In an arrangement for fastening a length measurement device at a guide rail for a guide slide which is movable in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail and has a measurement rod and a measuring head which is movable relative to the latter, wherein the measuring head is detachably connected with the guide slide, the measurement rod is coupled directly, or indirectly in a positive engagement via a measurement rod carrier body connected with it, directly to the guide rail (1)so as to be detachable. The measurement rod or the measurement rod carrier body can be inserted by its longitudinal edges into corresponding recesses arranged at the guide rail.

a) Field of the Invention
The invention is directed to an arrangement for fastening a length measurement device and can be used, for example, for combined positioning and measuring devices in machine tool construction and machine construction in general.
b) Description of the Related Art
Numerous positioning devices and measuring devices which enable the fastening of a length measurement device to a machine tool are known from the prior art. These positioning and measuring devices are completely independent units which are also manufactured separately (DE-C-27 12 421).
Normally, the guide of a base frame and the associated carriage or slide are mounted at the positioning device of a machine tool independently from one another and so as to be aligned separately relative to one another. In order for the measurement task to be properly carried out, special requirements and conditions must be met to bring the positioning device and measurement system into a working relationship. In particular, specially machined mounting faces must be provided at the machine, base bed, and slide. Also, special adjustment means are required for aligning the measurement system with respect to the operation of the slide. The mounting of the measurement system on the machine is very time-consuming.
Special mounting means in the form of a mounting rail for measurement systems is known from the company publication "NC Length Measurement Systems[NC-Langenme.beta.systeme]" by the Heidenhain company, April 1994. On the one hand, this mounting rail serves for mechanical stabilization and to compensate for thermal expansion between the base frame of the machine and the measurement system. On the other hand, after separate mounting on the base frame of the machine, a simplified mounting and a simplified exchange of the measurement system relative to the mounting rail can be achieved by means of this mounting rail. However, a disadvantage consists in that this mounting rail itself must be mounted on the machine in accordance with the same criteria as those of the unaccompanied measurement system and must be aligned with the guiding operation of the slide and in that the additional expensive mounting rail adds appreciably to the total cost.
Another type of measurement system is known from WO 90/02919. In this case, a self-adhesive steel-strip measurement rod is glued on the machine bed or base body via an applicator so as to be aligned with the guiding operation of the slide. A measurement system solution of this type is very costly in terms of assembly and the achievable basic accuracy of the measurement system is relatively inferior, since the inherent stability of the measurement strip is relatively poor and the measuring capability of the measurement rod deteriorates as a result of the slightest mechanical stresses or stress differences which are inevitable during the gluing-on process.

Arrangement for fastening a length measurement device


The present invention provides a color filter substrate which can suppress a reverse tilt domain from being generated in a liquid crystal layer near a boundary between a colored layer and a bank without forming a flattening layer on the colored layer. The color filter substrate of the present invention is a color filter substrate including a substrate, an insulating film having transparency, a bank, and a colored layer, the insulating film being arranged on the substrate, the bank and the colored layer being arranged on the insulating film, the colored layer being surrounded by the bank, wherein a thickness of the insulating film in a region overlapping with the center of the colored layer is smaller than a thickness of the insulating film in a region overlapping with an edge of the colored part.

A color filter substrate is used in a liquid crystal display device and the like. The color filter substrate generally includes, on a glass substrate, a black matrix (BM) for shielding a space between color patterns, and colored layers of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) formed in a pixel. Examples of a production method of the color filter substrate include a pigment dispersion method, a staining method, an electrode position method, a printing method, and an ink-jet method. Particularly, according to the ink-jet method, color materials of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) are injected into a region partitioned by the bank while an ink-jet head is moved, and thereby a colored layer pattern is directly formed. This method needs no exposure and development steps, and therefore, a use amount of the material for the colored layers is reduced, and simplified production processes reduces production costs.
Such a color filter substrate is generally arranged as a substrate different from an active matrix substrate for controlling driving of pixels. A Color-filter On Array (COA) structure in which a color filter is formed on the active matrix substrate is now being proposed. According to such a COA structure, there is no need to position pixels on the active matrix substrate with those on the color filter substrate, and a width of a bank pattern can be further decreased. Therefore, an aperture ratio can be improved. An attempt to produce a color filter with a high aperture ratio by combination use of the ink-jet method and the COA technology at low costs has been made (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).
However, as shown in FIG. 13, if a structure in which an insulating film 44 is formed on a substrate 1, and on the insulating film 44, a bank 3 and a colored layer 42 in a region surrounded by the bank 3 are formed is formed by a conventional ink-jet method, the colored layer 42 has a domed surface whose top is positioned in the center. As a result, the entire color filter substrate has an irregular surface. Therefore, a reverse tilt region (domain) in which an alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules in a liquid crystal layer is opposite to its normal direction is generated near the boundary between the colored layer 42 and the bank 3, and at this region, light leakage is caused, which affects display qualities. In this point, there is room for improvement.
Under such a circumstance, a method in which a flattening layer (transparent protective layer) is arranged on the colored layer or the BM to improve the flatness (for example, refer to Patent Documents 1 and 2) has been disclosed. However, if such a method is applied to a CF substrate having the above-mentioned COA structure, a step of additionally forming a contact hole in the flattening layer to connect a pixel electrode to an electrode of a thin film transistor is needed. Such a method still has room for improvement because merits of the ink-jet method, such as simplification of processes and reduction in costs, are not advantageously used.
[Patent Document 1]
    Japanese Kokai Publication No. 2002-131735[Patent Document 2]    Japanese Kokai Publication No. 2002-341128

Color filter substrate and liquid crystal display device


A method and apparatus for organizing and accessing visual objects includes a navigable structure. The navigable structure includes a sequence of one or more levels with each level being a loop of visual objects interconnected by lateral links. The visual objects within a level are interconnected to visual objects within adjacent levels using vertical links. The visual objects within a level may also interconnected to visual objects within non-adjacent levels using hyperspace links. A navigator is provided that allows the user to follow the links included in the navigable structure. At each destination reached by the user, the navigator allows the user to access the visual object.

The term visual object is a convenient term for describing the visual components of a graphical user interface (GUI). Typically, each display screen may be decomposed into one or more visual objects. For example, a display screen may include a graphics image and a series of icons. Each of these entities is an example of a visual object.
In the past, numerous GUIs have been developed to present visual objects in non-interactive and interactive displays. For example, satellite television networks typically provide an interactive GUI known as a guide. The display provided by the guide is dominated by a single visual object that shows programs that are currently available within the network. The guide allows this visual object to be scrolled up or down to show this information for any of the channels included in the network. The guide may also allows the main visual object to be scrolled side-to-side to show programs that will be playing within the next several days.
In addition to the main visual object, the guide includes a number of secondary visual objects. For example, the guide allows the user to interactively select a program from the main visual object. A secondary visual object is then displayed describing the selected program in more detail. The user can also cause the guide to display secondary visual objects that are associated with system configuration and other details of system operation.
In general, the guide provided within satellite television networks is typical of interactive GUIs that allow users to navigate among a series of visual objects. There are numerous other examples of GUIs that perform similar functions. For example, navigators have been developed that allow users to browse through complex databases such as medical databases. Still other navigation systems have been developed to allow users to access online the help systems provided by many computer systems. The Web browsers that are used to access the Internet and World Wide Web are yet another example.
Satellite television guides, database and web navigators are all effective tools within their respective domains. Still, experience has proven that there is a continued need for improved navigation and display technologies. In particular, where a large number of visual objects are involved, it becomes difficult for the user to appreciated or remember the overall relationship between the visual objects. As a result, the user has difficulty finding objects and remembering where objects are located within the GUI. Thus, a need exists for systems that allow users to navigate between visual objects in an intuitive and easily remembered fashion. This is particularly true in large scale commercial applications where ease of use is often paramount.

Method and apparatus for visual navigation of information objects


Method for producing a protein having the same IgG specificity as protein G from group G Streptococci, strain G148. The invention also relates to a recombinant DNA molecule coding for said protein, and to microorganisms containing this recombinant DNA molecule. The invention also relates to a recombinant DNA molecule coding for a protein having the IgG binding specificity of both protein G and protein A.

The invention relates to the field of gene technology and is concerned with recombinant DNA molecules, which contain a nucleotide sequence coding for a protein or polypeptide of the same IgG specificity as protein G from group G Streptococci strain G148. Moreover the invention comprises micro-organisms containing the aforesaid molecules, and the use thereof in the production of the aforesaid protein or polypeptide.
The existence of bacterially produced proteins or poly-peptides binding selectively to the Fc portion of immunoglobulins has been known for decades. Among such proteins the one that has been investigated most thoroughly is protein A from Staphylococcus aureus; and this is actually the only protein of that group which has acquired commercial importance (Protein A and Protein A Sepharose.RTM. from Pharmacia AB, Uppsala, Sweden). Sjoquist (FEBS Letters 28(1) (1972) p. 73-76 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,850,798 and 3,995,018) made the discovery that one component of the protein A-IgG system when immobilized on an insoluble polymer could be employed for binding the other component, and it became thus possible to purify the protein on a large scale and, also, to develop a very simple and selective method for the isolation of antibodies. The specificity of the protein for various different immunoglobulins has been studied in great detail; see for instance Forsgren, A. et al., Staphylococci and Staphylococcal Infections 2 (1983), p. 429-479, Academic Press Inc. (London). A remarkable feature of that protein is its low affinity for the IgG subclass IgG.sub.3 of the human system. In view of the fact that this subclass amounts to about 8% of the total IgG content in serum supplementary purification steps are required for isolating all classes of IgG.
However, already in 1973 Kronvall (J. Immunol. 111(5) (1973) p. 1401-6) showed that also group C and G Streptococci carry components on their surface which have affinity for IgG. The experiments furthermore showed that their reactivity in this respect was a non-immunoreactivity, that is, the immunoglobulin was not bound via its antigen combining sites in the Fab portions, and the results indicated that IgG.sub.3 too was bound in this system. This Fc-binding component has later on been found to be of a protein nature and has been given the name of "protein G". Therefore, as a supplement to the Staphylococcus aureus protein A or as a total or partial replacement thereof, protein G would be a natural choice among bacterially produced proteins capable of binding to the Fc portion of IgG class immunoglobulins, for example for the purpose of purifying IgG (U.S. Pat. No. 3,995,018). But the protein has not been studied to any major extent, due to problems involved with its liberation from the bacterium.
In Journal of Immunol. 133(2) p. 969 Bjorck and Kronvall in 1984 published a method by which small amounts of the protein were set free from the bacterium by means of enzymatic degradation with papain. This method will give a material enabling limited functional and structural studies to be carried out, but the yields are far too low for commercial use, e.g. for the purification of monoclonal antibodies. Quite generally also it may be difficult to obtain a homogeneous and reproducible product with such a method. Moreover Streptococci are pathogenic and necessitate the use of complex culturing media which involve complications in large-scale cultures. There is thus a need for a new method of producing Fc-binding proteins or fragments thereof from Streptococci of types C and G.

Method and means for producing an immunoglobulin-binding protein


A system and method for identifying stolen component parts contained within a product and/or identifying the origin of a component part. To utilize the system, an integrated transmitter assembly is attached to at least some component parts within a product. Each of the integrated transponder assemblies transmits an identification code. In a database, the identification codes of the integrated transponder assemblies are recorded along with the identification of the assembly into which they were originally installed. Products in the marketplace are periodically scanned. As products are scanned, the integrated transponders contained in those products transmit their identification codes. The identification codes are read and compared to the data in a database. If a scan reveals a component part listed as stolen, an indication is provided.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to devices and methods that are intended to identify the individual parts used in a larger assembly, such as a vehicle, thereby allowing those parts to be identified if stolen. More specifically, the present invention relates to identification systems where each component part of an assembly is encoded and can be electronically identified.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Every year thousands of cars, trucks and other vehicles are stolen. Many of those vehicles are taken apart and the individual parts are resold. The individual parts rarely contain vehicle identification numbers. Consequently, it is nearly impossible to determine if a used part came from a stolen vehicle or from a legitimate supplier.
Thieves also commonly break into vehicles and steal parts from those vehicles. For example, every year thousands of radios, air bags, wheels, seats and the like are stolen from vehicles. To combat such thefts, systems have been developed that provide an encoded identification number to electronic subassembly parts, such as radio and air bags. Such encoded electronic subassemblies transmit their encoded identification number to the main computer module of the vehicle. When the vehicle is being serviced and the main computer module is connected to a diagnostic computer, the encoded identification numbers of its subcomponents can be compared to identification numbers stored in a database of stolen parts. If a subcomponent is identified as being a stolen part, authorities can be notified. Such prior art stolen article identification systems are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 6,317,026 to Brodine (the applicant herein), entitled Vehicle Part Identification System And Method.
A problem associated with such prior art part identification systems is that they are only good for identifying electronic parts, such as air bags and radios that communicate with the main computer of the vehicle and are connected to the battery power of the vehicle. Such prior art identification systems are of no use in identifying non-electronic components such as wheels, fenders, seats and the like. Furthermore, such prior art identification systems cannot identify any part unless that part is installed in a vehicle. Thus, stolen parts that are on a store shelf or are in the junkyards of used part suppliers cannot be readily identified until after those parts are bought and installed.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,888,462 to Brodine (the Applicant herein), entitled System And Method For Identifying Component Parts In An Assembly, a system is shown that attaches passive RFID transponders to various component parts of an automobile. In order to activate the passive RFID transponders, the vehicle or vehicle part must be subjected to a strong electro-magnetic field. Only then would the passive RFID transponders have the power to transmit identification data that can be used to tell if the component piece is stolen.
Devices that create electro-magnetic fields strong enough to active RFID transponders through an entire automobile must be powerful. Accordingly, such activation devices tend to be large, heavy and expensive. This has limited the practicality of the system.
A need therefore exists for a component part identification system that can be applied to all component parts that can be used to identify a stolen component part at any location without the need of generating an electro-magnetic field. This need is met by the present invention as described and claimed below.

System and method for identifying component parts in an assembly


A multiple-mode multiple band transceiver is disclosed. Some embodiments include a multiple-channel transmitter including a plurality of selectable transmit-channel components, the plurality of selectable transmit-channel components sharing at least one element coupled to a modulator, the plurality of selectable transmit channel components forming at least first and second transmit channels configured to generate radio-frequency signals using at least a first and a second multiple-access modulation technique, and a first switch configured to enable at least one of the first and second transmit channels to transmit a communication signal using at least one of the first and the second multiple-access modulation techniques.

1. Field of the Invention
The shared functional block multi-mode multi-band transceiver relates generally to communication systems which use radio-frequency (RF) transmitters and receivers (transceivers), and in particular embodiments, to systems and methods for multi-mode, multi-band Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication transceivers that share functional blocks to minimize size, weight, complexity, power consumption, cost, etc.
2. Related Art
It has become increasingly important to minimize the size, weight, complexity, power consumption, and cost of various electronic devices, especially personal communication devices such as cellular telephones, personal pagers, cordless telephones, and the like. One way to minimize such characteristics is to minimize the number of components and functions required in the electronic device, or to perform multiple functions using the same components. However, personal communication devices such as cellular telephones often require complex circuitry with a number of power-inefficient components for performing particular functions. This is especially true in modern cellular communications, where several different communication standards are employed worldwide, and cellular telephones with the flexibility to operate under multiple communications standards are highly desirable from a consumer and manufacturing perspective.
For example, the GSM communication standard is a world-wide mode of digital cellular communication operating over three different frequency bands. GSM-900 operates in the 900 MHz frequency band and is currently used in Europe and Asia. Data Communications System (DCS) is another digital cellular standard based on GSM technology, operating in the 1800 MHz frequency band and also currently used in Europe and Asia. The United States uses Personal Communications System (PCS), a third digital cellular standard similar to DCS, but operating in the 1900 MHz band. GSM is currently used in approximately 154 countries, including the geographic areas of North Africa, India, China, Europe, the Middle East, and Taiwan.
However, GSM is not the only mode of cellular communication. CDMA is another mode of digital cellular communication operating in either the 900 or 1900 MHz band. CDMA is one of the most widely used modes of cellular communication in the United States, and is the most widely used mode of cellular communication in Korea. CDMA is also being used in China, India, and Taiwan.
With improved voice and data communications and political climates continuing to expand the world market, a "world telephone" capable of operating in many different countries would be of interest to international business travelers. Multi-mode, multi-band cellular telephones with shared functionality and an optimized architecture capable of operating under all of these standards would afford consumers widespread applicability and would allow manufacturers to benefit from the cost efficiency of a common design.
However, multi-mode, multi-band cellular telephones such as combined CDMA/GSM telephones present a number of design challenges. Conventional single-band transmitters typically require two separate frequencies, a fixed intermediate frequency (IF) for modulation and a tunable RF for upconversion. Conventional single-band receivers also typically require two separate frequencies, a tunable RF for downconversion and a fixed IF for demodulation. Thus, a single-band cellular telephone may require as many as four different frequency sources. CDMA/GSM multi-band and multi-mode cellular telephones exacerbate the problem because the modulation, upconversion, downconversion, and demodulation processes for each band and mode may operate at different frequencies and amplitudes. Furthermore, the frequencies and amplitudes employed by each band and mode may require different filters and amplifiers for the transmit and receive function of each band. The design challenge of producing cellular telephones of minimal size, weight, complexity, power consumption, and cost is thus compounded by multi-mode, multi-band cellular telephones.

Shared functional block multi-mode multi-band communication transceivers


A semiconductor die includes a barrier layer of type III-V semiconductor material, a channel layer of type III-V semiconductor material disposed below the barrier layer, the channel layer forming a heterojunction with the barrier layer such that a two-dimensional charge carrier gas is disposed in the channel layer near the heterojunction, a high-electron mobility transistor disposed in a first lateral region of the semiconductor die, the high-electron mobility transistor comprising source and drain electrodes that each are in ohmic contact with the two-dimensional charge carrier gas and a gate structure that is configured to control a conductive connection between the source and drain electrodes, and a capacitor that is monolithically integrated into the semiconductor die and is disposed in a second lateral region of the semiconductor die, a dielectric medium of the capacitor includes a first section of the barrier layer.

Semiconductor transistors, in particular field-effect controlled switching devices such as a MISFET (Metal Insulator Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor), in the following also referred to as MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) and a HEMT (high-electron-mobility Field Effect Transistor) also known as heterostructure FET (HFET) and modulation-doped FET (MODFET) are used in a variety of applications. An HEMT is formed from type III-V semiconductor material, e.g., gallium nitride (GaN), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc. An HEMT includes a two-dimensional charge carrier gas that is created by a heterojunction between two layers of type III-V semiconductor material having different band gaps. The two-dimensional charge carrier gas is used by the HEMT to conduct the load current of the device. Because a two-dimensional charge carrier gas has an extremely high carrier mobility, this device concept offers very low on-resistance in comparison to other device technologies. For this reason, an HEMT is a popular choice as a switching device in power switching applications, i.e., applications requiring the control of voltages in excess of 250V, 500V, 1000V, etc. or greater, and/or the control of current in excess of 1A, 5A, 10A, etc.
In many applications such as power switching it is desirable to incorporate one or more passive components, e.g., capacitors, inductors, etc., in the same die as the active device. These passive components can perform a variety of desirable functions to improve the input or output characteristics of the switching device, e.g., current buffering, impedance matching, etc. By incorporating passive components into the semiconductor die, parasitic effects can be reduced in comparison to providing these components separately. However, incorporating passive components into a semiconductor die consumes additional die area. This additional die area increases the cost of producing each device and may be particularly pronounced in device technologies wherein the cost of producing and/or processing the semiconductor material is expensive such as type III-V semiconductor technology.
It is therefore desirable to incorporate a passive component into a semiconductor die at reduced expense.

Type III-V semiconductor substrate with monolithically integrated capacitor


An ice transport and dispensing system includes an ice maker for introducing ice into a remote ice storage bin and a plurality of ice dispensing stations that receive ice from the bin. Each dispensing station has an ice storage hopper, and at least one downwardly sloping ice delivery conduit extends between the bin and the hoppers for a flow of ice through the conduit from the bin to the dispensing stations solely under the influence of gravity. So that a single conduit can deliver ice to at least two dispensing stations, the conduit extends past one of the stations and leads to the other station and an ice diverter assembly is actuable to divert a flow of ice from the conduit to the one station. A control circuit monitors the level of ice in the hoppers of the dispensing stations and operates the system in a manner to maintain a supply of ice in each hopper.

The present invention relates to ice dispensing, and in particular to an ice transport and dispensing system that has a plurality of ice dispensing stations and a remote source of ice from which ice is delivered to the dispensing stations.
It is known to convey ice from a remote ice storage bin to one or more ice dispensing stations, for example as taught by U.S. Pat. No. 4,104,889. In such systems, a conduit extends between and communicates the remote storage bin and the ice dispensing stations and a relatively high velocity flow of air is generated through the conduit to cause ice particles introduced into the conduit from the storage bin to be transferred through the conduit to the dispensing stations. Such systems are useful in an installation where an ice maker or other ice source must be at a remote location, since the system functions to convey ice from the remote location to stations where the ice particles may be stored and/or dispensed. A single conduit extending from the remote ice source may deliver ice to a plurality of dispensing stations by using diverter valves to direct the ice out of the conduit to selected ones of the stations.
Although ice transport systems that utilize air as an ice conveying fluid are capable of delivering ice from a storage bin to dispensing stations located at substantial distances from the bin, they disadvantageously require an air blower, which adds expense, complexity and noise to the system. Also, for proper conveyance of ice, the flow of air must be relatively unimpeded, which can require the relatively noisy expedient of venting air from the system. Further, the relatively high velocity flow of air causes the ice particles to be conveyed through the system as a relatively high velocity, resulting in damage to the ice particles as they impinge at high speed against system parts.


A network management device sends an SNMP multi-cast GET on a network to discover all the network devices on the network or subnet. The network management device builds a Management Information Base (MIB) based on the responses received from the SNMP multi-cast GET. The MIB information is then sent to a Network Management System (NMS).

Currently, Network Management Systems (NMS) that use Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) send individual SNMP GET commands to all addresses on a network as a process for discovering devices on the network. If a device resides at the address, the device responds to the SNMP GET so the NMS will know that there is a device at the address. If a device does not reside at an address on the network, the NMS will time-out and assume that there is not a device currently at the address. Through this process, the NMS can determine where devices are on the network.
The problem with this type of process is that for a large network the number of packets sent by the NMS to discover all the devices on the network may be very time consuming and will require the NMS to send a large amount of packets. For example, if the network is an Internet Protocol (IP) class B network, the NMS would have to send out over 65,000 SNMP GETs to determine if there are devices at each address on the network. If only half the IP addresses are used, the NMS will send over 32,000 messages that are not even answered. This process tends to be very inefficient for large networks and creates a lot of unnecessary traffic on the network.
This problem only gets exacerbated when there is a firewall between the NMS and the network. Some firewalls are configured to either not allow traffic on a specific IP port or to limit traffic on a specific IP port. In these cases, the NMS may not be able to discover all the devices on the network due to the restrictions of the firewall.

Fast network discovery using SNMP multi-cast

Abstract: The SNMP multi-cast GET can be sent based on a command to discover network devices on the network or can be sent based on a polling algorithm. The system and method also include the ability to send an SNMP multi-cast SET to set the same parameter(s) on all the devices on the network/subnet.


A method and circuit assembly for the diagnosis of a load path in a vehicle. The load path comprises a DC voltage source, a switchable load permanently connected to a negative pole and a load switch permanently connected to a positive pole, controlled by a load control signal, wherein in the closed state of the load switch a load current can be conducted through the switchable load (34). During diagnosis a test current having a defined level is generated and is output to the switchable load in accordance with a test control signal via a test switch on an output terminal, wherein a resulting voltage is detected, processed and evaluated at the output terminal, wherein the load switch (36) is opened during the diagnosis, and wherein at least two different diagnostic cases are generated via the test control signal and the resulting switching state of the test switch.

The invention is based on a method for diagnosis on a load path in a vehicle and on a circuit arrangement for diagnosis on a load.
Electronic controllers are known generally for controlling a wide variety of functions and devices and are increasingly being used in the automotive sector for the purpose of controlling a wide variety of functions and/or applications in a motor vehicle. An important class of such functions and/or applications has what are known as "low-side load circuits", wherein a first connection of such load circuits is permanently connected to a negative pole of a vehicle battery or to the vehicle bodywork and a second connection of the load circuits is switched by an electronic controller. By way of example, the load circuits comprise solenoid valves, electromechanical relays, electric motors, etc. Typically, these load circuits are switched by means of a load switch, which is also called "high-side switch", the first connection of which is permanently connected to a positive pole of the vehicle battery and the second connection of which is connected to the second connection of the load circuit. In the automotive sector, it is customary to perform a diagnosis before the load circuit is activated. The diagnosis is important particularly when the load circuit is arranged outside the electric controller and is connected to the latter by means of electrical lines. By way of example, the diagnosis is meant to recognize shorted or broken lines, nonconnected cables, etc. These cases of error need to be distinguished from the normal circuit situation. A misdiagnosis in the case of a shorted load circuit can result in triggered or blown fuses, malfunctions in the electronic controller or thermal damage, for example. Depending on the specific function and/or application, the diagnosis on the load circuit may be a simple or complex task. One frequently used approach involves a high-value pull-up resistor being looped into the line and the voltage being monitored. Depending on the voltage which is sensed by the electronic controller, it is possible to determine the state of the load circuit. If the sensed voltage exceeds a prescribed threshold value when the load switch is open, for example, it is possible to infer that the load circuit is not connected. Low-resistance load circuits are very difficult for diagnosis, since the nominal value of the load resistance corresponds almost to a nonreactive resistance value in the case of a typical short circuit. The aforementioned approach is therefore unable to distinguish between a shorted line and a normal operating state.

Method and circuit assembly for the diagnosis of a load path in a vehicle


A hybrid ceramic matrix composite (CMC) structure 10 and method for fabricating such an structure are provided. A CMC substrate 12 includes layers 16, 18, 20 of ceramic fibers. Fugitive objects 22 are disposed on at least one of the plurality of layers prior to laying a subsequent layer of ceramic fibers. An outer surface of the subsequent layer influences a shape of the outer surface of the substrate by defining protuberances 24 on the outer surface of the substrate where respective cavities 26 are formed beneath respective protuberances upon dissipation of the fugitives. A liquefied ceramic coating 34 is deposited on the outer surface of the ceramic substrate to fill the cavities. When the ceramic coating is cured to a solidified state, the cavities containing the solidified coating constitute an anchoring arrangement between the ceramic substrate and the ceramic coating.

Engine components in the hot gas flow of modern combustion turbines are required to operate at ever-increasing temperatures as engine efficiency requirements continue to advance. Ceramics typically have higher heat tolerance and lower thermal conductivities than metals, particularly in the case of oxide-based ceramic materials. For this reason, ceramics have been used both as structural materials in place of metallic materials and as coatings for both metal and ceramic structures. Ceramic matrix composite (CMC) wall structures with ceramic insulation outer coatings, such as described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,197,424, have been developed to provide components with the high temperature stability of ceramics without the brittleness of monolithic ceramics.
The versatility of an insulated CMC material may be influenced by the strength of the bond between the insulation and the structural CMC material. For example, some environments and/or engine components may require an incremental bonding strength relative to baseline bond strength. Accordingly, further improvements that increment the bonding strength between the insulation and the structural CMC material are desired.

Subsurface inclusion of fugitive objects and methodology for strengthening a surface bond in a hybrid ceramic matrix composite structure


A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel including an upper substrate, a lower substrate attached to the upper substrate, and a liquid crystal layer between the upper and lower substrates, a backlight unit disposed at a back side of the liquid crystal display panel, the backlight unit including a plurality of lamps, each of the lamps having a quadrangular-like shape and two external electrodes at two ends thereof, respectively, and a bottom cover holding the plurality of lamps.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, and more particularly, to a direct type backlight unit and an LCD device having the same that have a reduced number of lamps and an external electrode having an extended longitudinal length.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
A cathode ray tube (CRT) device, one of the most widely used display devices, has been used in televisions, measurement instruments, and information terminals, but a CRT device has a relatively heavy weight and a large size. Thus, a CRT device cannot actively meet the current small-sizing and lightweight product requirements.
To replace such a CRT device, an LCD device having the advantages of small size, light-weight, and low power consumption has actively developed. In addition, an LCD device can provide a high contrast ratio for displaying a gray scale or a moving image. Thus, an LCD device has expanded applications as a display device.
However, since an LCD device does not generate light by itself, it requires a separate external light source for generating light. Thus, an LCD device displays an image by controlling light generated by the external light source, e.g., a backlight unit, that is illuminated on an LCD panel.
In general, the backlight units are classified into an edge type and a direct type according to the position of a light source relative to a display plane. In particular, the direct type backlight unit has a high light use rate, imposes no limitation in the size of the display plane and can be easily handled. Thus, the direct type backlight unit is widely used for a large-sized LCD device, e.g., an LCD device of more than 30 inches.
The direct type backlight unit does not require a light guide for converting linear light from a lamp into plane light and includes a plurality of lamps provided at a lower portion of the display plane, a reflection sheet for reflecting light from the lamp to the display plane to prevent light loss, and a diffuser plate for scattering the light to an upper side of the lamps to emit light uniformly. The lamps include one of a point light source, such as an incandescent lamp and a white halogen lamp, a linear light source, such as a hot cathode fluorescent lamp, a cold cathode fluorescent lamp, and an external electrode fluorescent lamp (EEFL), and a planar light source, such as an LED of a matrix shape.
Currently, the cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) is mainly used, but an external electrode florescent lamp (EEFL) is gradually replacing the CCFL. Since an EEFL has brightness of more than 400 nit, which is 60% greater than brightness of a CCFL, the EEFL can expand the TFT-LCD application field such as TV. In addition, unlike a CCFL having electrodes within lamps, an EEFL has external electrodes and thus is advantageous in operating in parallel, such that a uniform brightness can be realized by reducing a voltage deviation between the lamps. Further, inverters that are required for driving a plurality of EEFLs can be reduced because EEFLs have external electrodes. As a result, the number of parts of the backlight unit is reduced, and the manufacturing cost and the weight of the LCD module can be remarkably reduced.
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a direct type backlight unit of an LCD device according to the related art. In FIG. 1, a direct type backlight unit 100 includes a plurality of lamps 101, a bottom cover 102 for seating the plurality of lamps 101 at an interval, a reflection sheet 103 disposed under the lamps 101 for reflecting light generated from the lamps 101 to a front side of the backlight unit 100, a diffuser plate 105 disposed on the lamps 101 for diffusing light, and a diffuser sheet 106 disposed on the diffuser plate 105 for enhancing the diffusion of light. The lamps 101 are linear lamps, and the direct type backlight assembly 100 does not separately require a light guide.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a linear type lamp unit of the direct type backlight unit shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the lamp unit shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, external electrodes 101a and 101b for applying a drive voltage are attached at both ends of the plurality of linear type EEFLs 101. The lamp unit also includes lamp support members 201, 202, 203, and 204 having holes 201a, 202a, 203a, and 204a for receiving the external electrodes 101a and 101b at both sides of the lamps 101. The lamp support members 201, 202, 203, and 204 have conductive layers 201b, 202b, 203b, and 204b for applying a voltage.
In addition, the external electrodes 101a and 101b form a bezel region, shown as shaded portions of the lamps 101, that blocks light. In particular, each of the external electrodes 101a and 101b has a length corresponds to a width of the holes 201a, 202a, 203a, and 204a, and has a width extending beyond the lamp support members 201, 202, 203, and 204 to supply a sufficient current to drive the lamp. However, when the width of each of the external electrodes 101a and 101b is extended in order to drive the EEFL, the bezel region also is widened. As a result, a non-light-emitting region also is widened, thereby reducing an effective light-emitting region of the backlight unit.

Direct type backlight unit and liquid crystal display device having the same


A print processing apparatus is disclosed that performs print data processing based on a print command from an application. The apparatus includes a print data generating part that generates print data in a first format recognizable by a printing apparatus that executes a printing process, the print data being generated based on a print setting value for the print data and a notification setting value pertaining to notification of a processing state of the print data. The apparatus also includes a monitoring part that transmits the print data to the printing apparatus, monitors the processing state of the print data, and determines whether to conduct the notification pertaining to the processing state of the print data according to the notification setting value.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a print processing apparatus, a print processing method, and a computer-readable medium storing a print processing program.
2. Description of the Related Art
In printing data generated by an application operating on an OS (operating system) such as Windows (registered trademark), the application is usually configured to output depiction data referred to as GDI (Graphic Device Interface) function to a graphic engine that is generally referred to as GDI. The GDI function is converted into the so-called DDI (Device Driver Interface) function and output to each printer driver that is prepared for each printer. The printer driver converts the DDI function from the graphic engine into data in a format that may be recognized by the printer such as PDL (Page Description Language). The converted data are stored in a spooler provided by the OS, and the spooler transmits the data to the printer to execute a print job (e.g., see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2000-3258 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2004-46817).
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a print processing system according to the prior art. In the illustrated print processing system, print processing apparatuses 2101, 2102, and a printer 2103 are interconnected via a network 2100. For example, as is illustrated in FIG. 2, in this system, an application 2201 implemented in the print processing apparatus 2101 issues a print command to a printer driver 2202. The printer driver 2202 generates print data (PDL), and a spooler 2203 spools the data generated by the printer driver 2202. The spooler 2203 retrieves each set of print data from a print data queue and transmits the print data to a port monitor 2204. The port monitor 2204 transmits the print data to the printer 2103 via a communication module 2205.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a print processing apparatus according to another prior art example. According to this illustrated example, a resident printer monitoring module 2300 is provided in the print processing apparatus 2101 to monitor the status of a print job. It is noted that other features of the print processing apparatus of this prior art example are identical to those described in relation to the example of FIG. 2.
In the print processing system according to the prior art, an external module such as the port monitor 2204 in the example of FIG. 2 or the resident printer monitor module 2300 in the example of FIG. 3 is configured to monitor the status of a print job within the printer 2103 during and after print data are transmitted to this printer 2103 and display a notification screen such as a popup display screen signaling the occurrence of an error or completion of the print job.
In such an error/completion notification system, the error/completion notification on/off setting may be stored in the port monitor 2204 or the resident printer monitor module 2300 as setting values of print utility software, for example. The setting of the error/completion notification may be realized by activating a print notification setting screen that is supported by the software, for example. Once the setting is set, the same setting is applied to every print job until the setting is changed using the print setting screen.
However, there may be cases in which error/completion notification is desired only for a particular print job (e.g., an important print job, or a large-scale print job requiring a long period of time) while the error/completion notification setting is set off (turned off) for a normal print job. In order to realize such a setting in the prior art, the print notification setting screen of the print utility software has to be activated before executing the particular print job to set the error/completion notification setting to on mode, and after status notification for this print job is completed, the error/completion notification setting has to be set back to off mode. Such operational procedures may be quite burdensome to the user.
It is also noted that in the prior art, the error/completion notification is transmitted only to certain print processing apparatuses such as the print processing apparatus generating the print data and a print processing apparatus designated by a user. In such a case, the progress of a print job may not be determined at a terminal apparatus that does not have the error/completion notification function set beforehand.

Print processing apparatus, print processing method, and computer-readable medium storing print processing program


An I/O request processing method in a virtual machine, a device and a computer readable medium are provided. When a backend device of a Guest kernel begins to process an I/O request chain submitted by a frontend device of the Guest kernel into a shared I/O processing memory, the method obtains a starting position of the I/O request chain in the I/O processing memory; according to the starting position of the I/O request chain, sets an element corresponding to the starting position of the I/O request chain in an I/O state array as a value different from initial values of all positions; and upon finishing processing the I/O request chain, sets an element corresponding to the starting position of the I/O request chain in an I/O request state array as a value identical with initial values.

A Hypervisor is an intermediate software layer running between a physical server and an operating system, whereas Virtio is an abstract layer located on a device in a paravirtualized Hypervisor and may also be called a paravirtualized abstract layer.
Virtio provides a general-purpose communication interface for a frontend and a backend of a Guest kernel. The frontend of the Guest kernel and the rear end of the Guest kernel may specifically perform data transmission through a Virtio-ring (briefly called Vring) struct in Virtio. Specifically, first, the frontend of the Guest kernel writes data in the Virtio-ring (briefly called Vring) struct of the Virtio, then Hypervisor, as the backend of the Guest kernel, performs read/write for the device according to data, and notifies the frontend of the Guest kernel upon completion of read/write. As technologies develop, the Hypervisor gradually puts forward Vhost technology. The Vhost technology may allow the rear end of the Guest kernel to interact with the frontend of the Guest kernel directly through the Virtio-ring, and reduce repeated copying of data from a user state to a kernel state. The Vhost technology may allow the backend of the Guest kernel to be located in the user state, and therefore may be called Vhost-user (virtual machine backend user state) technology. Since the Vhost technology may allow the backend of the Guest kernel to be located in the user state, it is possible to increase flexibility of development of the backend program while reducing crash probability. At present, widely-used Guest kernel backend programs include dpdk, spdk and so on. These programs may improve performance of the network and Input/Output (I/O) by one or more times.
However, when the backend of the Guest kernel and frontend of the Guest kernel in the current Vhost technology use Virtio for communication, if a bug appears in the user-state program of the backend of the Guest kernel or abnormal interruptions are caused by a repairer's mis-operations, this causes the blocking upon I/O read/write. Since the backend of the Guest kernel does not record a processing state, information asynchronization appears at the backend of the Guest kernel and the frontend of the Guest kernel after information is interacted again after the blocking, so that it is impossible to continue to process subsequent I/O requests so that the I/O processing is hung.

I/O request processing method in virtual machine, device and computer readable medium

BEIJING BAIDU NETCOM SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


The placement of solder "balls" in a Ball Grid Array is accomplished by placing a solder strip in contact with the top surface of the ball grid array carrier. The pulsing of a laser directed at the solder in discrete positions permits the transfer of the solder to the gold dot, of the array of dots, on the carrier in registry with the laser output when activated. Selective solder placement is possible and increasingly higher throughput is achieved by the use of laser diode bars or optical fiber fans to effect solder transfer to a plurality of dots of the array simultaneously. The entire process can be automated by making the solder strip continuous through a recycling station arranged along a path along which the solder strip moves to the position where the carrier and the solder strip are moved into juxtaposition. The use of a transparent strip with a pattern of holes filled with solder paste permits easy transfer of the solder to the gold dots or islands on the carrier in registry with laser beam.

Semiconductor devices typically comprise a plurality of components formed by photolithographic processes in a multilayered structure. The structure is supplied with signals typically via a sunburst pattern which makes electrical contact to lands on the semiconductor device. For completing the packaging of the device, the sunburst pattern is connected to external signal and power sources for the device to operate and the device is protected from the environment.
One attractive technology for completing the semiconductor package is termed a "Ball Grid Array" (BGA). The BGA comprises a planar component "carrier" which may comprise a rigid plastic layer with metallic (gold) islands or dots on the top surface. The dots are connected to lands on the bottom surface of the carrier by through connections which provide electrical continuity from the power and signal sources to the metallic dots. The BGA, thus, is employed as a support or carrier for the semiconductor device and as a medium for providing the requisite drive and signals to the attached semiconductor device.
The semiconductor device, accordingly, has to be connected to the carrier in a manner to permit electrical continuity. To this end, it is necessary to provide solder on top of each of the gold dots on the top surface of the carrier to bond the semiconductor securely in place. This has been accomplished typically by apparatus which places a pattern of tiny solder balls on top of the gold dots. U.S. Pat. No. 5,431,332 issued Jul. 11, 1995 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,216 issued Sep. 3, 1996 disclose techniques for the placement of such solder balls. Each of these patents discloses a technique where a tooling plate or stencil with an array of apertures, which matches the array of gold dots, is filled with tiny solder balls and is then juxtaposed with the carrier to transfer the balls to the carrier. The carrier has a coating of adhesive to hold the balls in place and the carrier is then heated to affix the balls permanently.
The apparatus to place the balls on the carrier is expensive and not sufficiently fast to meet present throughput requirements inexpensively. Further, the apparatus is not easily adapted to increasingly fine resolution to meet projected semiconductor packaging requirements. Also, solder balls are presently so small that they frequently become lodged in undesirable positions in the apparatus necessitating frequent inspection and down time.

Apparatus and method for forming solder bonding pads


A temperature and flow rate controlled capillary aerosol generator includes two heating zones optionally separated by a region in which a pressure drop is induced. Power is metered or applied to the downstream, second zone to achieve a target resistance, and therefore a target temperature, while power is metered or applied to the upstream, first zone to achieve a target mass flow rate exiting the second zone. A target temperature is achieved in the second zone to generate an aerosol from the liquid flowing through the generator at the desired mass flow rate.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to aerosol generators and, more particularly, to aerosol generators able to generate aerosols without compressed gas propellants and methods of making and using such aerosol generators.
2. Brief Description of the Related Art
Aerosols are useful in a wide variety of applications. For example, it is often desirable to treat respiratory ailments with, or deliver drugs by means of, aerosol sprays of finely divided particles of liquid and/or solid, e.g., powder, medicaments, etc., which are inhaled into a patient""s lungs. Aerosols are also used for purposes such as providing desired scents to rooms, distributing insecticides and delivering paint and lubricant.
Various techniques are known for generating aerosols. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,811,731 and 4,627,432 both disclose devices for administering medicaments to patients in which a capsule is pierced by a pin to release a medicament in powder form. A user then inhales the released medicament through an opening in the device. While such devices may be acceptable for use in delivering medicaments in powder form, they are not suited to delivering medicaments in liquid form. The devices are also, of course, not well-suited to delivery of medicaments to persons who might have difficulty in generating a sufficient flow of air through the device to properly inhale the medicaments, such as asthma sufferers. The devices are also not suited for delivery of materials in applications other than medicament delivery.
Another well-known technique for generating an aerosol involves the use of a manually operated pump which draws liquid from a reservoir and forces it through a small nozzle opening to form a fine spray. A disadvantage of such aerosol generators, at least in medicament delivery applications, is the difficulty of properly synchronizing inhalation with pumping. More importantly, however, because such aerosol generators tend to produce particles of large size, their use as inhalers is compromised because large particles tend to not penetrate deep into the lungs.
One of the more popular techniques for generating an aerosol including liquid or powder particles involves the use of a compressed propellant, often containing a chloro-fluoro-carbon (CFC) or methylchloroform, to entrain a material, usually by the Venturi principle. For example, inhalers containing compressed propellants such as compressed gas for entraining a medicament are often operated by depressing a button to release a short charge of the compressed propellant. The propellant entrains the medicament as the propellant flows over a reservoir of the medicament so that the propellant and the medicament can be inhaled by the user.
In propellant-based arrangements, however, a medicament may not be properly delivered to the patient""s lungs when it is necessary for the user to time the depression of an actuator such as a button with inhalation. Moreover, aerosols generated by propellant-based arrangements may have particles that are too large to ensure efficient and consistent deep lung penetration. Although propellant-based aerosol generators have wide application for uses such as antiperspirant and deodorant sprays and spray paint, their use is often limited because of the well-known adverse environmental effects of CFC""s and methylchloroform, which are among the most popular propellants used in aerosol generators of this type.
In drug delivery applications, it is typically desirable to provide an aerosol having average mass median particle diameters of less than 2 microns to facilitate deep lung penetration. Most known aerosol generators are incapable of generating aerosols having average mass median particle diameters less than 2 microns. It is also desirable, in certain drug delivery applications, to deliver medicaments at high flow rates, e.g., above 1 milligram per second. Most known aerosol generators suited for drug delivery are incapable of delivering such high flow rates in the 0.2 to 2.0 micron size range.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,251, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses an aerosol generator, along with certain principles of operation and materials used in an aerosol generator, as well as a method of producing an aerosol, and an aerosol. The aerosol generator disclosed according to the ""251 patent is a significant improvement over earlier aerosol generators, such as those used as inhaler devices. It is desirable to produce an aerosol generator that is portable and easy to use.
The invention provides a capillary aerosol generator comprising a flow passage having an inlet, an outlet, a first heater in heat transfer communication with a first zone of the flow passage adjacent the inlet, a second heater in heat transfer communication with a second zone of the flow passage adjacent the outlet, and an optional flow constriction in the flow passage between the first zone and the second zone.
The invention also provides a process of forming an aerosol from a liquid, comprising the steps of supplying pressurized liquid to an upstream end of a flow passage of an aerosol generator including a first heater positioned in heat transfer communication with a first zone of the flow passage, a second heater positioned in heat transfer communication with a second zone of the flow passage and an optional flow constrictor in the flow passage between the first zone and the second zone; measuring a parameter indicative of the mass flow rate of the fluid flowing through the second zone; changing the temperature in the first zone based on the measurement of the mass flow rate of the fluid through the second zone; and heating the liquid in the second zone such that the liquid is volatilized and after exiting from a downstream end of the flow passage forms an aerosol.
Still other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description of embodiments constructed in accordance therewith, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Aerosol generator having multiple heating zones and methods of use thereof


In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus that controls sensor paths for privacy protection is provided. The apparatus includes a housing arranged to hold a second device. The apparatus obtains first sensor data that includes a biometric marker associated with a user. The apparatus controls sensor paths by obtaining the first sensor data using sensors on the second device, on the apparatus, and/or on a supplemental functional device. The apparatus further generates second sensor data by masking the biometric marker associated with the user in the first sensor data. The apparatus additionally controls the sensor paths by providing the second sensor data from the first apparatus to the second device.

Various techniques allow extracting biometric information from sensor data (e.g., audio, image, vibration, IMU, etc.). One can then use the extracted biometric information to uniquely identify an individual, and in some cases, derive sensitive information about that particular individual. For example, voice data is typically considered unstructured data. Applying various techniques, telltale biometric markers (including health conditions of a user) can be extracted from voice utterances and/or speech samples. In another example, one can use images captured by cameras for body language mining, e.g., tracking habits or mood based on postures or facial expression in the image. As such, unbeknownst to the user, based on the information collected by sensors on personal communication devices, businesses can gain an unfair advantage over the individual. Moreover, in case malicious users obtain the derived biometric markers, the biometric markers can be used to defeat authentication methods in systems that utilize biometric authentication (e.g., iris scan, voice recognition, fingerprints).
In accordance with common practice the various features illustrated in the drawings cannot be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features can be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings cannot depict all of the components of a given system, method or device. Finally, like reference numerals can be used to denote like features throughout the specification and figures.

Masking biometric markers by sensor path control


The disclosed fixture mount limits torque that may be applied when installing a dental implant and also serves as an impression post and an abutment for a temporary prosthesis. In preferred embodiments, the fixture mount is formed of plastic and is subject to chair side modifications by the surgeon so as to be better suited as an abutment. Methods of shaping the fixture mount for use as an abutment and for making a dental restoration using the shaped abutment are disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of dental implantogy. More specifically, the invention relates to apparatus and methods allowing chair-side modifications to be made to components used in making dental restorations.
2. Background Information
Dental implants play an extraordinarily important role in modern dentistry. Implants serve as the foundation for a variety of dental prostheses as may be provided to correct debilitating or embarrassing conditions caused by, for example, disease, accident or natural aging.
In order to adequately support the dental prosthesis for which it is intended, the implant (also referred to as a "fixture") is surgically implanted into healthy bone tissue of the patient's alveolar (jaw) bone. To install the implant, the surgical site is prepared by first incising the gingival tissue at the implant site and then drilling a generally cylindrical bore into the bone mass. The prepared bore is referred as an osteotomy. Although implants may be made in a variety of forms, a conventional and a very common implant has a generally cylindrical body that is externally threaded and tapered at one end. The taper may extend for only the distance of the first few threads or extend for nearly the entire length of the implant. In recent years, it has become conventional to apply certain coatings to the outer surfaces of the implants. These coatings, such as hydroxyapatite (HA) or Titanium Plasma Spray (TPS), enable the bone tissue to better integrate with the implant, thereby providing enhanced support for the prosthesis.
Once the osteotomy is prepared, the tapered end of the implant is positioned in the osteotomy, and a powered or manual driving tool is employed by the surgeon to rotate the implant and drive it into the osteotomy, which may or may not have been pre-threaded or tapped to receive the implant. The driving tool includes an end portion that is configured to matingly engage the end of the implant so as to transmit torque to the implant.
In some instances, both to deliver the implant to the surgical site and to drive the implant into the osteotomy, a piece referred to as a "fixture mount" is attached to the top of the implant by a retaining screw and it, rather than the implant, directly engages the driving tool. In this manner, the fixture mount serves as an intermediate member for transmitting to the implant the torque applied by the driving tool. Conventional fixture mounts have been made of metal, such as titanium.
The size of the osteotomy and the density of the bone mass at the surgical site will dictate the amount of torque that must be applied to the implant during installation. For example, where the bone density is greater than anticipated, the dental surgeon may find that an unusually high torque is required in order to implant the device. Presently, if the surgeon believes, based on tactile feedback, that the implant is experiencing excessive resistive force, such that a potentially damaging torque would have to be applied in order to install the implant, the surgeon must extract the then partially-installed implant. Typically, this is accomplished by reversing the drive tool's direction of rotation, and using the drive tool and fixture mount to "back-out" the implant from the osteotomy, which can then be widened with a larger drill or tapped as necessary.
If this procedure is not followed and, instead, an excessive torque is applied to the implant, the implant may become damaged. Such damage may take various forms. For example, the coating that is applied to the surface of the implant and that is important for enhancing bone growth may be scrapped off the implant or otherwise damaged. Furthermore, with increasing torque, the end of the implant that receives the applied torque may become damaged, much the way the head of a screw or bolt becomes stripped or rounded off. Finally, it is possible that the implant would fracture with excessive torque applied. In each instance, such damage typically would necessitate removal of the damaged implant, thereby lengthening the time required for the surgical procedure and, potentially, increasing the discomfort to the patient.
Further, with excessive torque applied to the top or driven end of the implant via the drive tool and fixture mount, the damage to the end of the implant may be such that it becomes impossible to simply back the implant out of the osteotomy using the drive tool and the fixture mount. This can further complicate the surgical procedure. Given that the implant cannot simply be backed out by rotating it in the opposite direction via the drive tool and fixture mount, other special tools and procedures need to be employed.
Once the implant is successfully installed, the still-attached fixture mount is in position to serve other functions. For example, by extending above the gum line as it does, the fixture mount may be employed to shape or direct the growth of gingival tissue during healing. Likewise, the fixture mount may be used as an impression post so that the dental surgeon or clinician may take precise impressions that are then used by a dental laboratory to manufacture a properly fitting prosthesis. Furthermore, the attached fixture mount may serve as a temporary abutment for supporting a provisional or temporary prosthesis that may be installed at the time of the original surgery and remain in place until the permanent prosthesis has been manufactured in a dental laboratory.
For use in any of these applications, however, the fixture mount may require certain modifications, particularly when used to support a temporary prosthesis. Such modifications may involve, for example, cutting, grinding or otherwise shaping the body of the fixture mount. Given that fixture mounts have been made typically of titanium or similar such metals, it has been common practice for the dental surgeon to purchase a separate component for use as the temporary abutment, one that is easier to prepare "chair-side" or that can be sent to a dental laboratory for the custom shaping that is necessary. In such instances, the fixture mount itself is discarded and the patient may be deprived of the opportunity of having a temporary prosthesis fitted at the end of the initial surgical procedure and must instead suffer the inconvenience of returning for a second procedure at a time when the temporary abutment and prosthesis can be installed. Still a third procedure is then required after the permanent prosthesis has been fabricated and is ready for installation.
Although it would be desirable for the dental surgeon himself to modify the fixture mount "chair-side," rather than sending the piece offsite to be altered or reconfigured for use as a temporary abutment, for example, the tools available to the dental surgeon typically limit his ability to shape the fixture mount. As mentioned above, conventional fixture mounts are typically made of titanium or another very strong metal. That factor, coupled with the very small size of the fixture mount, makes it extremely difficult for the dental surgeon to make precise chair-side modifications to the fixture mount.
Accordingly, given the damage that can occur to an implant if excessive torque is applied during implantation, it would therefore be advantageous to employ an implant drive system that would limit the torque or rotational force that can be applied to the implant. Preferably, the system would incorporate and could be employed with the driving tools and implants that are presently on the market and in the current inventories of dental surgeons. Preferably, the system would limit the rotational force or torque applied to the implant to a value below that which could damage the implant and, at the same time, provide a means to withdraw the implant from the osteotomy using the same system components, rather than by having to employ additional tools or a cumbersome or more complicated procedure. Further, it would be advantageous if a drive system included a fixture mount that could be readily revised or fashioned chair-side by the dental surgeon, such that a temporary or provisional prosthesis could be fitted and installed during the same surgical procedure in which the implant is first installed.

Impression post and temporary abutment and method of making dental restoration


A bicycle sprocket apparatus comprises a sprocket support, a first sprocket coupled to the sprocket support at a plurality of circumferentially spaced first sprocket mounting locations, a second sprocket coupled to the sprocket support at a plurality of circumferentially spaced second sprocket mounting locations, and a reinforcement member other than the sprocket support. The reinforcement member is disposed between the first sprocket and the second sprocket between a pair of the first sprocket mounting locations and between a pair of the second sprocket mounting locations.

The present invention is directed to bicycles and, more particularly, to a bicycle sprocket apparatus with reinforcement between sprockets.
Many bicycles have derailleur operated transmissions. Such transmissions usually include a plurality of front sprockets and a plurality of rear sprockets, wherein the plurality of front sprockets are mounted for rotation coaxially with the pedal cranks, and the plurality of rear sprockets are mounted for rotation coaxially with the rear wheel. A front derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame in close proximity to the plurality of front sprockets to selectively engage a chain with one of the plurality of front sprockets, and a rear derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame in close proximity to the plurality of rear sprockets to selectively engage the chain with one of the plurality of rear sprockets. A shift control device operated by the rider may manually or automatically control the front and rear derailleurs.
Adjacent pairs of the plurality of front or rear sprockets may be connected together by a sprocket support that comprises a plurality of radially extending mounting arms. Each mounting arm includes a sprocket mounting portion disposed between its corresponding pair of sprockets, and a fastener is used to fasten the pair of sprockets to the mounting portion. The number of mounting arms must be sufficient to firmly mount the sprockets to withstand the rotational force of the chain and to prevent lateral bending of the sprockets. On the other hand, it also is desirable to minimize the number of mounting arms to save weight. While a smaller number of mounting arms may sufficiently accommodate the rotational force of the chain, reducing the number of mounting arms also reduces lateral support between the sprockets, thus increasing the risk of lateral deflection of the sprockets caused by the chain.

Bicycle sprocket apparatus with reinforcement between sprockets


A hydraulic pump jack drive system for reciprocating an oil well pump rod. The drive system comprises at least one hydraulic well head cylinder, a reversible flow hydraulic pump, and a master cylinder. The master cylinder has a free floating master piston and at least one fixed bulkhead. The master cylinder also has a working fluid chamber hydraulically connected to the hydraulic well head cylinder and at least two master piston drive chambers hydraulically connected to the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic well head cylinder and the working fluid chamber are filled with a working fluid and define a working fluid system while the master piston drive chambers and the hydraulic pump are filled with hydraulic fluid and define a hydraulic drive system. Reversing the flow of the hydraulic pump causes the master piston drive chambers to be pressurized and de-pressurized on an alternating basis to reciprocally move the master piston within the master cylinder. The reciprocating master piston causes an alternating pressuring and de-pressurizing of the working fluid chamber and the well head cylinder thereby causing the pump rod to reciprocate within the oil well.

Oil wells typically vary from a depth of a few hundred feet to several thousands and in many instances can exceed 10,000 feet in depth. In many oil wells there is insufficient in situ pressure to affect the flow of oil out of the well to the surface. For that reason a variety of different pumping and extraction devices have been developed to pump or urge oil from a well. The most common of such devices is a reciprocating pump that is installed deep within the well and operated by a reciprocating pump or sucker rod extending from the pump to the well head at the ground surface.
A significant amount of effort has been directed toward the development of various devices that can be utilized in order to reciprocate a pump or sucker rod in an effective manner to extract oil from a well. Traditionally the pump rod has been reciprocated by a device known as a pump jack which operates through the rotation of an eccentric crank driven by an electric, gasoline or diesel motor. Such mechanical drive mechanisms have been utilized extensively in the oil production industry for decades and continue to be the primary method for extracting oil from a well. However, they suffer from a number of inherent disadvantages or inefficiencies. These inefficiencies include their substantial size and weight that makes them expensive to produce, difficult to transport and expensive to install. The mass of such units also requires significant structural support elements at the well head which adds to the complexity and expense of the overall drive system. Furthermore, mechanical drive systems have components that are physically linked or connected in some form by way of connecting rods, cams, and gear boxes. For a variety of different reasons it often becomes necessary to adjust the travel of the pump rod. Mechanical linkages, as have previously been used, present difficulties in adjusting the travel or displacement of the pump rod. Under prior art devices adjusting rod displacement and pumping speed requires the drive system to be shut down, wasting valuable production time and increasing labour costs. Mechanically driven pump jacks are also limited in their ability to control acceleration and deceleration of the pump rod during its reciprocation.
To combat these limitations in mechanical pump jack drive systems, others have proposed a variety of different pneumatic and hydraulic drive mechanisms that have met with varying degrees of success. Most require the placement of some form of hydraulic cylinder on the well head to raise and lower the pump rod. Such drive systems utilize a connecting rod that is driven, through an eccentric cam or crank, by an electric, gasoline or diesel motor. Since the primary mode of powering the drive systems remains a mechanical linkage, such systems, to a large extent, still suffer from the same inherent difficulties of rod speed and stroke control as do the prior purely mechanical pump jacks.

Hydraulic pump jack drive system for reciprocating an oil well pump rod


A method for treating a condition responsive to interferon therapy in a human subject is described. The method includes orally administering interferon-tau to the intestinal tract in an amount effective to produce an increase in the subject's blood 2′, 5′-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) level, relative to the OAS level in the subject in the absence of interferon-tau.

Interferon-tau (hereinafter "IFNτ" or "interferon-τ") was discovered originally as a pregnancy recognition hormone produced by the trophectoderm of ruminant conceptuses (Imakawa, K. et al, Nature, 330:377–379, (1987); Bazer, F. W. and Johnson, H. M., Am. J. Repro. Immunol., 26:19–22, (1991)). The distribution of the IFNτ gene is restricted to ruminants, including cattle, sheep, and goats, (Alexenko, A. P. et al., J. Interferon and Cytokine Res., 19:1335–1341, (1999)) but has been shown to have activity in cells belonging to other species including humans and mice (Pontzer, C. H. et al., Cancer Res., 51:5304–5307, (1991); Alexenko, A. P. et al., J. Interferon and Cytokine Res., 20:817–822, (2000)). For example, IFNτ has been demonstrated to possess antiviral, (Pontzer, C. H. et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 152:801–807, (1988)), antiproliferative, (Pontzer, C. H., et al., 1991) and immunoregulatory activities (Assal-Meliani, A., Am. J. Repro. Immunol., 33:267–275 (1995)).
While IFNτ displays many of the activities classically associated with type I IFNs, such as interferon-α and inteferon-β, considerable differences exist between IFNτ and the other type I IFNs. The most prominent difference is the role of IFNτ in pregnancy in ruminant species. The other IFNs have no similar activity in pregnancy recognition. Also different is viral induction. All type I IFNs, except IFNτ, are induced readily by virus and dsRNA (Roberts, et al., Endocrine Reviews, 13:432 (1992)). Induced IFN-α and IFN-β expression is transient, lasting approximately a few hours. In contrast, IFNτ synthesis, once induced, is maintained over a period of days (Godkin, et al., J. Reprod. Fert., 65:141 (1982)). On a per-cell basis, 300-fold more IFN-τ is produced than other type I IFNs (Cross, J. C. and Roberts, R. M., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88:3817–3821 (1991)).
Another difference lies in the amino acid sequences of IFN-τ and other type I interferons. The percent amino acid sequence similarity between the interferons α2b, β1, ω1, γ, and τ are summarized in the table below.
rHuIFNα2brHuIFNβ1rHuIFN1ω1rHuIFNγrOvIFNτRhuIFNα2b33.160.811.648.8RhuIFNβ126.96.36.199.8RhuIFNω160.822.214.171.124RhuIFNγ11.6220.127.116.11rovIFNτ48.833.854.910.2Sequence comparison determined from the following references:Taniguchi et al., Gene, 10(1):11 (1980).Adolf et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1089(2):167 (1991).Streuli et al., Science, 209:1343 (1980).Imakawa et al., Nature, 330:377 (1987).
Recombinant ovine IFNτ (rIFNτ) is 48.8 percent homologous to IFNα2b and 33.8 percent homologous to IFNβ1. Because of this limited homology between IFNτ and IFNα and between IFNτ and IFNβ, it cannot be predicted whether or not IFNτ would behave in the same manner as IFNα or IFNβ when administered orally. IFNτ is also reported to have a low receptor binding affinity for type I receptors on human cells (Brod, S., J. Interferon and Cytokine Res., 18:841 (1999); Alexenko, A. et al., J. Interferon and Cytokine Res., 17:769 (1997)). Additionally, the fact that IFNτ is a non-endogeneous human protein generates the potential for systemic neutralizing antibody formation when IFNτ is introduced into the human body (Brod, S., J. Interferon and Cytokine Res., 18:841 (1999). These differences between IFNτ and the other interferons make it difficult to predict whether IFNτ when administered to a human will provide a therapeutic benefit. Teachings in the art relating to oral administration of IFNα, IFNβ, or any other non-tau interferon, fail to provide a basis for drawing any expectations for IFNτ.
One limiting factor in the use of IFNτ, as well as proteins and polypeptides in general, is related to biodistribution, as affected by protein interaction with plasma proteins and blood cells, when given parenterally. The oral route of administration is even more problematic due to proteolysis in the stomach, where the acidic conditions can destroy the molecule before reaching its intended target. For example, polypeptides and protein fragments, produced by action of gastric and pancreatic enzymes, are cleaved by exo- and endopeptidases in the intestinal brush border membrane to yield di- and tri-peptides. If proteolysis by pancreatic enzymes is avoided, polypeptides are subject to degradation by brush border peptidases. Polypeptides or proteins that might survive passage through the stomach are subject to metabolism in the intestinal mucosa where a penetration barrier prevents entry into cells. For this reason, much effort has been focused on delivering proteins to the oral-pharyngeal region in the form of a lozenge or solution held in the oral cavity for a period of time.

Method of treatment using interferon-tau


A process-gas supply apparatus for supplying a process gas to a process chamber in which a predetermined processing using the process gas is applied to the object set therein, which comprising a process-gas source for supplying a process gas, a carrier gas source filled with a carrier gas, at least one gas storing section having a predetermined volume and to be filled with the process gas, a carrier-gas introducing pipe connecting the carrier gas source to the process chamber to introduce the carrier gas from the carrier gas source to the process chamber, a process-gas releasing pipe connected to the process-gas source, a process-gas filling circuit having at least one pipe which connects the at least one gas storing section to the process-gas releasing pipe and is provided with at least one open/shut valve, a process gas releasing circuit having at least one pipe which connects the gas storing section to the carrier-gas introducing pipe and is provided with at least one open/shut valve, a controlling section for controlling not only a communication state between the process-gas releasing pipe and the gas storing section but also a communication state between the carrier-gas introducing pipe and the gas storing section, by switchover of the open/shut valves attached to the process-gas filling circuit and the process gas releasing circuit.

The present invention relates to a process-gas supply apparatus for supplying a process gas into a process chamber arranged in a process apparatus such as a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus and having a object to be processed set therein.
Generally, in a manufacturing process of a semiconductor integrated circuit, a film formation process, pattern etching, and the like, are repeatedly applied onto a semiconductor wafer or a glass substrate, thereby obtaining a desired device. Recently, line width and gate width have become narrow associated with a tendency toward miniaturization and high integration of the semiconductor integrated circuit. Also, the film thickness tends to be reduced since the semiconductor integrated circuit is increasingly desired to have a multilevel interconnection structure.
As mentioned above, when the thickness of the formed film is reduced as a result of the high integration and the multi-layer tendency of the integrated circuit, it becomes critical to control a flow amount of a process gas accurately for forming a film. To control the flow amount accurately, a flow-amount controller such as a mass-flow controller is generally used in the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus. However, the mass-controller is not suitable for controlling a small amount of a gas flow for the reason of its structural characteristics. In fact, it is difficult to accurately form a gate electrode and wiring of several hundreds of angstroms in thickness under the control by the mass-flow controller.


The present disclosures relates to an ion beam assembly where a relatively small deflection angle (approximately 15° from the center of the beam line) is used in conjunction with two beam dumps located on either side of the beam. In some embodiments, the combination of the two beam dumps and the magnet assembly can provide an ion beam filter. In some embodiments, the resulting system provides a smaller, safer and more reliable ion beam. In some embodiments, the ion beam can be a proton beam.

Ion beams, produced by a particle accelerator, or through other means, can be used to create neutrons by bombarding a neutron producing target with the ion beam. The neutrons generated can then be used for procedures, for example, Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). However, the ion beam, or proton beam, in some systems, is high-power and when not properly controlled, can cause damage to the systems within which it is used.


An Identity System obtains and maintains real time certificate status. The Identity System retrieves real time status information for the System's certificates and stores a record of the status. The Identity System also stores validation information for the certificate, including the time the real time status was retrieved and a validation interval of time extending from the status retrieval time. Smaller validation intervals reduce the potential for the real time status changing during the validation interval. When the Identity System exports or displays a certificate for a user, the Identity System can employ the stored validation information and certificate status to ensure the certificate's validity.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to technology for obtaining and maintaining real time status information for electronic certificates.
2. Description of the Related Art
Electronic certificates have become a popular mechanism for establishing secure communications over a network. Certificates contain information about the certificate holder, including a public key for performing encryption. The certificate holder maintains a secret private key that corresponds to the public key. Members of the public employ the public key to encrypt communications sent to the certificate holder, and the certificate holder uses the private key to decrypt the encrypted communications. By exchanging certificates, individuals can share public keys for engaging in secure network communications. A certificate typically expires after a period of time or can be revoked. The certificate's status, however, cannot be provided in the certificate. The status is a dynamic value that changes over time between different values, such as valid, expired and revoked.
In organizations, such as companies, many individuals have electronic certificates for carrying on secure communications inside and outside of the organization. In some instances, affiliates outside the organization have certificates for engaging in secure communications with the organization. This results in a large number of organization related certificates. When an individual imports or views a certificate of another person, the individual is unaware of the certificate's status. In order to obtain the certificate's real time status, the individual must issue a real time status request to the certificate issuing authority. Requiring an organization's many members and affiliates to make such queries is inefficient and wastes organizational resources.
With the growth of networking and other information technologies, Identity Systems have become popular for managing organizations' identity information. In general, an Identity System provides for the creation, removal, editing and other management of identity information stored in various types of data stores. The identity information pertains to users, groups, organizations and things. For each entry in the data store, a set of attributes is stored. For example, the attributes stored for a user may include a name, address, employee number, telephone number, email address, user ID and password. The Identity System can also manage access privileges that govern the subject matter an entity can view, create, modify or use in the Identity System.
Traditional Identity Systems, however, have not incorporated the capability to provide real time status for a large volume of certificates in an organization. One tool available to an Identity System is a certificate revocation list published by a certificate issuing authority. The list provides status for revoked certificates at predefined time intervals, such as a day or hour. The certificate revocation list, however, cannot provide real time status. Other available tools include real time protocols that allow an Identity System to retrieve real time certificate status. Real time protocols, however, cannot respond to numerous status requests in real time, such as the hundreds of requests that may be required by an organization.
It is desirable for an Identity System to provide real time certificate status for a large volume of certificates.

Obtaining and maintaining real time certificate status


A reception unit 2 of a detection unit 3 includes a transmitter 30 that transmits a reception (detection) level of an infrared beam to a transmission unit 1, and a demand signal output unit 26 that transmits to the transmission unit 1 a demand signal M, demanding to control the intensity of the infrared beam to be transmitted so that the reception level matches a predetermined value. The transmission unit 1 includes an infrared ray (detection beam) intensity control unit 15 that controls, upon receipt of the demand signal M, the intensity of the infrared beam to be transmitted so that the reception level matches the predetermined value. A power source unit 31 is a solar battery unit including a solar panel and a charging medium that stores power from the solar panel.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a solar battery-driven object detection system, in which a detection unit having a transmission unit and a reception unit is driven by the solar battery unit, the reception unit constantly receives detection beams transmitted from the transmission unit, and thereby detection of an object when the object intercepts the detection beams is achieved.
Description of Related Art
Object detection systems are thus far known that include a detection unit having a transmission unit such as a light projecting unit and a reception unit such as a light receiving unit which are arranged so as to oppose each other across a detection region, in which the light receiving unit constantly receives detection beams, for example infrared rays (IR), projected from the light projecting unit, to thereby detect an object when the object intercepts the infrared rays in the detection region. Such an object detection system is employed, for example, in a security sensor that outputs an alarm upon detecting an object.
In recent years, battery-driven object detection systems configured to supply power to the detection unit from a battery have come to be widely utilized, for purposes such as reducing power consumption and saving wiring works. Some of such object detection systems employ, for example, a solar battery unit including a solar panel for generating power using sunlight and a secondary battery for storing the power as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 9-161157.
With the conventional solar battery-driven object detection system, however, the intensity of the detection beam has to be increased in order to extend the detection distance, and therefore a battery having a larger capacity has to be employed to cover the increase in power consumption, which leads to an increase in size of the solar panel to be incorporated. The increase in size of the system naturally results in an increase in cost. Meanwhile, with the solar panel of a reduced size, a sufficient battery capacity is unable to be secured and therefore the power consumption is limited, which makes it difficult to perform long distance detection since the detection distance is shortened.

Solar battery-driven object detection system


A personnel guided aerial delivery device is disclosed which can be used to safely and precisely deliver personnel, cargo, or a combination of both from an aircraft in flight, to a precise target or location. In the preferred embodiment, the aerial delivery device generally consists of a large "ram-air" type gliding parachute, a "drogue" parachute, an encapsulated crew module, a "fly-by-wire" control system, and a landing impact attenuation system. The aerial delivery device can employ an onboard human pilot to navigate the module. The use of a skilled pilot allows the aerial delivery device to be guided to a designated landing site.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to aerial delivery device and, more particularly, to a personnel guided aerial delivery device which delivers a plurality of personnel or a combination of personnel and equipment to a specific target area.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Aerial tandem systems have been utilized in the past wherein two people, or a single person and up to two-hundred (200 lbs) pounds of equipment are placed into a specified or predetermined area via a ram air parachute. However, the prior art has been limited in its ability to delivery, from an aircraft, more than two people and/or equipment to a specific area with a single parachute. What is needed in the art is a aerial delivery device which can delivery a plurality of personnel and/or equipment to a specific target area with the use of a single parachute. It is, therefore, to the effective resolution of the aforementioned problems and shortcomings that the present invention is directed.