A mulcher apparatus includes a tractor and a mulcher unit provided to the tractor. The mulcher unit includes a tooth assembly with a holder and a cutter element with a cooperating notch portion and cross bar arrangement. The notch portion can be retrofit to existing holder arrangements. The cutter element may include various features, to enhance cutting efficiency. For example, the cutter elements may include a double-ended structure, angle tab portions at each corner portion, carbide coatings, a pair of tip portions at each end with a space therebetween, and/or a generally H-shaped configuration.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an industrial mulcher apparatus for use in mulching vegetation such as brush, trees, etc., or stump grinding. In particular, the invention relates to improvements to a mulcher unit including a plurality of cutter assemblies that serially engage and mulch the intended vegetation in rapid fashion.
2. Description of Related Art
FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a related art mulcher apparatus 10. The mulcher apparatus 10 includes a tractor 12 supported on a set of wheels 14. A tractor driver can sit within a protected cage 16 positioned on a frame of the mulcher apparatus 10. A hydraulic unit 18 connected to the tractor 12 provides structure by which a mulcher unit 20 is positioned, e.g., laterally shifted, raised and/or lowered. The tractor 12 is commercially available from Barco, a manufacturer of tractors. Also, many details of the mulcher apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,813,792 and 6,484,811, herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
The tractor 12 is provided with one or more power sources, e.g., motors, sufficient to drive the tractor at a desired speed and to rotate the mulcher unit 20 in the direction of arrow A. The mulcher unit 20 can rotate at a speed of about 1,700 rpm, for example.
As shown in FIG. 2, the mulcher unit 20 includes a power driven rotatable shaft 22 on which a plurality of axially spaced support disks 24 are mounted. Each disk 24 includes a through hole 26 through which a support rod 28 is guided and secured, e.g., via welding. The mulcher unit 20 includes a plurality of tooth assemblies 30 each supported on the support rods 28. Each tooth assembly 30 includes a base portion 32 and a head portion 34. The head portion 34 includes a cutter element 36 described below.
As shown in FIG. 3, each base portion 32 includes one or more through holes 38 through which the support rods 28 are guided in order to support each tooth assembly 30 in a non-rotatable fashion. FIG. 3 also shows that the cutter element 36 includes a primary cutter element 40. A deflecting element or secondary cutter element 42 is provided on a central portion 43 of the tooth assembly 30 which is intermediate the base portion 32 and the head portion 34. The primary cutter element 40 may include a tip portion 44 made of a carbide material which is provided, e.g., welded or glued, to a base portion 46 of the primary cutter element 40.
Referring back to FIG. 2, the cutter element 36 is connected to the head portion 34 of the tooth assembly 30 as follows. The base portion 46 of the cutter element 36 is provided with a shroud 48 which is integrally formed with and extends away from a rear side 31a of the cutter element 36. The shroud 48 is generally oval or hour-glass shaped (see FIG. 7 and description below) and includes a pair of pre-threaded bores 33 for receiving a pair of bolts 50. The head portion 34 of the tooth assembly is provided with a countersunk aperture matching the shape of the shroud 48 so that, upon assembly, the cutter element 36 and the head portion 34 fit together like a puzzle. In FIG. 2, the bolts 50 and the shroud 48 of one of the tooth assemblies 30 are shown in phantom to facilitate understanding of the connection between the cutter element 36 and the head portion 34.
FIGS. 4 and 5 show alternative versions of the cutter element. FIG. 4 includes a cutter element 36′ having a pair of tip portions 44′ provided on a base portion 46′. FIG. 5 illustrates a cutter element 36″ including first and second rows of tip portions 44′ that are provided to a base portion 46″.
There are several disadvantages associated with the mulcher apparatus shown in related art FIGS. 1-5. In particular, with respect to the connection between the cutter element 36 and the head portion 34, the provision of a raised shroud 48 with pre-threaded bores requires difficult machining operations and is therefore relatively expensive to manufacture. In addition, the mounting assembly for mounting the tooth assembly 30 to the rotatable shaft 22 is difficult and cumbersome, in part, because it requires a plurality of support disks 24 having bores 26 for receiving rods 28. Also, the central portion 43 requires a secondary cutter or deflecting element since it may inadvertently contact the intended target. Finally, the positioning of each tooth element is such that a significant number of the cutter elements 36 may contact the intended target at the same time, thereby slowing rotation of the shaft 22 with a commensurate decrease in power.
Accordingly, a need has developed in the art to provide a mulcher apparatus which addresses the above-noted deficiencies.


A selective call radio paging receiver having a display function for use in mobile communications and the like. Various apparatus functions are performed by two switches. A memory is responsive to closure of a first switch to receive and store message information succeeding an assigned paging code signal. A display is responsive to closure of a second switch to display message information stored in the memory. A controller controls the memory and the display and detects actuation of the second switch for a time duration exceeding a predetermined time period to enable erasure of the message information stored in the memory.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a selective call radio paging receiver having display function used in mobile communication, for example.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A conventional selective call radio paging receiver has a memory erase mode switch separate from an operation start switch and a memory read switch and is so configured that the memory erasing may be performed by using an execution switch which functions as the memory read switch.
FIG. 5 shows configuration of a conventional selective call radio paging receiver of this type. In FIG. 5, numeral 1 denotes an antenna, 2 a radio receiver, a decoder, 4 an individual memory (P-ROM) for exclusive use, 5 a liquid crystal display device (LCD), 6 a driver, 7 a speaker, 8 power supply, 9 a quartz oscillator, 10, 11 and 12 switches.
The switches 10, 11 and 12 are connected to the decoder 3 and function to indicate control conditions. That is to say, the switch 10 performs start of initial operation accompanied by initial display. The switch 11 performs suspension of ringing, suspension of display and start of the liquid crystal display device 5, readout of message information, and erase execution. The switch 12 performs setting memory erase mode.
As shown in FIG. 6, the decoder section 3 comprises an SC collator 31 for comparing a signal 221 received from the radio receiver 2 with a fixed frame synchronizing signal SC (Synchronization Codeword), an ID collator 32 for comparing succeeding contents of the received signal 221 with a selective calling number in its own frame, a message decoder circuit 33 for extracting message data 331 out of further succeeding contents of the received signal 221, a message memory 34 for storing a decoded message, and a controller 35 for controlling them.
The controller 35 supplies the stored message information to an LCD controller 36 and supplies ringing start information and ringing suspension information to ringing tone generator 37. At this time, the switches 10, 11 and 12 input the above described control conditions to the controller 35. The controller 35 exercises control so as to make the message memory 34, the LCD controller 36 and the ringing tone generator 37 perform predetermined operation. Further, a clock generated by a quartz oscillator 9 and an oscillator 38 is supplied to the control section 35 as the clock for taking in data, processing and control operation.
FIG. 7 logically shows the message memory control operation conducted in the decoder 3. The message data signal 331 is temporarily saved into a temporary message data storage 401 and then stored into one of memories 404a to 404n by a memory storage decision circuit 402. Setting of memory flags 405a to 405n is also performed. The memory flags 405a to 405n are used to judge whether message data of the memories 404a to 404n corresponding thereto are valid or invalid. The memories 404a to 404n comprise shift registers, for example. The memory flags 405a to 405n comprise R-S flip-flops.
In response to respective memory enable condition signals 411a to 411n supplied from the memory storage decision circuit 402, AND gates 403a to 403n exercise control to transfer the message data stored in the temporary message data storage 401 to the memories 404a to 404n. In case the message data stored in the temporary message data storage 401 is to be transferred to the memory 404a, for example, the memory enable condition signal 411a is set at "1" and the signals 411b to 411n are set at "0". Thus only the AND gate 403a is enabled, and transfer is performed without destructing contents of other memories 404b to 404n. By repeating such operation, setting can be performed with respect to some of the memories 404a to 404n and the memory flags 405a to 405n.
The procedure for erasing message data will now be described. After operation has been started by the switch 10, an erase enable flag 408 is set by the switch 12, and a timer 409 is started concurrently therewith. The timer 409 is a Johnson counter, for example. The output of the timer 409 obtained after a predetermined time resets the erase enable flag 408. If a push switch pulse circuit 407 activated by the switch 11 outputs a pulse "1" when the erase enable flag 408 is valid, i.e., the output of the erase enable flag is "1", an AND gate 406 outputs reset signals to the memory flags 405a to 405n.
In the above described conventional selective call radio paging receiver apparatus as well, it is thus possible to erase message data stored in the memories 405a to 404n by setting a memory erase mode by means of the switch 12 and executing memory erase by means of the switch 11.
In recent years, integrated circuit techniques and high density packaging techniques have significantly advanced. In the selective call radio paging receiver apparatus of this kind as well, realization of an apparatus diversified in function, reduced in size and lowered in cost is demanded. Especially for mechanical parts such as switches, however, the effort that went into reduction of size and cost approaches its limit. A low-cost apparatus capable of having diversified functions without increasing the number of such switches and capable of providing manipulation easiness maintained favorably is desired.
In regard to such a desire, the above described conventional apparatus has a problem that packaging of parts for size reduction is difficult and cost increase is incurred because three switches 10, 11 and 12 for assignment of multiple functions are used.
Further, it is sufficient that the selective call radio paging receiver undergoes operation start manipulation once a day and stores received messages corresponding to a day. For call signal receiving exceeding the message information storage capacity, information may be successively erased beginning with the oldest message information. In case such message information erasing is performed by means of switch manipulation, it is desired that message information is not simply erased even if a switch is turned off by false manipulation of the switch. Further, it is desired that memory erasing can be performed by means of predetermined manipulation in case all of the message information has been confirmed or all of the message information is desired to be erased on the following day.
In many of conventional apparatuses as described above, however, a switch of integral type having three slide positions and a push button is typically used as the function assigning switch. When switching from N (normal position) among three slide positions to M (Non-Alert receiving position) is performed, therefore, false switching to OFF (receiving stop position) is often caused. Message information stored in the memory is thus often erased unintentionally, resulting in a problem.
The present invention aims at solving the above described problems of the prior art. An object of the present invention is to provide a low-cost selective call radio paging receiver having display function which allows assignment of multiple functions without increasing the number of switches and which does not hamper the ease of manipulation.

Selective call radio paging receiver having display function and reduced control inputs

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


Semiconductor device and method for forming a semiconductor device are presented. The method includes providing a substrate prepared with intermediate dielectric layer having interconnect levels. The interconnect levels include M1 to MX metal levels, where 1 is the lowest level and X corresponds to a number of metal level. The metal level MX includes a metal pad having an oxidized portion. An upper level having an upper dielectric layer is formed over the dielectric layer having MX. The upper dielectric layer includes a plurality of via contacts over the metal pad and a metal line over the via contacts. The oxidized portion remains within the metal pad and prevents punch through between MX and its adjacent underlying metal level MX-1.

Back end of line (BEOL) process is generally used in integrated circuit (IC) fabrication process to connect active or passive devices with wirings on the wafer. In the BEOL process, multiple interconnect levels which include interconnect and via contacts, dielectric layers, contact pads and bonding sites for chip to package connections are formed. We have discovered that punch through tends to occur between interconnects in adjacent interconnect level during semiconductor processing, leading to inter-level metal electrical short. This is undesirable as it renders the IC malfunction.
From the foregoing discussion, there is a need to provide more reliable interconnects and a simplified method to form such reliable interconnects.

Semiconductor device and method of forming thereof


The power consumption of a receiving apparatus is reduced. A first equalization unit receives the input of digital signals and then performs equalization processing on them so as to output first equalizer output signals. A first selector selects either the digital signals or the first equalizer output signals, and outputs the selected signals to an despread unit or a second equalization unit. The despread unit carries out an despread, and an PSK demodulation unit demodulates the despread signal by PSK. The second equalization unit performs equalization processing, and a CCK demodulation unit performs CCK demodulation. A second selector operates in response to the second selector. A modulation scheme determining unit extracts information on a modulation scheme in use, from the signal demodulated by the PSK demodulation unit so as to decide on the modulation scheme. Based on the modulation scheme determined, a decision unit specifies the selection of signals at the first selector and the second selector.

In the mobile-phone system or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) comprised of base station apparatuses and terminal apparatuses, the terminal apparatus is generally powered by batteries. For the convenience when a terminal apparatus is used, the battery life of the terminal apparatus is desired to be longer. Accordingly, the lower power consumption is required for the processing executed by the terminal apparatus. In general, the terminal apparatus in the wireless communication system is not constantly transmitting and receiving the signals but is usually in an operational mode, namely, a receiving standby mode, in which the signal transmitted at predetermined time intervals from the base station apparatus are received when there is no data to be transmitted or received. In the receiving standby mode, it is not required that all of the receiving functions provided in the terminal apparatus is in operation. Accordingly, in the receiving standby mode, only part of receiving functions is working in the terminal apparatus to lower the power consumption (See Patent Reference (1) in the Patent Reference, for instance).
[Patent Reference]
(1) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei08-307428.
However, in order to further reduce the power consumption, the power consumed in transmitting or receiving the signals under other than the receiving standby mode must be reduced. For example, the wireless LAN complied with the IEEE 802.11b standard is compatible with a plurality of modulation schemes, namely, the modulation schemes whose transmission speed is high as well as those whose transmission speed is low. In general, the modulation scheme compatible with higher transmission rates is likely to be affected by the distortion in the propagation path and therefore the transmission quality of signals is likely to deteriorate. One of techniques to reduce the effect of distortion in such propagation path is the adaptive equalizer. However, the power consumption can be no longer reduced once the adaptive equalizer is in operation. On the other hand, although the adaptive equalizer is not in operation, the transmission quality of signals is unlikely to deteriorate in the modulation scheme compatible with lower transmission rates.

Receiving method and receiving apparatus


A semiconductor device having trench isolation regions in which leaks are suppressed may be formed using the following steps. (a) Forming a trench 32 in a semiconductor layer 12; (b) forming a dielectric layer 40 that fills the trench 32; and (c) conducting a thermal treatment of the dielectric layer 40, wherein the thermal treatment is conducted at temperatures of 1050° C. or higher.

With further miniaturization of semiconductor devices such as MOS transistors in recent years, element isolation regions need to be further miniaturized. To achieve further miniaturization of element isolation regions, a trench element isolation technique is considered. According to the trench element isolation technique, trenches are provided in a substrate between semiconductor elements, and dielectric material is filled in the trenches to isolate the semiconductor elements from one another.

Methods for manufacturing semiconductor devices and semiconductor devices having trench isolation regions


An image signal processing system may include processing circuitry that may reduce banding artifacts in image data to be depicted on a display. The processing circuitry may receive a first pixel value associated with a first pixel of the image data and detect a first set of pixels located in a first direction along a same row of pixels or a same column of pixels with respect to the first pixel. The first set of pixels is associated with a first band. The processing circuitry may then interpolate a second pixel value based on an average of a first set of pixel values that correspond to the first set of pixels and a distance between the first pixel and a closest pixel in the first band. The processing circuitry may then output the second pixel value for the first pixel.

The present disclosure relates generally to processing image data with image signal processor logic and, more particularly, to interpolating missing pixel data of image data using bit depth expansion.
Handheld devices, computers, and a variety of other electronic devices are increasingly used to view images and videos. To efficiently provide this image data to the various types of electronic devices, the image data may be sent from a content provider in a compressed format. After the digital imaging device receives the compressed image data, an image-processing pipeline may apply a number of image processing operations to generate a full color, processed image or a full color, processed video associated with the image data. Although conventional image processing techniques aim to produce a polished image, these techniques may not adequately address many image distortions and errors introduced when the original image data is compressed for storage and transmission. For example, certain bits related to pixel intensities in the image data may be truncated or lost during the compression process. These lost bits may cause the depicted image or video data to display a banding effect, which is generally undesirable. Unfortunately, conventional debanding techniques may not adequately resolve the banding issue.
This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present techniques, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

Debanding image data using bit depth expansion


An improved system and method for discovering and configuring secure network topologies responds to existing networking environments and encompasses the dynamic detection and configuration of an appropriate hardware or software solution. In an embodiment of the invention, a broadcast mechanism is used to provide hardware device discovery while application programming interfaces provide discovery of software firewalls. In a further embodiment, a polling technique is used to ensure that the configuration of a gateway device does not change, endangering the protected network.

As computer networks become more common in private, commercial, institutional, and governmental settings, as well as other settings, the need to secure local networks against infiltration or attack from external entities has become increasingly important. For example, local networks often have a gateway or other entity through which clients on the local network may access a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. This arrangement is beneficial for many reasons. In a commercial setting, for example, a commercial enterprise may wish its employees to have access to the Internet for business reasons, but may want to control or monitor that access. The gateway can perform such controlling or monitoring functions. In addition, with all computers on the local network being exposed to the Internet via only one or a few portals, network administrators can more easily monitor threats or suspicious activity impinging on the local area network from the Internet.
Increasingly, hardware gateway devices, such as Internet Gateway Devices (IGDs) are being preferred over software gateways, such as are sometimes deployed on servers that serve as gateways. The reasons for the current prevalence of hardware devices in this role are many, but some of the primary advantages of hardware gateway devices include acquisition cost and cost of deployment.
Nonetheless, such hardware gateways or other hardware points of egress and entry cannot perform properly to safeguard or monitor the local network unless they are first identified and properly configured. In particular, network environments vary greatly in terms of structure and layout, and the type of communications that may be considered to be suspect varies from one network environment to another as well. For this reason, hardware network gateways and other hardware access points to the local network are typically configured upon installation prior to being pressed into service. Currently, discovery and configuration of hardware gateways, as well as reconfiguration of such devices, has been performed manually. For example, a network administrator may be aware of a newly installed device and will specifically communicate with and configure that device, such as via a configuration application over the local network. Not only does this require the administrator to be aware of the deployed hardware gateways, but in addition the administrator must be knowledgeable regarding the particular configuration routine and requirements of each device.

Automatic discovery and configuration of external network devices


A method of transferring funds to a personalized portable storage medium using a kiosk, includes the acts of receiving funds comprising a batch of loose mixed coins in a coin receiving area of the kiosk, processing the coins in a coin processing module, determining a total value of the funds using a controller, displaying the total value of the funds to a user of the kiosk, and permitting the user to select a desired graphic from amongst a plurality of available graphic selections using via a user input device. The method also includes the acts of printing, using a printing device, the user-selected graphic on a portable storage medium print area, the portable storage medium comprising a storage medium bearing data to which a value relating to the total value is associated and dispensing the portable storage medium bearing the user-selected graphic to the user, the portable storage medium having a first value relating to the total value.

Coin processing machines are used in both the financial industry to sort, count and/or package coins and in the retain sector as a publicly accessible redemption machine to exchange loose change for a ticket or voucher.
In some conventional processing machines, each of a plurality of coin denominations are separated from the remaining denominations and stored in a receptacle specific to that denomination. In other conventional processing applications, the sorted coins are counted and collected into at least one or more coin bins or receptacles of mixed denominations or combination of single and mixed denominations.
In addition to processing of a plurality of coins, these redemption machines have a focus of self-service application, limiting intervention of attendants and service personnel. These approaches provide a service to the consumer that allows the exchange of the coin for a voucher. This voucher is redeemed for the amount of coins deposited in the form of banknotes by an employee such as a cashier. Balancing is required, daily, weekly, or other frequencies between vouchers cashed to the coins processed by the armored carrier. These redemption machines also require service from the tellers, cashiers, or clerks to manage the bags, change and clear receptacles and bags, and call for pick-ups as required. The armored carriers provide a service of picking up the coin receptacles and processing the coins for a fee. The value is provided back to the financial institution or retail store.
Some prior art systems exist for dispensing a value card (e.g., a gift card) for the value of coins deposited in coin redemption machines. However, these prior art systems suffer from several shortcomings. For example, prior art systems are limited in the variety of value card types that may be purchased. Typically, prior art systems require pre-printed value cards of differing predetermined values specific to the type of value card dispensed. To provide several card varieties, some prior art systems require additional dispensers, which unfavorably increase the machine's footprint and cost. Other prior art systems disclose carriage mechanisms that shuttle between stacks of pre-printed value cards to dispense a selected card type. However, these prior art systems also require larger machine footprints and more frequent servicing when one particular card type has run out but other card types have not.

Self service coin redemption card printer-dispenser


The invention relates to a process for the production of a microwave waveguide having a step of determining the zone or zones of the waveguide where an electric field concentration occurs. A step of produces at least one enlargement of the waveguide in the zone or zones thus determined. The invention also relates to a microwave filter in which the stubs are provided with such enlargement. The invention has application in microwave filters.

In certain fields of application, there is a need for microwave filters of very high power. This is the case for example in the space field, where the transmit power must be particularly high and where the filters used must be effective at high power levels in order to provide a maximum transmit power. This is the case for example in direct transmission systems by satellite. The satellite must then be able to transmit with a maximum power. However, the invention is applicable in any other field in which high-power operation is required.
When a waveguide is used in a vacuum (for space applications) and in the case of high-power waveguides, it is possible to initiate an electron avalanche, called a multipactor effect, in certain zones of the waveguide.
This multipactor effect is caused by a concentration of the electromagnetic field which tears electrons out of the walls of the waveguide. The electrons are then accelerated toward the opposite wall of the waveguide. The impact of these electrons on the latter wall causes in turn electrons to be torn therefrom, and so on. An electron avalanche phenomenon thus occurs, which degrades the electrical performance of the waveguide and may lead to it being destroyed.
This phenomenon therefore occurs notably in the space field in which the waveguides operate in a vacuum in the absence of air molecules.
The multipactor power level is the maximum power at which a component can be used without initiating the multipactor effect. This threshold power can be calculated between two parallel plates from the following equation:P=(1/VMF2)×(Vmulti2/2Z0)where                the multipactor threshold voltage (Vmulti) is dependent on the type of equipment used to manufacture the waveguide, but this voltage is always proportional to the product of the frequency multiplied by the critical distance between the plates (f×d);        the VMF (voltage magnification factor) is the ratio of the voltage at the point of calculation and the input voltage of the component. This VMF increases with the field concentration between the two plates at the calculation point; and        the impedance (Z0) depends on the standard of waveguide used and on the working frequency (normally fixed by the application).
To reduce this multipactor effect, it is possible either to move the walls of the waveguide further apart in order to increase the Vmulti or to reduce the electric field concentration in order to reduce the VMF.
Both these solutions pose problems. If moving the walls of the waveguide further apart is envisioned, the operating frequency range is reduced and the device will have difficulties matching the waveguide for all frequencies in the operating range.
To reduce the concentration of the electric field at the critical point, it is necessary to modify the topology of the devices, or even, in the case of filters, to change the type of filter.
The object of the invention is to solve these problems and to provide a microwave waveguide and microwave filters in which the multipactor power level has been notably increased.


A lifting apparatus comprising a counter bearing (8) provided with a first recess (9), having a conical bearing surface (10), and an actuator unit comprising an actuator (6) whose axial extension is dependent upon an actuating signal. The actuator unit has a shoulder which is formed in an area of the actuator unit which faces away from the output and which has a domed surface (11). The domed surface (11) of the actuator unit rests upon the conical bearing surface (10) of the counter-bearing (8). The injection valve comprises said lifting device and an injector needle which is coupled to the lifting apparatus on the output side thereof and which prevents the flow of fluid through the injector nozzle when closed and otherwise releases it.

Injection valves, especially for combustion engines in motor vehicles, must fulfill high precision requirements in order to enable low-emission and resource sparing operation of the combustion engine. If a lifting apparatus of the injection valve consists for instance of a piezoactuator, then the precision requirements are especially high along the power train, since piezoactuators have, in principle, only a small lift of a few micrometers for example. Friction and elastic areas along the power train can reduce the lift.


An absorbent material suitable for animal litter includes a mixture of (a) from about 10% to about 65% by weight pine wood; (b) from about 5% to about 60% by weight alfalfa; and/ (c) from about 15% to about 75% by weight poplar wood, preferably aspen.

Previously, it has been known to use aspen particles, chips, shavings etc as a litter for animals. However, this material has traditionally often been composed of all aspen, without other woods or substances introduced. Further, these 100% aspen litters were composed of essentially all portions of the tree, including the bark. Although such "litters" are suitable for use as horticultural mulch, the inclusion of the tree bark causes an appearance which is considered to be unsightly when the material is used as a litter, and particularly a litter for small animals, such as those which would be kept in a person's home, or for use in places of display, such as pet shops.
Other litter compositions including alfalfa or related forage crops are known for their utility as animal litters which effectively absorb animal waste materials and neutralize associated unpleasant odors. For example, alfalfa has been pelletized with starch, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,923,005. Such pellets overcome the disadvantage of earlier pelletized alfalfa by reducing the problem of disintegration of the pellets, which caused the litter material to cling to the animal's feet.
A further improvement of alfalfa pellets was disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,941,090 which discusses pelletizing cedar in combination with alfalfa binders.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,788,936 discloses pelleted bedding for livestock, which bedding includes 4 to 45% by volume of aspen bark, with the balance being a combination of sawdust, ground wood chips and ground lumber. U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,355 discloses absorbent material formed of pelleted poplar wood, preferably aspen, including the tree bark, and peat. Optionally, the material may also include cedar wood.
All of the above references involve absorbent materials that are completely pelletized. However, the process of pelletization is complex and thus expensive. Aspen is especially difficult to pelletize, because it is a hard, dry wood which exacts a toll on the extruding equipment used for the pelletizing process, by causing greater amounts of wear on the equipment parts, resulting in the expense of frequent maintenance and replacement.


The present invention provides a liquid crystalline polyester resin composition suitable for an optical pickup unit. The composition comprises a liquid crystalline polyester, a mica and a hollow filler. Using the liquid crystalline polyester resin composition, an optical pickup unit with a high soldering resistance and a high torsional elastic modulus can be produced while suppressing breakage of the hollow filler in the composition.

Under such circumstances, one of objectives of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystalline polyester resin composition which can sufficiently suppress the breakage of a hollow filler by using a specific filler. Particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystalline polyester resin composition which can sufficiently suppress the breakage of the hollow filler even when the liquid crystalline polyester having high heat resistance is used.
The present invention provides a liquid crystalline polyester resin composition comprising the following components (A), (B) and (C):
(A) a liquid crystalline polyester;
(B) mica; and
(C) a hollow filler.
In addition, the present invention provides a molded article obtained from the liquid crystalline polyester resin composition.
According to the present invention, it is possible to pelletize or mold the liquid crystalline polyester resin composition containing the hollow filler while sufficiently suppressing the breakage of the hollow filler. In particular, the present invention makes it possible to sufficiently suppress the breakage of the hollow filler even when a liquid crystalline polyester having high heat resistance is used in order to enhance the soldering resistance of the molded article.
The liquid crystalline polyester resin composition of the present invention does not remarkably impair the excellent moldability or mechanical strength of the liquid crystalline polyester. Thereby, the liquid crystalline polyester resin composition is extremely useful as a material for producing an optical pickup unit (optical pickup lens holder or the like) for which such characteristics are required. Furthermore, the liquid crystalline polyester resin composition can also be applied to the production of the optical pickup unit for which thickness reduction and complication of the shape are increasingly required from here on. Therefore, the liquid crystalline polyester resin composition is industrially of great value.

Liquid crystalline polyester resin composition and molded article thereof


A remotely-alterable electronic-ink based display label employing an addressable display assembly including a layer of electronic ink which includes a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material. The display label includes an integrated circuit layer having a storage element for storing instructions, programs and data, and a programmed processor in electrical communication with the addressable display assembly and a data antenna layer. A signal transmitting layer transmits signals from the data antenna layer to a remote activator module. A signal receiving layer receives electromagnetic signals from the remote activator module, using the data antenna layer. A power antenna layer, operably connected to a power converter, supplies electrical power to the integrated circuit layer, for converting received RF-power signals into electrical power signals and storing electrical charge for solely powering the programmed processor to process instructions and data to determine the graphical indicia to be displayed by the addressable display assembly and to activate the addressable display assembly to display the determined graphical indicia. The data antenna layer, power antenna layer, integrated circuit layer, signal transmitting layer, and signal receiving layer are arranged and stacked together behind and within the spatial extent of the addressable display assembly so as to form the remotely-alterable electronic-ink based display label having a stacked-layer construction.

The present invention is directed to electronic display devices, and is more particularly directed to remotely updateable electronic label devices and systems for displaying selected data.
Conventional printing labels and methodology for affixing them to particular items are well known in the art. The information permanently applied on the printing labels reflects information known about the particular items at the time the labels were created. It is generally difficult to alter the indicia on the printing labels once created for the particular items. In general, three conventional techniques have been developed to address this problem. According to a first technique, a completely new label is created to replace the previously printed label. The new label is typically reaffixed to the particular item, either at a new location or over the existing label. According to a second technique, a new but smaller label can be employed to patch over a portion of the originally printed label in order to alter particular indicia related to the item. In some applications, properly placing and aligning the new, smaller label, so that it can subsequently be read by a machine or person, is a difficult, labor intensive, and error prone process. In the situation where all or a portion of a label is changed with the new label, great care is taken to ensure that an unacceptable buildup of labeling material does not occur, and that the label alignment is sufficient to illustrate the altered item indicia, as well as to ensure that it does not affect human or machine readable processes.
A third common technique involves the situation where the information or image is directly imprinted or manually written or drawn onto an item. In this circumstance, the old image is generally removed or erased, and then a new image is reprinted or drawn on the item. Examples of such information deleting include price changes related to the item, changes in menu prices, the return dates on library books, return dates for video rentals, and the like. Great care is typically employed to ensure that the integrity of the information visible on the new label or the designated area is not adversely impacted through some interaction or interference with the information previously imprinted or present on the label or disposed in the designated area. Otherwise, the integrity of the new item information may be affected. Moreover, removing or erasing the original information imprinted, written, or drawn on the label or designated area of the item may result in damage to the item.
Conventional items to be labeled generally reserve a designated location for displaying relevant item information. Generally, an individual applies the labels to the item at this designated location, or writes, draws or stamps information in the designated area. Despite the presence of the designated label location, it is typical to find variability between items in terms of the label location, orientation and ability to convey the proper information to a consumer or to a piece of equipment intended to read automatically the information off the item.
There accordingly exists a need in the art for a stand-alone, remotely updateable and/or alterable electronic label which can be formed in various sizes and shapes for displaying information related to an item in human or machine readable form. There further exists a need in the art to update or alter the information related to the item in a manner which allows the label to be reused a significant number of times.

Remotely-alterable radio-frequency (RF) powered electronic display label employing an electronic ink layer integrated within a stacked-layer architecture


An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes: a conveying path that includes a first U shape portion; a registration roller; and a inverting path including a second U shape portion joining with an upstream position of the registration roller. The conveying path includes a downward slope portion that runs obliquely down from a topmost position of the first U shape portion toward a nipping position of the registration roller; and wherein the topmost position, a joining position in which the conveying path is connected to the inverting path and the nipping position get lower, in this order, in a vertical direction.

An image forming apparatus, which is configured to perform double-side printing, has therein conveying and inverting paths. The conveying path is a path for single side printing of a sheet (a recording sheet) along which the sheet from a sheet feeding tray is turned in a U shape at a front side of the image forming apparatus and then is conveyed via a photosensitive drum and then out of a housing thereof. The inverting path is a path for forming an image on the other non-printed surface of the sheet along which the sheet after the single side printing is inverted front to back and then conveyed to an upstream side of the photosensitive drum.


A safety lighting system comprising an H-field backscatter generator adapted to receive at least one electrical signal indicating the application of electrical power to at least one light circuit and comprising means for encoding and transmitting at least one encoded signal; a magnetic coupling receiver located separately from the H-field backscatter generator and adapted to receive the first encoded signal; and a light display electrically connected to the magnetic coupling receiver, the light display comprising at least one illuminatable lamp.

A recent (1998) study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) measuring the long-term effectiveness of center high mounted stop lamps in passenger cars and light trucks found that these lights each year prevent thousands of motor vehicle crashes and injuries and more than a half billion dollars in property damage costs. "Safety is President Clinton's highest transportation priority, and the center high-mounted stop lamp is an excellent example of a device that provides significant safety benefits at a fraction of its cost to consumers," said Ricardo Martinez, M.D., NHTSA administrator.
The study concluded that the center brake lights prevent 92,000 to 137,000 police-reported crashes, 58,000 to 70,000 nonfatal injuries, and $655 million in property damage a year. It also estimated that the lamps save $3.18 in property damage alone for every dollar that they cost.
The safety risks associated with riding a motorcycle are higher than those driving an automobile. There are several reasons for this. First, motorcycles are smaller than automobiles, and other motorists often have a hard time seeing motorcycles on the roads. Further, motorcycles are generally capable of higher rates of acceleration than automobiles causing other motorists to often lose track of the position of a nearby motorcycle. Also, motorcycles are generally capable of higher rates of de-acceleration than automobiles, causing motorcycles to often be hit from behind by motorists that are unable to stop in time. Finally, motorcycles lack the weight, protective structure and other safety devices (such as airbags) that are offered in automobiles. These findings are supported by the Hurt report conducted in 1981 through The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the University of Southern California (USC).
The Hurt Report showed that approximately 75% of all motorcycle accidents involve a collision with another vehicle, and rear-end collisions are a significant risk. Among their findings it was shown that "The failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the predominating cause of motorcycle accidents. The driver of the other vehicle involved in collision with the motorcycle did not see the motorcycle before the collision, or did not see the motorcycle until too late to avoid the collision". It was also noted that "Conspicuity of the motorcycle is a critical factor in the multiple vehicle accidents, and accident involvement is significantly reduced by the use of motorcycle headlamps (on in daylight) and the wearing of high visibility yellow, orange or bright red jackets." In addition, United States government research on automotive tail light positioning has found that significantly fewer accidents occur in vehicles having a brake light positioned at or near the highest point on the rear of the vehicle. In 1986, the U.S. government mandated that automobiles sold in the United States be equipped with a third brake light positioned near the highest point on the rear of the vehicle. All new light trucks were required to meet the same standards in 1994. To date, there is no requirement for motorcycles, trailers and certain commercial vehicles to have a similar light.
A typical tail light assembly for a motorcycle includes a running light, a brake light, turn indicators and hazard indicators. For most motorcycles, the running light is always lit when the ignition circuit is energized. In a few motorcycles, the running light is only energized when the headlight is manually turned on by the rider. Typically the taillight is mounted at the rear of the motorcycle above the rear fender. Depending on the size and style of the motorcycle, the taillight is often small, relatively low to the ground and hard to see by other motorists.
Several additional safety concerns must be considered when contemplating the installation of a lighting system on a helmet. First, a wireless link between the helmet and the motorcycle is preferred over a wired system to prevent a variety of possible wire related injuries that could cause or occur during an accident. Second, safe voltages and lamp temperatures should be used to avoid exposing the rider to these hazards in the event that an accident exposes the rider to a live circuit or lamp.
In a wireless system, a power source such as a battery must generally be attached to the helmet. For the helmet assembly, a small battery is beneficial for several reasons. Namely it is smaller and more comfortable to wear than a large battery. To effectively use the power of a smaller battery, the power draw of the magnetic-coupling should be minimized to lengthen battery life and reduce the need for battery recharge or replacement. At the same time, for a helmet lighting system to be effective, a high minimum lamp illumination intensity must be provided to allow nearby motorists to see the lamp signal, even in bright sunlight. Consequently, there is a need to produce a high intensity helmet lighting system that is energy efficient. Prior art helmet lighting systems have generally used lamps that are of lower than desirable intensity, since such systems are not able to provide enough power to operate higher intensity lamps for sustained periods with available on-board power sources.
In a battery operated system where the light is not in the operator's field of vision, it is not always possible to tell if the light is working. It is the intent of one embodiment of the system of the instant invention to provide a means of signaling to the user that the system is functioning correctly and has adequate battery strength by generating an audible tone when the light unit receives a coded signal from the transmitter when it is activated after a period of inactivity. In addition, if the battery strength drops below a specified level, a single LED will flash rapidly or stay illuminated until the batteries are changed.
Since one embodiment of the unit may be utilized in harsh conditions, it has been designed with simplicity and ruggedness in mind. There are no moving parts, the system is designed to handle shock and vibration and resistance to moisture. The case has been designed to seal with an O-ring seal and has no case penetration or need for any switches or wires. Additionally, this embodiment of the device features a sensory circuit that will automatically turn the unit on (i.e. "awaken" the unit from a low-energy consumption "sleep" mode) when it is used, preventing human error such as failure to turn the unit on.
The H-field backscatter signal generator used in one embodiment of the invention is a superior design over other wireless links such as infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) that are more susceptible to interference and disruption.
To increase the visibility in other applications such as bicycle, off road use and racing, a user selectable option will allow for an initial rapid flash to alert others to a braking condition.
Heretofore, a number of patents and publications have disclosed remotely controlled vehicular safety lights, the relevant portions of which may be briefly summarized as follows:
U.S. Pat. No. 6,406,168, "Helmet Mounted brake light," of Whiting discloses a lighting system that uses radio frequency communication. The system of Whiting is relatively high in power consumption, is prone to interference, and has no provision for a single helmet to communicate with several transmitters.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,209, "Remote controlled safety light having increased noise discrimination," of Benson et al. discloses a simple radio frequency controlled "on" mechanism that turns on a helmet light for a predetermined amount of time once a brake signal is received. There is no intelligence provided in that the brake light therein stays on only as long as such "predetermined amount of time" allows.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,099, "Motorcycle safety helmet," of Harris discloses a lighting system using a beam of light or a sonic beam to operate a remote brake light including light transmission to include an optic fiber. These methods of activation are inherently prone to interference from stray light sources, such as infrared light emanating from heated surfaces, which are common in heavy vehicle traffic.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,707, "Motorcycle safety helmet system," of Gebelein et al. discloses an Infrared transmitter/receiver that requires a line of sight between the transmitter and receiver thereof. Such device is also prone to interference from the sun and other light sources
In spite of the provision of these and other lighting devices and systems, an optimum solution to the problem of providing a lighting system that is remotely operated, easily programmed, low in power consumption, highly visible, not susceptible to interference from other communication devices, and is durable in the environment; and provides on-board diagnostics and automated failsafe functionality with visual and audible cues has not been heretofore provided. Prior art devices also use communication means that have relatively high power consumption; hence such devices must use lower power/lower brightness lighting as a tradeoff of sacrifice due to their communication power demands.
In view of the above shortcomings in the prior art devices, embodiments of the present invention are provided that meet at least one or more of the following objects of the present invention.
It is one object of the present invention to provide an energy efficient remote auxiliary vehicle safety lighting device.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a wireless system capable of displaying brake lights, running lights, turn indicators, hazard lights, and emergency lights.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a lighting system having an H-field backscatter generator capable of broadcasting a unique code set, thereby preventing interference between vehicles when two or more system equipped vehicles are in close proximity.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a lighting system having an H-field backscatter generator capable of broadcasting more than one code set, thereby allowing several magnetic-couplings to be used independently with one H-field backscatter generator.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lighting system that is safe, easy to use and comparatively cost effective.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lighting system that does not sacrifice the brightness of the lighting thereof because of high power consumption by communication circuitry.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a lighting system that is flexible in use, enabling combinations of multiple transmitters and multiple receivers to communicate, and enabling the system to be deployed on a variety of vehicles and objects to be illuminated.


A method and an apparatus for easily updating map data in real time, using a device employing map data or a navigation system, through a transport protocol expert group (TPEG) service, and a computer-readable medium storing a computer program for executing the method, as provided. The method includes determining if the map data has changed using location information received from at least one of a broadcasting network, the Internet, and a transmission medium; and updating the map data based on the location information if the map data has changed.

This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2004-0092337, filed on Nov. 12, 2004, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention relate to using map data, and more particularly, to updating map data in a device employing the map data or a navigation system.
2. Description of the Related Art
A device employing map data or a navigation system stores map data when the device or navigation system is manufactured. The device may be a portable phone, a portable device, such as a notebook computer, or a desktop computer. However, map data changes over time. Thus, a device manufacturer or a navigation system manufacturer periodically provides the map data online or offline, or provides the map data online or offline whenever the map data of a specific area changes. A user then updates the map data stored in the device or the navigation system based on the map data provided by the manufacturer.
However, the manufacturer must collect updated map data from a variety of sources, such as from satellite imagery, traffic cameras and correspondents, etc. The manufacturer then processes the collected map data into a format suitable for the device or the navigation system, stores the processed map data in a physical storage medium, such as a compact disk (CD) or a hard disk drive (HDD), and provides the stored map data offline or online, for example, using a wireless Internet connection.
The user updates the map data stored in the device or the navigation system by using the processed map data stored in the physical storage medium, for example, by connecting to a server of the manufacturer via a wireless Internet connection and downloading the processed map data.
Since it is necessary to update the map data stored in the device or the navigation system, the user cannot obtain updated map data in real time and must pay a separate communication fee or a data usage fee in order to download the updated map data.
In the case of an onboard navigation system in an automobile, the user should stop driving the automobile in order to update the map data of the navigation system. Additionally, the user cannot use the device or the navigation system during the updating process. For example, a user cannot update the map data stored in a portable phone while using the portable phone, but instead must wait until after hanging up the phone to update the map data.

Method and apparatus for updating map data, and computer-readable medium storing program for executing the method


As the gain control amplifiers for amplifying the reception signal, the step amplifiers are used. Two sets of these step amplifiers are provided and are then controlled to be used alternately. When switching of the gain occurs, after the gain is switched with the step amplifier not operated and offset is cancelled, the amplifier to which the reception signal is inputted is switched. Accordingly, the step amplifier can be used as the gain control amplifier for amplifying the reception signal to provide almost constant power consumption even when the gain is changed depending on the intensity of reception signal in the semiconductor integrated circuit device for communication to form a wireless communication system of dual-mode or more modes including the W-CDMA system. As a result, the operation life of battery, namely, the reception waiting period and communication period by single charging process can be expanded.

The present invention relates to a semiconductor integrated circuit, particularly a semiconductor integrated circuit device for communication comprising an signal amplifying circuit which can select variable gains and a high-gain amplifying circuit for amplifying the reception signal of a wireless communication equipment and also relates to the technique which can effectively be applied to the wireless communication equipment such as a portable telephone comprising the same semiconductor integrated circuit device for communication.
In the wireless communication equipment (mobile communication equipment) such as a mobile telephone and a portable telephone, a low-pass filter and a gain control amplifier are provided for the purpose that a baseband circuit amplifies weak reception signal up to the predetermined level enough for realizing various processes while it is eliminating noise and unwanted frequency signals.
In general, in the portable telephone of the conventional GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) and DCS (Digital Cellular System), a step amplifier which can change step by step the gain depending on the reception signal level is used as a gain control amplifier. Meanwhile, in the portable telephone of the W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) system, a linear amplifier which can linearly control the gain is proposed as an amplifier for amplifying the reception signal.

Semiconductor integrated circuit device and wireless communication system


A method and software program is used by patients for fitting and refitting of a DSP-based hearing assistance device. An audiologist user interface and patient user interface include soundmaps and slidebars to control collections of hearing parameters within the DSP of the device. Based on cognitive testing and training of the patient, the range of adjustment allowed within at least the patient user interface is limited. The software therefore always maintains 100% safety for the patient and/or user to finetune the hearing aid parameters without worrying about selecting parameter values which would leading to slowing the cognitive learning of the patient.

Human hearing is generally considered to be in the range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with greatest sensitivity to sounds including speech in the range of 1 kHz to 4 kHz. Most people naturally learn at a young age to differentiate and distinguish between different sounds, particularly sounds used frequently in the particular language commonly spoken around that young person. As people age, often their hearing slowly deteriorates, often with high frequency hearing or hearing of particular sounds decreasing more significantly than low frequency or other particular sounds. Hearing aids, personal sound amplifier products ("PSAPs") and similar hearing assist devices are used by many people to increase/adjust the amplitudes (and perhaps frequency) of certain tones and sounds so they will be better heard in accordance with their hearing loss profile. Cochlear implants, which output an electrical pulse signal directly to the cochlea rather than a sound wave signal sensed by the eardrum, are another type of hearing assist device which may involve customizing the signal for an individual's hearing loss or signal recognition profile.
For many years, the consensus approach used by hearing aid manufacturers and audiologists has been to focus on seeking perfect sound-quality that adjusts the gain and output to the individual hearing loss of their patients. Audiologists commonly perform a "fitting" procedure for hearing assist devices, and patients usually visit a hearing aid shop/audiologist to get the initial examination and fitting. The hearing aid shop/audiologist takes individual measurements of their patients, often measuring the hearing loss profile of the person being fitted, and taking additional measurements like pure tone audiometry, uncomfortable loudness of puretones, and speech audiometry. Using proprietary or standard algorithms, the audiologist then attempts to adjust the hearing aid profile of various parameters in the hearing assist device, usually within a digital signal processor ("DSP") amplifier of the hearing assist device. For instance, primary parameters which are adjusted in fitting a particular DSP amplifier (an OVERTUS amplifier marketed by IntriCon Corporation of Arden Hills, Minn.) include overall pre-amplifier gain, compression ratios, thresholds and output compression limiter (MPO) settings for each of eight channels, time constants, noise reduction, matrix gain, equalization filter band gain settings for each of twelve different frequency bands, and adaptive feedback canceller on/off. The typical fitting process usually involves identifying the softest sound which can be heard by the patient at a number of different frequencies, optionally together with the loudest sound which can be comfortably heard by the patient at each of those frequencies.
With all of these various parameter settings which can be adjusted by the audiologist during fitting, there are millions of different audio signal transfer functions which can be achieved with any particular DSP-based hearing aid. If the hearing impaired person has no measurable hearing in some frequencies, the audiologist commonly minimizes or eliminates those frequencies in the output so as to provide the greatest signal to noise ratio (i.e., to provide the most information) in the frequencies that the hearing impaired person has measureable hearing. That is, the consensus approach is to eliminate sounds output in so called "dead regions", and thereby eliminate background noise that could detract from intelligibility. In addition, hearing aid manufacturers and/or audiologists use several features (like automatic reduction of low frequency gain, etc.) to keep the acceptance level of users high. While audiologists can be provided guidelines and default settings that make fitting easier, audiologist fitting of the hearing aid and selecting each of these different parameter values tends to be more of an art than a science.
More recently, hearing aid manufacturers have added the capability of hearing aids to use wireless accessories such as external microphones and connections to smartphones to increase the usability of their hearing aids in different listening situations. These new capabilities still retain the focus on providing an objective "best" quality sound and signal to noise ratio, assuming that the entire hard-of-hearing problem is in the degradation of the ear to convert sound into a single "best" signal fed to the user's brain.
Even with the plethora of advances in modern hearing assist devices, many users find even high quality hearing aids to be unacceptable in improving their hearing sufficiently back to their memory of better hearing and understandability of speech and other sounds in differing listening environments. Many users are unsatisfied with the performance of their hearing assist devices, either as not optimally fitted, or as the hearing assist device is used in different environments with sound profiles and voices which differ from those used by the audiologist during fitting, or as the device gets dirty or device performance otherwise degrades during use. Particularly for users having a hearing loss in the range of 30-50 decibels in the critical speech containing frequencies, current fitting methods, even with a high quality hearing aid and professional assistance, do not allow the user to sufficiently understand speech, particularly in a noisy environment, to the same degree they could at a younger age. Better fitting methods are needed.

Hearing assist device fitting method and software


An imaging apparatus includes: a camera head that is provided with an image pickup device that outputs an image signal; a camera control unit that is connected to the camera head with a camera cable and outputs a video signal based on the image signal; a CDS circuit that performs co-related double sampling on the image signal; a pulse generator that outputs sample pulses to the CDS circuit; a phase adjusting unit that performs phase adjustment on a clock signal and outputs the adjusted clock signal to the pulse generator; a peak search unit that searches for a peak range in the image signal being performed with the co-related double sampling by the CDS circuit; and a phase control unit that controls the phase adjustment by the phase adjusting unit based on a result of the search by the peak search unit.

As a small-sized camera system, there has been used an imaging apparatus having a camera control unit and a camera head separate from the camera control unit, the camera head being employed with an imaging device such as a charge coupled device (CCD).
The imaging apparatus having such separate camera head is provided with the camera head (also simply referred to as a camera head) and a camera control unit (CCU). The camera head outputs a pixel signal (image signal) obtained by an image pickup device such as a charge coupled device (CCD). The CCU has a signal processing circuit for obtaining a video signal to display an image based on the pixel signal output from the camera head. The camera head and the CCU are connected to each other by a dedicated camera cable.
The imaging apparatus outputs the video signal from the CCU to a display device so that an image of a subject captured by the camera head can be observed on a screen of the display device.
An example of a conventional imaging apparatus having a separate camera head is disclosed in JP-A-11-341337. The imaging apparatus disclosed in this publication is designed to correct a phase difference generated between a first synchronizing signal for driving the camera head and a second synchronizing signal for setting timing of the signal processing circuit due to the length of the camera cable to thereby correct a delay time caused by the cable length.
The conventional imaging apparatus having the separate camera head is configured to have the camera cable having a given length for connecting the camera head and the CCU.
However, the length of the camera cable slightly varies due to a manufacturing margin even when the length is designed to be the given length.
When the ratio of the variation to the length of the cable is constant, the individual variation of the cable length increases as the length of the camera cable is designed to be longer. The time required for signal transmission becomes longer as the length of the camera cable increases. Accordingly, when the camera cable is long, the variation of the signal delay time caused by the individual variation of the cable length becomes larger.
Moreover, when the band of the signal used in the imaging apparatus is widened and the resolution or frame rate becomes higher, the requirement to reduce the variation of the signal delay time becomes severe. It is therefore necessary to improve various specifications of the camera cable to a higher level to reduce the variation range of the delay time.
There is however a limit to improve specifications of the camera cable with respect to the variation of the delay time. It is therefore preferable that the imaging apparatus can suitably perform signal processing in accordance with the delay time of the camera cable to keep desired performance.

Imaging apparatus having camera control unit and separate camera head


A cuvette package for loading multicell cuvettes from the package into measurement instruments having their cuvette loading accessories designed to accept known packages. On top of a row of multicell cuvettes is attached a detachable bonding strip having a width smaller than that of the width of the row of multicell cuvettes. The bonding strip serving to keep the row of cuvettes together during transport and being easily detachable when the cuvettes are being loaded into the instrument. The multicell cuvettes are loaded into the instrument from the dispensing device which supports the cuvette in place and has its top surface provided with an opening permitting the removal of the strip by pulling off from the supported multicell cuvette package.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a cuvette package, a method of loading multicell cuvettes packaged in such a package into a measurement instrument and a dispensing device for loading multicell cuvettes from said package according to the invention into measurement instruments having their cuvette dispensing means designed for packages that have been used earlier.
2. Description of the Related Art
For the assay of different liquids, analytic laboratories employ automatic analyzers in which the liquids to be assayed are placed in reaction vessels, designed to perform simultaneously as cuvettes of high optical quality. Generally, a row of reaction vessels or single-cell cuvettes may be combined into a multicell module of reaction vessels, separated from each other by a vertical wall and cast into a single-piece row. Herein, the reaction vessels are adapted side-by-side into an integral module with a common wall separating any two adjacent vessels and the long vertical sides of the multicell cuvettes made straight so that the multicell cuvettes in turn can be placed side-by-side into a contiguous row in which the long sides of the cuvettes are tightly adjacent to each other. Thus, the cuvettes can be stored in a rectangular container during transport and other handling. Such a multicell cuvette design is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,690,900. Cuvettes of the above-described type are easy to handle and give reliable measurement results.
In use, cuvettes must be kept free from dust, scratches and breakage so that the radiation passed in the analyzing instrument via the transmissive window surfaces of the reaction vessels would give reliable assay results. Hence, cuvettes must be treated with great care immediately after their manufacture in the subsequent packaging, storage, transport and measurement steps.
In the practical use of such cuvettes, a need has arisen for such a packaging method of cuvettes that can keep the cuvettes absolutely free from dust, scratches and fingerprint stains. While the packaging step ensuing the injection-molding of the cuvettes can be performed fully controlled by automation methods and means, impact blows and human mishandling of the cuvette packages themselves during the loading of the cuvettes into the analyzing instrument have caused problems. To minimize such drawbacks, a cuvette packaging method has been developed in which the cuvettes are packaged into a row placed in a covered box with a removable cover. The mouth part of the package is shaped to fit into the cuvette intake port of the instrument, and the push lid of the package is provided with a pusher element for loading the cuvettes into instrument. When the package is attached to the cuvette intake port of the instrument, the cuvettes are transferred into the instrument by way of pushing the row of multicell cuvettes from behind with the help of the detachable push lid of the package, said lid incorporating a separate pusher element, which forms the other end of the package when the lid is still attached to the package. The benefits of this packaging method include dust-free handling, freedom from fingerprint contamination on the optical window areas of the cuvette or scratches of the same due to manual handling. Such a loading procedure and package is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,636,477.
Such a box package has, however, some drawbacks which deteriorate its handling properties and increase packaging costs. The manufacture of the packaging box is costly in regard to the cost of cuvettes, whereby the unit price of assays will be increased by the expensive package. The discarded packages leave a great amount of plastic scrap to be transported to a dump or plastic materials recycling site. As the consumption of cuvettes in many laboratories has a high volume and the material of the packaging box may be different from the other plastic scrap resulting from the operation of the laboratory, this conventional arrangement is inferior in terms of recycling. Furthermore, the sorting and storage of cuvette packages in the laboratory spaces is clumsy. Since cuvettes are disposables and thus should not be recycled but as material, the cuvette package should contain the absolute minimum of material and the packaging materials should be easy to collect and recycle. While cuvettes in principle could be washed and reused, their optical window surfaces are extremely sensitive to contamination and mechanical damage. Therefore, cuvette manufacturers advise against reuse of cuvettes, because the risk of erroneous measurement results due to damaged/soiled cuvettes is high in the reuse of cuvettes.
Due to lower cost and material minimization, the cuvette packaging box must be made from thin material, whereby its rigidity is impaired. Resultingly, the box is readily warped and distorted as well as clumsy to use; the box and the cuvettes therein tilt easily, the cuvettes topple during their loading into the instrument and the box mouth cannot be held positively mounted on the cuvette intake port of the instrument. When fallen or tilted cuvettes are guided or erected manually, they are easily damaged by fingerprints or even scratches, which may cause erroneous measurement results. One problem hampering conventional packages is that the intake capacity of cuvette loading bays varies between different instrument makes, whereby also a varying number of excess cuvettes will always remain in the cuvette packages, and resultingly, the next batch of cuvettes must be loaded from two boxes in succession, whereby the number of incorrectly loaded cuvettes obviously will be higher.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,759,374 (Helger et al) discloses a cuvette package wherein the individual cuvettes are bonded together by a film or foil attached to the openings of the cuvettes. The foil is provided with severing lines for separating the cuvettes from each other and the foil can be removed simultaneously. The drawback of this method is that each cuvette has to be separated from the package by hand and the surface of the cuvettes may be thus contaminated. Also separation of the cuvettes by hand from the package requires al lot of manual work and is very slow. Thus this package provides a lucrative method for sealing the cuvettes and forming a transport package but the package and cuvettes are cumbersome to handle in laboratories.

Multicell cuvette package, method of loading multicell cuvettes into a measurement instrument and a dispensing device for loading cuvettes