A polymeric foam finishing pad is made by attaching a dense array of individual foam members to a suitable support substrate. The foam members are individually inserted into a support substrate and attached to the substrate by an adhesive layer. When making the foam pad, each of the foam members is preferably folded and inserted into a preformed opening contained in the support substrate, such that each foam member forms a pair of fingers that extend from the front face of the support substrate. The outer tip of each foam finger may include a pair of slits extending into the foam member from the outer tip.

The present invention pertains to the field of foam buffing and pads. More specifically, the invention is a rotary pad made from foam string material for buffing and polishing painted or similarly finished surfaces.
Foam buffing pads are now used in many buffing and polishing operations where synthetic or natural fiber pads, such as tufted wool pads, had previously been used. In particular, open cell polyurethane foam pads, with both reticulated and non-reticulated cell structures, have become particularly popular. However, despite certain advantages of polymer foam pads over fibrous and tufted pads, there are still a number of inherent disadvantages attendant the use of foam pads. These disadvantages include the "chatter" or jumping of the pad by excess frictional surface contact between flat working surface portions of the pad and the surface of the work being finished; splattering of the polish or other finishing compound as a result of the compound being thrown radially outwardly by centrifugal force; and, burning of the surface of the work being finished by the high speed outer edge portions of the rotary pad.
Attempts have been made to minimize or eliminate these problems by varying the type and density of foam used and by changing the working surface of the pads. Initially, foam pads were made of a generally cylindrical disc with a flat planar working face and, typically, with a radiused outer edge providing the transition between the working face and the outer cylindrical edge face. However, flat pads are particularly subject to chatter and provide little deterrent to the splatter of polish. Flat faced pads also give the operator little control over variations in the working surface actually in contact with the work surface being finished or polished. One attempt at solving the problems presented by flat foam buffing pads was the introduction of buffing pads having working surfaces with a convoluted or waffle shape. One such pad was previously made by Lake Country Manufacturing, Inc. Although this pad provided variable working surface contact by varying operator-applied pressure, surface contact was somewhat difficult to control and the pad did little to prevent splatter. A different approach to solving the prior art problem is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,215 where a cylindrical foam pad has a recessed center portion or portions within which the polishing compound may be trapped against radial splatter. This pad also provides the ability the alter the working surface contact by varying operator-applied pressure. However, neither of the foregoing pads adequately solves all of the prior art problems.
One recent attempt to solve the remaining problems inherent in foam buffing pads has resulted in the introduction of a pad having a working face comprising a concave central contact surface which increases radially inwardly with increasing pad compression by the operator. This pad has helped reduce chatter and improved operator control of the working surface contact area.
However, all of the foregoing foam pads are characterized by their monolithic body construction in which the foam bodies are made of a single uniform layer of foam material and, as a result, have an uninterrupted working face regardless of variations in face contour. As a result, monolithic polymeric foam pads remain subject to pad chatter, relatively rapid working surface contamination, undesirable swirl marks, and susceptibility to tearing out of large pieces of the foam body as a result of contact with obstructions during finishing operation.
As a result, foam buffing and finishing pads have never completely replaced pads made with tufted wool fibers or other natural or synthetic fibers. U.S. Pat. No. 2,690,661 shows an attempt to provide a hybrid pad comprising a tufted construction of cotton strands to which an outer layer of cellulose material is intimately bonded. If a pad of this construction was ever commercialized, its use today is not known.

Foam buffing pad of individual string-like members and method of manufacture thereof


A method of forming a ROM includes forming a pad oxide layer on a P-type substrate, forming a silicon nitride layer on the pad oxide layer and patterning the silicon nitride layer. A field oxide layer is formed over the substrate. The silicon nitride layer is removed. The P-type substrate is doped using first N-type ions to form a plurality of essentially parallel N-pole regions. An insulating layer is formed over the field oxide layer. A plurality of contact windows are formed within the insulating layer to expose a portion of the N-pole regions. The P-type substrate is doped and annealed, to form a plurality of N-type diffusion regions under the exposed portions of the N-pole regions. The N-pole regions are doped and annealed, to form a plurality of P-type diffusion regions in the exposed portions of the N-pole regions. A metal layer is formed which fills the contact windows. The metal layer is patterned to form a plurality of essentially parallel word lines. A read only memory device is proposed that includes a plurality of essentially parallel N-pole regions are located on a substrate. A plurality of N-type diffusion regions are located under selected portions of respective N-pole regions. A plurality of P-type diffusion regions are located over respective selected portions of the N-pole regions. Each respective P-type diffusion region and associated N-pole region forms a diode.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates in general to a read only memory (ROM) diode and a method of making the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a ROM that uses a diode as a memory cell, and a method of making such a memory cell.
2. Description of the Related Art
Read only memory is widely used in mini computers, micro processors and other digital hardware. A ROM can be used to store system information, for example, basic input/output system (BIOS) information. However, ROM devices are difficult to manufacture and the various manufacturing and pretreatment steps are time consuming. Therefore, customers typically deliver programming data to the factory that makes the ROM devices, which then programs the ROM device to complete the product.
Because ROM devices typically have similar structures (with the exception of the data which is stored in the ROM device during the programming step), in most integrated circuit (IC) factories a ROM is produced without performing the programming steps, and is stored. After receiving the program from the customer, a mask is produced so that the necessary programming step can be performed and production finished, thus reducing the lead time and thereby providing better customer service. Therefore, a ROM that is post-programmed using a mask is commonly used in the art.
Channel transistors are normally used as memory cells for ROM. In the programming process, specific channel regions of the channel transistors are selectively implanted with impurities, thus modifying the threshold voltages of the transistors. This controls the conductivity of the memory cell. A detailed description of a conventional ROM structure is as follows, with reference to FIG. 1A through FIG. 1C. FIG. 1A is a top, partial view of a conventional ROM. FIG. 1B is a front, partial view of the conventional ROM. FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the ROM. The conventional ROM includes a substrate 10, a plurality of bit lines 11 (BL), an oxide layer 12, and a plurality of word lines 13. The substrate 10 is, for example, a P-type substrate. The bit lines 11, oxide layer 12, and word lines 13 are formed on the substrate 10. As shown in FIG. 1A, the region surrounded by the dotted line forms a memory cell 14. Data in binary form, such as "0" or "1", is stored in the memory cell by implantation of a channel 16 (FIG. 1c).
Referring also to FIG. 1C, an N-type implantation is performed using, for example, arsenic ions to form bit lines 11, with the bit lines 11 being arranged with an equal distance between each other. Channel 16 is formed between adjacent bit lines 11. Next, oxide layer 12 is formed on the surface of bit lines 11 and channel 16 using an oxidation process. A conductive layer, for example, a layer of heavy doped polysilicon, is formed over the substrate 10. Using photolithography and etching processes, word lines 13 (which cross bit lines 11) are formed from the conductive layer. Next, channel transistors are formed to complete the manufacture of a conventional ROM (with the exception of programming processing). Next, a series of continuous programming steps is performed. A mask 15 is formed over the ROM to expose the portions of channel 16 which are to be encoded. Then, a P-type implantation is performed using, for example, boron ions to implant a code. However, the type of the implanted impurity is selected depending on the characteristics of the transistor.
Channel transistors are typically used as memory cells in the conventional ROM described above. As is well known, the process of making the channel transistor is complex. Because a metal-oxide-semiconductor transistor is difficult to minimize, the integration of devices can not be effectively performed. Further, in the manufacturing of the conventional ROM, the bit lines are formed using N-type implantation. Because the resistance of the bit lines is about 100 ohm per square, operating current cannot be increased. Further, because of the lower breakdown voltage of the channel transistor, the decoding operating voltage is limited. These limitations may result in an output error.


A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for optimizing SQL queries in a relational database management system involving aggregate and grouping functions. A local aggregation operation is performed on one or more processors of a massively parallel processor (MPP) computer system, wherein rows of the table that are local to each processor are locally aggregated to create one or more aggregate result rows. The aggregate result rows created by each of the local aggregation operations are then re-distributed to one or more processors and coalesced into a global aggregate result row by a global aggregation operation.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to database management systems performed by computers, and in particular, to the optimization of SQL queries in a relational database management system involving aggregate expressions and grouping clauses.
2. Description of Related Art
Relational DataBase Management Systems (RDBMS) using a Structured Query Language (SQL) interface are well known in the art. The SQL interface has evolved into a standard language for RDBMS software and has been adopted as such by both the American Nationals Standard Organization (ANSI) and the International Standards Organization (ISO).
In RDBMS software, all data is externally structured into tables. A table in a relational database system is two dimensional, consisting of rows and columns. Each column has a name, typically describing the type of data held in that column. As new data is added, more rows are inserted into the table. A user query selects some rows of the table by specifying clauses that qualify the rows to be retrieved based on the values in one or more of the columns.
The SQL interface allows users to formulate relational operations on the tables. One of the most common SQL queries executed by RDBMS software is the SELECT statement. In the SQL standard, the SELECT statement generally comprises the format: "SELECT <clause>FROM <clause>WHERE <clause>GROUP BY <clause>HAVING <clause>ORDER BY <clause>." The clauses generally must follow this sequence, but only the SELECT and FROM clauses are required.
Generally, the result of a SELECT statement is a subset of data retrieved by the RDBMS software from one or more existing tables stored in the relational database, wherein the FROM clause identifies the name of the table or tables from which data is being selected. The subset of data is treated as a new table, termed the result table.
The WHERE clause determines which rows should be returned in the result table. Generally, the WHERE clause contains a search condition that must be satisfied by each row returned in the result table. The rows that meet the search condition form an intermediate set, which is then processed further according to specifications in the SELECT clause.
The search condition typically comprises one or more predicates, each of which specify a comparison between two values comprising columns, constants or correlated values. Multiple predicates in the WHERE clause are themselves typically connected by Boolean operators.
The SELECT statement may also include a grouping function indicated by the GROUP BY clause. The GROUP BY causes the rows in the intermediate result set to be grouped according to the values specified in the clause.
A number of column or aggregate functions are also built into SQL, such as MAX (maximum value in column), MIN (minimum value in column), AVG (average of values in column), SUM (sum of values in column), and COUNT (number of rows).
Queries using aggregate expressions return as many result rows as there exist unique "result groups" in the source of the aggregation. A result group is defined as the set of values contained in the fields of a row corresponding to the list of columns or expressions specified in the GROUP BY clause of the query. The value of the aggregate function is the cumulative result of applying the function to the result of the contained expression for each row having the same result group.
While there have been various techniques developed for optimizing the performance of SQL statements, there is a need in the art for optimization techniques involving aggregate expressions and grouping clauses.

Optimization of SQL queries involving aggregate expressions using a plurality of local and global aggregation operations


In one aspect, semiconductor structures are described herein. A semiconductor structure, in some implementations, comprises a first semiconductor layer having a first bandgap and a first lattice constant and a second semiconductor layer having a second bandgap and a second lattice constant. The second lattice constant is lower than the first lattice constant. Additionally, a transparent metamorphic buffer layer is disposed between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. The buffer layer has a constant or substantially constant bandgap and a varying lattice constant. The varying lattice constant is matched to the first lattice constant adjacent the first semiconductor layer and matched to the second lattice constant adjacent the second semiconductor layer. The buffer layer comprises a first portion comprising AlyGazIn(1-y-z)As and a second portion comprising GaxIn(1-x)P. The first portion is adjacent the first semiconductor layer and the second portion is adjacent the second semiconductor layer.

In some cases, multijunction solar cells can exhibit high conversion efficiencies relative to single junction solar cells. However, to achieve highly efficient multijunction solar cells, the use of low bandgap subcells such as 1.0 eV and 0.68 eV subcells can be important. Some multijunction solar cells can exhibit a large lattice mismatch between the substrate and the semiconductor layers of one or more subcells of the multijunction device, especially low bandgap subcells. For this reason a step graded buffer layer is sometimes used to connect subcells having large lattice mismatches. Unfortunately, some existing buffer layers require high thermal loads during manufacture. High thermal loads can degrade the performance of the resulting solar cell in operation.
Therefore, there exists a need for improved semiconductor structures, devices, and manufacturing methods that can provide multijunction solar cells having higher efficiencies than some existing multijunction cells.

Optoelectric devices comprising hybrid metamorphic buffer layers


A centerless cylindrical grinding machine, for through-feed and in-feed grinding of various workpieces (8), has a first driven positioning axis XS for a grinding spindle head (2) with a grinding wheel (1) and a second driven positioning axis XR, running parallel to the positioning axis XS, for a regulating spindle head (4), with a regulating wheel (3). The positioning axes XS and XR are arranged perpendicular to the rotation axes (5, 6) or the grinding wheel (1) and the regulating wheel (3). A workpiece support (7) on a carriage (12) and an inner- or outer-acting wheel-true device (9) are arranged between the grinding spindle head (2) and the regulating spindle head (4). During operation, the grinding spindle head (2), the regulating spindle head (4), the workpiece support (7) and the wheel-true device (9) are located within a safety housing (15). The carriage (12) may be adjusted along a driven positioning axis YW which runs at right angles to the positioning axes XS and XR, along a carriage track (13) and may be moved to a position outside the safety housing (15). The invention has the advantages that the machine is not just a simpler and therefore cheaper, but is also more reliable in operation and permits easy retooling.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a centreless cylindrical grinding machine for through-feed and in-feed grinding of various workpieces. Instead of the terms through-feed and in-feed grinding other terms such as longitudinal grinding and traverse grinding are also used in the literature.
2. Description to Related Art
Centreless cylindrical grinding machines differ from the usual cylindrical grinding methods in that the workpiece to be processed is not clamped positively in the machine or a device, but rests loosely on a support (workpiece support). Centreless grinding enables higher manufacturing precision and higher productivity compared to other cylindrical grinding methods.
Current construction of centreless cylindrical grinding machines usually have a grinding spindle head driven in an axis (XS) with a grinding wheel a well as a regulating wheel spindle head with a regulating wheel likewise driven in an axis (XR). Fixed solidly on the machine bed between both spindle heads is the workpiece support or a bearing block serving the same purpose. Wheel-truing attachments for the grinding wheel and the regulating wheel are as a rule attached externally and can be moved by other driven axes (X′ and Y′ as well as X″ and Y″) relative to the respective spindle heads. The drawback to this construction is that there is a large number—as many as six!—of driven positioning axes, making these machines considerably more expensive.
EP-0 674 970 describes a centreless cylindrical grinding machine, in particular used for manufacturing valve rods and the like. The machine is operated in through-feed mode, since the regulating wheel is slightly inclined compared to the grinding wheel. The machine has a fixed workpiece support in the form of a plate with an angled bearing surface as well as motor-adjustable limit stops for positioning the workpiece arranged on both sides. The limit stops can be positioned in a direction parallel to the rotating axis of the grinding wheel. The workpiece support and the grinding spindle head and the regulating spindle head are not located inside a safety housing. Since the workpiece support is arranged fixed, there is also no possibility of moving the workpiece support for the purpose of operating from the danger zone of the grinding and regulating wheel.
GB-2 206 299 describes a centreless cylindrical grinding machine in which two workpiece supports are arranged on a shuttle which in turn glides on a carriage track. The carriage is not driven, but can be moved for loading the workpieces or for unloading same on one or the other side, such that at least one of the workpiece supports comes to rest fully beyond the processing zone between the grinding and the regulating wheel. The carriage with the workpiece support serves only to pick up the workpieces, carries no wheel-truing attachments and structurally is not designed to pick up wheel-truing attachments. The grinding and the regulating wheel are arranged in a work station and there are also several partial regulating wheels present. The partial regulating wheels seem to always come into use at the same time.
DE 1 994 0687 describes in FIG. 8 a grinding machine for centreless grinding of workpieces with a carriage, located on which is a workpiece support and to which dressers are also fastened. The carriage is driven and (again with the aid of the abovementioned axis directions) and can be moved in Y direction, while the grinding and the regulating wheel can be moved in XS or XR direction respectively. Through this arrangement the number of driven positioning axes is reduced, without any loss in functionality as compared to 4-axis or even 6-axis driven machines. Furthermore, with this machine type the rotating axis of the grinding wheel is set obliquely to a longitudinal central axis running in Y direction.
In this machine type the workpiece support is moved into a position next to the grinding and the regulating wheel during a truing procedure, but even then remains in the immediate vicinity of same and there are no separating or safety means which reliably protect the operator from accidental contact with the grinding wheel or the regulating wheel while a workpiece is being changed. The workpiece support can thus not be fully removed for operating from the danger zone of grinding wheel and regulating wheel. The dressers attached to the carriage in this machine can only be used in an inner-acting manner (inner-acting here means that they are put to use in the region of the workpiece support, thus essentially between the grinding and the regulating wheel). With regard to protection and accessibility during change of dressers essentially the same disadvantages arise as during exchange of workpieces.
More recent machines are often fully contained, thus guaranteeing a high level of safety. One of the manufacturers for example is the firm SCHAUDT MIKROSA BWF in Leipzig, with the machine type KRONOS S. The firm DOUGLAS CURTIS LTD in Colchester, Essex is manufacturer of another centreless cylindrical grinding machine of more recent construction of the type CURTIS UCG [Universal Centerless Grinder]. Information on both firms and machine types can be accessed via the Internet. With the abovementioned machines the moving parts are always arranged completely inside a full housing.


The invention relates to a cosmetic active ingredient comprising at least one Metschnikowia reukaufii extract, and the use of same for the cosmetic treatment of the skin, in particular for improving the radiance of the complexion by acting on the skin microbiota. The active ingredient is effective on mature skin. The invention also concerns compositions comprising the cosmetic active ingredient and a cosmetic method for treating the skin using these compositions.

The skin coexists with many bacterial communities. Studies aimed at analyzing the interactions between the skin and its microbiota have multiplied in recent years and consumers are informed and educated on the benefits of bacteria and the importance of preserving this flora. Indeed, skin microbiota regulated on the surface of the skin influences immunity, nutrition and defense against pathogenic attacks. Thus, this symbiosis between the skin and its microbiota is beneficial and essential to its beauty. Unfortunately, under certain conditions, this fragile balance can be upset, which leads to the appearance of cosmetic disorders in the skin. This is the case in particular when skin ages, which causes an imbalance in the skin flora, which is responsible for the deterioration of the quality of the skin and in particular a dull complexion. The object of the invention is that of providing a solution capable of acting on the skin microbiota, in particular mature skin, in order to rebalance it and thus improve the quality of the skin, specifically the radiance of the complexion.

Metschnikowia reukaufii extract and use in cosmetics

SOCIETE INDUSTRIELLE LIMOUSINE D'APPLICATION BIOLOGIQUE


According to the present invention provided is an accounting means that is superior in safety and usability. The accounting means comprises: payment means including a plurality of systems of communication means; charging means including a plurality of systems of communication means; and settlement means including a plurality of systems of communication means. Since the payment means and the settlement means exchange transaction data by communicating with each other, it is possible to prevent the assessment of an illegal charge by the charging means. In addition, since a signature (a digital signature) and an accounting statement are exchanged by communication between the payment means and the charging means, the efficiency of the sale can be improved.

As the employment of bank cards, such as credit cards, has spread, retail sales transactions involving the use of credit cards have become quite common. Concurrently, however, in consonance with the growing popularity of credit card use, there has been a corresponding increase in such criminal activities as the counterfeiting of credit cards, the theft and the illegal use of credit cards by unauthorized persons, and the illegal assessment of charges by shops, so that a need exists for means by which to improve the safety of transactions handled by settlement systems. Recently, as a countermeasure to prevent credit card forgery, an IC credit card has been introduced.
A description will now be given of a settlement system for which conventional credit cards, to include IC credit cards, are used.
As is disclosed in Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. Hei 3-32100, for transactions involving the use of bank cards, such as credit cards, many settlement systems have been proposed and are now employed that permit the exchange of authorization and credit clearance data by terminals at shops and at control centers.
In FIG. 42 is shown the general structure of such a conventional settlement system.
In FIG. 42, a credit settlement terminal 4201 is installed at a shop for the performance of various credit transactions. The credit settlement terminal 4201 is connected to a remote settlement system 4202 via a telephone line 4204, a public network 4203, and a communication line 4205. The credit settlement terminal 4201 includes a card reader for reading information stored on a credit card 4200, a modem for connecting to the public network 4203, and a printer for printing a statement of accounts.
The settlement system 4202 is an information processing system for handling credit settlement or transactions, and for managing manage consumer credit information and account information under the terms of credit service contracts entered into by consumers.
On credit cards bearing the signatures of card holders, ID information is electronically recorded that corresponds to raised impressions of the names of the card holders and their assigned account numbers. The credit cards 4200 that are currently being used in this manner are magnetic credit cards and IC credit cards, the differences between them being that they require different external interfaces and that card readers used for reading their internally stored data must be those that correspond to the specific cards that are employed. Incidentally, in addition to the aforementioned ID data, on some types of credit cards various other personal data items can be stored.
The thus structured settlement system performs credit transactions using the following process.
First, when requesting the initiation of a credit transaction, a consumer hands a credit card 4200 to a shop clerk. The shop clerk then uses the card reader of the credit settlement terminal 4201 to read the credit card 4200, and proceeds to process the credit transaction.
When the card reader has read the ID data from the credit card 4200, the settlement terminal 4201 transmits to the settlement system 4202, via a modem connected to a data communication network, a message that includes the ID data, and a request for credit reference data and for the initiation of a credit transaction. Thereafter, the settlement system 4202 employs the ID data, and price data, which is also included in the message, to perform a credit reference process and other procedures required for the credit transaction, and then transmits a transaction completion message to the credit settlement terminal 4201. Upon receiving this message, the credit settlement terminal 4201 uses the printer to prepare a statement of account.
Finally, the shop clerk asks the consumer to sign the statement of account and confirms the consumer's signature by comparing it with the signature on the credit card 4200, and completes the credit transaction by returning the credit card 4200 to the customer with a copy of the statement of account.
When such a conventional settlement system is employed, however, since the credit card 4200 is physically transferred to the shop clerk and possession of the credit card 4200 number is thus acquired by the shop, the possibility exists that the number could be illegally used by the shop.
In addition, since according to the conventional credit system the shop is the dominant party in the credit process, in the course of a credit transaction the shop could cheat the consumer by charging a higher than actual price.
Furthermore, since according to the conventional settlement system a credit card 4200 is loaded directly into a credit settlement terminal that is installed in a shop and is thus susceptible to tampering by the shop, the shop could alter data recorded on the card, or illegally read personal data, other than ID data, stored on the card.
And then, with the conventional settlement system, a consumer is inconvenienced by having to carry a large number of credit cards, one for each credit service for which a contract has been entered into with a credit company.
Moreover, since with the conventional settlement system a physical card, i.e., a credit card, must be used as an authentication means, if a consumer desires to cancel a transaction for which the credit card was used, he or she must return to the location at which that transaction was concluded.
Also, with a conventional settlement system an account statement must be printed out on paper, and the time required for the printing constitutes an interruption that detracts from the efficiency with which the system handles a sale. Further, since a credit settlement terminal must be equipped with a printer, this adversely affects efforts to reduce the size and the cost of a credit settlement terminal.
In addition, since according to a conventional settlement system the signature of a consumer is required on an account statement, the time required for a clerk to request that a consumer sign a statement and for the consumer to actually sign it occupies the major portion of the credit transaction time, and further detracts from the efficiency of such a sale.
To resolve the above problems encountered with a conventional settlement system, one objective of the present invention is to provide transaction means for which superior safety and convenience are ensured.

Personal electronic settling system and a terminal and control apparatus therefor


A locking system for a floor panel includes a first connecting device, a second connecting device, and a third connecting device. The first connecting device includes a combination lock including an upwardly directed locking element configured to cooperate with a locking groove. The combination lock further including a flexible tongue in a displacement groove. The displacement groove and the flexible tongue of the combination lock are configured to cooperate with a tongue of a third connecting device.

In particular, yet not in a restrictive manner, the disclosure concerns a locking system for a floor panel and a set of floor panels mechanically joined to preferably a floating floor. However, the disclosure is as well applicable to building panels in general. More particularly, the disclosure relates to the type of mechanically locking systems comprising a flexible or partly flexible tongue and/or a displaceable tongue, in order to facilitate the installation of building panels.
A floor panel of this type is presented in WO2006/043893, which discloses a floor panel with a locking system comprising a locking element cooperating with a locking groove, for horizontal locking, and a flexible tongue cooperating with a tongue groove, for locking in a vertical direction. The flexible tongue bends in the horizontal plane during connection of the floor panels and makes it possible to install the panels by vertical folding or solely by vertical movement. By "vertical folding" is meant a connection of three panels where a first and second panel are in a connected state and where a single angling action connects two perpendicular edges of a new panel, at the same time, to the first and second panel. Such a connection takes place for example when a long side of the first panel in a first row is already connected to a long side of a second panel in a second row. The third panel is then connected by angling to the long side of the first panel in the first row. This specific type of angling action, which also connects the short side of the new panel and second panel, is referred to as "vertical folding". It is also possible to connect two panels by lowering a whole panel solely by vertical movement against another panel.

Locking system comprising a combination lock for panels


A novel process effective for the removal of organic sulfur compounds, organic nitrogen compounds and light olefins from liquid hydrocarbons is disclosed. The process more specifically addresses the removal of these contaminants from aromatic compounds including benzene and toluene and from naphtha. The liquid hydrocarbons are contacted with a blend of at least one metal oxide and an acidic zeolite. Preferably, the metal oxide comprises nickel oxide and molybdenum oxide and the acidic zeolite is acidic stabilized zeolite Y. This blend has a significant capacity for adsorption of impurities and can be regenerated by oxidative treatment.

Sulfur and other impurities such as organic nitrogen compounds and olefins are present in a wide range of mostly organic forms in both straight run and refined hydrocarbon streams, including, for example, gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene. Sulfur contaminants, while ubiquitous in hydrocarbon products, are suspected of causing adverse environmental effects when converted to sulfur oxides (SOx) upon combustion. SOx emissions are believed to contribute to not only acid rain, but also to reduced efficiency of catalytic converters designed to improve motor vehicle exhaust quality. Furthermore, sulfur compounds are thought to ultimately increase the particulate content of combustion products. Because of these issues, the reduction of the sulfur content in hydrocarbon streams has become a major objective of recent environmental legislation worldwide. The limit for sulfur in the United States, Canada, Japan, the European Community had been at 500 ppm, but recent changes or proposed changes in regulations have called for reducing the maximum limit for diesel sulfur to 5 to 15 ppm, depending upon the applicable regulation.
For the oil refiner, complying with such increasingly stringent specifications has become increasingly difficult as the limits for sulfur and other contaminants have been lowered. In particular, impurities such as thiophenes, organic nitrogen compounds and light olefins share the same boiling point with some desired product streams, such as benzene and toluene and are therefore difficult to remove.
Several prior art disclosures address sulfur contamination in refinery products. U.S. Pat. No. 2,769,760, for example, describes a hydrodesulfurization process with an additional conversion step that does not further reduce the sulfur level but converts some sulfur species to less corrosive forms, allowing the product to meet acidity requirements. Other disclosures are more specifically directed toward essentially complete sulfur removal from hydrocarbons. Particularly, the ability to oxidize sulfur compounds that are resistant to the aforementioned hydrogenation method is recognized in a number of cases. Oxidation has been found to be beneficial because oxidized sulfur compounds have an increased propensity for removal by a number of separation processes that rely on the altered chemical properties such as the solubility, volatility, and reactivity of such compounds. Techniques for the removal of oxidized organic sulfur compounds therefore include extraction, distillation, and adsorption.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,163,593, organic sulfur compounds contained in petroleum fractions are oxidized by contact with a mixture of H2O2 and a carboxylic acid to produce sulfones, which are then degraded by thermal treatment to volatile sulfur compounds. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,413,307, thiophene and thiophene derivatives are oxidized to sulfones in the presence of a dilute acid. The sulfones are then extracted using a caustic solution. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,341,448, the oxidation and thermal treatment steps are combined with hydrodesulfurization to greatly reduce the hydrocarbon sulfur content. As noted previously, the oxidation and hydrogenation techniques are effective for converting different types of organic sulfur-containing species, thereby leading to a synergistic effect when these methods are combined.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,505,210, sulfur contaminants in a hydrocarbon fraction are oxidized using hydrogen peroxide or other suitable oxidizing agent to convert bivalent sulfur to sulfones. The hydrocarbon, after having been subjected to oxidation conditions, is then contacted in this case with molten sodium hydroxide to produce a treated product of reduced sulfur content. Another example of a two-step oxidation and extraction method is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 3,551,328, where the extractant is a paraffinic hydrocarbon comprising a 3 to 6 carbon number alkane. Also, EP 0565324 A1 teaches the effectiveness of oxidizing sulfur-containing compounds followed by removal according to a number of possible separations known in the art.
In contrast to the prior art, applicant has determined that organic sulfur contaminants in hydrocarbon feed streams can be removed by a three component catalyst/adsorbent blend. The hydrocarbons purified by contact with this catalyst/adsorbent blend can now be used while the volatile sulfur is easily separable upon regeneration of the catalyst/adsorbent blend.

Removal of impurities from liquid hydrocarbon streams


The present invention relates to peptides immunoreactive with antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, nucleic acid sequences encoding these peptides, recombinant vector molecules, comprising these nucleic acid sequences, host cells transformed with the recombinant vector molecule, immunochemical reagents comprising the peptides or antibodies directed against the peptides, a test kit for the detection of T. gondii infections as well as a vaccine for the protection against T. gondii infections.. In particular the present invention provides peptides comprising part of the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID No.: 1.. A preferred embodiment of the present invention are peptides comprising at least part of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID No.: 3 or 5.. It has been found that the peptides according to the present invention are particularly suitable for diagnosing T. gondii infected humans.

T. gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite found throughout the world and capable of infecting all species of mammals and all types of cells within a given individual. T. gondii is classified as a coccidian with two life cycles, asexual and sexual.
In the asexual stage, T. gondii exists in different forms, for instance; tachyzoites, pseudocysts, bradyzoites, and oocysts. The tachyzoite is the obligate intracellular form of T. gondii which characterizes acute infection. The infective stage of T. gondii for human host cells is the pseudocyst. The pseudocyst has a diameter of 30-100 micrometers and contains hundreds to thousands of infectious units termed bradyzoites. Infection is frequently initiated by ingestion of pseudocysts present in raw or uncooked unfrozen meats. In addition, infection can occur by ingestion of oocysts in the faeces of cats experiencing active intestinal infection. Infections may also be acquired through blood or leukocyte transfusion, by organ transplantation or by transplacental transmission during pregnancy (Wilson et al., J. Exp. Med. 151, 328-346, 1980). The wall of either the pseudocyst or the oocyst is broken down in the small intestine by host digestive enzymes releasing the bradyzoites or sporozoites, respectively, which then penetrate the columnar epithelium. It is probable that bradyzoites or sporozoites reach the liver by the hematogenous route where they are ingested by Kupffer cells. Once inside a cell, the organisms are referred to as tachyzoites. Liver parenchymal cells also become infected (Kranenbuhl & Remington, Immun. of Parasitic Infections; eds. Cohen, S., Warren, K. S. London: Blackwell Scientific Publications pp. 356-421, 1982; Remington & Kranenbuhl, Immun. of Human Infection, part II, Edited by Nahmias, A. J., O'Reilly, R. J. New York, Plenum Medical Book Company, pp. 327-371, 1982).
Replication immediately follows entry into host cells. In the host, macrophages transport bradyzoites throughout the body. The bradyzoites survive and replicate within the macrophage parasitophorous vacuole by preventing the fusion of lysosomes with it. Replication results in the lysis of the host cell. Organisms are phagocytosed by new macrophages or other cell types and repeat the cycle.
The sexual stage of T. gondii occurs only in feline hosts (Miller et al., J. Parasitology, 58, p. 928-937, 1972). The intermediate host (e.g., mouse) becomes infected by ingesting either oocysts or pseudocysts. The mouse develops pseudocysts throughout its own tissues. The cat becomes infected when it eats infected meat (e.g., rodent tissues) containing the pseudocysts or ingests oocysts. Bradyzoites or sporozoites penetrate columnar epithelial cells and differentiate into merozoites. Following replication, merozoites rupture infected epithelial cells and infect adjacent ones. Some merozoites differentiate into pre-sex cells termed macrogametocytes (female form) and microgametocytes (male form). The microgametocytes fuse with macrogametocytes, forming zygotes termed oocysts (Dubey & Frenkel, J. Protozool. 19:155-177, 1972). Oocysts enter lumen of the small intestine and are defecated. Each oocyst sporulates in the soil, producing eight infectious sporozoites, the infectious stage for the intermediate host.
The bradyzoite is the form that encysts approximately 8-10 days after acquisition in vivo and characterizes the chronic, latent phase of infection. Thus, the bradyzoite form is the only stage that has the ability to initiate the enteroepithelial cycle.
T. gondii induces a mild or unapparent disease in healthy adults but causes a severe disease, toxoplasmosis, or even death in congenitally infected children and in immunocompromised patients. Primary infection of pregnant women occurs in European countries with frequencies between 0.2 and 1.0%. In approximately 40-50% of the cases, the unborn child is infected. Infection in the fetus during pregnancy will (in approximately 10% of the cases) lead to neonatal death or a severely multi-handicapped child, but in 90% of the cases the child will be born with an asymptomatic, latent infection (Desmonts and Couvreur, Ann. Pediatr. 1984, 31, 805-809; Alford et al. Bull. NY Acad. Med. 1974, 50, 160-181). Up to 85% of the patients with latent congenital toxoplasmosis will develop significant sequelae including one or more episodes of active retinochoroiditis. Other clinical symptoms are inflammation, lymphadenitis, encephalitis and fever.
In immunocompromised patients, especially in the case of AIDS, T. gondii causes a severe pathology. In approximately 30 percent of Toxoplasma-antibody positive patients with AIDS, toxoplasma encephalitis will develop due to reactivation of their latent infection. In immunocompetent humans, T. gondii infection induces a long-lasting protective immunity against reinfection (Remington & Krahenbuhl, 1982) that could be attributed to the persistence of encysted parasites throughout the host life.
There are several strains of T. gondii known. One of the most important strains is the RH-strain which is highly virulent and originally isolated from human brain tissue.
Most investigations in the past regarding T. gondii were focused on the identification and molecular characterization of tachyzoite-specific antigens. More than 1000 different T. gondii-specific proteins have been identified. Surface proteins of T. gondii have been studied extensively. Of these surface-proteins the RH strain p30 surface protein is the most abundant; it constitutes approximately 5% of the total tachyzoite protein. The p30 surface protein is recognized intensively by human IgM, IgG, IgA and IgE antibodies (Decoster et al., Clin. Exp. Immunol., 73, 376-382, 1988; Godard et al., Infect. Immun., 58, 2446-2450, 1990) and is therefore useful for diagnostic purposes. Using monoclonal antibodies directed against p30, two immunocapture tests have been developed for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma IgM (Cesbron et al., J. Immunol. Methods, 83, 151-158, 1985) and IgA (Decoster et al., Lancet, ii, 1104-1106, 1988) antibodies.
The present invention provides new peptides, immunoreactive with antibodies to T. gondii, that can be used in diagnosing T. gondii infections in humans.
In particular the present invention provides peptides, immunoreactive with antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, comprising part of the amino acid sequences as shown in SEQ ID No.: 1.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention are peptides comprising at least part of the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID No. 3 or 5.
Another preferred embodiment of the present invention are polypeptides comprising polymeric forms of said peptides.


Contemplated methods and devices are drawn to preparation and analysis of analytes from biological samples. In a preferred embodiment the analytes are nucleic acids that are both released from biological compartment present in the sample and fragmented through the use of a voltage potential applied to a pair of electrodes. The nucleic acids thus prepared are subsequently characterized.

Characterization of analytes found in biological samples is an integral part of both biological research and medical practice. Preparation of samples is a common first step in this process, and varies considerably in complexity depending on the nature of the analyte and the biological sample itself. For determination of the concentration of a therapeutic drug in plasma, sample preparation can be as simple as waiting for a clot to form and transferring a portion of the liquid fraction to an analyzer. Other analytes, such as nucleic acids, may normally be sequestered inside of cells or viruses from which they need to be released prior to characterization. In addition, once released it is often desirable to process such molecules further in order to simplify analysis.
Numerous methods are known for releasing analyte molecules from cells, including mechanical approaches (such as sonication, application of shear forces, application of heat and agitation in the presence of particles) and chemical methods (such as the use of heat (to produce chemical effect), surfactants, chaotropes, and enzymes). Some of these have been adapted for use in cartridge or microfluidics-based platforms such as those represented by single use in-office and point-of-care testing devices and, increasingly, as components of complex systems where contamination is a concern. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,874,046A discloses cell disruption through the use of ultrasonics and application of shear forces, among other methods. Similarly, GB2416030B discloses integrated devices that utilizes mechanical or enzymatic digestion to lyse cells and release their contents for analysis. U.S. Pat. No. 6,664,104B2 discloses devices that lyse cells by a variety of means including mechanical disruption, the application of ultrasound, and the addition of chaotropes to the sample. WO2011/119711A1 discloses an assay cartridge that utilizes elevated temperatures and pressures as a sample treatment to release analytes from such biological compartments. Unfortunately, mechanical methods for cell disruption can add significantly to the complexity of an integrated device and the supporting instrumentation. Similarly, addition of chemical reagents such as chaotropes or enzymes, to a sample not only require a means for metering the correct amount of reagent but may require removal of such reagents at a later point in the process lest they complicate analysis. This is particularly true for sensitive analytical methods such as PCR or electrochemistry.
Although it is often used for introduction of foreign genetic material into cells, electroporation has been shown to be an effective means for the release of nucleic acids from cells. Release of nucleic acids from algal cells has been disclosed (Bahi et al, J. R. Soc. Interface, 8:601-608 (2011)), by initially concentrating the cells on an electrode surface and applying a high frequency (600 kHz) current. Unfortunately, such conditions can lead to the production of considerable heat, which may be difficult to dissipate from a microfluidics device without the use of complex heat exchangers or other thermal transfer devices. US2010/0112667A1 discloses the use of a device with a complex electrode configuration that places numerous small insulators placed between a pair of electrodes in order to lyse cells; this configuration generates high current field gradients within the small gaps between the insulators and reduces power requirements. These conditions can also cause other undesirable effects such as bubbles, increased reactive or inhibiting agents, or breakdown of the supporting structures.
Lysis of eukaryotic cells by generation of hydrolysis products within a microfluidic device using electrodes has also been described (Di Carlo et al, Lab Chip, 5:171-178 (2005), wherein local generation of hydroxide ions at relatively high concentrations (estimated at approximately 20 mM) were found to be necessary for rapid lysis. These investigators did not report on recovery or characterization of analytes from the lysed cells. Lee et al (Lab Chip, 10:626-633 (2010)) describe a similar device that incorporates an ion exchange polymer diaphragm to generate high hydroxide concentrations in order to effectively lyse bacterial cells. The authors were able to perform PCR on DNA analytes released in this process but noted that this general approach was not suitable for use with RNA and PCR based detection techniques.
Overall, current methods for release of analytes from cells, viruses, and other biological compartments are difficult to implement in a self-contained microfluidic or point-of-care device. The relatively small size of such devices leads to volume restrictions that complicate operations such as fluid handling related to reagent addition and solid phase capture and release of analytes in order to remove such added reagents prior to analysis. Their reduced dimension also limit options for applying physical forces (such as ultrasound and shear forces) using conventional equipment and provide relatively little heat capacity to control temperature. While electrode-based methods such as electrochemical generation of reactive species have been used, their utility with certain analytes, notably RNA, is unclear. None of these approaches provides controlled analyte fragmentation, which is advantageous in many direct analytical methods, in addition to biological compartment lysis.
The above show that there is an unmet need for a method and device that not only provides reliable, rapid, easily controlled biological compartment lysis and fragmentation of the analytes thus released, but also has simple hardware requirements that are readily adaptable to small scale devices. Such a device and method may be incorporated into a microfluidic "lab on a chip" or point-of-care device where controlled cell lysis and analyte fragmentation has utility.

Diagnostic and sample preparation devices and methods


A method of performing multiple parallel event accumulations. This method permits devices to implement SONET/SDH Bit Error Rate monitoring on a large number of paths, but at a significantly lower cost of implementation than would be possible using existing approaches. The method removes the need for each path being monitored to have a time reference (frame counter) of its own. Instead, each monitoring path has two accumulators whose active regions will overlap in time such that the total number of frames covered will be a power of 2. This approach allows one global frame counter to be used for all the paths in question, even if those paths have completely different accumulation periods. This method of performing BER tests allows devices to perform such operations on thousands of tributary paths (VT, TU), rather than only on the STS-n/STM-n paths that most current SONET/SDH devices support.

1. Field of the Invention
In the field of communications, SONET and SDH are a set of related standards for synchronous data transmission over fiber optic networks. SONET is short for Synchronous Optical NETwork and SDH is an acronym for Synchronous Digital Hierarchy. SONET is the United States version of the standard published by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). SDH is the international version of the standard published by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). This invention relates to SONET/SDH Bit Error Rate Monitoring. More specifically, the present invention relates to reducing the cost of implementation of monitoring multiple channels in parallel.
2. Description of the Prior Art
For many communication systems, the bit error rate (BER) is used as a figure of merit. In SONET/SDH systems, a receiver must be able to determine the incoming BER and react in the event that the BER is above a defined threshold. Though the number of bit errors can never be known exactly, they can be inferred by examining the number of incoming Bit-Interleaved-Parity (BIP) errors seen on an incoming channel.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a generally known BER test concept. From SONET/SDH specifications, we can assume that bit errors assume a Poisson distribution, which has a mean equal to its variance and can be represented by the equation:μ=σ2=λ
It follows that the probability of getting k "hits" over a given period (given that the mean number of hits over such a period is λ) is represented by the equation:
      P    k    =                    λ        k                    k        !                        e              -        λ
Not all bit errors will be observed as a BIP error because the BIP checking mechanism is blind to any even number of errors in the same bit position. Therefore, for a given BER rate and time interval, the probability of a BIP error can be estimated as the sum of the Poisson probabilities of observing odd numbers of errors as represented by the equation:
      P    BIP    =            ∑              y        =        1            ∞                                    λ          y                          y          !                                  e                  -          λ                                                    where                                      y                                      is                                              odd        .
We have thus reduced the occurrence of a BIP error at any one BIP position to a Bernoulli trial with probability of "success" PBIP. The variance of such a distribution will be PBIP(1−PBIP). (i.e., the variance of a Bernoulli trial) We can then determine the expected number of BIP-8 errors per frame, or the number of BIP-2 errors per multiframe by the following equation:μBIP-8=8×PBIP,μBIP-2=2×PBIP
While the variance will be:σBIP-82=8×PBIP×(1−PBIP),σBIP-22=2×PBIP×(1−PBIP)
So for a given BER, we know the expected number of errors per frame/multiframe (λ) so we can compute the expected number of BIP errors per frame/multiframe (μBIP), and the variance of the BIP errors (σBIP2). It is by using these parameters that all prior art BER monitors are constructed. By accumulating BIP counts over specific intervals, it is possible to make a determination about the BER.
In order to be SONET/SDH compliant, there are three general criteria that must be followed.
First, the detection/removal of an alarm must be done within a specified maximum declaration/clearing time. This value depends on the level of concatenation, as well as the target and actual BER.
Second, the probability of correct detection/removal (within the maximum detection/clearing time) must be greater or equal to 99%. It should be noted that for ITU, 99% is listed as a requirement; while for Bellcore specifications, 99% is only an objective and 95% is the requirement. In this second criteria,                a. For declaration: if the target BER is 10−x and the actual BER is 10−x, then the chance that an alarm is declared within the maximum declaration time should be greater than 99%.        b. For clearing: if the target BER is 10−x and the actual BER is 10−(x+1), then the chance that the alarm is removed within the maximum clearing time should be greater than 99%.
Third, the probability of false declaration/removal (within the maximum detection/clearing time) must be less than or equal to 10−6.                a. For declaration: if the target BER is 10−x, but the actual BER is 10−(x+1), then the chance that the monitor will detect a threshold crossing should be less than 10−6.        b. For clearing: if the target BER is 10−x and the actual BER is 10−x, conversely then the chance that an alarm will be removed should be less than 10−6.
The above three criteria must be combined into a single test. There have been several prior art ways of constructing such a test. Some SONET/SDH specifications suggest a sliding window algorithm whereby the error counts over the last N intervals would be accumulated. As the error count for the newest interval arrives, the oldest error count is discarded. If the sum of BIP errors over an entire window exceeds a predetermined threshold, then an alarm can be declared. A sliding window example is shown in FIG. 2 with N=8 detailing the error counts for each interval, and the total for the last 8 intervals. If the total were to exceed a predetermined threshold, then an alarm could be declared.
While there are situations where a sliding window algorithm is applicable such as to test the BER of a SONET Section or Line (B1 or B2), a sliding window may be not be acceptable where tests need to be done in parallel. Still, while sliding window tests are reliable and have the shortest declaration/clearing time possible, such tests present a problem in the amount of memory needed. For each monitoring path, an entire queue (of N elements) of error counts is needed. Depending on the interval number N and the number of paths to be monitored, it can become very cumbersome to implement this in hardware.
With the drawbacks of sliding window tests in mind, designers have implemented a "jumping window" algorithm as shown by the block diagram of FIG. 3. Using this approach, there is no queue of error counts. Instead, error counts are accumulated over one window (Error Accumulation Period). After one window is complete, the error count is reset, and another accumulation of errors can begin anew. If the error count exceeds a threshold, an alarm can be declared. (Or conversely for clearing: if, at the end of an accumulation period, the number of accumulated errors is less than a pre-determined threshold, an alarm can be removed). FIG. 4 shows a jumping window timing diagram.
While the jumping window approach offer some benefits over the sliding window approach, the jumping window approach suffers from the fact that the time to declare or clear an alarm may be longer than for the sliding window (max declaration time becomes 2*[window length] rather than just the window length for the sliding window). However, it is possible to meet the maximum declaration/clearing time specifications using a jumping window approach, by ensuring the accumulation window size is less than or equal to half the maximum declaration time.
Although the jumping window algorithm can be used successfully, its implementation cost does not scale well for monitoring multiple paths. For most systems, different kinds of paths can be provisioned, e.g., STS-1, STS-3c, STS-12c, etc. The tests for each of the different path types would have different window lengths. Also, the user can set different alarm threshold for each monitoring path. For example, an STS-48 may be configured to carry 1 STS-12c, 8 STS-3c and 12 STS-1. Each kind of path could have a different target BER threshold, which implies that each monitoring path could have a different window length.
FIG. 5 shows a jumping window approach with multiple paths. Each path can have a different window length, so there will be no necessary relationship between the start and stop times of error accumulation windows for different paths. As such, the monitor for each path must be able to keep track of time on its own. To use the STS-48 example above, it would require 48 frame counters (one for each possible STS-1 path). This situation is illustrated in the block diagram of FIG. 6, where each path has its own programmable timer (frame counter). If the BER needs to be tested down to very low levels, the size of this frame counter can become extremely large.
It should be understood that SONET/SDH specifications indicate the BER testing need only be done down to the 10−9 level. However, designers often want to be able to test down to 10−12 levels in order to test that the intrinsic BER of their system is not too high. As a general rule of thumb, for testing a BER that is 10× lower, the window size will have to be 10× larger. As the window size gets larger, the programmable timers must also increase in capacity in order to accommodate them. The problem is exacerbated if VT/TU levels must be monitored for BER threshold crossings. Due to the sheer number of paths that need to be monitored, what is feasible in hardware for STS-n paths becomes too expensive for VT/TU paths. For example, if all 5376 possible VT1.5 (TU11) channels in an STS-192 (STM-64) are to be monitored, a device needs 5376 frame counters. As industry moves toward higher-density devices, the cost of the jumping window approach becomes problematic. Further, as network processors are often fully occupied with other functions, performing BER monitoring in software may also be problematic for VT/TU levels. Accordingly, it should become apparent that the jumping window is either unsuitable for VT/TU level path monitoring, or that it must be modified for it to be viable in next-generation devices and systems.
What is needed therefore is BER monitoring for SONET/SDH that is capable of monitoring multiple channels in parallel in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

Overlapping jumping window for SONET/SDH bit error rate monitoring


The present invention relates to variants of alpha amylase. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to variants of an alpha amylase, polynucleotides encoding the variants, methods of producing the variants, and methods of using the variants.
2. Description of the Related Art
The present invention provides variants of a parent alpha amylase with improved properties compared to its parent. Alpha-amylases (1,4-α-D-glucan glucanohydrolase, EC 220.127.116.11) constitute a group of enzymes which catalyze hydrolysis of starch and other linear and branched 1,4-glucosidic oligo- and polysaccharides.
There is a very extensive body of patent and scientific literature relating to this industrially very important class of enzymes. A number of alpha-amylases referred to as "Termamyl®-like alpha-amylases" and variants thereof are known from, e.g., WO 90/11352, WO 95/10603, WO 95/26397, WO 96/23873 and WO 96/23874. Termamyl®-like alpha-amylases are very thermostable and therefore suitable for processes carried out at high temperatures such as starch liquefaction in dextrose production processes.
Another group of alpha-amylases are referred to as "Fungamyl™-like alpha-amylases", which are alpha-amylases related or homologous to the alpha-amylase derived from Aspergillus oryzae. The Fungamyl-like alpha-amylases have a relatively low thermostability e.g. the commercial product sold under the tradename FUNGAMYL™ by Novozymes A/S, Denmark, has an optimum around 55° C., and is not suitable for processes carried out at high temperatures. Fungamyl™-like alpha-amylases are today used for making syrups for, e.g., the brewing industry.
An alpha-amylase with increased thermostability, preferably at an acidic pH, has previously been successfully isolated. WO 2004/055178 discloses a gene from Rhizomucor pusillus encoding an alpha-amylase denoted AM782. Characterization of this amylase has shown it to be a highly thermoacidophilic alpha-amylase which has a highly interesting activity as demonstrated by the sugar profile from maltodextrin hydrolysis by amylase AM782. The amylase AM782 can work at a very high temperature, at least up to 70° C. However, this alpha amylase has poor storage stability if stored without cooling. It is an object of the present invention to provide storage stable variants of AM782 as SEQ ID NO: 3 (mature polypeptide), which have retained good raw starch hydrolysis activity.

Alpha amylase variants and polynucleotides encoding same


A tool changing device for a machine tool with at least one tool carrier is proposed, which comprises at least one transit station, into which a tool is introducable in an inward transit direction and is extractable in an outward transit direction, wherein, at the transit station, the tool is at least one of detachable from the assigned tool carrier and fixable to the tool carrier provided.

The invention relates to a tool changing device for a machine tool with at least one tool carrier and to a machine tool, which is provided with a tool changing device. The invention also relates to a method for changing tools on a machine tool with at least one tool carrier, in which detached tools are deposited in a tool storing apparatus and tools to be fixed are supplied from the tool storing apparatus.
In the case of a machine tool and in particular a machining center, as described, for example in EP 0 614 724 B1, a plurality of various tools may be used, in order to be able to carry out different machining processes on one or more workpieces. Irrespective of this, tools have to be exchanged because of wear.
It should be possible to carry out a tool exchange on a tool carrier with a minimized stoppage time for the machine tool.

Tool changing device for a machine tool and method for changing tools on a machine tool


An optical fiber connection device is disclosed that allows for in situ variable attenuation of a signal transmitted between two optical fibers. The connection device comprises an attenuator element fabricated with an inherently compliant, elastomeric material, preferably a silicone elastomer. The elastomeric properties of the attenuator element allow for varying the thickness of the attenuator element and thereby changing the level of attenuation in situ. Silicone elastomers are preferred for fabricating the attenuator element as applicants have discovered they may be index-matched to optical transmission fibers, have a high creep modulus, exhibit relatively constant mechanical properties over a broad range of temperatures, and are reliable upon exposure to varied environmental conditions.

The invention relates to an optical communications device, and more particularly, to a variable optical fiber attenuator adapted for use in a compression connection device of an optical communications system.
Optical communications systems include a variety of devices interconnected with optical fibers (e.g., light sources, photodetectors, switches, amplifiers, filters, and so forth). Signals are transmitted along an optical fiber by internal reflection, e.g., the core of the fiber is fabricated with a material having a higher index of refraction than the cladding surrounding the core so that light signals launched into the fiber will be guided along the core by internal reflection. For typical transmission applications, a fiber optic core is fabricated with about 3% GeO2/SiO2.
In designing optical communications systems, lengths of optical fibers are terminated and connected to other fibers, devices, or termination ports. For example, in a wavelength division multiplexed optical network system, optical fibers may be used to connect a plurality of transmitters to a multiplexer, an optical switch, a demultiplexer, and a receiver, and signals may be sent over the length of the fibers between the multiplexer and receiver, with various connections being made along the transmission path. A widely-used connector comprises the ST(copyright) connector, ST(copyright) being a registered trademark of ATandT Corp., now Lucent Technologies, Inc., the assignee of the present application. The ST(copyright) connector and various other connectors are known and used in the field.
Many challenges inhere in making these connections while maintaining efficient signal transmission, and in particular, in providing connectors that provide a desired level of attenuation in the transmitted signal. Such challenges include aligning the fiber cores, index-matching the materials to achieve low reflectance, addressing thermoplastic creep issues, and achieving and varying the levels of signal attenuation. For example, fiber cores typically have small diameters (e.g., they may be as small as 8 microns), and thus, it is difficult to precisely align the cores of two fibers.
As mentioned, index-matching is a concern in the connection devices. An index differential between interfacing components will affect the reflectance of the transmitted signal. The closer index-matching there is between interfacing materials, the less reflectance there will be. Reflectance can be calculated as a function of the refractive index differential of interfacing materials, i.e.,
Reflectance (dB)=10 log[(noxe2x88x92ni)2/(no+ni)2],
where no and ni are the refractive indices of two interfacing materials. Thus, for a glass-to-air interface (no≈1.0 for air, ni≈1.46 for glass), the reflectance is about 14.6 dB. For two materials with only slightly different indices of refraction (e.g., ni≈1.46 vs. 1.47), the reflectance is xe2x88x9249.3 dB. Optimally for high performance systems, reflectance generated by an optical connection should be less than xe2x88x9250 dB.
Another concern that affects the selection of materials used to make connection devices relates to glass transition temperatures and thermoplastic creep. In operation, an attenuator of a compression connection device will be pressed against an optical fiber for long periods of time and subjected to large compressive forces. These forces create indentations on the attenuator surface. If the attenuator is left in place, the indentation will not affect the system performance. However, the attenuators are usually repeatedly removed and re-inserted into the connector device. Where an indentation is formed on an attenuator, it is unlikely that the attenuator, when placed back into a connector, will rest against the fiber in exactly the same way as in the initial connection. For example, upon reconnection, the fiber end face may hit a lip of a depression. An air gap thus may be formed which would negatively affect the attenuation and back-reflection properties of the device, for as indicated above, an air-fiber interface produces a large refractive index differential.
The extent of creep and therefore, the extent or size of the surface deformations will depend on the applied force, the use temperature, and the glass transition or heat distortion temperatures of the materials used to fabricate the connector elements. The heat distortion temperature reflects the temperature at which significant distortions occur. In other words, the glass transition or heat distortion temperature is the temperature at which the material""s behavior changes from a high modulus, glassy response to a low modulus, rubbery response. The glass transition temperature is typically measured at 264 psi according to standards known in the field as ASTM D648. The higher the heat distortion temperature of the materials, the more resistant the material will be to deformation. Materials having glass transition temperatures below room temperature are identified herein as xe2x80x9ccompliantxe2x80x9d materials. The term xe2x80x9ccompliancexe2x80x9d is used herein to refer to a material""s susceptibility to deformation upon compression. Thus, a high compliant material is one that exhibits a rubbery, deformable response at room temperature, and a low (or non-) compliant material is one that is more resistant to deformation and exhibits significantly smaller indentations at room temperature over relatively long periods of time. The period of time during which an indentation would be resisted is temperature dependent. At ambient temperatures, a low-compliant material will resist indentations for a period of years. At elevated temperatures, this period may be reduced to months.
To reduce the likelihood of thermoplastic creep, traditionally efforts had been directed toward developing very stiff, non-compliant materials (e.g., having glass transition temperatures above room temperature), so that compression of the materials would not produce indentations. It has been taught that the heat distortion or glass transition temperature of the attenuator materials should be greater than about 80xc2x0 C. and even more preferably above 100xc2x0 C. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,345 to Cammons et al., issued Jan. 21, 1992 and assigned to the present assignee, describes a connection device that uses polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) to fabricate an attenuator element. PMMA is a stiff (non-compliant) material resistant to indentations; it is used to make a disc-shaped attenuator element which is disposed between opposing optical fibers and held in place in a connector sleeve by spring-loaded plugs (see, e.g., Cammons FIG. 2, col. 7, 1. 48-65). However, PMMA has an index of refraction of 1.49, whereas a fiber optic core typically has a refractive index of about 1.451 at 25xc2x0 C. and 1300 nm. This refractive-index differential correlates to an attenuator portion producing xe2x88x9240 dB reflectance which is suitable for many applications, but less than optimal for high performance optical fiber systems.
Additionally, in the Cammons design, levels of attenuation are not tuned in situ. Light emerging from a fiber incident on the attenuation element is scattered in the forward direction toward an opposing fiber. The magnitude of the light accepted by the opposing fiber is determined by the acceptance angle that is established by the physical separation between the two fibers. Elements with known thicknesses and known attenuation levels are provided in pre-assembled optical fiber buildouts or couplers. Consequently, Cammons introduces a certain, predetermined gap between the connected fibers and provides for a fixed level of attenuation.
An improved optical terminator having closely-index matched materials is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,619,910, issued Apr. 8, 1997 to King et al, titled xe2x80x9cOptical Terminatorxe2x80x9d (assigned to the present assignee and incorporated herein). The device of the King patent uses a ferrule having an index of refraction of about 1.45xc2x10.01, and advantageously it achieves an attenuation of less than 50 dB below the incident signal (e.g., at col. 8, 1. 25-33). In achieving index matching, King uses thermoplastic polymers and raises their heat distortion temperatures by blending them with other compounds such as polyimide, polyvinylidene fluoride, and polymethylpentene polymers. Thus, King follows the teaching that materials having high (above room temperature) heat distortion or glass transition temperatures are preferred (e.g., col. 6, 1. 56-57). However, blending the materials with compounds to increase their heat distortion properties may unacceptably alter the refractive indices of the materials, and vice-versa. Also, there are a limited number of thermoplastic polymers that may be used in optical connections meeting all the desired criteria. Furthermore, the King device is configured as a terminator device for which in situ tuning of the attenuation level is not pertinent.
Previous attenuators that allow for in situ tuning typically rely upon adjustable air gaps as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,734,778, xe2x80x9cVariable Attenuator Connector,xe2x80x9d issued Mar. 31, 1998 to Loughlin et al, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,066,094, xe2x80x9cVariable Optical Fiber Light Attenuator,xe2x80x9d issued Nov. 19, 1991 to Takahashi. In both the Loughlin and Takahashi cases, mechanical assemblies (e.g., with use of screws and nested thread assemblies) are used to vary the size of an air gap formed between the end faces of two aligned fibers, and the change in the space between the fibers (the size of the air gap) produces a change in attenuation level. However, as noted above, there is a large refractive index differential at a fiber/air interface. Thus, back reflection is a concern with these devices, making them disadvantageous for many telecommunications applications and/or requiring additional features designed to address back reflection problems.
As may be appreciated, those in the field of communications systems continue to seek to develop new components to improve performance, increase efficiency, and reduce cost. In particular, there remains a need for an optical attenuator element that is index-matched to optical fibers to achieve low reflectance, and that addresses thermoplastic creep and is tunable to a wide range of attenuation levels, allowing for in situ tuning of the attenuation level.
Summarily described, the invention comprises an attenuator assembly of a connection device for use in an optical communications system that is tunable in that the level of attenuation can be varied in situ. Tunability is achieved with use of an elastomeric attenuator element disposed between the end faces of at least two optical fibers. With the invention, a mechanism is provided for changing the thickness of the attenuator element in situ in the connection device, e.g., by compressing or enabling the expansion of the attenuator element, which thereby varies the level of attenuation of the signal. Preferably, the attenuator element is fabricated with silicone and the thickness-adjusting mechanism comprises at least one spring-loaded plug adjacent at least of the optical fiber end faces.

Variable optical fiber attenuator device


Adhesives including a polyester at 20 to 50 weight percent, a first tackifier at 30 to 60 weight percent, and a first olefin-styrene block copolymer at 5 to 30 weight percent are described. The polyester has a glass transition temperature between −40° C. and −10° C., and the adhesive has a heat activation temperature between 20° C. and 100° C. Damping films including at least one layer of the adhesive and including a foamed layer are described. The foamed layer includes a second olefin-styrene block copolymer at 30 to 80 weight percent and a second tackifier at 15 to 60 weight percent.

Damping tapes are used in a variety of applications to reduce the effects of vibration. For example, damping tapes are used in the assembly of various components of electronic equipment, household appliances, and automobiles in order to dampen vibrations which could result in unwanted noise or damage to the components.


A display device includes a plurality of scanning lines (X1-Xm), a plurality of signal lines (Y1-Yn), a scanning driver (5) which sequentially supplies to the scanning lines selection signals that select the scanning lines, a data driver (3) which supplies a designation current to the plurality of signal lines within a selection period when the scanning lines are being selected, a plurality of pixel circuits which supplies a driving current corresponding to a current value of the designation current that flows to the signal lines, a plurality of optical elements (E1,1-Em,n) which emit light in accordance with the driving current supplied by the plurality of pixel is circuits and a power supply (6) which outputs to the plurality of pixel circuits a driving current reference voltage to supply the driving current.

Liquid crystal displays are generally classified into active matrix driving liquid crystal displays and simple matrix driving liquid crystal displays. The active matrix driving liquid crystal display displays an image having a higher luminance, higher contrast, and higher resolution as compared to the simple matrix driving liquid crystal display. In the active matrix driving liquid crystal display, a liquid crystal element which also functions as a capacitor and a transistor which activates the liquid crystal element are arranged for each pixel. In the active matrix driving liquid crystal display, a selection signal is input from a scanning driver serving as a shift register to a scanning line so that the scanning line is selected. At this time, when a voltage having a level representing a luminance is applied from a data driver to a signal line, the voltage is applied to the liquid crystal element through the transistor. Even when the transistor is turned off during a period from the end of signal input to the scanning line to the next signal input, the voltage level is held until the next signal is input to the scanning line because the liquid crystal element functions as a capacitor. As described above, while the signal is input to the scanning line, the light transmittance of the liquid crystal element is newly refreshed. Light from a backlight passes through the liquid crystal element at the refreshed light transmittance so that the gray level of the liquid crystal display is expressed.
On the other hand, an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display which uses organic EL elements as spontaneous optical elements requires no backlight, unlike liquid crystal displays. Hence, the organic EL display is optimum for a thin display. In addition, the organic EL display has no limitation on the angle of field, unlike liquid crystal displays. For this reason, practical utilization of organic EL displays as next-generation display devices is greatly expected.
From the viewpoint of a high luminance, high contrast, and high resolution, voltage-controlled active matrix driving schemes have been developed not only for liquid crystal displays but also for organic EL displays. However, the capacity of an organic EL element is much smaller than that of a liquid crystal element so a current flows to the organic EL element itself. To hold a voltage, the number of transistors increases. This leads to an increase in complexity of a circuit constituted by transistors.
In a transistor, generally, the channel resistance changes due to a change in ambient temperature or long-time use. For this reason, the gate threshold voltage changes over time or varies between transistors. It is therefore difficult to uniquely designate the current level to be supplied to an organic EL element on the basis of the gate voltage level of a switching transistor by changing the value of the voltage to be applied to the gate electrode of the transistor and thus changing the level of the current to be supplied to the organic EL element. In other words, the level of the current to be supplied can hardly be uniquely designated by changing the value of the voltage to be applied to the gate electrode of the transistor and thus changing the luminance of the organic EL element. That is, even when a gate voltage of the same level is applied to the transistors of a plurality of pixels, the organic EL elements of the plurality of pixels may have different emission luminances. This may cause a variation in luminance on the display screen.

Display device and display device driving method


A method and apparatus for torque equalization on the drive of a rolling stand, having a linear oscillatory movement driven via a crank drive, of a Pilger step-by-step rolling mill, particularly a cold Pilger rolling mill. In order to avoid the inefficient and/or expensive drive and to create a torque equalization system which avoids generator operation of the motor of the drive device of the mill and therefore torques acting in the direction of rotation of the motor on the motor, the variation of speed of rotation of the crank drive, determined mathematically from the kinematic parameters of the system, the masses moved and the external loads, is imparted to the crank drive as a desired variation of speed of rotation.

The oscillating movement of the roll stand of a pilger step-by-step rolling mill has the result that the kinetic energy in the roll stand varies greatly over the path. Without suitable countermeasures, the crank drive would attempt to outspeed the motor twice per oscillation period and therefore cause the motor to act as a generator. The periodic change from motor mode operation to generator mode operation arising therefrom results in increased wear of the motor and furthermore increases the energy consumption of the rolling mill. The energy which the motor takes from the crank drive during generator mode operation must be returned to the crank drive during the following motor mode operation.
Thus, it is apparent that, if the motor drive supplies a constant power, equal to the time average power necessary for the operation of the device, that there will be a degree of inefficiency resulting from the time varying course of the power requirements within the operation cycle of the machine. While devices as large flywheels or other mechanical rotation power storage devices do exist which might reduce angular velocity variations, their use poses significant disadvantages due to their size constraints, as well as their adverse effect on startup and shutdown of a mill. In addition, these constant angular momentum devices do not allow the normal variations in crank angular velocity.
However, since the electrical energy produced during generator mode operation cannot be utilized during motor mode operation, this portion of the energy may be seen, to the operator of the rolling mill, as an apparent power which is wasted and unnecessarily increases operating expenses.
To avoid the periodic change from generator to motor operation, two different types of drive constructions have been used. Thus, German Patent No. DE 10 84 451, expressly incorporated herein by reference, proposes to supplement the crank drive device, producing the movement of the roll stand, with a similar crank drive operated 90.degree. out of phase, i.e. in quadrature relationship. In this way, a continuous exchange of kinetic energy can take place between the two crank drives. This method has the advantage that the crank speeds of rotation and the crank moment, as well as the corresponding motor speed of rotation and motor moment, are approximately constant over an operating cycle, but it has the disadvantage that the expense for the construction of the machine is greatly increased. The required space is also increased, since, in general, deep foundations are necessary for the components. Finally, inertia forces having a higher order, which can only be compensated for with difficulty, result from operation according to this method.
Another method of solving the problem of the biphasic operation includes the use of torque balancing by the interposition of transmissions having non-uniform, i.e. varying drive ratios. In the normal case, if a crank drive which moves a roll stand is accelerated to a given speed of rotation and then disconnected from the drive, the speed of rotation of the crank shaft will thereafter change periodically. If there is no friction present, this will be true for very long periods of time. If a transmission having a nonuniform ratio corresponding to the natural periodic variation of the crank shaft, i.e., for a constant drive speed of rotation the transmission, has exactly the same variation of speed of rotation on the driven side which the crank drive would have in a non-driven condition, is inserted between the drive and the crank shaft, then the crank drive can also be driven with a constant motor speed of rotation and a constant motor moment. In such a case, the intermediate transmission must convert a constant speed of rotation into a variable speed of rotation which corresponds to the free variation of the speed of rotation of the crank drive. Since the variations in speed of rotation of the crank drive are dependent on the specific speed of rotation, the transmission behavior of the intermediate transmission also must be variable.
One intermediate transmission which is actually used for the equalizing of torque is the so-called cardan joint, which can be adapted to the variations in speed of rotation by changing the angle of bend in the joint, as known from German Patent No. DE 20 30 995, expressly incorporated herein by reference. The method of DE 20 30 995 has the disadvantage that the structural expense necessary in order to make it possible to adjust the torque equalization to a given speed of rotation, is very high. In addition, when the system is not operating at steady state, such as when the operating speed of rotation is changed (decreased), the motor will enter into a generator mode of operation, unless the equalization of the torque is automatically effected. Furthermore, the influence of the load on the torque equalization cannot be taken into account. Therefore, a system, such as that proposed in DE 20 30 995, with a predetermined variation in the transmission ratio, will not be suitable under all conditions of operation.

Method of equalizing the torque on a drive of a pilger rolling mill


A light guide plate includes a light entry surface with first elongated elements, and a light exit surface with second elongated elements. Each of the first and second elongated elements serves to guide light, and has a cross-section in a shape of a circular segment.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a light guide plate, and more particularly to light guide plate with optimal light output efficiency.
2. Description of the Related Art
Liquid crystal displays (LCD) are widely used in consumer electronic products, such as personal digital assistants (PDA), mobile phones, digital cameras, notebook computers, desktop monitors and automotive displays, due to advantages of high image quality, small size, light weight, low driving voltage and low power consumption. An LCD includes a liquid crystal panel at a front side and a backlight module at a rear side thereof. The backlight module may be of edge light type or direct light type. The edge light type backlight module usually includes a light guide plate and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) disposed at a side of the light guide plate. The light guide plate converts point light emitted by the LEDs into uniform planar light, thus forming a planar light source required by the LCD.
Recently, LCDs are required to have a slim bezel, resulting in smaller distance between the light guide plate and the LEDs for mixing light emitted by the LEDs, so as to induce hot spots at an edge of the light guide plate proximate to the LEDs in a form of alternating bright and dark regions or jet-stream shapes. In order to solve the hot spot issue, some conventional designs, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, have proposed to form, on a light entry surface 11 or a light exit surface 12 of the light guide plate 1, a light guide structure 13 including a plurality of elongated elements 131 disposed side by side, and each of the elongated elements 131 has a cross section in a shape of a circular segment. In another conventional design as shown in FIG. 3, the light guide plate 2 has a light guide structure 23 formed on a light entry surface 21 thereof and a light guide structure 24 formed on a light exit surface 22 thereof. The light guide structure 23 includes a plurality of elongated elements 231 disposed side by side, and each of the elongated elements 231 has a cross section in a shape of a circular segment. The light guide structure 24 includes a plurality of triangular prisms 241 disposed side by side.
However, further improvement in light uniformity and light output efficiency at different angles is still desired.


According to various embodiments, a social media message posted on a social media system is accessed. One or more similar messages determined to be similar to the social media message may be selected from a database of previously posted messages, based on, for example, an author, product, problem, keyword, etc., identified in the social media message. The similar messages may be displayed in a similar message recommendation list of a user interface. One or more relevant knowledgebase articles determined to be relevant to the social media message may be selected from a knowledgebase repository, based on, for example, a product, problem, keyword, etc., identified in the social media message. The relevant knowledgebase articles may be displayed in a knowledgebase article list of a user interface.

In conventional approaches to customer service, customer relationship management ("CRM") call centers of companies receive customer inquiries via traditional channels of communication, such as telephone calls and emails. The customer service agents of the company typically respond to the customers via the same channels of communication, which allows the company to address any customer issues with a degree of privacy and confidentiality.
Now, a new channel for expresing customer issues is emerging—the Social Media space. For example, many companies and other organizations have their own social media presence, such as a TWITTER® feed, or a FACEBOOK® page with a wall, such that users can post messages regarding that company and its products that are widely viewable.

Systems and methods for customer relationship management


A diffraction grating device includes a substrate with a primary surface having a plurality of grating areas that are periodically arranged with a constant period in a predetermined axis direction, the grating area including a first area and a second area, a diffraction grating structure providing a chirped grating whose pitch monotonically changes along the predetermined axis direction, a core layer that is optically coupled with the diffraction grating structure with a coupling coefficient, a plurality of grating portions including the diffraction grating structure and the core layer, the grating portion including a first portion and second portion that are arranged on the first area and the second area, respectively, of the primary surface and a perturbing layer disposed at the first portion or the second portion. The perturbing layer changes the coupling coefficient between the diffraction grating structure and core layer. A periodical change in the coupling coefficient is formed along the core layer, and this change in the coupling coefficient affects the light propagating through the core layer in the direction of the predetermined axis.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a diffraction grating device, a laser diode, and a wavelength tunable filter.
2. Description of the Related Art
Non-Patent Document 1 (Optical integrated device, Kohroh Kobayashi, Kyoritsu Shuppan Co., Ltd., 1999, p. 116) describes a wavelength tunable laser including a pair of non-uniform gratings. The non-uniform gratings have a plurality of peaks of reflectivity in a reflection spectrum thereof. In addition, a gain region (active layer) is provided between the pair of non-uniform gratings. In this wavelength tunable laser, the lasing wavelength is changed by injecting a current to each of the non-uniform gratings. Furthermore, by using the vernier effect, the lasing wavelength is significantly changed by injecting a small current into each of the non-uniform gratings. A sampled grating and a super-structure grating are described as the structure of the non-uniform grating.

Diffraction grating device, laser diode, and wavelength tunable filter