct male-female correlation between the profiles of the anchor portion and cavity, i.e. a shape fit.
Unfortunately, the practical constraints of manufacture of shop fitting panels having grooves cut therein, whether they be constructed from extruded aluminum, craft wood or other material, mean that it would be expensive and somewhat difficult to reliably produce an exact groove of the type required in such panels.
It is an object of the present invention to provide panels for a display mounting system wherein an improved receiving cavity is provided for an arcuate anchor portion which of a display support bracket can be manufactured in a reliable and cost effective manner.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a system for mounting such panels to a shop wall which facilitates rapid installation of said panels and minimizes the appearance of screws, bolts or other fastening devices when installed.


A system for navigating includes an interface operable to receive position information of a first modality. The position information of the first modality is associated with a navigation unit. The interface is further operable to receive position information of a second modality. The position information of the second modality is associated with the navigation unit. The system also includes a processor coupled to the interface and operable to identify a destination. The system is further operable to navigate to the destination based on the position information of the first and second modalities by switching between the first modality and the second modality.

Navigation and location technologies, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) may support numerous services such as routing a user to a destination. GPS systems operate by determining the position of a receiver or transmitter relative to a remote transmitter/receiver having a known location. For accuracy, navigation and location identification systems typically require that the navigation device be able to communicate with a minimum of three remote transmitters/receivers. In the case of GPS, a direct line of sight is also necessary.

System and method for navigating using multiple modalities