The support frame according to the preferred embodiments of the invention reduces the abrupt strains acting upon a foundation to such an extent that light and hence more economical foundations for the device secured to the support frame can be used. A preferred embodiment of the support frame includes at least two resiliently embodied girders and at least one crossbar connecting said girders. At least one securing point is provided on the girders or the crossbar for receiving a structural component to be supported. At least one connecting point is provided on each of the girders, for connecting the girder to a foundation. An interstice is provided between the respective girders and the foundation, wherein the interstice is bridged only at the at least one connecting point. The resilient girders and the interstice allow the impact upon the foundation to be dampened.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a support frame, and more particularly to a support frame for receiving a structural component to be supported.
2. Description of the Related Art
A support frame for structural components is disclosed in European Patent Disclosure EP 0 129 216 B1. This support frame rests directly on a foundation and is rigidly joined to the foundation without any space between the foundation and the support frame. The structural component such as a metal-encapsulated, gas-insulated switch unit is supported on the support frame. The support frame receives the entire weight of this structural component and transmits it directly to the foundation. In addition, when switching of the switch unit occurs, the reaction forces engendered by the masses in motion of the switch devices, particularly those of the power switches, which are disposed with a vertical longitudinal axis, are transmitted undamped to the foundation. As a result, the foundation must be comparatively robust in dimensions, so that over the long term it can withstand these sudden strains.

Support frame for a structural component


A surgical instrument articulation assembly includes a lead screw sub-assembly including four lead screws. A first gear sub-assembly includes first and second gears coupled to the first and third lead screws. A second gear sub-assembly includes third and fourth gears coupled to the second and fourth lead screws, respectively, a first compound gear including a distal gear coupling the first and second gears with one another, and a proximal gear coupled with a first coupling gear disposed about a first input. The third gear sub-assembly includes a second compound gear including a distal gear coupling the third and fourth gears with one another, and a proximal gear coupled with a second coupling gear disposed about a second input. A rotational input provided to the first or second input respectively rotates the first and third lead screws and or the second and fourth lead screws.

Robotic surgical systems are increasingly utilized in various different surgical procedures. Some robotic surgical systems include a console supporting a robotic arm. One or more different surgical instruments may be configured for use with the robotic surgical system and selectively mountable to the robotic arm. The robotic arm provides one or more inputs to the mounted surgical instrument to enable operation of the mounted surgical instrument.
The number, type, and configuration of inputs provided by the robotic arm of a robotic surgical system are constraints in the design of surgical instruments configured for use with the robotic surgical system. That is, in designing a surgical instrument compatible for mounting on and use with the robotic arm of a robotic surgical system, consideration should be taken in determining how to utilize the available inputs provided by the robotic arm to achieve the desired functionality of the surgical instrument.

Articulation assembly for a surgical instrument such as for use in a robotic surgical system and methods of assembling the same


The invention relates to a two-way data communication apparatus in television broadcast or data broadcast signal transmitted through telephone circuit, and a two-way data communication apparatus according to this method, and more particularly, in a system having a response server and an individual information server connected to a telephone circuit, the apparatus comprises data broadcast decoder means for decoding television broadcast or data broadcast signal transmitted through telephone circuit, display means for displaying the information of television broadcast or data broadcast, and a modem connected to the telephone circuit, and moreover by installing user information control means for controlling the individual information server, the individual information can be controlled exclusively, and by registering, updating, collating and confirming it securely, efficient keeping of user information and confidence are achieved, and problems in two-way communication are prevented.

The present invention relates to a two-way data communication method in data broadcast signals transmitted by television broadcast or telephone circuit, and a two-way data communication apparatus by the same method, and the apparatus relates to a two-way communication apparatus comprising a data broadcast decoder for decoding the data broadcast signals transmitted by television broadcast or telephone circuit, a display unit for displaying the video signals of television broadcast or data broadcast, and a modem connected to the telephone circuit.
In particular, it relates to a two-way communication method applied in a system in which a response server and an individual information server are connected to the telephone circuit, and a two-way communication apparatus using the same method.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline configuration of a data broadcast system with an interactive function. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 is a television broadcast station, 2 is a data broadcast receiver serving also as television receiver comprising a data broadcast decoder 2a and a modem 2b, and 3 is a response server connected to the data broadcast receiver 2 through a telephone circuit 4 and also connected to the television broadcast station 1 through a telephone circuit 5.
At the television broadcast station 1, character and graphic data, and program for giving interactive property are coded according to predetermined standard, and converted into data signals, and synchronizing codes and error correction codes are added, and are assigned in a data packet to be prepared as data broadcast signal, which is superposed in the vertical blanking period (VBL) of video signal same as in the case of teletext, and is converted into radio wave and broadcast.
In the data broadcast receiver 2, the data broadcast signal is decoded in the data broadcast decoder 2a, and stored and displayed, and is further deciphered as required and processed as specified. If the content of television broadcast is television shopping or opinion survey, the data broadcast signal includes the telephone number and facsimile number of the customer and distributor, which are stored in the memory.
By input means of the data broadcast receiver 2, the merchandise name, quantity of purchase, purchaser's name, address, response data of opinion survey, and others are added, and stored in memory. By dialing automatically, necessary data is transmitted to the response server 3 by the modem 2b through the telephone circuit 4.
The response server 3 collects orders and replies from the individual homes, and processes data according to the prepared instructions from the television broadcast station 1, information provider, or service outlet, and transmits the result of processing to the television broadcast station 1, information provider, or service outlet. In this way, data is transmitted and received interactively (in two ways).
When the user receives presentation of online service between the data broadcast receiver 2 and the response server 3 of information provider or service outlet, for example, in the case of online shopping, the individual information of the user such as name, address and telephone number is indispensable for actually distributing the merchandise to the user or collecting the payment.
If the individual information is held and controlled in the response server, as the response servers in service increase or new response servers are available, the individual information must be registered in the new response servers. It is very troublesome to register every individual information. Still worse, as the response servers holding and controlling the individual information increase, possibility of unexpected leak of individual information to outside increases, and a problem of protection of privacy arises.
To eliminate such inconveniences, separately from the response servers of the information provider and service outlet, it may be considered to establish an organ such as individual information server for holding and controlling individual information exclusively. An individual response server, only when the merchandise order is established, inquires and acquires the individual information of the transaction partner from the individual information server. By holding and controlling the individual information of mass users exclusively in the independent individual information server, it solves the problems of the trouble of individual registrations, and external leak of huge individual information.
When data broadcast signals are superposed on television broadcast, various information can be presented inexpensively over a wide area (coverage). Thus, various information providers can transmit information.
However, since the individual users present the individual information to the information providers and service outlets, if huge individual information leaks, it can arouse the problem of protection of privacy. It is hence necessary to protect the information of individual users.
In particular, if the individual information is held and controlled in the response server, every time the response servers increase in number, the individual information must be registered. It is very troublesome, and also possibility of unexpected leak of individual information to outside increases, and a problem of protection of privacy arises.
To receive presentation of various online services such as online shopping transacted through telephone circuit between the data broadcast receiver and response server as mentioned above, registration of user individual information such as name, address and telephone number is indispensable.
Such individual information is, however, subject to change. When moving the residence, the address and telephone number are change. If the residence is not changed, the telephone number can be changed. The name may be changed by marriage or the like. Although the individual information is changed, if the individual information registered in the individual information server is unchanged, the user cannot receive presentation of online service, and the information provider or service outlet cannot do business. According to the rule of the beneficiary's burden, the user must request the individual information server to renew (update) the registration of individual information when the own individual information is changed.
Actually, however, the user often notices the necessity of updating only when making use of presentation of online service. Since it is not updated yet, actually, the user cannot receive presentation of online service when desired. It is far from organic function of the two-way data communication system.
To function the two-way data communication system organically, therefore, it is considered to urge periodically the user to update if the individual information is changed.

Two-way data communication method and two-way data communication apparatus using the same

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


Technology is described for web-like hierarchical menu interface which displays a menu in a web-like hierarchical menu display configuration in a near-eye display (NED). The web-like hierarchical menu display configuration links menu levels and menu items within a menu level with flexible spatial dimensions for menu elements. One or more processors executing the interface select a web-like hierarchical menu display configuration based on the available menu space and user head view direction determined from a 3D mapping of the NED field of view data and stored user head comfort rules. Activation parameters in menu item selection criteria are adjusted to be user specific based on user head motion data tracked based on data from one or more sensors when the user wears the NED. Menu display layout may be triggered by changes in head view direction of the user and available menu space about the user's head.

Traditional computer user input methods involve physical control devices such as a smartphone touchscreen, a gamepad, or a remote control for a gaming system. These devices are familiar and comfortable to users, and do provide a precise input reading. However, physical input devices can also be inconvenient. Users may need to retrieve a device from their pocket or bag before it is usable. In addition, physical input devices may not be usable when out-of-view, resulting in a user occasionally having to interrupt their activity to look at the device.
A near-eye display (NED) device, such as a head mounted display (HMD) device, may be worn by a user for an augmented reality (AR) experience or a virtual reality (VR) experience. Natural user input such as gaze action, speech and hand gestures allow users to interact with virtual objects in a three dimensional space around the user. However natural user input presents challenges in verifying selection of an item, adjusting for physical characteristics of a user, and having real world locations as a display space as opposed to predetermined electronic display spaces of known dimensions.

Web-like hierarchical menu display configuration for a near-eye display


The invention provides an information recording medium, a storage medium, an information reproduction apparatus and method, and an information recording and reproduction apparatus and method as well as a providing medium by which information recorded on an information recording medium can be utilized only by a predetermined apparatus which corresponds to the information recording medium. A ROM has data for identification of a DVD player/recorder stored therein. A recording and reproduction section records data stored in the ROM onto a DVD and reproduces data for identification of the DVD player/recorder recorded on the DVD. A CPU controls the recording and reproduction section in accordance with the data stored in the ROM and the data reproduced by the recording and reproduction section.

This invention relates to an information recording medium, a storage medium, an information reproduction apparatus and method, and an information recording and reproduction apparatus and method as well as a providing medium, and more particularly to an information recording medium, a storage medium, an information reproduction apparatus and method, and an information recording and reproduction apparatus and method as well as a providing medium by which information recorded on an information recording medium can be utilized only by a predetermined apparatus which corresponds to the information recording medium.
A digital video tape and a DVD are utilized to record coded video and audio signals thereon. Even if a digital video tape recorder or a DVD recorder is used to copy contents recorded on a digital video tape or a DVD onto another digital video tape or DVD-R (DVD-Recordable), the copied image or sound exhibits little deterioration when compared with the original image or sound.
Also when a program recorded on a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) is copied onto a CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable) or a CD-RW (Compact Disc Rewritable), contents of the copied program do not exhibit deterioration.
To transfer a digital video tape, a DVD-R, a CD-R or a CD-RW which has an image and sound or a program copied thereon without legal authorization constitutes an infringement on the right of the owner of the copyright.
Therefore, in order to prevent infringement upon the copyright by copying, a system has been proposed wherein contents enciphered in advance are recorded onto an information recording medium such as a DVD or a CD and a cryptographic key is delivered over a communication line only to a user who has paid a predetermined charge so that only the user who has paid the predetermined charge can utilize the contents recorded on the information recording medium.
However, if an information recording medium on which contents of an information recording medium such as a DVD or a CD on which enciphered contents are corded are copied by a user and a cryptographic key are transferred to another user, then the latter user can utilize the contents recorded on the information recording medium similarly as in a case wherein a predetermined charge is paid legally.

Information recording medium, storage medium, information reproduction apparatus and method, and information recording and reproduction apparatus and method as well as providing medium


An intermodal facility management system for facilitating delivery, pickup, facility access, and cargo management is presented. The system can receive data from clients within proximity of one or more wireless beacons. The system can capture data from clients that ingress or egress into or out of a facility, respectively, and validate received data with the captured data. The system can enable cargo transfer optimization by forecasting client arrival times to particular destination locations, and the forecasting can account for access point delays, such as can be due to an authentication process. The system can provide a measure of redundancy in ensuring that particular cargo is being sent to proper locations, and the system can further prompt facility personnel to ensure that cargo is accessible and ready for dispatch upon arrival of any given client.

Railroad systems can have operations facilities disposed next to or around railroad tracks. These intermodal facilities, often having the appearance of shipping yards, can contain a multitude of shipping containers and several cranes that facilitate the hoisting, relocation, and depositing of the containers. When a train enters the facility bearing its freight (e.g., shipping containers), the cranes lift the containers off of the train and stack them in an organized fashion in the facility. Generally, these containers need to be distributed further, which is usually accomplished via fleets of semi-trucks or boats (fleet vehicles). The containers remain ground-stacked while awaiting arrival of the trucks that are destined to bear them.
The intermodal facilities are designed to facilitate the constant entering and exiting of dozens of vehicles in and out of their borders. As such, the facilities can have one or more access points through which a vehicle can enter the facility. The access points can generally be gated and require some sort of authentication upon arrival to ensure that appropriate personnel are entering the facility. Kiosks are often located in each lane of a given access point that a driver can interact with to gain permission to enter. Further, within the intermodal facilities, there are driving lines (for through traffic) and truck spots—truck spots are the designated areas into which semis park to receive the freight or cargo they are meant to carry. As an example, a semi-truck bearing a container travels to the facility to deposit the loaded container, and to additionally receive a different container to continue the shipping process. Traditionally, upon approach to the facility, the driver stops at the gate and interacts with a kiosk, offering a PIN code, a ID number, scanning a QR code, or otherwise providing proof of identify and/or verification to the kiosk and/or facility personnel to gain entry. Further, the kiosk can deliver instructions related to the cargo to be picked up—the kiosk will give the driver, for example, the container number for its cargo and the truck spot in which to park to receive the cargo. Once inside, the driver can deposit the currently-loaded cargo at the designated drop off area and travel to the truck spot designated for it at the kiosk to receive the deposit of its next freight. The crane operator, located up to 8-10 stories above the ground, is also made aware of the truck spot in which a truck should be parked to deposit a specifically labeled container. The crane operator can look down, see the truck in the designated truck spot, hoist the appropriate container, and subsequently deposit the container on the chassis.
However, due to the sheer amount of vehicle traffic within a facility, the number of containers, the number of potential pickup/drop-off locations, etc., it is nigh impossible to, e.g., properly time the arrival of a vehicle to a pickup location with the readiness of a crane to deposit a given cargo. Significant time is wasted as vehicle and crane operators must wait on one another to facilitate an exchange. Further, these delays can be exacerbated by delays at intermodal facility access points, where vehicles can become stuck at an inoperable gate or otherwise fail to be properly authenticated, increasing congestion and decreasing productivity.

System and method for intermodal facility management


A collapsible flotation device has an uncollapsed configuration and a collapsed configuration. The device includes a spring which is forced to coil in upon itself by folding to achieve the collapsed configuration of the device and which is biased towards the uncoiled configuration. The spring is located along the perimeter of the device in a pocket formed along the perimeter of a panel of flexible material or on the external perimeter of the device. Also located within the pocket are one or more inflation chambers which are inflated to provide buoyancy. Additional or alternate pockets which include inflatable chambers may be located in the central portion of the flexible panel.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to inflatable flotation devices. In particular, the present invention relates to inflatable flotation devices which are collapsible through use of a spring mechanism.
2. Description of the Related Art
Inflatable flotation devices are well known in the form of floats, rafts, lifeboats, life preservers and other like devices. Previously known devices generally maintain their shape through air pressure alone and generally collapse when deflated.
In one of many examples, U.S. Pat. No. 3,775,782 issued to Rice et al. describes an inflatable rescue raft. When deflated, the raft can be rolled into a compact size.
Also well known in the art are collapsible items which are collapsible through the use of a collapsible metal or plastic spring. U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,784 shows an automobile sun shade which uses these collapsible springs. The springs are also used in children""s play structures (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,618,246 and 5,560,385) and tent-like shade structures (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,579,799 and 5,467,794).
The collapsible springs are typically retained or held within fabric sleeves provided along the edges of a piece of fabric or other panel. The collapsible springs may be provided as one continuous loop, or may be a strip or strips of material connected at the ends to form a continuous loop. These collapsible springs are usually formed of flexible coilable steel, although other materials such as plastics are also used. The collapsible springs are usually made of a material which is relatively strong and yet is flexible to a sufficient degree to allow it to be coiled. Thus, each collapsible spring is capable of assuming two configurations, a normal uncoiled or expanded configuration, and a coiled or collapsed configuration in which the spring is collapsed into a size which is much smaller than its open configuration. The springs may be retained within the respective fabric sleeves without being connected thereto. Alternatively, the sleeves may be mechanically fastened, stitched, fused, or glued to the springs to retain them in position.
A collapsible flotation device is described which includes a coilable spring and a flexible panel. Along the outer edge of the flexible panel is a perimeter pocket into which the coilable spring and at least one inflatable chamber are placed. The coilable spring can be made from steel which has been treated such that it is resistant to water damage or the coilable spring can be made from a waterproof material. The flexible panel can be made from any material which is appropriate for use in the water such as nylon. Alternatively, the flexible panel can be constructed from multiple materials. For example, the perimeter pocket can be made from nylon while the central portion can be made from mesh material. The inflatable chambers are made from any appropriate material but are preferably puncture resistant and each chamber includes a means for inflating and deflating the chamber such as a valve. The flotation device can also include a pillow section to provide buoyant support for a user""s head. This pillow section would also include an inflatable chamber to form the pillow. In addition to or instead of the perimeter pockets, the central portion of the flexible panel may include pockets into which inflatable chambers may be placed. Although the spring is normally placed within the perimeter pocket of the flexible panel, it would be possible to mechanically attach the coilable spring to the outer edge of the flexible panel.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a collapsible flotation device.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a collapsible flotation device which is easily collapsed and extended to full size through a mechanical means.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a collapsible flotation device which is easily collapsed and extended to full size through the use of a spring.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a collapsible flotation device which requires minimal force to twist and fold into the collapsed configuration.
Finally, it is an object of the present invention to accomplish the foregoing objectives in a simple and cost effective manner.


A cage and upper probe assembly for use in a fastener-driving tool includes a cage including a base and a plurality of arms configured for attachment to a valve sleeve, a probe configured for direct attachment to the cage and having at least one lobe formation for receiving an impact operationally generated by a pusher rod, and the probe being attached to the cage so that the impact of the pusher rod upon the probe is directly transmitted to the cage.

The present invention relates generally to fastener-driving tools used to drive fasteners into workpieces, and specifically to combustion-powered fastener-driving tools, also referred to as combustion tools.
Combustion-powered tools are known in the art, and one type of such tools, also known as IMPULSE® brand tools for use in driving fasteners into workpieces, is described in commonly assigned patents to Nikolich U.S. Pat. Re. No. 32,452, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,522,162; 4,483,473; 4,483,474; 4,403,722; 5,197,646; 5,263,439 and 6,145,724, all of which are incorporated by reference herein. Similar combustion-powered nail and staple driving tools are available commercially from ITW-Paslode of Vernon Hills, Ill. under the IMPULSE®, BUILDEX®□ and PASLODE® brands.
Such tools incorporate a tool housing enclosing a small internal combustion engine. The engine is powered by a canister of pressurized fuel gas, also called a fuel cell. A battery-powered electronic power distribution unit produces a spark for ignition, and a fan located in a combustion chamber provides for both an efficient combustion within the chamber, while facilitating processes ancillary to the combustion operation of the device. Such ancillary processes include: inserting the fuel into the combustion chamber; mixing the fuel and air within the chamber; and removing, or scavenging, combustion by-products. The engine includes a reciprocating piston with an elongated, rigid driver blade disposed within a single cylinder body.
The combustion engine includes a reciprocating piston with an elongated, rigid driver blade disposed within a cylinder body. A valve sleeve is axially reciprocable about the cylinder and, through a linkage, moves to close the combustion chamber when a workpiece contact element (WCE) at the end of the linkage is pressed against a workpiece. This pressing action also triggers a fuel metering valve to introduce a specified volume of fuel into the closed combustion chamber.
Upon the pulling of a trigger switch, which causes the spark to ignite a charge of gas in the combustion chamber of the engine, the combined piston and driver blade is forced downward to impact a positioned fastener and drive it into the workpiece. The piston then returns to its original, or pre-firing position, through differential gas pressures within the cylinder. Fasteners are fed magazine-style into the nosepiece, where they are held in a properly positioned orientation for receiving the impact of the driver blade.
In many types of combustion tools, the WCE includes a pusher rod which reciprocates with the WCE relative to a nosepiece fixed to the tool. As the tool is depressed against the workpiece, causing movement of the WCE relative to the tool nosepiece, an upper end of the pusher rod impacts a cage assembly, which is ultimately connected to the valve sleeve. To reduce impact damage to the cage assembly through repeated use, a rubber-like grommet was placed at the impact point of the pusher rod. Disadvantages of that arrangement included that the grommet deteriorated relatively quickly compared to the useful life of the tool, and that the shock-absorbing function of the grommet resulted in inefficiency through lost motion and extra play in the system.
Thus, there is a need for a cage and probe assembly for a combustion-powered fastener-driving tool which addresses the drawbacks of the prior art.

Cage and offset upper probe assembly for fastener-driving tool


A B-pillar for a motor vehicle body extends along a longitudinal axis, and comprises an upper metal portion for connecting the B-pillar to a roof area of the motor vehicle body and a lower metal portion for connecting the B-pillar to a sill area of the motor vehicle body; and a fiber composite component comprising fibers and a plastic matrix, the upper metal portion comprising an upper region for force introduction, and the lower metal portion comprising a lower region for force introduction being axially spaced from the upper region for force introduction, the upper region for force introduction and the lower region for force introduction being embedded into the fiber composite component.

From EP 3 138 685 A1 a motor vehicle B-pillar is known which has a metallic base body that is reinforced with a fiber composite material in areas of local load maxima. In the locally reinforced areas of the B-pillar, the load acting on the B-pillar thus is carried by a multi-layer composite of metal and fiber composite material.
DE 10 2006 027 546 A1 discloses a multi-shell B-pillar made of sheet metal formed parts, wherein the B-pillar is locally reinforced in the middle area of the B-pillar with an impact protection reinforcing part to protect the occupants in the event of a side impact. The reinforcing part consists of a fiber composite material.
From DE 10 2012 023 653 A1 a B-pillar with an inner closing plate made of a flat sheet metal blank is known, onto which a lightweight component made of fiber-reinforced plastic is mounted from the outside. The fiber composite part extends across the entire length of the inner closing plate.


An incremental logic synthesis system for generating an optimized circuit from given logic, wherein the optimized circuit satisfies a design constriction. The system includes a logic input device for inputting an old logic, an old circuit generated from the old logic and optimized to satisfy the design constriction, and a new logic partially changing from the old logic file, a logic synthesizing device for generating a first intermediate circuit file from the new logic file, a discriminating device for discriminating a common sub-circuit of the old circuit having an equivalent logic function and an uncommon sub-circuit of the first intermediate circuit having an inconsistent logic function, from the old circuit and the first intermediate circuit, a circuit updating device for generating a second intermediate circuit file by merging the common sub-circuit of the old circuit and the uncommon sub-circuit of the first intermediate circuit, and an optimizing device for optimizing the uncommon sub-circuit of the second intermediate circuit so as to satisfy the design constriction.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a logic synthesis method for generating logic circuit data from given functional-level logic data. More particularly, the invention relates to logic synthesis or incremental logic synthesis for generating, when an old logic before updating and an old circuit optimized to satisfy design requirements are present, a new circuit optimized to satisfy the design requirements based on a new logic partially changing from the old logic.
2. Description of the Related Art
In order to improve the efficiency of logic design of a digital system, logic design is generally performed by using a logic synthesis system which generates a logic circuit from given functional-level logic. It is essential that a logic synthesis system generates an optimized circuit satisfying design requirements, from given functional-level logic. Such an optimization function is provided in most of logic synthesis systems including commercially available systems. With these systems having an optimization function, the structure of a generated circuit becomes very different from the old circuit even if a change in the new logic is small.
An incremental logic synthesis method for generating a new circuit based on the new functional-level logic is described in the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,690, wherein when an old logic before updating and an old circuit generated from the old logic are present, a new circuit preserving design information of the portions which need not be modified is generated from a new logic partially different from the old logic.
FIG. 1 illustrates an operation environment, namely a logic synthesis process of a conventional incremental logic synthesis method. The left portion (200 to 213) of FIG. 1 shows the process flow of initial design. For the initial design, a system for capturing a functional-level logic representative of a function generates a functional-level file or old logic (step 200). A logic synthesis system generates a circuit file from the functional-level file or old logic (steps 210, 201 and 211). A layout system generates a circuit file with physical design information from the first circuit file (steps 202 and 212). If necessary, a circuit capture system generates a circuit file or old circuit with physical design information and manually optimized logic design information (steps 203 and 213).
The right portion (200 to 217) of FIG. 1 shows a process flow for logic change. For the logic change, the logic capture system updates the functional-level logic or old logic to generate an updated functional-level file or new logic (steps 200 and 214). The logic synthesis system generates an updated circuit file from the updated functional-level file or new logic (steps 201 and 215). A circuit updating system generates an updated circuit file with physical design information and manually optimized logic design information of the portions which need not be modified, from the updated circuit file and the circuit file with physical design information and manually optimized logic design information (steps 204, and 216). The circuit capture system manually provides physical design information of added or modified circuit portions, and if necessary, the circuit is further manually optimized to generate an updated circuit file or new circuit with physical design information and manually optimized logic design information (steps 203 and 207). The above-described incremental logic synthesis method assumes the use of a logic synthesis system inputted with a functional-level logic describing at least one flip-flop and at least one optimized Boolean equation, wherein the circuit updating system identifies the portions of the old circuit which need not be modified in accordance with the comparison of the structures between the old and new circuits.
If design requirements are very severe, the conventional logic synthesis system requires a very long optimization process time in order to satisfy the design requirements, resulting in a very long total time of logic synthesis. Therefore, with this logic synthesis system, the design time required for each logic change becomes long. Although an incremental logic synthesis method may be generally effective for solving this problem, the circuit updating system of the above-described conventional incremental logic synthesis method identifies the portions of the old circuit which need not be modified in accordance with the comparison of the structures between the old and new circuits. Therefore, if the generated circuit structure changes, identification of corresponding gate pairs through the structure comparison is hardly possible, so that optimization information of the old circuit can be hardly preserved.

Logic synthesis method and system with intermediate circuit files


A regenerative expansion apparatus includes a regenerative tube configured to regenerate cryogenic cooling at the time of expansion of a coolant gas; a cylinder in communication with a low temperature end of the regenerative tube, the cylinder being configured to generate the cryogenic cooling by repeating compression and expansion of the coolant gas via the regenerative tube; a magnetic cold storage material filling inside the regenerative tube, the magnetic cold storage material being made of a magnetic material, the magnetic cold storage material being configured to come in contact with the coolant gas so that the cryogenic cooling is regenerated; and a magnetic shield member surrounding the magnetic cold storage material; wherein the magnetic shield member has an electric resistivity equal to or less than 50 μΩcm at a normal temperature.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to regenerative expansion apparatuses, pulse tube cryogenic coolers, magnetic resonance imaging apparatuses, nuclear magnetic resonance apparatuses, superconducting quantum interference device flux meters, and magnetic shielding methods of the regenerative expansion apparatuses.
More specifically, the present invention relates to a regenerative expansion apparatus configured to shield the magnetic field change due to a magnetic cold storage material, a pulse tube cryogenic cooler, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, a nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus, a superconducting quantum interference device flux meter, and a magnetic shielding method of the regenerative expansion apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, in a system having a superconducting magnet such as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) apparatus, a cryogenic cooler has been used so that the superconducting magnet is cooled at a cryogenic temperature. As the cryogenic cooler, for example, a cooler such as a Gifford McMahon (GM) cryogenic cooler or a pulse tube cryogenic cooler has been used. These coolers are regenerative cryogenic coolers configured to perform adiabatic expansion of coolant gas so that cryogenic cooling is generated at that time, and to regenerate the cryogenic cooling of a cold storage material.
The regenerative cryogenic cooler includes a regenerative expansion apparatus and a compressor. The regenerative expansion apparatus is configured to regenerate cryogenic cooling, the cryogenic cooling being generated at the time of the adiabatic expansion of coolant gas. The compressor is configured to receive the coolant gas from the regenerative expansion apparatus, compress the received coolant gas, and resupply the compressed coolant gas to the regenerative expansion apparatus.
The regenerative expansion apparatus includes a cold storage material to be cryogenically cooled. It is necessary for the cold storage material to have a high specific heat at a cryogenic temperature which is the temperature to be used. However, in general, the specific heat of a metal such as lead drastically decreases at cryogenic temperatures equal to or lower than 15 K as the temperature is decreased. Inversely, the specific heat of helium being used as the coolant gas increases as the temperature is decreased.
Accordingly, it is not possible to sufficiently transfer heat from the cold storage material by helium gas cooled by adiabatic expansion. Hence, the temperature of the regenerative expansion apparatus cannot reach the cryogenic temperature such as 4.2 K.
Because of this, in order to make the temperature of the regenerative expansion apparatus reach the cryogenic temperature, a magnetic cold storage material such as HoCu2 is used as the cold storage material. This magnetic cold storage material has a specific heat greater than that of lead at a temperature equal to or less than 15 K. At the temperature equal to or less than 15 K, the magnetic cold storage material undergoes phase transition so that the magnetic cold storage material becomes antiferromagnetic. The antiferromagnetic magnetic cold storage material compared to lead or the like has a large magnetic susceptibility.
Therefore, if the magnetic cold storage material moves in a magnetic field such as one accompanying operations of the regenerative cryogenic cooler, the magnetic field changes in the vicinity of the regenerative cryogenic cooler. For example, in a case where the regenerative cryogenic cooler is arranged close to the superconducting magnet, the magnetic cold storage material included in the regenerative cryogenic cooler is magnetized due to the magnetic field generated by the superconducting magnet and the magnetized magnetic cold storage material moves in the magnetic field generated by the superconducting magnet. Therefore, the magnetic field generated by the superconducting magnet is disarranged.
Because of this, the following method has been suggested. That is, the magnetic field generated by the magnetic cold storage material included in the regenerative expansion apparatus is shielded by using a superconducting magnetic shield member.
An example of a GM cryogenic cooler where an alloy or a chemical compound using a rare earth metal is used as the magnetic cold storage material and a magnetic shield member made of a superconductor is provided in the periphery of the magnetic cold storage material is described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 2-161260. In this example, the magnetic cold storage material fills a displacer which is a movable part of the GM cryogenic cooler. A superconducting magnetic shield part is provided in the periphery of the displacer that the magnetic cold storage material fills.
On the other hand, the pulse tube cryogenic cooler does not include a movable part such as the displacer of the GM cryogenic cooler. Therefore, in the pulse tube cryogenic cooler compared to other coolers such as the GM cryogenic cooler, the moving distance of the magnetic cold storage material is short and the disturbance of the magnetic field is small. Because of this, the pulse tube cryogenic cooler is advantageous in a system having a superconducting magnet.
However, in a case where the pulse tube cryogenic cooler is used for a micro-magnetic field measuring system configured for a micro-magnetic field, such as for MRI, even the micro-magnetic field change due to micro-vibration of the pulse tube cryogenic cooler causes disturbance of the magnetic field. Accordingly, in the case where the pulse tube cryogenic cooler is used for the micro-magnetic field measuring system, a superconducting magnetic shield member is provided for the pulse tube cryogenic cooler.
An example where the superconducting magnetic shield member is provided for the pulse tube cryogenic cooler is discussed with reference to FIG. 1. Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a related art regenerative expansion apparatus for the pulse tube cryogenic cooler.
As shown in FIG. 1, a regenerative expansion apparatus 110 includes a first regenerative tube 111, a second regenerative tube 112, a first pulse tube 113, a second pulse tube 114, a first stage cooling stage 115, a second stage cooling stage 116, a flange 117, a valve unit 118, a cold storage material 122, a magnetic cold storage material 123, and a superconducting magnetic shield member 127.
The flange 117 is an original point (starting point) of a high temperature side. The first stage cooling stage 115 and the second stage cooling stage 116 are provided with separation. The first regenerative tube 111 and the first pulse tube 113 are provided between the flange 117 and the first stage cooling stage 115. The second regenerative tube 112 is provided between the first stage cooling stage 115 and the second stage cooling stage 116. The second pulse tube 114 is provided between the flange 117 and the second stage cooling stage 116.
The cold storage material 122 and the magnetic cold storage material 123 fill, in this order, from the first stage cold stage 115 to the second regenerative tube 112 along a direction to the second stage cold stage 116. The superconducting magnetic shield member 127 surrounds a part of the second regenerative tube 112 that the magnetic cold storage material 123 fills and thermally comes in contact with the second stage cooling stage 116. The lower end of the superconducting magnetic shield member 127 is fixed to the second stage cooling stage 116 by solder.
The temperature of the first stage cooling stage 115 is maintained at approximately 20 K through approximately 100 K. The temperature of the second stage cooling stage 116 is maintained at approximately 4 K through approximately 10 K. Since the lower end of the superconducting magnetic shield member 127 comes in thermal contact with the second stage cooling stage 116, the temperature of the superconducting magnetic shield member 127 is maintained substantially the same as the temperature of the second stage cooling stage 116.
In addition, in a case where the regenerative expansion apparatus 110 cools liquid helium in a low temperature vessel, a part below the flange 117 is filled with helium gas where the liquid helium is evaporated.
In the meantime, an example of a pulse tube cryogenic cooler having a regenerative expansion apparatus having a superconducting magnetic shield member is described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 2007-155319.
In addition, an example of a pulse tube cryogenic cooler provided in a superconducting magnetic system, where the pulse tube cryogenic cooler is filled with the magnetic cold storage material, is described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 2006-38446. In this pulse tube cryogenic cooler, a superconducting magnetic shield member is provided so that a stray magnetic field due to the magnetic cold storage material is reduced.
However, in the case of a magnetic field change due to the magnetic cold storage material of a regenerative cryogenic cooler having the regenerative expansion apparatus where the cold storage material is shielded by using the superconducting magnetic shield member, the following problems may occur.
In any methods described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 2-161260, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 2007-155319, and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 2006-38446, in order to maintain a superconducting state of the superconducting magnetic shield member, the superconducting magnetic shield member has to be cooled at a temperature equal to or lower than a superconducting critical temperature.
However, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, the second regenerative tube 122, filled by the magnetic cold storage material 123 where the superconducting magnetic shield member 127 shields the magnetic field, is arranged between the first stage cold stage 115 and the second stage cold stage 116. Accordingly, the second regenerative tube 112 is in a range whose temperatures are approximately 4 K through approximately 10 K. On the other hand, helium gas is situated between the superconducting magnetic shield member 127 and the second regenerative tube 112. Hence, the temperature of the superconducting magnetic shield member 127 increases due to heat transfer via helium gas so that the temperature of the second stage cold stage 116 which thermally comes in contact with the superconducting magnetic shield member 127 increases.
As a result of this, the cryogenic cooling capacity of the cryogenic cooler is degraded so that a designated cryogenic temperature cannot be achieved.

Regenerative expansion apparatus, pulse tube cryogenic cooler, magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus, superconducting quantum interference device flux meter, and magnetic shielding method of the regenerative expansion apparatus


A method for producing cubic SiC monocrystals includes dissolving SiC powder or other starting material in a solvent at high overpressures and growing the monocrystals on a seed crystal.

Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method for producing silicon carbide monocrystals.
Metal smelting processes, silicon melting processes, and cultivation processes through the gas phase are known for producing cubic silicon carbide monocrystals. The best results have been obtained thus far by cultivation using the sublimation process. In that process, silicon carbide (SiC) in solid form is sublimated and grown as a silicon carbide monocrystal through the gas phase on a seed crystal or seed crystal. However, in a sublimation process, temperatures of over 2000.degree. C. as a rule have to be handled.
A method for growing SiC out of an aqueous solution at room temperature is knows from Japanese Patent JP 57042600. In that known method, however, the growth rates are extremely low.
A publication entitled: Journal of Crystal Growth, Vol. 53 (1981), p. 542, discloses a hydrothermal process for cultivating quartz crystals, in which quartz at temperatures between 350.degree. C. and 500.degree. C. is dissolved in a KCl or NaCl solution in a pressure-proof autoclave and crystallizes out of the solution on a seed.
A publication entitled: Diamond and Related Materials, Vol. 4 (1995), pp. 234-235 discloses a hydrothermal process for cultivating diamond crystals, in which a special aqueous solution is placed in a pressure-proof autoclave, and a polycrystalline diamond film is grown out of the solution on a diamond seed crystal, at a temperature of 400.degree. C. and a pressure of 170 MPa.
A review of other known hydrothermal syntheses is provided in a publication entitled: Angewandte Chemie [Applied Chemistry], Vol. 97, 1985, pp. 1017-1032.

Method for producing silicon carbide monocrystals


Solute polymers in solvent monomers form a coatable syrup that can be cured to a viscoelastomeric material when radiation-sensitive .alpha.-cleaving groups in either the polymer or one of the monomers are exposed to ultraviolet radiation. The solute polymers can be formed from the solvent monomers in situ or be added thereto to form the syrup.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention describes a viscoelastomeric material with high shear at ambient and elevated temperatures prepared from a blend of ethylenically unsaturated monomers. A process for making this material is also described.
2. Background Information
Pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) made by photopolymerizing an alkyl acrylate and a polar copolymerizable monomer are known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. RE 24,906; 4,181,755; 4,364,972; and 4,243,500. Acrylic-based PSAs exhibit good adherence to high energy (i.e., polar) substrates such as metal and painted steel surfaces but generally exhibit lower adhesion to low energy (i.e., nonpolar) substrates such as polyethylene and polypropylene.
Solvent-processed acrylic PSA compositions can be crosslinked by adding a polyfunctional crosslinking agent that reacts with a reactive group present in the polymer. See, e.g., Japanese Kokoku 581983!-046236 in which is described a solvent-processed crosslinked acrylic PSA with excellent cohesion that is the reaction product of (a) a polyisocyanate, prepared by reacting (1) an acrylic copolymer having a molecular weight between 1,000 and 30,000 and from 1.7 to 5.0 functional groups that can react with an isocyanate group with (2) a diisocyanate, so that the ratio of isocyanate groups per coreactive functional group is about 2:1, and (b) an adherent copolymer comprising functional groups that can react with an isocyanate group. Like any solvent processing technique, however, the preparation of thick adhesives is difficult because the solvent causes bubbling in the adhesive and the emission of solvent vapors into the atmosphere is undesirable.
To avoid environmental pollution, manufacturing processes that do not require the use of volatile solvents have become of great interest. An early step in this direction for the manufacture of PSA tape was the process described in Belgium Patent No. 675,420. In this process, flexible carriers are coated with acrylic monomers, or mixtures of such monomers with copolymerizable compounds, with the possible addition of a thickening and/or initiating agent, and the monomers are polymerized directly on the carrier using ultraviolet radiation.
Hot melt coating a PSA composition eliminates the necessity of solvent processing. To hot melt process an adhesive composition, the composition must be uncrosslinked during the coating process; however, to achieve a PSA with balanced properties (i.e., peel and shear adhesion), the composition must be crosslinked. In hot melt coating processes, this is usually done by exposure to high energy radiation (e.g., E-beam or high intensity ultraviolet radiation). When high intensity ultraviolet radiation is used, a photoactive crosslinking species such as benzophenone is generally added to the composition. However, this often results in PSAs that display cure gradients. Additionally, thicker sections of PSA compositions cannot be cured this way.
A more efficient method of photocrosslinking involves incorporating hydrogen abstracting moieties into the polymer backbone prior to coating. Such polymers can be hot melt coated and subsequently cured by conventional irradiation techniques. This process is typified by U.S. Pat. No. 4,737,599 where a PSA with good adhesion to skin is described. That process is much more efficient than the high intensity irradiation method described immediately above, but the preparation of a thick PSA section that does not display a cure gradient is not described.
The cohesive strength of an acrylic PSA can be increased without unduly affecting its compliance by utilizing a photoactive crosslinking agent in conjunction with a photoinitiator. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,181,752; 4,329,384; 4,330,590; 4,391,687, and 5,202,361. Useful photoactive crosslinking agents include various aldehydes, quinones, and particularly certain chromophore-substituted halomethyl-s-triazines (because they provide desirably shortened reaction times and somewhat greater tolerance to oxygen over the non-halomethyl-containing agents), although their use can result in evolution of HCl during polymerization.
An ultraviolet (UV) radiation-curable composition that includes 20 to 99% (by wt.) of a copolymer of ethylenically unsaturated monomers, 1 to 80% (by wt.) ethylenically unsaturated monomers, and 0 to 20% (by wt.) of one or more polyethylenically unsaturated compounds is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,180,756.
Copolymerizable photoinitiators such as 2-4-(2-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-1-oxopropyl)phenoxy!ethyl 2-propenoate and their use in the polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated compounds is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,922,004.
Japanese Kokai 21990!-248482 describes a photocurable PSA obtained by reacting (a) 30 to 50 parts by weight (pbw) of a copolymer of an acrylic acid alkyl ester, a copolymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a polar group, and a copolymerizable monomer with a photosensitizing group (such as 2-acryloyloxybenzophenone or 1-acryloyloxy-2-4-(4-chlorobenzoyl)benzoyloxy!ethane); (b) 40 to 60 pbw of an aryloxy acrylic monomer such as phenoxyethyl acrylate or nonylphenoxyethyl acrylate; and (c) a tackifying resin. The composition is cured using a total dose of energy of 300 to 800 mJ/cm.sup.2 from a high pressure mercury lamp. Such high intensity ultraviolet radiation is likely to produce an adhesive that has a shear value less than 100 minutes.
Similarly, DE 42 03 183 C1 (Germany) discloses a method for producing PSA layers comprising the steps of thickening a monomer mixture that includes a photoinitiator with a separately made, solvent-free saturated UV-reactive polyacrylate; coating the thickened mixture onto a substrate; and irradiating the coated substrate. The separately made polymer comprises side chains that, when irradiated, participate in crosslinking reactions. The sole example involves the addition of a commercially available polymer having a molecular weight of about 200,000 to a monomer mixture that is then polymerized.
The shear values of PSAs prepared by actinically irradiating acrylic monomers can be enhanced by the addition of polyacrylic crosslinking agents. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,379,201. Such PSAs involve networks and are sensitive to processing conditions.
A composition that can be radiation cured to provide thick, high molecular weight PSA compositions with outstanding properties has not been previously described.

Acrylic syrup curable to a crosslinked viscoelastomeric material

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company


A liquid level detecting device for detecting liquid level contained in a tank includes a float and an arm that moves in a prescribed manner when liquid level changes, a permanent magnet for forming a magnetic field, a hall IC for generating an electric signal in response to the motion of the magnetic field, a rotary member linked with the arm and the permanent magnet for moving the magnetic field relative to the hall IC as the float and the arm move, a terminal member for connecting the hall IC to an outside control circuit; and a mold body including a resinous holder for holding the hall IC and the terminal member. The resinous holder includes a sheath for insulating the hall IC from heat and mechanical stress generated when the mold body is formed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a liquid level detecting device that detects the level of liquid contained in a tank and a method of manufacturing such a liquid level detecting device. In particular, the present invention relates to a fuel level gauge for detecting the level of fuel contained in a fuel tank of a vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
Such a liquid level detecting device usually equipped with a magnetic sensor to detect the level of liquid contained in a tank. The liquid level detecting device includes a body, a float, a rotary member rotatable with respect to the body, an arm that is linked with the float and the rotary member to convert a vertical motion into a rotating motion, a permanent magnet mounted on the rotary member and a magnetic sensor, as disclosed in JP-A-2004-251780, its counterpart US 2004/0163467 A1, JP-A-2004-152546, JP-A-2005-10047 or its counterpart US 2005/0083045 A1.
The magnetic sensor is mounted in the body to detect magnetic flux density of the magnetic field that is formed by the permanent magnet. The body includes electric terminals that connect the magnetic sensor with an outside unit and various electric parts such as lead wires, capacitors and resistors. The electric terminals and the electric parts are insert-molded into a resinous member to protect them from vibration and other environmental hazards.
However, it is difficult to reduce the size of the above liquid level detecting device because of using the lead wires and common type capacitors and resistors. Although chip capacitors and chip resistors are effective to reduce the size of the device, it is difficult to mount in the device without mechanical damage because of a high molding pressure applied to the chip capacitors.

Liquid level detecting device and method of manufacturing same


Data mapping techniques are disclosed. A representation of a first destination data field to which data is to be mapped is provided via a displayed user interface. One or more other destination data fields are not displayed at the same time as the first destination data field is displayed. A user input comprising a selection of a source data input field to be used to determine a data value for the first destination field is received. The displayed user interface is updated to include a representation of the selected source data input field and a control, wherein user interface code with which the displayed user interface is associated is responsive to provide via the displayed user interface a set of structurally valid options to further define how the data value for the first destination field is to be determined.

Data mapping and integration services enable users to map data values as stored in a first data storage system and/or service to corresponding values as defined in the context of a second data storage system and/or service. For example, a user may desire to access via a user interface or other construct associated with the second system data values store in the first system and/or one or more other systems. In each system or service, a system or service-specific schema may be used to store data values in a structured manner. For example, each of a plurality of schemas may embody a concept of a "person", each having a set of named data values (attributes) associated with them. However, the names used for the respective attributes, the number and meaning of the respective attributes, the manner in which they are stored, the values considered in the respective systems to be valid for an attribute (e.g., can a user identifier include letters?), the hierarchical structure used to organize the attributes, etc., may be different in each system.
Tools have been provided to enable users to define a mapping between values as stored in a first system or service and corresponding values as stored in a second system or service. Typically, such tools have provided a graphical user interface in which data values as stored on the first system are displayed in a first display area and corresponding values defined in the second system are displayed in a second display area, and a connector or other tool is used to map entities in the first area to corresponding entities in the second area. For example, a user might select an entity "first_name" in the first display area and use a tool to map that value to an entity "given_name" in the second display area. For more complex data objects and/or hierarchies, such an interface can result in a complicated web of mappings being displayed simultaneously.


The prosthesis is configured like an anti-return valve ranged preferably in the area where the esophagus and the hiatal hernia meet. Said valve is comprised of a tubular part associated with an annular fixing element. The tubular part flattens progressively to form two joined lips. It is possible to form said valve with a wall thickness which increases from the free end of the lips towards the annular fixing part in order to avoid an easy returning under the effect of the surging pressure. During the passage of the alimentary bolus, the lips are spaced apart and joined again owing to their natural elasticity. A metal wire embedded in the annular fixing part is used for the radiologic marking.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a prosthesis for preventing gastric reflux in the esophagus, including a valve associated with an annular fixation portion and having an opening that is elastically kept closed.
2. Description of the Related Art
Esophagitis is caused by chronic gastric reflux. Although the mucus of the stomach is capable of withstanding the highly acid pH of the gastric secretions, which is close to 1, this is not the case for the mucus of the esophagus. Consequently, when this reflux is chronic, it attacks the mucus of the esophagus and creates ulcers, which over the long term can cause shrinkage of the esophageal conduit.
This gastric reflux is generally associated with a hiatal hernia. The most currently used therapy for this type of affliction makes use of medicines. There are three categories: antacids, which tend to make the environment neutral by the intake of an alkaline product, H.sub.2 antihistamines, which fix on the H.sub.2 receptor of the parietal cell. Recently, a new medicine has been proposed that in turn blocks the production of H.sup.+ ions by the parietal cell. However, this medicine has no further effect as soon as it ceases to be administered, and it cannot be taken continuously, because it might cause tumors, which has been confirmed at least for the rat. Finally, the third class comprises medicines that increase the motility of the esophagus and the stomach and tend to reduce the length of contact of the acid reflux with the esophagus. This therapy does not attack the primary cause of the ailment, which is gastric reflux, which reappears as soon as the treatment with medicine stops, so that the patient is forced to take medication permanently. This solution is clearly unsatisfactory both medically and economically.
As an alternative to this medication route, it has already been proposed to use an external prosthesis for mechanical opposition to gastric reflux. This external prosthesis is formed by an elastically extensible ring disposed around the end where the esophagus discharges into the stomach. By thus surrounding the base of the esophagus, the centripetal force that this ring exerts offers a flow resistance that tends to prevent gastric reflux from rising in the esophagus. Nevertheless, the effect of this ring is equally manifest with gastric reflux and with deglutition of the gastric contents. Consequently, the centripetal pressure cannot be selected to be too high, or else it may cause an unacceptable impairment to swallowing. The absence of selectivity in this solution in terms of the direction of flow does not make it possible to guarantee total efficacy of this external prosthesis. It has also been found that the external prosthesis can be pushed upward by the pressure of gastric reflux, so that the base of the esophagus is again exposed to attack by the acidity of the gastric juices. This ring is located outside the esophagus, and so its position cannot be further modified by endoscopy. Shifts of this external prosthesis in the abdominal cavity limit its use and can have risks.
These disadvantages explain why the use of this prosthesis is not widespread, because it does not offer a sufficient guarantee. If it fails, then recourse to medication must be made anew, and the proportion of failures has proved to be high. Finally, there are also surgical procedures, in particular the Nissen-Rossetti fundoplicature, which comprises making a sleeve with the gastric fundus surrounding the cardia, under the diaphragm. The disadvantage of such an operation is that in the case of deficient esophageal peristalsis it may cause severe dysphagia. Still other surgical procedures exist. Nevertheless, all the surgical solutions have postoperative risks, such as a recurrence of reflux after relaxation of the sutures, dysphagia when the sleeve is too tight, and sliding of part of the stomach upstream of the sleeve, thus causing severe reflux esophagitis. The patient thus operated upon can also neither burp nor vomit, which is difficult for some patients to tolerate.
A prosthesis of an elastomer material has also already been proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,836, and is intended to be placed in the esophagus and includes a cone inside a tubular portion intended for fixation of the prosthesis. The cone has a slit apex and is aimed toward the stomach, comprising a sort of funnel that ends in a valve, the slit of which is intended to open by the peristaltic thrust exerted on the gastric juicealimentary bolus, but to prevent flow in the opposite direction. A second slit, made between the base of the cone and the tubular portion, is intended to open under a certain reflux pressure to enable vomiting.
A major disadvantage of this prosthesis is due to the fact that the alimentary bolus must pass through a substantially reduced cross section of the valve at the apex of the cone; this cone is necessary to enable flow in reverse for access to the second opening intended for reflux in the case of vomiting. It is clear that such a valve comprises a certain hindrance to the patient, who will have difficulty in swallowing, particularly solids, because of the shrinkage at the passage through the slit, which can cause pain that is difficult to tolerate.

Prosthesis for preventing gastric reflux into the esophagus


An organic light emitting display capable of improving display quality. The organic light emitting display includes a data driver for supplying bias power supply to data lines in a first period of one frame, for supplying reference power supply in a second period, and for supplying data signals in a fourth period, a scan driver for sequentially supplying scan signals to scan lines in the fourth period, pixels positioned at intersections of the scan lines and the data lines, and a first control line, a second control line, a third control line, and a fourth control line commonly coupled to the pixels. Each of the pixels includes a first capacitor for previously charging voltages corresponding to the data signals and a second capacitor charged by a voltage of the first capacitor in a third period between the second period and the fourth period.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a pixel and an organic light emitting display using the same, and more particularly, to a pixel capable of improving display quality and an organic light emitting display using the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, various flat panel displays (FPD) capable of reducing weight and volume that are disadvantages of cathode ray tubes (CRT) have been developed. The FPDs include liquid crystal displays (LCD), field emission displays (FED), plasma display panels (PDP), and organic light emitting displays.
Among the flat panel displays, the organic light emitting displays display images using organic light emitting diodes (OLED) that generate light by re-combination of electrons and holes. The organic light emitting display has high response speed and is driven with low power consumption.
The organic light emitting display includes a plurality of pixels arranged at intersections of a plurality of data lines, scan lines, and power supply lines in a matrix. Each of the pixels commonly includes an organic light emitting diode (OLED), at least two transistors including a driving transistor, and at least one capacitor.
The organic light emitting display has advantage in that an amount of used power is small, however, has disadvantage in that an amount of current that flows to the OLEDs changes in accordance with deviation in the threshold voltages of the driving transistors included in the pixels so that non-uniformity in display is caused. That is, the characteristics of the driving transistors change in accordance with the manufacturing process variables of the driving transistors included in the pixels. Actually, it is not possible to manufacture the organic light emitting display so that all of the transistors of the organic light emitting display have the same characteristic in current processes so that the deviation in the threshold voltages of the driving transistors is generated.
In order to solve the problem, a method of adding compensating circuits each formed of a plurality of transistors and a capacitor to the pixels, respectively, is suggested. The compensating circuits included in each of the pixels charge voltages corresponding to the threshold voltages of the driving transistors in one horizontal period so that the deviation in the driving transistors is compensated for.
On the other hand, recently, in order to realize a three-dimensional image, a method of driving the organic light emitting display with a driving frequency of no less than 120 Hz is required. However, when the organic light emitting display is driven at high speed of no less than 120 Hz, a period of charging the threshold voltages of the driving transistors is reduced so that it is not possible to compensate for the threshold voltages of the driving transistors.
In addition, in a conventional art, a structure in which the voltages of driving power supplies (a first power supply ELVDD and a second power supply ELVSS) are controlled in order to drive the organic light emitting display at the speed of 120 Hz is suggested. However, when the driving power supplies are controlled, there are problems such as high power consumption, an increase in the probability of an erroneous operation due to a parasitic capacitor, and generation of large electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Pixel and organic light emitting display using the same

Samsung-ro, Giheung-Gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-Do


Methods and apparatuses for generating a blur model of a detector, and methods and apparatus for generating a medical image are provided. A method of generating a blur model of a detector may involve: changing locations of linear gamma ray sources along at least one line and obtaining signals emitted from the linear gamma ray sources; obtaining a point spread function (PSF) with respect to at least one voxel included in the at least one line; and generating a blur model of the detector from the PSF.

1. Field
The following description relates to methods and apparatuses for generating a medical image and to, for example, methods and apparatus of generating a positron emission tomography (PET) image by using a linear gamma ray source.
2. Description of Related Art
A medical image device is used to diagnose a patient by obtaining information about the patient via an image of the functional processes that are taking place inside the human body. Methods of capturing a medical image have actively been developed and are currently used in hospitals. Such methods are largely divided into methods of obtaining an anatomical image and methods of obtaining a physiological image. Examples of imaging technologies that provide a detailed, high resolution anatomical image of the human body include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). In such an imaging technology, a 2-dimensional (2D) image of a cross-section of the human body or a 3D image of the human body or a part thereof is generated so as to show accurate locations and shapes of organs in the human body. The 3D image may be obtained by using several 2D high-resolution images. An example of technology for acquiring a physiological image includes positron emission tomography (PET). PET can be used to diagnose a metabolic disorder by obtaining an image of the metabolic processes that are take place inside the human body.
PET is an imaging technology in which special radioactive tracers that emit positrons are generated in the forms of components participating in the metabolic processes of the human body. The tracers are injected into the human body via an intravenous injection or inhalation, and the locations of the tracers are obtained by using an external device (a scanner) that detects two gamma rays of 511 eV emitted in opposite directions to each other when the positrons emitted from the tracers and electrons combine with each other. Both the pattern of distribution of the gamma rays and a change in the distribution pattern with respect to time may be observed.
In this regard, physiological phenomena that continue to occur inside the body during a process of detecting a gamma ray, a geometrical structure of a detector, spatial restrictions due to the shape and arrangement of detection elements in the detector, and the like, may adversely affect a spatial resolution of the PET, and may further influence the ability of a user to read and interpret a patient's image or deteriorate the disease diagnostic capability of the imaging device. Among such spatial resolution deterioration factors, it is in particular impossible to control the continued occurrence of physiological phenomena inside the body. Further, spatial restrictions may cause a design issue that is difficult to overcome with respect to the structure of the detector.

Apparatus and method for generating medical image using linear gamma ray source


A method of forming a package structure includes: forming an inductor comprising a through-via over a carrier; placing a semiconductor device over the carrier; molding the semiconductor device and the through-via in a molding material; and forming a first redistribution layer on the molding material, wherein the inductor and the semiconductor device are electrically connected by the first redistribution layer.

The semiconductor industry continues to improve the integration density of various electronic components (e.g., transistors, diodes, resistors, capacitors, etc.) by continual reductions in minimum feature size, which allow more components to be integrated into a given area. These smaller electronic components also require smaller packages that utilize less area than packages of the past, in some applications. Some smaller types of packaging for semiconductors include quad flat pack (QFP), pin grid array (PGA), ball grid array (BGA), flip chips (FC), three dimensional integrated circuits (3DICs), wafer level packages (WLPs), bond-on-trace (BOT) packages, and package on package (PoP) structures.
An inductor is a passive electrical component that can store energy in its magnetic field. Inductors are used extensively in analog circuits, signal processing systems, wireless communication systems, and voltage regulator modules of power management IC.

Package structure and method of forming thereof

TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.


A frame structure for an appliance, such as an oven appliance, is provided. The frame structure includes a pair of vertical rails and a pair of lateral rails. A pair of hinges is mounted to the vertical rails, and a door is mounted to the vertical rails with the pair of hinges. A control panel is also mounted to the pair of vertical rails.

Certain appliances include various components that are visible to appliance users. As an example, oven appliances generally include a door and a control panel that are mounted to an oven body. The door and the control panel can be positioned at an outer surface of the body such that the door and control panel are visible to a user of the oven appliance.
A position of the door and the control panel relative to each other can be important to the aesthetic appearance of the oven appliance. In certain oven appliances, the control panel is mounted to the body above the door such that the control panel and the door define a gap therebetween. A size of the gap can be important to the oven appliance's appearance. For example, a non-uniform gap that varies from one side of the oven appliance to the other can have a negative effect on the oven appliance's cosmetic appearance and on a consumer's impression of the oven appliance. However, controlling the gap's size can be difficult during assembly and manufacture of the oven appliance. In particular, keeping the size of the gap uniform can be difficult.
Accordingly, an appliance with features for assisting with mounting appliance components onto the appliance would be useful. In particular, an appliance with features for assisting with mounting appliance components onto the appliance such that a gap between the components is substantially uniform would be useful.


A liquid jet head includes: a substrate; a pressure generation chamber provided in the substrate; an elastic plate provided above the substrate; a capacitor structure section provided above the elastic plate, the capacitor structure section including a lower electrode layer, a piezoelectric layer and an upper electrode layer; a porous layer provided above the capacitor structure section; a seal layer provided on the porous layer; and a void section formed between the capacitor structure section and the porous layer.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a liquid jetting head and a method for manufacturing the same.
2. Related Art
At present, ink jet methods have been put in practical use as high definition, high-speed printing methods. A device that discharges ink droplets is called an ink jet head, which is an important member in the ink jet method and is being actively studied. Among the methods for jetting ink droplets, a method in which an ink jet head is provided with a piezoelectric is one of the most useful methods. In an inkjet head, a piezoelectric may be interposed between electrodes, thereby forming a capacitor structure. As a typical piezoelectric material, lead zirconate titanate (PZT) (Pb(Zr1-xTix) that is a perovskite type oxide may be enumerated.
It is necessary to suppress leakage current as much as possible in order for an ink jet head to maintain its mechanical reliability. One of the major causes that increase the leakage current is moisture in the atmosphere that adheres to side surfaces of the capacitor structure. Adhesion of moisture in the atmosphere to the side surfaces of the capacitor structure may cause a problem in that leakage current may be generated across electrodes at both ends of the capacitor through the side surfaces, which may eventually lead to dielectric breakdown.
A variety of measures has been developed for suppressing leakage current. For example, Japanese Laid-open Patent Application JP-A-2001-138511 proposes an ink jet recording head in which a lid-like cover is formed with a thin film that does not directly contact its capacitor structure, and dry fluid of inert gas is contained in the cover, whereby the air atmosphere does not contact the piezoelectric. However, the ink jet recording head described in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application JP-A-2001-138511 still entails problems in its method for solution and manufacturing method. In the method described in the document, resist films are removed by a wet process, such that contact with the atmosphere cannot be avoided. Furthermore, the document describes that holes are opened in the lid-like cover that covers the capacitor structure, etching is conducted using the holes, and then the holes are again filled with adhesive. However, such a process requires positional accuracy, and may not necessarily be an easy manufacturing method.

Liquid jet head and its manufacturing method


A method and system are provided for extracting propane vapors from a propane storage tank, and condensing the extracted vapors to form a useable liquid propane product.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LP-gas or LPG) is a relatively clean-burning hydrocarbon fuel of mixed composition. It is used primarily as a heating fuel in the United States, but also has found widespread utility as a cooking and vehicle fuel and as a refrigerant.
In North America, propane is the major constituent of LP-gas, with minor amounts of propylene, butane, and/or butylene depending on the particular grade. Because these components are gases at ambient temperature and pressure, LP-gas is stored under pressure in steel tanks of varying size depending on their place in the distribution chain.
Retail LP-gas is distributed from bulk plants where it is stored in large spherical or cylindrical tanks, often having capacities from 10,000 up to 30,000 gallons. The bulk plants are supplied by large multi-axel transport trucks carrying 18,000 gallon tanks which have been filled with LP-gas at the refinery or pipeline. From the bulk plant, LP-gas is shipped to retail customers in single-axel delivery truck called bobtails which have varying capacities, but are usually from 1,800 gallons up to 3,500 gallons. The bobtails are used to fill larger stationary tanks called "pigs," installed on the customer's property.
The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, also known as "Pamphlet 58," issued by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), requires that LP-gas tanks be retrofit to add or modify internal valves by Jul. 1, 2011. To accomplish the retrofit, the propane containers will have to be emptied of both liquid and gaseous propane. Liquid propane, which fills about 80-85% of the volume in a full container, must first be drained. Removal of the remaining propane vapor is conventionally accomplished by a controlled burn-off, which can take several days for a large stationary 30,000 gallon tank.
According to the National Propane Gas Association, there are an estimated 7,000 LP-gas transport trucks, 35,500 bobtails, and 17,000 railcars servicing over 14 million residential LP-gas customers and over one million commercial LPG customers. To bring all of these tanks into compliance with NFPA Pamphlet 58, a massive volume of propane must be burned off if the conventional practice is maintained. Controlled burns are not only time-consuming and potentially dangerous, but wasteful of an increasingly expensive commodity.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system for extracting propane-containing vapors from pressurized storage tanks, without the need for a controlled burn-off, whereby the vapors are condensed to provide a propane-containing liquid.

Method and system for propane extraction and reclamation


A planetary gearbox for a power tool has a planetary carrier and a rotatable sleeve with sun wheel toothing arranged centrally on the planetary carrier. The sleeve has a radial section with outer toothing. Planet wheels are positioned between planetary carrier and radial section and mesh with the sun wheel toothing. A switching ring gear surrounds the planet wheels and has an inner toothing meshing with the planet wheels. The switching ring gear is axiallay moveable on the planet wheels between first and second end positions for switching a transmission ratio. In the second end position the switching ring gear engages the outer toothing of the radial section. A synchronization disk, rotating with the rotary sleeve, is positioned between planet wheels and radial section and acts directly or indirectly by friction on the switching ring gear when the latter is moved from the first into the second end position.

The invention relates to a switchable planetary gearbox, in particular, for a hand-held power tool, comprising a planetary carrier supporting on one end face several planet wheels whose toothing meshes permanently with a sun wheel toothing of a central rotary sleeve. The planetary gearbox further comprises a switching ring gear surrounding the planet wheels and meshing permanently with the toothing of the planet wheels. The switching ring gear is longitudinally slidable and, for switching a transmission stage of the planetary gearbox, can be moved into engagement with an outer circumferential toothing that is provided on the circumference of a radial section of the rotary sleeve covering the end face of the planet wheels facing away from the planetary carrier.
As is known in the art, planetary gearboxes are comprised essentially of a central sun wheel on which the planet wheels supported on a planetary carrier are rolling. Usually three planet gear wheels are supported externally on the concentrically arranged ring gear. Such a gearbox is suitable, in particular, for use in hand-head working tools such as power drills because the configuration of the planetary gearbox provides a favorable ratio between size and transmittable power for a relatively high possible transmission ratio.
German patent DE 42 13 291 C2 discloses a planetary gearbox for a hand-held hammer drill wherein the gearbox acts by means of a crown gear onto the drive spindle of the drill. In order to be able to shift into the different gears of the hammer drill, the planetary gear is provided with different transmission stages wherein shifting between the stages is realized by means of an axially movable switching ring gear moveable into several displacement positions. One of the transmission stages of the gearbox corresponds to a position of the switching ring gear in which the switching ring gear is blocked by a locking member that is provided on the housing of the gearbox and engages the toothing of the switching ring gear for blocking. By axial movement of the partial switching ring gear by means of a gear shifting grip, the transmission stage can be switched in that the toothing of the switching ring gear is moved into engagement with the outer toothing of a gear member that covers the planet wheels radially. In the known planetary gearbox, the radial section supporting the outer toothing is provided on the central sleeve that supports the sun wheel toothing or is kinematically coupled therewith.
On the planetary gearbox of the power tools, usually an increased wear is observed during operation of the power tool and this wear is worsened even more by repeated shifting during operation when idling or operating under load. Particularly the inner toothing of the switching ring gear and the outer toothing of the web that is to switched or blocked are subject to the wear effects.


A method and system for detecting structural damage in a structure by detecting acoustic emissions from damage in a structure to obtain acoustic emission data, and processing the acoustic emission data in accordance with a model characterising acoustic paths. The model is built by inducing a plurality of types of acoustic emissions at each of a plurality of positions on a structure, the plurality of types of acoustic emissions corresponding to a respective plurality of types of structural damage. The acoustic emissions are detected using at least three sensors arranged on the structure, and the detected acoustic emissions are processed for each position to determine model data characterising effects on each type of acoustic emission from each position of acoustic paths between the positions and the sensors. The processed data is then stored as model data.

Stress corrosion and fatigue in structures causes crack growth. This is due to the metal slowly becoming brittle when there is a concentration of stress within a short distance of the crack tip. The crack then advances to a zone boundary in a series of discrete microfracture events, where the microfractures can take place either intergranularly or transgranularly. Tougher undamaged material at the zone boundary stops the crack advancing. The cycle of cracking is then repeated, starting again with a concentration of stress at or near the crack tip.
Under normal operating conditions, damage such as cracking in a structure develops slowly over time. However, if the structure is operating outside its normal range, a large amount of damage may occur within a short time. In addition, damage caused by stress to a structure is not limited to cracking and may also include fretting, pitting and rubbing. It is therefore essential that structures be monitored regularly so that damage may be detected and repaired, or further damage prevented if the damage is not advanced.
Cracking and fracturing is known to cause particular problems in aircraft, pressure vessels and oilrigs, as well as in large structures such as bridges. As cracking occurs, the cracks produce bursts of acoustic energy as wideband ultrasonic emissions in the structure where the cracking is taking place, known as acoustic emissions. The properties of the waveform of the acoustic emissions, such as □t values representing the differences between the times that bursts of acoustic energy are received at different locations, frequency, amplitude, rise time etc are dependent on the size of the crack and how rapidly it propagates through the structure. Therefore cracks can be identified by their acoustic emission signature, which can be detected using acoustic sensors as acoustic emission sensors.
US 2003/0140701, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a method of detecting and monitoring damage in a structure by receiving electrical signals continuously over a period of time as pulses representing a burst of acoustic energy from a plurality of acoustic sensors carried by the structure. The bursts of acoustic energy represent emissions from sites of damage. The burst is processed to obtain a smoothed envelope waveform. Wave-shape information and time information is determined and stored for each burst. If a burst is detected at three or more sensors, the difference in the time of arrival of the bursts at the sensors is determined as □t values. The □t values are then used to accumulate the bursts to determine if a threshold for the bursts is exceeded. If so, the burst data is stored to represent structural damage together with non-acoustic parameters.
However, there is a limitation in this system. When the health of a structure and structural damage is monitored by acoustic emission techniques, errors can occur in the analysis of the data using the system due to the assumption that the speed of sound in structures is uniform in all directions and there is a single mode of acoustic propagation though the structure. However, the speed of sound varies with the thickness and type of material through which the sound is propagating. The speed of propagation of acoustic waves will therefore vary as they propagate through an inhomogeneous structure.
It is therefore an object of one aspect of the present invention to provide a system and method to monitor for structural defects in structures on the basis of acoustic emission from such defects.

Acoustic structural integrity monitoring system and method