A compound for an organic optoelectric device, an organic optoelectric device including the same, and a display device including the organic optoelectric device, the compound including a combination of a moiety represented by the following Chemical Formula I and a moiety represented by the following Chemical Formula II:

1. Field
Embodiments relate to a compound for an organic optoelectric device, an organic optoelectric device including the same, and a display device including the organic optoelectric device.
2. Description of the Related Art
An organic optoelectric device is a device that converts electrical energy into photoenergy, and vice versa.
An organic optoelectric device may be classified as follows in accordance with its driving principles. One type may include a photoelectric device in which excitons generated by photoenergy are separated into electrons and holes, the electrons and holes are transferred to different electrodes respectively, and electrical energy is generated. Another type may include a light emitting device to generate photoenergy from electrical energy by supplying a voltage or a current to electrodes.
Examples of the organic optoelectric device may include an organic photoelectric device, an organic light emitting diode, an organic solar cell, and an organic photo-conductor drum, and the like.
The organic light emitting diode (OLED) has been considered due to an increase in demand for flat panel displays. The organic light emitting diode converts electrical energy into light by applying current to an organic light emitting material, and may have a structure in which an organic layer is interposed between an anode and a cathode. The organic layer may include, e.g., an emission layer and optionally an auxiliary layer. The auxiliary layer may include at least one layer selected from, e.g., a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an electron blocking layer, an electron transport layer, an electron injection layer, and a hole blocking layer, in order to help improve efficiency and stability of an organic light emitting diode.

Compound for an organic optoelectric device, organic optoelectric device including the same, and display device including the optoelectric device


An embodiment of the invention provides a traversal engine that traverses (walks) through metadata containers (e.g., inodes) in a file system and determines the metadata containers that have been modified (added, changed, deleted, or renamed) within a particular time interval. A modified metadata container corresponds to a data container (e.g., file or directory) that has been modified within the particular time interval. The traversal engine records, into a table, information about the modified metadata containers. The traversal engine also records, into the table, parent information corresponding to an immediate parent of a modified data container.

In storage technology, a storage appliance is one type of computer that provides services relating to the organization and storage of information or data on storage devices such as, for example, disk drives ("disks"). In other words, a storage appliance is adapted to store and retrieve data on behalf of one or more client processing systems ("clients" or "hosts") in response to external requests received from the hosts. A storage appliance can provide clients with file-level access to data stored in the storage devices. A storage appliance can also provide clients with block-level access to stored data, or with both file-level access and block-level access. For convenience, a storage appliance will be described herein, for the most part, in terms of the former, though the description herein will have application to the latter types of storage appliances as well, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the description that follows. Examples of such storage appliances include, but are not limited to, a file server or another type of computing device that provides storage services using a file system to respond to file-oriented data access requests ("filer"), or other types of devices.
A storage appliance includes a storage operating system that implements the file system to logically organize the information as a hierarchical structure of directories and files on the disks. Each file on a disk may be implemented as a set of data structures, e.g., disk blocks, which are configured to store information. A directory may be implemented as a formatted file in which information by other files and directories is stored.
An implemented disk storage for a storage appliance typically has one or more storage "volumes" which are a collection of physical storage disks and which define an overall logical arrangement of storage space. In other words, a storage volume is a logical container that includes a collection of disks. Therefore, the collection of disks is grouped (assimilated) into the storage volume. Each storage volume is generally associated with a file system.
When data in a source storage appliance (or other device) is to be backed up to a destination storage appliance (or other backup device) during "backup", the data in the source storage appliance can, for example, first be copied in a media (e.g., disk, tape, or a solid state device such as, for example, flash memory). The data can then later be copied ("restored") from the media to the destination storage appliance. As a result, the data in the source storage appliance is backed up on the destination storage appliance.
The procedure of copying the data from the source storage appliance to a media is known as a "dump" procedure. When the media is initially empty, the entire data in the source storage appliance is initially copied to the media. This copying of the entire data to the media can then be followed by copying the data from the media to the destination storage appliance. This copying of the entire data from the source storage appliance to the media, and then to the destination storage appliance is known as a "base backup" and "base restore".
When the data in the source storage appliance has been copied to the destination storage appliance, any files or directories that have been subsequently changed in the source storage appliance can then be copied to the media, and then copied from the media to the destination storage appliance. This copying of only changed data from the source storage appliance to the media, and then from the media to the destination storage appliance is known as an "incremental backup procedure". The incremental backup procedure is a less time consuming procedure than the above-mentioned base backup procedure because this procedure involves backing up only the changed files from the source storage appliance.
Each data container (e.g., file or directory) in a file system (in a storage appliance) is typically associated with an inode which is a data structure that stores the metadata of the data container. The actual data associated with an inode are stored in the data blocks. Although the term "inode" is used herein, it is understood that the term "inode" can be any suitable metadata container that contains the metadata for a data container.
To determine the changed data containers (i.e., changed files or changed directories), which have been changed (e.g., modified, added, deleted, or renamed) within a time interval, one current method is to perform a search of the tree structure (e.g., buffer tree) that represents the contents of the file system. A client (e.g., network file system (NFS) client) may be used to examine the tree structure when performing this tree structure search method. In this tree structure search method, each data container (e.g., file or directory) is examined to determine which particular data containers have been changed within the time interval in question. For data containers that have changed within the time interval in question, the contents of the data containers are read from the disks of the source storage system and these contents of changed data containers are then copied to media. These contents can then be copied from the media to a destination storage appliance. As a result, the incremental changes on the source storage appliance are copied from the source storage appliance to the media, and are then copied from the media to the destination storage appliance.
When incremental changes are being copied from the source storage appliance to the media, each data container in the tree structure is first examined in order to determine which of the data containers has changed in the file system in the source storage appliance, within the particular time period in question. The data associated with the changed data container is then copied to the media. However, a second examination of the tree structure is also then required so that, for example, any directory of a changed file is identified. Any additional directories related to the changed file is also identified in this second examination of the tree structure, so that all of the appropriate directories are identified up to the root directory of the persistent point-in-time image (PPTI) (e.g., SNAPSHOT™) of the file system. SNAPSHOT™ is a trademark of NETAPP, INC. A PPTI is a specified subset of data that is maintained by a storage appliance for a given point-in-time. Typically, this specified subset of data is, for example, a volume of data. This second examination of the tree structure is required to be performed in current methods because in current file system protocols (e.g., the Unix file system protocol), when a changed file is reported to a client, all directories associated with the changed file are also reported to the client. During the above-discussed dump procedure, the data and metadata of directories associated with changed files, as well as the data of changed files, are saved on the media and are then copied from the media to the destination storage appliance when the above-discussed incremental backup procedure is performed. The metadata and data of any directories associated with a change file are used for properly updating the changed file in the tree structure representing the file system contents in the destination storage appliance.
However, the above method of performing the two examinations of the tree structure is a time consuming procedure. Additionally, the current method of reading the metadata of the changed data containers and reading the data contents of the changed data containers (as well as reading the directory content of unchanged directories) can increase the required time to perform the examinations of the tree structure. Therefore, currently used incremental dump procedures suffer from at least the above constraints and deficiencies.

Incremental dump with a metadata container walk using inode-to-parent mapping information


Content data (CD) and printer specifying information (PI) generated by encrypting a printer identifier to specify a printer capable of printing this content data (CD) are included in print job data to be transmitted from a content server (44) to a printer (36). The printer (36) which has received the print job data reads and decrypts the printer specifying information (PI) included in the print job data and judges whether the printer identifier included therein coincides with its own printer identifier or not. Only when both printer identifiers coincide, print of the print job data is executed. Hence, unjust copy print of content data can be prevented.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a print system, a printer, and a content server.
2. Description of the Related Art
These days, public networks such as Internet have become widespread explosively. Therefore, ordinary users have come to be able to download content data from a content server distant from the users via the Internet and print this data by their own printers.
For example, when a content server connected to Internet collects data on photographs of professional entertainers in a content database, a user can access the content server which manages this content database via the Internet. Then the user can download a photograph of an entertainer he or she wants from the content database to his or her own computer and print it by a printer connected to this computer. On the occasion of this download, a provider who provides the content server charges the user suitably for it, whereby a service business pays.
However, a mechanism to prevent unjust copy print is not provided in content data on photographs and the like downloaded from the content server by the user. Accordingly, the user can print the content data downloaded from the content server by the printer any number of times. In this case, it can not be said that a copyright on the content data is sufficiently protected.

Print system and printer capable of prevention of unjust copy print


A method of preparing a sheet of material for bending along a bend line includes the step of forming at least one displacement in the thickness direction of the sheet of material, the displacement including a flat zone substantially parallel to the sheet of material with a portion of the periphery of the flat zone extending along and adjacent to the bend line, and including an angled transition zone interconnecting the flat zone with a remainder of the sheet of material. The forming step is preferably accomplished using one of a stamping process, a punching process, a roll-forming process and an embossing process. A sheet of material suitable for bending using the process also is disclosed, as are the use of coatings, shin guards and displacing the area of the sheet between bending inducing slits.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates, in general, to the precision folding of sheet material and, more particularly, relates to preparing the sheet material for bending using punching, stamping, roll-forming, embossing and similar processes, and then bending or folding the sheet into three-dimensional structures.
2. Description of Related Art
The present method and apparatus are based upon slitting and grooving geometries disclosed in depth in the above set forth related applications, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In these related applications several techniques or manufacturing processes for forming slits and grooves that will precisely control bending of a wide variety of sheet material are disclosed, including laser cutting, water jet cutting, stamping, punching, molding, casting, stereo lithography, roll forming, machining, chemical-milling, photo-etching and the like. Some of these processes for fabricating bend-inducing slit geometries can be more expensive than others. For example, laser cutting will inherently involve additional cost as compared to, for example, punching or stamping, but punching and stamping may not be particularly well suited to sheet material of relatively heavy gauge.
The precision bending slit geometries of the above-identified related applications may be advantageously applied to numerous structures which are formed from relatively thin gauge sheet material. These structures tend to be more driven by the need for complex and precise bending patterns than they are by strength or fatigue resistance requirements. An example of one type of structure which can be formed of a relatively thin gauged sheet material, and yet requires precision and complex bending, is electronic component chassis, such as, computers, audio receivers, television sets, DVD players, etc.
As is noted in prior related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/672,766, flat sheets, which are slit or grooved in accordance with the teachings of that prior related application, can have electrical components mounted to the flat sheets using "pick-and-place" techniques. The sheets may then be folded into enclosures or housings in which all of the components are spatially related in the desired positions inside the housing. The "pick-and-place" techniques greatly reduce cost, as does the ability to fold a flat sheet into a precisely dimensioned enclosure using relatively low-force bending techniques. While such electronic chassis can be formed using laser cutting or water jet cutting, there is considerable advantage if lower cost slit-forming or groove-forming techniques can be employed. Thus, lower cost fabrication processes such as punching, stamping, roll-forming or the like, will be highly advantageous to use with relatively thin gauge material if they do not lose the precision advantages that the slits geometries of the related applications can produce.
Moreover, slit-forming techniques, such as punching, stamping and roll-forming, can produce slits which have essentially zero kerf or slit width dimension, while laser and water jet cutting remove material and product slits having a measurable kerf or width dimension. Sheets having zero kerf slits have the advantage of being more closed along the bend line after the sheets are bent. Thus, they do not tend to open up as much during bending as sheets having measurable kerf dimensions. This makes the zero kerf sheets amenable to coating with a protective layer that will seal and close the bend line to allow them to be used in applications in which electromagnetic shielding, corrosion resistance, attractive appearance, or fluid tightness is required.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for preparing sheet material for precision bending along a bend line, which method is relatively low in cost and adaptable to a wide range of applications employing sheet material.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a low cost method for preparing sheet material for bending, which method is capable of precise bending free of cumulative bending errors, is suitable for complex bending patterns, and requires only minimal force to effect bending.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a sheet of material for bending in which slits or grooves are formed using low-cost manufacturing processes that are capable of producing structures which can be sealed, are fluid-tight, corrosion resistant or must have an attractive appearance.
The bendable sheet material and bend-inducing sheet forming method of the present invention have other objects and features of advantage which will be set forth in more detail hereinafter in the following Best Mode of Carrying Out the Invention, as exemplified and illustrated by the accompanying drawing.

Method for forming sheet material with bend controlling displacements


A system and method is described having a single reaction vessel (12) using superheated stream optionally augmented by oxygen for reducing nitrogen oxides present in a wide variety of organic compounds. Reduction takes place quickly when a stream/oxygen mixture is injected into a fluidized bed (22) of ceramic beads. Reducing additives are metered into the reaction vessel (12) and/or provide energy input to reduce nitrates to nitrogen. The speed of the fluidizing gas mixture agitates the beads that then help to break up solid wastes and to allow self-cleaning through abrasion thereby eliminating agglomerates, and the oxygen, when used, allows for some oxidation of waste by-products and provides an additional offset for thermal requirements of operation.

Nitrogen oxides can be commonly found in many waste products and compounds. Nitrogen oxides (referred to herein as "NOx") include such compounds as nitric acid, aluminum nitrate, sodium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate and the like.
Traditional approaches to removing NOx include dry contact reduction processes for solid and gaseous nitrate compounds and wet absorption processes for gaseous NOx. Dry contact reduction processes may be either catalytic or non-catalytic and may be either selective or non-selective. Selective reduction processes are characterized by the selective reduction of gaseous nitrogen oxides and their consequent removal in the presence of oxygen. A common selective reduction agent for gaseous NOx is ammonia. Ammonia, however, oxidizes to form unwanted nitrogen oxide at high temperatures. Moreover, excess ammonia is itself a pollutant. Other selective reduction methods employ catalysts such as iridium. The problem with catalyst reduction is that the presence of particulates, sulfurous acid gases and other poisons reduce catalyst effectiveness and life thereby increasing costs.
Non-selective reduction processes generally involve the addition of a reducing agent to the gaseous NOx containing material, consuming all free oxygen through combustion and reducing the NOx to nitrogen by the remaining reducing agent. Catalysts are typically utilized in these processes. Reducing agents useful in these processes are both scarce and expensive.
Wet absorption processes typically require large and expensive equipment such as absorption towers. An example of a wet absorption process is the absorption of nitrogen oxides by water or alkali solution. Another shortcoming of the wet absorption process is that these methods are not economically effective where the NOx concentration in the gaseous waste stream is about 5,000 ppm.
In the nuclear industry, there is an annual production of significant amounts of wastes which are classified as radioactively contaminated salt cakes, ion exchange media, sludges and solvents. These radioactive wastes either contain nitrogen oxides or nitrogen oxides are produced as part of the treatment of these wastes. In particular, nuclear fuel reprocessing with nitric acid produces highly radioactive nitric acid and sodium nitrate waste by-products.
For solid or slurry NOx wastes and compounds a variety of processes have been tried for NOx destruction. Rotary calciner and fluid bed processors have been utilized with typical results yielding less than 90% conversion of solid nitrates to gaseous NOx and nitrogen. The gaseous NOx generally exceeded 10,000 ppm which requires addition of extensive gaseous NOx removal methods as described above. In addition, severe agglomerations occur in processors as well as the presence of flammable or explosive mixtures of nitrates and reducing agents in the processors.
Another problem associated with prior art waste processing methods involves sulfur-containing compounds. The presence of such sulfur compounds in a vitrification melter can cause a molten sulfur salt pool to accumulate on top of the molten inorganic residue (glass); this pool causes high corrosion rates for the melter equipment. The pool can also have a high electrical conductivity, which causes short-circuiting of the heating electrodes in the melter. Additionally, potentially explosive conditions can result if large quantities of water contact the molten sulfur salt pool.
Further, the presence of heavy metals in the inorganic residues can render the final waste product hazardous, thereby requiring additional processing of the residue before disposal or higher disposal costs. Also, the inorganic residue can contain soluble components that may form aqueous solutions after processing; these solutions can result in contamination of the surroundings after disposal.
A process which does not have the limitations and shortcomings of the above described prior art methods for nitrogen oxide removal from waste streams and compounds would be highly desirable.


A method for fabricating an integrated circuit includes providing a substrate, forming a low-k dielectric layer over the substrate, etching the low-k dielectric layer to form an opening in the low-k dielectric layer wherein an underlying metal is exposed through the opening, performing a remote plasma treatment to the substrate wherein a plasma used for the remote plasma treatment is generated from a plasma generator separated from a chamber in which the substrate is located, forming a diffusion barrier layer in the opening, and filling the opening with a conductive material. The method preferably includes an in-situ plasma treatment in a same chamber as the step of etching the low-k dielectric layer.

Conductive lines or interconnect structures are used to connect devices in integrated circuits and to connect to external pads. A significant problem in the formation of interconnect structures is the parasitic capacitances between metal lines. Parasitic capacitances cause an increase in RC delay. In some high-speed circuits, interconnect capacitances can be the limiting factor in the speed of the integrated circuit. Thus it is desirable to reduce the interconnect capacitances. Accordingly, low dielectric constant (low-k) materials have been increasingly used. However, it has been found that low-k materials are often subject to damage during the formation of interconnect structures.
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate cross-sectional views in the manufacture of a typical interconnect structure. Referring to FIG. 1, an etch stop layer 12 and a low-k dielectric layer 2 are formed on a metal line 14. A photo resist 6 is formed over low-k dielectric layer 2. Photo resist 6 is then patterned as a mask. An opening 8 is formed in low-k dielectric layer 2, preferably by dry etching. Referring to FIG. 2, photo resist 6 is removed, preferably by an ashing process. Exposed etch stop layer 12 is then removed to expose underlying metal line 14. Typically, low-k dielectric layer 2 contains carbon, and the steps of etching low-k dielectric layer 2, ashing photo resist 6, and removing etch stop layer 12 generate polymers, such as CFx, as by-products. A layer of polymers is schematically illustrated as a layer 10 in FIG. 2, which covers the bottom and sidewalls of opening 8. The polymers adversely affect the characteristics and reliability of the resulting interconnect structure, thus need to be removed.
Conventionally, polymer layer 10 is removed by a wet clean process. The conventional wet clean process, however, suffers drawbacks. Referring to FIG. 3, the width of trench opening 8 is increased from a width W1 before the ashing step to a width W2 before trench opening 8 is filled. For narrow trenches having widths close to the critical dimension, the respective width change may be significant enough to affect the subsequent process steps and the characteristics of the interconnect structures.
Before the formation of a diffusion barrier layer (not shown) and the filling of trench opening 8, a pre-metal clean, which typically includes an in-situ plasma etching, is performed to remove undesired contaminations such as copper oxide. The conventional pre-metal clean process causes k value increases, micro-structure distortion and pore size enlargement, partially due to the high concentration of charges in the plasma.
Accordingly, the cleaning processes used for forming interconnect structures need to be improved.

Cleaning processes in the formation of integrated circuit interconnect structures

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.


A method for precisely controlling the volume of a product such as a tire tread or tire that is placed into a mold is provided. This method includes providing a tread or tire that is built upon a portable mold core by laying a series of layers on the portable mold core. The outer diameter of the lire tread or lire is initially built to be purposely smaller than the interior surfaced of the mold in order to prevent any interference from occurring between the mold and the tire tread once the tire tread and core are placed within the mold and the mold is closed. The weight of the tire tread or tire is measured to see if the volume of the tire tread or tire is within acceptable parameters to fit within the mold. If not, additional material is added to the tire or tire tread.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a method of manufacturing tires that are cured in a mold, and, more specifically, to a method for fabricating a tire or tire tread around a portable mold core, both of which are moved through various tire building stages until the tire or tire tread and core are placed into a mold where the rubber materials of the tire are cured.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is commonly known that tires are made by wrapping a number of tire products including carcass plies, belts and tread rubber sequentially about a building drum or other apparatus that provides a building surface. Many of these products include a rubber or some other thermoset elastomer in them that is in the "green" or uncured state during the tire building process. It is desirable that these materials be cured after the tire has been built so that their molecules cross link, which imparts them with greater durability which is particularly advantageous in promoting the endurance and life of the tire in use. In order to accomplish this, the green tire is typically placed into a mold where sufficient heat and pressure are added to the rubber and elastomer materials so that curing or vulcanization occurs, creating the cross linked molecules that provide the aforementioned desirable characteristics.
Pneumatic tires also have sidewalls that terminate in bead sections, all of which are built onto the building drum, and that provide the means by which the tire is held onto the rim of a vehicle. This type of tire is often cured in a mold whose surfaces that form the outer portions of the tire, including the width of the tire and its outer circumference, which are spatially fixed and that also has an inflatable bladder that mates with the inner surfaces of the tire. As can be imagined, the volume of tires placed into such a mold varies as a result of the tire building process as the tire products are laid onto the building drum. This is attributed to slight mass variations within the products that make up the tire as well as the imprecision with which these products are placed on top of each other. Also, there are usually tiny air pockets that have been trapped during the fabrication of the tire as one layer is laid upon another. Once a green tire is placed into the mold, the inflatable bladder is expanded with enough pressure so that any gaps between the fixed surfaces of the mold and the outer surfaces of the tire as well as any air pockets within the tire itself are removed, helping to ensure that heat and pressure can be effectively transferred to the rubber materials for proper vulcanization. The typical industry practice results in a situation where an uncured tire is often smaller than the volume of the closed mold and that this design criteria accounts for any customary building product volume variation. When the uncured tire is smaller than the closed mold volume, the mold can be closed via conventional tire curing press technology. The inflation bladder expansion accommodates any normal volume variations that occur from uncured tire to uncured tire during production. Further, should conditions result in uncured tires that are oversized as compared to the volume of the mold, the pressure within the inflatable bladder, and its flexibility, allow the mold to close properly, without damage to the mold itself or the surrounding mechanisms. Once the mold is fully closed and locked, the inflatable bladder is then expanded so that proper conduction of heat and pressure from the mold to the tire can be achieved as previously described.
However, such molding technology does not work effectively with all types of tires. For example, some non-pneumatic tires have a shear band in their tread that comprises inextensible membranes that surround a shear layer made of an elastomer material. For an example of this construction, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,769,465; 7,013,939 and 7,201,194 that are commonly owned by the assignee of the present application. The membranes are very stiff, i.e. 100 to 1000 times more stiff than rubber, as they often use reinforcements made of uninterrupted steel cord. Further, the orientation of the reinforcements within the membranes is generally circumferential. The combined result of reinforcement and orientation is the inextensible nature of these membranes. This is different from typical pneumatic tire industry practice, where the steel cords are angled with respect to the circumference of the tire belts. The presence of this cord angle introduces interruptions of the cord along the circumferential direction of the belts. These interruptions of the steel cords, along with the low stiffness circumferential reinforcements that are also in typical use by the tire industry, result in uncured pneumatic tires that are extensible in circumference and therefore are compatible with inflatable bladder molding technology.
When inflatable bladders are used with tire constructions that include inextensible membranes, one of two adverse reactions generally occur. When there is insufficient uncured tire volume, the inflatable bladder will force an undesirable flow of rubber between the steel cords, which degrades the mechanical performance of the cured tire. Conversely, when there is excess uncured tire volume, the closing mold will distort the belts as the tire is forced to have a smaller circumference. The inextensible belts must buckle, since they cannot change circumference. The inflatable bladders, lacking any mechanism to constrain distortion, simply accommodate the buckling and thus allow the distortion to become a permanent feature of the cured tire.
Accordingly, it is desirable to find a method for controlling the volume of the tire tread or tire precisely so that it can fit snugly within a mold without damaging the tire tread or tire, or other components thereof, upon mold closing and so that the tread or tire expands sufficiently as the mold heats up so that it contacts the mold without causing the flow of rubber between the steel cords of an inextensible membrane, helping to ensure that enough pressure and heat are transferred to the elastomer materials in the tread or tire for proper vulcanization and the removal of any air pockets found within the tread or tire.

Method of controlling product volume in a fixed volume mold

Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin


A combined refrigerator-oven (20) includes an enclosed chamber (28) having a top wall (22), a bottom wall (24), and vertical side walls (26). The refrigerator-oven (20) further includes a heating unit (50) and a refrigeration unit (70). A controller (118) is in communication with the heating unit (50) and the refrigeration unit (70). When a cooling mode is selected, the controller (118) activates the refrigeration unit (70) to deliver cool air (62) into the enclosed chamber (28). When a heating mode is selected, the controller (118) activates the heating unit (50) to produce heat (66) in the enclosed chamber (28).

The present invention relates to the field of kitchen appliances. More specifically, the present invention relates to a combined refrigerator-oven apparatus for refrigerating and cooking food in the same enclosed chamber.
Lifestyles are very busy, and many families are away from home during large portions of the day for work, school, and other activities. As a consequence, the preparation of the evening meal can be significantly delayed until the cook returns home. Many families have extracurricular activities in the evenings. Thus, a delay in the preparation of the evening meal can undesirably overlap into the time allotted for these extracurricular activities. This problem is exacerbated if the family member cooking the meal is postponed on his or her return from work or school. This postponement causes the evening meal to be further delayed.
To meet such demanding schedules, many people replace the home-cooked evening meal with low nutritional value snacks, fast food, or by simply skipping meals. This unhealthy replacement for the home-cooked meal contributes to an increase in diet related disorders, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and so forth. Accordingly, there is a need to decrease the preparation time for home-cooked meals following a return from work or school to provide incentive for the preparation and consumption of home-cooked meals rather than snacks and fast food.
Microwave and convection ovens have typically been used to cook meals quickly. Unfortunately, the preparation of a meal entails more than simply cooking the food. In addition to cooking the meal, a cook typically has to prepare the food in advance by cleaning it, cutting it, combining it with other ingredients, and so forth. This advance preparation can be even more time consuming than cooking the food. Sometimes a cook may prepare a meal in advance and store it in the refrigerator until he or she gets home, at which time, the cook will place the food in the oven to bake it. Unfortunately, the baking time can still undesirably delay the time at which the meal may be eaten.
Yet another tactic that cooks use is to place frozen food on the counter to thaw before leaving for work. The thawed food is then cooked upon their return home. Unfortunately, the food may thaw to room temperature before anyone returns home. Thawed foods that reach room temperature, particularly meat products, can become unsafe due to bacterial growth. Hence, it is recommended that most foods should be thawed in the refrigerator, rather than on the countertop.
Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention that a combined refrigerator-oven is provided that permits the selective cooling and cooking of food.
Another advantage of the present invention is that a combined refrigerator-oven is provided that can be pre-programmed to activate respective cooling and heating units of the refrigerator-oven.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the combined refrigerator-oven can be remotely controlled to activate the respective cooling and heating units of the combined refrigerator-oven and to change pre-programmed settings of the refrigerator-oven.
The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried out in one form by a combined refrigerator-oven apparatus. The combined refrigerator-oven includes an enclosed chamber having top, bottom, and vertical side walls. The bottom wall has an airflow inlet opening, and a gate removably blocks the airflow inlet opening. A heating unit is positioned in the enclosed chamber, and a refrigeration unit is positioned outside of the enclosed chamber. The refrigeration unit has a cool air duct coupled to the airflow inlet opening. A controller is in communication with the gate, the heating unit, and the refrigeration unit for selectively activating the refrigerator-oven apparatus. When a cooling mode is selected, the controller actuates the gate to unblock the airflow inlet opening and activates the refrigeration unit to deliver cool air through the cool air duct to the enclosed chamber. When a heating mode is selected, the controller actuates the gate to block the airflow inlet opening and activates the heating unit.


A method includes establishing a first link between a first processor device and a first memory module at a first time. A second link is established between a second processor device and a second memory module at a second time. In response to receiving a first event indicator, a third link is established between the first processor device and the second memory module at a third time, the third time after the first time and the second time.

Data processing devices can include multiple processor devices. In order to perform specified tasks, the processor devices typically access memory modules to store and retrieve information. Stored information can include instructions and data necessary to perform an intended task. In some configurations, each processor device is configured to access a subset of available memory modules, whereby the processor device handles all accesses to its associated memory modules. Therefore, a failure at a processor device can render the associated memory modules inaccessible.

Memory control device and methods thereof


The present disclosure provides for a repair device useful in the repair of surfaces, particularly in a healthcare environment. An exemplary form of the present comprises a repair patch, a pre-mask and release liner; the repair patch interposed between the pre-mask and release liner; the removable adhesive interposed between the pre-mask and repair patch; and the permanent adhesive interposed between the repair patch and the release liner; wherein the adhesion value of the removable adhesive is lower than that of the permanent adhesive.

Healthcare device undergoes significant use and wear throughout its lifespan. Damage to the surface of the healthcare device, such as, tears, punctures, rips, burns, wear, cracks, and other surface damage, presents a potential health risks to patients and healthcare providers. Increasingly, healthcare providers are becoming aware of the role that contaminated environmental surfaces play in the transmission of infections. Patient care initiatives, particularly infection control efforts, are becoming more prevalent. At least 30% of healthcare associated infections can be prevented by following infection prevention and control strategies (Haley, R W et al. Am J Epidemiol (1985) Vol. 121:159-67). One challenge in cleaning or disinfecting the surfaces of healthcare devices is the occurrence of damage to the surface of the device as damaged surfaces cannot be easily cleaned or disinfected thereby creating a potential reservoir for infectious agents.
Healthcare devices used in hospital environments have been found to be a source of healthcare acquired infections. Environmental microbiological surveys have indicated that hospital devices (for example, beds, tables, stools, wheelchairs, racks, trolleys, stretchers, mattresses, catheter-bag, and other furniture, equipment and articles used in a hospital environment) can be contaminated with pathogens at a higher incidence relative to other surfaces (see, for example, Rampling, A et al. J Hosp Infect. (2001) Vol. 49:109-116; and Blythe, D et al. J Hosp Infect (1998) Vol. 38:67-70). In addition, there have been reports of hospital mattresses contaminated with infectious agents, including for example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), Acinetobacter, and other fungal and viral pathogens. Hospital mattresses may be damaged by a variety of means, such as, for example, extensive use, tears and sharp objects, such as needles. Several studies have demonstrated that damaged mattresses have had a role in outbreaks, the transmission of disease to patients, and in some cases patient death (see Creamer E, et al. J Hosp Infect (2008) Vol. 69:8-23; Sherertz, R J et al. J Infect Dis (1985) Vol. 151:252-258; Moore E P, et al. J Hosp Infect (1991) Vol. 19:5-16; Ndawula, E M et al. Lancet (1991) Vol. 337:488; Fujita, K et al. Br Med J (1981) Vol. 283:219-220; Robertson, M H et al. Br Med J (1981) Vol. 280:831-832; and O'Donoghue, M A et al. J Hosp Infect (1992) Vol. 22:73-79). These studies indicate that damaged hospital mattresses may harbour infectious agents and result in hospital acquired infections; whereas intact mattresses or healthcare devices are preferred for appropriate cleaning, disinfection and infection prevention and control.
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is an important aspect of proper application and management of healthcare, and one aspect of IPC is maintaining an intact, contiguous, surface on furniture and devices within the healthcare environment so as to enable proper cleaning and maintenance. As a result, many healthcare providers have instituted policies requiring the replacement of healthcare devices having damaged surfaces or the replacement of the damaged components of the device. However, replacement of a healthcare device or its damaged components can be costly, may result in device downtime, and the likelihood of a tear or other surface damage occurring after replacement is high. Thus many damaged healthcare devices are left in use.
Solutions exist to repair damaged surfaces of a variety of non-medical devices. In one solution, ready-mix glue is applied to the damaged portion of the surface. However, this solution tends to be messy, leaves the surface temporarily out of service, and may create toxic fumes or be toxic through direct contact. In another solution, duct, surgical or other types of tape are applied to the damaged portion of the surface. However, the edges of the tape tend to breakdown after extended use or following the application of liquids or body fluids. These edges can be difficult to clean properly, thereby, creating an additional potential reservoir for infectious agents. PCT Patent Application by Collins, T. et al., WO2012/119227 describes an adhesive patch for repairing damaged surfaces of health care devices.

Surface repair patch and method of using same


A method and system for garbage collecting managed and unmanaged memory that is no longer referenced. The time between allocations is compared with a threshold to determine if the garbage collector needs to collect unused memory. Unmanaged memory referenced by objects in the unused managed memory may be freed during the collection.

Many modern programs execute in an environment in which memory is managed by a memory manager known as a garbage collector. In response to a request for memory, the garbage collector finds a sufficient amount of free memory and allocates it to the program. The program may then use the memory until it no longer needs the memory. The program may not explicitly inform the garbage collector that it is done using the memory. Instead, periodically, the garbage collector performs a garbage collection.
The garbage collector is responsible for determining which memory blocks are no longer being used by the program. The garbage collector may do this by traversing the objects associated with a program and marking the memory blocks they are using. If an allocated memory location is no longer referenced by an object of the program, the garbage collector may indicate that the allocated memory location may be returned to the free pool of memory locations.
The garbage collector may collect on a periodic schedule. If an object remains referenced at the end of a period, the garbage collector may determine that the object is longer-lived and place it with a collection of objects that are checked less frequently to determine if they are still referenced by the program. If an object in this collection is still referenced when the garbage collector checks the collection, the object may be moved to yet another collection of objects which is checked even less frequently. This is known as generational garbage collection, and each of these collections are known as generations. The difference in time between checking objects in one generation as compared to another generation may be 100:1 or more. Garbage collectors use various heuristics to decide when to collect various generations.
Unfortunately, objects that are in any generation may cease to be referenced immediately or shortly after being placed in the generation and continue to tie up memory until garbage collection for their generation occurs. If an object in an infrequently-collected generation has a larger size than the garbage collector is aware of, the garbage collector's heuristics may not work well and this can cause a great deal of memory to be consumed. Examples include, but are not limited to, when a small managed object references a very large amount of unmanaged memory.
What is needed is an improved method and system for tracking and garbage collecting memory of a size larger than the garbage collector is aware of.

Implementation for collecting unmanaged memory


A method for manufacturing a quartz oscillator having a stable temperature drift characteristic attributed to the quartz oscillating piece and a quartz oscillator are disclosed.

An oscillation gyro as one of quartz oscillators is used in a gyroscope of a movable body such as an aircraft or a vehicle, a navigation system of an automobile, a hand movement detection device of a video camera, or the like.
As this oscillation gyro, there is generally a tuning fork type quartz gyro with two or three tines (which will be appropriately abbreviated to as an oscillation gyro).
The tuning fork type quartz gyro with two tines is constituted of a first oscillating body having a driving piezoelectric element provided thereto and a second oscillating body having a detection piezoelectric element provided thereto, and the tuning fork type quartz gyro with three tines is constituted of first and second oscillating bodies each having a driving piezoelectric element provided thereto and a third oscillating body having a detection piezoelectric element provided thereto.
For example, the tuning fork type quartz gyro with two tines excites the oscillating body (a driving leg) having a driving electrode provided thereto to resonate the oscillating body (a detection leg) having a detection electrode provided thereto in the same direction as an exciting direction. When a quartz oscillator configured by accommodating this tuning fork type quartz oscillating piece with two-tines in a package rotates, the oscillating body having the detection electrode provided thereto oscillates in a direction perpendicular to the exciting direction by a Coriolis force received by rotation, and by detecting this oscillation by the detection electrode, an angular speed at which the quartz oscillator rotates can be detected.
Further, since the oscillation gyro integrates the angular speed to calculate a rotation angle, errors in the angular speed are accumulated, and this accumulated error becomes an error in angle. Therefore, in order to improve a measurement accuracy of the oscillation gyro, errors in the angular speed must be reduced.
As a first factor which produces an error in angular speed, there is a processing method of a quartz oscillating piece. In general, as to the quartz oscillating piece, a tabular quartz plate having a corrosion-proof membrane pattern formed thereon is wet-etched to manufacture an oscillating piece having a desired shape matching with the corrosion-proof membrane pattern, but the quartz has an etching anisotropy, processing cannot be performed to obtain a shape equal to the corrosion-proof membrane pattern at the time of wet etching, and an etching residue remains at a part of an etched end surface. In case of the fork quartz oscillator, since this etching residue remains on a side of the oscillating body matching with the exciting direction, the oscillating body is prevented from oscillating in the exciting direction. As a result, in a state where the quartz oscillator is not rotated, the oscillating body does not linearly oscillate in the exciting direction but oscillates in an elliptic trajectory pattern, and hence this oscillation component is detected as oscillation due to the Coriolis force in some cases.
Various technologies which oscillate the oscillating body in one direction have been developed with respect to the above-described factor.
For example, Patent Reference 1 discloses a technology of a characteristic adjustment method of an angular speed sensor which applies an alternating-current voltage to a driving electrode in a first oscillating body or a second oscillating body in a state where an angular speed is not given to the angular speed sensor as an oscillation gyro, and slides a tape in which a polishing agent is embedded on an edge line (a corner portion) in the first oscillating body or the second oscillating body in such a manner that an output signal from a detection electrode at this moment becomes substantially zero, thereby providing a ground portion.
When this technology is used, a ground portion having surface roughness of 2 μm or below can be provided on the edge line of the oscillating body, the balance of each oscillating body can be precisely redressed, and an output signal in a state where no angular speed is given can be approximated to substantially zero.
Moreover, as a second factor which causes an error in an angular speed, there is a change in temperature. Even if the balance of each oscillating body is precisely redressed at a predetermined temperature (which is generally an ordinary temperature) to oscillate each oscillating body in one direction without rotating a quartz oscillator, when a temperature varies, each oscillating body oscillates in an elliptic trajectory pattern, and this oscillation component is detected as oscillation due to a Coriolis force.
It is to be noted that characteristics that an output value varies in accordance with a change in temperature are called temperature drift characteristics, the second factor is the temperature drift characteristics attributed to a quartz oscillating piece, and the temperature drift characteristics must be stabilized. However, a mechanism of occurrence of the temperature drift characteristics has not been technically explained, and a technology of improving the temperature drift characteristics does not exist.
Patent Reference 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2002-243451

Quartz oscillator manufacturing method and quartz oscillator

Abstract: The method comprises a quartz crystal etching step S1 of processing a quartz oscillating piece into a predetermined shape by etching, an electrode membrane forming step S2 of forming an electrode on the quartz oscillating piece, a quartz crystal mounting step S3 of mounting the quartz oscillating piece in an oscillator package, a leakage oscillation adjusting step S4 of driving the mounted quartz oscillating piece, detecting the leakage oscillation, and removing a part of the quartz oscillating piece depending on the detected leakage oscillation, and a re-etching step S6 of re-etching the quartz oscillating piece subjected to the removal.


A position of a honeycomb structure, which is comprised of an outer shell, separation walls arranged in the form of a honeycomb within the outer shell, and a number of axially extending cells which are defined by the separation walls, is recognized. When the position recognition is carried out, the honeycomb structure is located with the axis extending in an upward and downward direction. A camera to pickup image data is disposed out of an area directly above an upper surface of the honeycomb structure in the axial direction. Image data including the entirety of the upper surface of the honeycomb structure is picked up by the camera, so that the position of the honeycomb structure is recognized based on the image data.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a honeycomb structure position recognizing method in which a position of a honeycomb can be precisely recognized.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a motor vehicle, an exhaust gas purifying converter is provided in an exhaust system of an engine to purify the exhaust gas. As shown in FIG. 9, the exhaust gas purifying converter is comprised of a honeycomb structure 1 which is provided with an outer shell 11, separation walls 12 arranged in the form of a honeycomb within the outer shell 11, and a number of cells 13 which are defined by the separation walls 12 and which extend through the honeycomb structure 1.
In accordance with automaton of industrial equipment in recent years, for example, a position of the honeycomb structure 1 is recognized by a camera 92 in a conveyance line thereof using an automation, such as a robot. In the position recognition method of the honeycomb structure 1, the latter is located on a pallet 3, so that the axis direction D of the honeycomb structure is identical to the direction of gravity. Image data of the honeycomb structure 1 is picked up by the camera 92, so that the position of the honeycomb structure 1 can be recognized based on the image data and the honeycomb structure 1 is conveyed by the automaton.
However, the position recognition method of the honeycomb structure using the camera 92 has the following drawbacks.
Namely, the honeycomb structure 1 is provided with the plural separation walls 12 and cells 13 and, hence, when the honeycomb structure 1 is placed with the axial direction D identical to the vertical direction, little light can impinge upon the bottom portions 131 of the cells 13. When an image of the portion of the honeycomb structure 1 that is located directly below the camera 92 is taken by the camera 92, the photographed portion of the honeycomb structure 1 is the bottom portion 131.
Consequently, the portion of the honeycomb structure 1 that is placed directly below the camera 92 and that is photographed by the camera 92 is picked up as a dark image as indicated at 901 in FIG. 10 because this portion is directly viewed by the camera 92. The dark image portion 901 results in production of a noise signal having an adverse influence upon a precise position recognition of the honeycomb structure using the camera 92.

Method for recognizing position of honeycomb structure


Decrypting synthetic transactions with beacon packets is provided. A probe receives, from a client device, a start beacon packet that identifies a test of a service provided by one or more servers. The probe establishes, responsive to receipt of the start beacon packet, a log for the test. The probe stores, in the log established responsive to the start beacon packet, data packets transmitted between the client device and the one or more servers subsequent to the start beacon packet and encrypted with a key using a security protocol. The probe receives, from the client device, key information used to decrypt the data packets of the test encrypted with the key using the security protocol. The probe provides at least one of the data packets for evaluation or decryption using the key information to determine a performance of the service.

Digital services can be provided by servers to client devices over a network, such as the Internet. For example, servers can provide access to web sites, applications, content, or other digital services. Providers of the digital services can periodically test the digital services and content to evaluate the performance of the digital services, or identify issues associated with providing the digital services. However, due to the various security protocols used by client devices and services to communicate over a network, it can be challenging to analyze encrypted data packets to evaluate the test of the digital service.


The present invention provides a method and device for implementing original handwriting trace, and an electronic device. The method comprises: continuously sampling handwriting trace in time order, and detecting location information and the actual stroke widths at the sampling points; for every two adjacent sampling points, determining the former point as the starting sampling point, determining the latter point as the ending sampling point, using a line connecting the two points as the center line of the stroke between the two sampling points, obtaining location information of and the corresponding longitudinal stroke width at each point on the center line, and determining, according to the location information of and the corresponding longitudinal stroke width at each point on the center line, the fill gray value of each pixel in the stroke; and filling, according to the fill gray values, the corresponding pixels, and displaying the pixels. In this manner, graphic processing of the system is avoided, thereby accelerating the stylized trace processing, and bringing smooth writing experience to users.

With the continuous development of science and technology, various electronic devices with a handwriting input system, such as phones, e-books and tablet PCs with a handwriting function, have emerged in the market.
The handwriting tablet PC is integrated with a handwriting input system to replace the traditional keyboard input and can satisfy the needs of mobile office easily in an all-round way; in use, after a user enters texts or graphics on the handwriting input system through a handwriting pen, the texts or graphics are displayed directly on the display interface of the tablet PC.
The following two methods for processing handwriting traces are adopted in the handwriting input systems of the tablet PC currently available in the market.
The first one of the methods is to connect, by lines, the points where the handwriting pen passes by to form an inputted handwriting trace, but such handwriting trace achieved accordingly is not smooth enough and does not look like a real handwriting stylized trace.
The second one of the methods is implemented with curve fitting, that is, computing a smooth curve closest to all sampling points, and drawing the curve with the curve drawing function provided by a graphics system. During the curve drawing, however, the effect and speed of drawing the curve are unsatisfying enough due to the absence of expected purposes despite the powerful functions of the graphics system. Therefore, in use, the user obviously feels that the speed of displaying the handwriting trace lags behind that of handwriting by the user, thus degrading significantly user experience.

Method and device for implementing original handwriting trace, and electronic device

BEIJING ERENEBEN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


A tire management system for a truck or trailer having an axle having a first tire mounted thereto, the system having an air pressure supply connected to the tire so as to allow sealed communication of pressurized air between the air pressure supply and the first tire, and a first pilot-operated check valve in sealed fluid communication with the air pressure supply and with the first tire, the first pilot-operated check valve being configured to allow air to flow only from the air pressure supply to the first tire when a pilot of the first pilot check valve is not activated, and to allow air to flow between the first tire and the air pressure supply when the pilot of the first pilot-operated check valve is activated.

Wide-based tires and other types of tires may experience variations in tire pressure as the vehicle on which the tires are mounted changes altitude, moves and parks, or is exposed to sunlight and darkness. There exists a need for a tire management system that can adjust the tire pressure in a wide-based tire or other type of tire to maintain a relatively constant tire pressure.


The invention relates to a valve nozzle used for a molding machine of synthetic resin and is characterized in that a gate opening and closing mechanism consisting of a spool having a head portion at which a circular cross-sectioned part and a notched part are formed, a shaft portion and an arrow feather shaped projection, and a coil spring which presses the abovementioned spool in the direction opposite to the gate, is disposed in the interior space of a nozzle head attached to the tip end of a nozzle holder via a screw mechanism, when resin pressure is less than a certain fixed level, the abovementioned spool is pressed by the abovementioned coil spring in the direction opposite to the gate and the entire periphery of the circular cross-sectioned portion of the head portion of the spool is brought into contact with the interior wall of the gate of the nozzle head to cause the resin flow path to be closed, and when the resin pressure becomes higher than a certain fixed level, the head portion of the abovementioned spool overcomes a pressing force of the coil spring and is caused to protrude outward of the gate of the nozzle head, wherein a resin flow path is formed between the notched part of the head portion of the spool and the interior wall of the gate and the resin flow path is caused to open. With such construction, resin flow in the vicinity of the gate can be remarkably improved, and in particular it is possible to obtain molding components which are rarely cracked in comparison with molded components in which a conventional type nozzle is used.

1. Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a valve nozzle used for a molding machine for synthetic resin, and in particular relates to a valve nozzle and a shutoff nozzle used for hot liner molding.
2. Description of the prior art Japanese laid-open patent publication No; 163542 of 1982 discloses a valve nozzle which is to open and close a flow path by causing the tip end of a shutoff pin to be brought into contact with the gate at the tip end part of the nozzle head, wherein the shutoff pin is pressed into the gate direction by a coil spring incorporated in an enclosed chamber, and if the pressure of the resin is increased over a certain figure and overcomes the pressing force of the coil spring, the shutoff pin moves in the direction of the enclosed chamber to cause the gate to be opened.
Furthermore, Japanese laid-open patent publication No. 290021 of 1986 describes a valve nozzle constructed so that a ring having a circular hole is disposed in the interior space of the nozzle head, a flow path is closed by causing the tip end of a spool to be engaged in the circular hole, and this state is maintained by a pressing force of a coil spring engaged with the spool in the opposite gate direction, wherein the pressure of the resin is increased over a certain figure and overcomes the pressing force of the coil spring, the spool moves in the gate direction to cause a flow path to be formed between the circular hole of the ring and a groove prepared at a part of the head of the spool.
Such a type as described in the abovementioned Japanese laid-open patent publication No. 163542 of 1982 has a difficulty by which molded products may be liable to be broken in the vicinity of the gate due to a great residual stress at the point when a resin path is closed. Furthermore, when the resin is extruded through the gate with the resin path open, the resin moves straight along the space of the gate and advances, changing its flow direction to the cross direction when it is brought into contact with a metal mold. Therefore, in this construction, the flow of resin around the gate may be worsened.


A rf signal transfer link is described which uses amplitude shift keying (ASK) to transfer rf data pulses. The link minimizes state transition time at the end of each data pulse.

One way to provide power and data to an implanted electronic system such as a prosthetic stimulator is to transmit an RF signal via an inductive link. An inductive link basically has two resonant circuits: an external one and an internal one implanted in the patient user. The inductances of the two resonant circuits are realized, for example, as two spiral-shaped coils with typical outer diameters between 20 and 30 mm. When facing each other, the coils form a transformer which allows the transfer of RF-energy. Inductive links have been investigated with respect to optimizing power transfer efficiency and coupling misalignment tolerance. See, e.g., Galbraith D C, Soma M, and White R L, A Wide-Band Efficient Inductive Transdermal Power And Data Link With Coupling Insensitive Gain, IEEE Trans. Biomed. Eng. BME-34, pp. 265-275, April 1987; and Zierhofer C M and Hochmair E S, High-Efficiency Coupling-Insensitive Power And Data Transmission Via An Inductive Link, IEEE-Trans. Biomed. Eng. BME-37, pp. 716-723, July 1990; which are incorporated herein by reference.
In many applications, parallel-tuned receiver circuits are used because the RF-voltage across the resonant circuit can easily be converted to a dc voltage by rectification and smoothing. The dc voltage then is used as a power supply voltage for the electronic circuits within the implanted system. For example, FIG. 1 shows a parallel-tuned receiver resonant circuit of coil 101 and capacitor 102 where signal u2(t) is the induced RF-voltage. Rectifier diodes 103 and 104 in combination with filtering capacitors 105 and 106 convert the ac voltage u2(t) to a dc-like voltage Vdc. If the filtering capacitors 105 and 106 are sufficiently large, any ac components of Vdc can be neglected. Voltage Vdc is connected to voltage supply ports VCC and VSS of a subsequent electronic circuit 107 which implements the functionality of the implanted system, e.g., an implanted prosthetic stimulator.
Signal u2(t) is not only used as supply voltage generation for power, but it also contains digital information data. For example, for a cochlear implant, signal u2(t) provides information defining short biphasic pulses for the electrical stimulation of the acoustic nerve. In general, a bit decoding stage 108 is part of an implanted system that converts the RF-signal u2(t) to a base band bit sequence used for further processing.
For digital data transfer, at least two different distinguishable states of u2(t) are defined. For example, these two different states could be two different operating frequencies of u2(t), which are in the vicinity of the resonance frequency f2. Such a scheme is usually designated as Frequency-Shift-Keying (FSK). A practical example is described, e.g., in Galbraith above, where f2=20 MHz, and the two operating frequencies are 19 MHz and 21 MHz.
Another way to encode digital information in signal u2(t) is with Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK). In an ASK-scheme, the two distinguishable states of u2(t) can qualitatively be described by "RF-amplitude present" and "no RF-amplitude present". These two (ideal) states can easily be detected by means of envelope detection. For example, in FIG. 1 decoding stage 108 would then include an envelope detector.
In FIG. 2, an equivalent circuit of an inductive link system is shown. The parallel-tuned receiver circuit includes receiver coil 201, capacitor 202, and resistor 208, where resistor 208 represents the ohmic losses due to the parasitic resistance of coil 201. Resonance frequency f2 and unloaded quality factor Q2,unloaded are defined as
                                          f            2                    =                      1                          2                            π                                                                                L                    2                                                                          C                    2                                                                                ,        and        ,                            (        1        )                                          Q                      2            ,            unloaded                          =                              R            2                                                                                C                  2                                                  L                  2                                                      .                                              (        2        )            The power consumption of stage 107 in FIG. 1 is represented by an ohmic load 207. Rectifier diodes 103 and 104 are represented by simple equivalent circuits 203 and 204, which themselves are composed of ideal switches 2031 and 2041, and ohmic resistors 2032 and 2042. The states of the switches depend on voltage u2(t) and voltages VA and VB across capacitors 205 and 206, respectively. It is assumed that switch 2031 is closed if u2(t)>VA, and it is in its high impedance state for U2(t)≦VA. Similarly, switch 2041 is closed if u2(t)<−VB, and opened for u2(t)≧−VB.
Receiver coil 201 is inductively coupled to a transmitter coil 209, and the coupling strength is described by coupling coefficient k. Transmitter coil 209 together with capacitor 210 and resistor 211 form a series-tuned transmitter resonance circuit, where resistor 211 represents the parasitic resistance of coil 209. Resonance frequency f1 and unloaded quality factor Q1,unloaded are defined as:
                                          f            1                    =                      1                          2                            π                                                                                L                    1                                                                          C                    1                                                                                ,        and        ,                            (        3        )                                          Q                      1            ,            unloaded                          =                                                                              L                  1                                                  C                  1                                                                    R              1                                .                                    (        4        )            The input of the transmitter circuit is driven by voltage source 212 which generates input voltage u1(t). For ASK, typically two modes of operation, i.e., states RF-ON and RF-OFF, are used. As depicted in FIG. 3, in state RF-ON, u1(t) is switched periodically between ground potential and a supply voltage VDD. Period T denotes the RF-period. During state RF-OFF, u1(t) is connected to ground potential.
FIG. 4 shows an example of voltage u1(t) for a sequence of bits using a self clocking bit format. Here, a logical "0" is encoded into a sequence RF-ON followed by RF-OFF, and vice versa, a logical "1" is encoded into a sequence RF-OFF followed by RF-ON.

Inductive power and data transmission system based on class D and amplitude shift keying


An insert arm holding and transporting wafers within a wafer jar is disclosed. The insert has a generally round bottom with a plurality of upward extending arms to closely hold and receive wafers which may be loaded either manually or mechanically.

This invention relates to methods and apparatus for handling semiconductor wafers.
It is common during the manufacture of semiconductor integrated circuit chips to process semiconductor wafers with steps such as etching, deposition, etc., and then ship the processed wafers to a remote location for dicing and packaging. Wafers which are shipped to remote packaging operations are commonly packed manually in wafer jars. (A wafer jar is denoted by reference numeral 11 of FIG. 1.) When packing wafers into a wafer jar, an operator, may use a device termed xe2x80x9cwafer dealerxe2x80x9d to present the wafers to him one at a time. Alternatively, the operator may select wafers manually. Then the operator picks up each wafer, either with a vacuum wand or a gloved hand and places the wafer in the wafer jar. A paper disc is placed between each wafer. Typically, a wafer jar may hold 1-25 wafers. A lid is placed upon the wafer jar after it has been filled with wafers.
When the wafers arrive at the remote packaging location, the wafers are unpacked by removing the jar lid and turning the jar upside down on a table and emptying its contents upon the table. This process of emptying the jar presents both contamination and breakage hazards.
Those concerned with the advancement of semiconductor integrated circuit manufacturing technology have consistently sought better and more reliable methods of wafer handling. There exists wafer handling equipment which utilizes a vacuum wand to hold the wafer by suction on its backside. However, such a vacuum wand is not capable of safely loading a wafer jar because the wand would be required to drop the wafer into the jar from the top. Alternatively, operators use tweezers to grasp wafers by the edge. However, this method is unsuitable for loading a wafer jar.
Wafer handling may be facilitated by the present invention which illustratively, includes a wafer jar insert having a round base for supporting the wafers and at least one arm rigidly extending upward from the base.
In an illustrative embodiment, the invention comprehends a plurality of arms extending upward from the base. A plurality of wafers may rest upon the base and may be closely received by the arms.
Alternatively, another embodiment is a method of integrated circuit manufacturing including the placing of a plurality of wafers into a wafer jar insert and then the placing of the wafer jar insert into a wafer jar.
Further illustrative embodiments include opening the wafer jar; removing a wafer jar insert from the wafer jar; and removing at least one wafer from the wafer jar insert.
Another embodiment also includes an apparatus for the manufacture of integrated circuits including a wafer jar insert for holding wafers; a tube having a vacuum chuck adapted for holding a wafer face; and means for controlling empowering the tube whereby the tube places wafers within the wafer jar insert and then releases the wafers.


A shock absorber includes a valve assembly which includes a valve disc engaging an inner and outer valve land defined by a valve body. The inner valve land is a non-circular valve land such that a radial dimension between the inner and outer valve land varies based upon a circumferential position of the radial dimension. The varying radial dimension provides a progressive valve opening for the valve assembly.

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
Shock absorbers are used in conjunction with automotive suspension systems to absorb unwanted vibrations which occur during driving. To absorb the unwanted vibrations, shock absorbers are generally connected between the sprung portion (body) and the unsprung portion (suspension) of the automobile. A piston is located within a pressure tube of the shock absorber and the pressure tube is connected to the unsprung portion of the vehicle. The piston is connected to the sprung portion of the automobile through a piston rod which extends through the pressure tube. The piston divides the pressure tube into an upper working chamber and a lower working chamber both of which are filled with hydraulic fluid. Because the piston is able, through valving, to limit the flow of the hydraulic fluid between the upper and the lower working chambers when the shock absorber is compressed or extended, the shock absorber is able to produce a damping force which counteracts the vibration which would otherwise be transmitted from the unsprung portion to the sprung portion of the vehicle. In a dual-tube shock absorber, a fluid reservoir or reserve chamber is defined between the pressure tube and a reserve tube. A base valve is located between the lower working chamber and the reserve chamber to also produce a damping force which counteracts the vibrations which would otherwise be transmitted from the unsprung portion of the vehicle to the sprung portion of the automobile.
As described above, for a dual-tube shock absorber, the valving on the piston limits the flow of damping fluid between the upper and lower working chambers when the shock absorber is extended to produce a damping load. The valving on the base valve limits the flow of damping fluid between the lower working chamber and the reserve chamber when the shock absorber is compressed to produce a damping load. For a mono-tube shock absorber, the valving on the piston limits the flow of damping fluid between the upper and lower working chambers when the shock absorber is extended or compressed to produce a damping load. During driving, the suspension system moves in jounce (compression) and rebound (extension). During jounce movements, the shock absorber is compressed causing damping fluid to move through the base valve in a dual-tube shock absorber or through a piston valve on the piston in a mono-tube shock absorber. A damping valve located on the base valve or the piston controls the flow of damping fluid and thus the damping force created. During rebound movements, the shock absorber is extended causing damping fluid to move through the piston in both the dual-tube shock absorber and the mono-tube shock absorber. A damping valve located on the piston controls the flow of damping fluid and thus the damping force created.
In a dual-tube shock absorber, the piston and the base valve normally include a plurality of compression passages and a plurality of extension passages. During jounce movements in a dual-tube shock absorber, the damping valve on the base valve opens the compression passages in the base valve to control fluid flow and produce a damping load. A fluid valve on the piston opens the compression passages in the piston to replace damping fluid in the upper working chamber but this check valve does not contribute or only partially contributes to the overall damping load. The damping valve on the piston closes the extension passages of the piston and a fluid valve on the base valve closes the extension passages of the base valve during a compression or jounce movement. During rebound movements in a dual-tube shock absorber, the damping valve on the piston opens the extension passages in the piston to control fluid flow and produce a damping load. The fluid valve on the base valve opens the extension passages in the base valve to replace damping fluid in the lower working chamber but this fluid valve does not contribute or only partially contributes to the overall damping load.
In a mono-tube shock absorber, the piston normally includes a plurality of compression passages and a plurality of extension passages. The shock absorber will also include means for compensating for the rod volume flow of fluid as is well known in the art. During jounce movements in a mono-tube shock absorber, the compression damping valve on the piston opens the compression passages in the piston to control fluid flow and produce a damping load. The extension damping valve on the piston closes the extension passages of the piston during a jounce movement. During rebound movements in a mono-tube shock absorber, the extension damping valve on the piston opens the extension passages in the piston to control fluid flow and produce a damping load. The compression damping valve on the piston closes the compression passages of the piston during a rebound movement.
For most dampers, the damping valves are designed as a normal close/open valve even though some valves may include a bleed flow of damping fluid. Because of this close/open design, pressure oscillations can occur. These pressure oscillations can result in high frequency vibrations being generated by the shock absorber which can create an unwanted disturbance.

Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.


An adjustable hydrocephalus valve for pressure equalization of the cerebrospinal fluid in the cranium of a hydrocephalus patient. The valve is adjustable to change the opening and closing pressure of the valve. The valve housing has a cover portion that can be depressed to thereby disengage a locking device to permit adjustment of the valve. The cover portion bulges outwardly, but bulges inwardly when depressed. The cover portion snaps when moved between the outward bulge and the inward bulge to thereby generate an audio and/or visual signal indicating that the cover portion has been switched from the outward bulge to the inward bulge, and vice versa.

1. Technical Field
The present application relates to an adjustable hydrocephalus valve.
2. Background Information
Background information is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily admit that subsequently mentioned information and publications are prior art.
The present application relates to an adjustable hydrocephalus valve to equalize the pressure of the fluid in the cranium of a hydrocephalus patient.
Hydrocephalus patients have the following medical problem:
In the cranium, the brain is surrounded by a special liquid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or liquor. This liquor is continuously produced and reabsorbed in equal amounts. In the illness hydrocephalus (also called water on the brain), this equilibrium is disrupted and more liquid is produced than is reabsorbed. Because the interior of the skull represents a closed vessel, the result is an increase in volume. In infants, the seams in the skull cannot grow together and close, and, in adults, the internal pressure in the skull increases. Therefore there are two types of hydrocephalus: adult and infantile.
Hydrocephalus treatment initially comprised simply draining the liquor. This drainage was effected by means of a simple hose connection between the skull and a large venous blood vessel or by a corresponding connection between the skull and the abdomen via a hose. It was quickly determined, however, that the pressure in the skull must or should maintain a certain physiological value if other complications are to be prevented or minimized.
A number of different types of valves are known that are installed in the drain for the liquor, and by means of which the pressure of the liquor can be adjusted. Valves of this type are implanted under the skin in the vicinity of the head. The valves are designed to open at a certain critical pressure and to release the flow of liquor. By means of a line—which is also implanted under the skin—the liquor is drained into the upper vena cava or into the abdominal cavity.
But a satisfactory solution has not yet been achieved with known valves.
The adjustment to the patient in question, i.e. to the particular application case, is lacking.
Valve developments that allow an adjustment are already known.
The valves in question are implanted in the patient and, for example, drain the excess liquor from the patient's skull via a tube line, which is likewise implanted, and empty, for example, into a vena cava or into the abdomen. The valve pressure is thereby determined by a spring, wherein the spring is adjusted by means of a mechanism that has a pivoting or rotating part that is moved from outside by pivoting or rotating the magnets, so that the spring is wound up or released.
The known valves have a more or less flat construction. The objective of the flat construction is to prevent or minimize bumps or protuberances on the patient's head to the maximum extent possible as a result of the implant procedure.
Some valves include, for example, the Codman Medos valve.
This valve is a ball valve with a spring-loaded ball. The valve is adjusted by changing the position of the spring. The spring presses with one end on the valve ball. With the other end, the spring is braced against an abutment. In this model, the height of the abutment can be adjusted by rotation. The height can be adjusted because the abutment is rotational and is provided on top with an inclined or step-wise edge along which the spring glides. The adjustment range of the abutment is limited to a rotational movement of the abutment of maximum one hundred eighty degrees.
This leads to inaccuracies in the adjustment. In addition, a slight unintended rotational movement of the abutment can already lead to considerable valve modifications.
The Sophysa valve is also one of the known valves.
Even the manufacturer of this valve warns that the hydrocephalus patient should avoid or minimize coming into contact with permanent or substantially permanent magnets in toys, headsets, loudspeakers and electromagnetic fields of the type that are emitted by electric motors, electric shavers, hair dryers, switches, etc. This warning from the manufacturer comprises a warning against most areas of everyday life. As a person is unable nowadays to evade exposure to such things, proposed solutions of this kind are generally impractical.
In the meantime some efforts have been made to improve the valves. An example of a valve is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,566 (inventor Christoph Miethke), which patent is incorporated by reference herein.
Some valves retain the known constructional design and have the objective to increase the safety of such valves.
In some valves, greater safety is achieved in two ways.
The first way includes an adjustment of the spring. In this regard, a possibly large adjustment path is provided, which is accompanied in a change in the spring loading. This means that a greater adjustment path is provided for a comparable modification range of the spring loading. To the extent in which the adjustment path becomes larger, the above expressed danger of an unwanted adjustment is reduced.
Possibly, the accuracy of the adjustment is simultaneously or substantially simultaneously increased as the adjustment travel becomes greater.
Some valves comprise magnetically actuated locking as the other way to greater security.
The possibility for a larger design of the adjustment path results from the modification of the location of the spring. In some valves, the spring is placed such that the plane of movement of the spring, when it is adjusted, lies parallel or substantially parallel to the plane, in which the pivotable movement or rotational movement of the rotating part/rotor takes place. In this regard, the parallelism also occurs if the planes coincide.
As a result of the possible arrangement of the spring, the spring can move in the direction in which the valve housing has the largest dimension. This is in the direction of the flat side.
The spring is possibly a spring bar that is arranged in a pivotably movable manner and whose one end is longer than the other end. The shorter end is in operative connection with the one valve ball or valve shutter of the valve, and the longer end enables the greater adjustment path and cooperates with the described adjustment mechanism. A sliding operative connection, known per se, is provided between the spring and the rotationally movable or pivotably movable part. This means that the spring slides on a surface of the rotationally movable or pivotably movable part of the adjustment mechanism.
The use of a spring bar that is designed as a two-armed lever arm is possible. The two-armed lever arm is hinged.
The operative connection with the valve ball or the valve shutter is created by the short end sliding against the valve ball or pressing against the valve shutter.
The operative connection with the adjustment mechanism is formed such that a sliding surface for the shorter lever arm is provided on the rotationally movable or pivotably movable part/rotor, and is designed as a curved path, on which the spring bar slidingly fits.
In some valves, the curved path runs in the circumferential direction and in the radial direction to the rotationally movable or pivotably movable part. The circumferential angle to the pivotably movable or rotatably movable part comprises for example at least three hundred degrees.
The spring defining the valve pressure can slide on the curved path in a pivoting direction/rotational direction or in both pivoting directions/rotational direction. The direction of movement is the result of the direction of rotation or pivoting direction of the rotatably movable or pivotably movable rotating part/rotor.
The rotatably movable rotating part/rotor can optionally be also moved further in the same rotational direction and nonetheless return to the adjustment beginning. This is achieved in that a connection is provided between the start of the curved path and the end of the curved path to the rotatably movable or pivotably movable part.
The rotatably movable or pivotably movable rotating part/rotor is seated on an axle/pivot/bolt that is formed integrally with the flexible cover or base of the housing. With the axle/pivot/bolt, the rotating part/rotor is rotatably movable or pivotably movable in the housing of the valve.
The spring defining the valve pressure slides on the rotatably movable rotating part/rotor and possibly has an angular shape. The two lever arms of the two-armed lever arm are at an angle to each other that is possibly less than one hundred eighty degrees and can also be less than ninety degrees.
The spring defining the valve pressure can have any cross section. Circular and rectangular shapes are possible. A spring with a leaf-shaped or wire-shaped cross section is possible.
A pin/axle/bolt, whose ends engage in suitable recesses in the valve housing or in the valve cover or valve base, is suitable for example for the rotatably movable or pivotably movable mounting of the spring that defines the valve pressure. The ends of the pin can also be pointed, such that the bar rotates on the tips in the recesses. This procedure is technically and economically possible.
To fasten the pin to the spring, a welded or soldered connection is suitable, as well as other types of connections.
For the spring defining the valve pressure to function it is possible if the long lever arm on the rotatably movable part or pivotably movable part (rotating part/rotor) of the adjustment mechanism is controlled. For that purpose this rotating part/rotor at the same time can control the spring defining the valve pressure on at least one side. On the other side the guide can be formed for example by a disk or by a membrane or by a housing cover or housing floor.
On the side of the valve ball it is possible if large area contact occurs between the spring defining the valve pressure and the valve ball. If the spring defining the valve pressure is not capable of touching this large area then a metal sheet can be fixed to the relevant end of the spring. The metal sheet is optionally welded on or soldered on or fastened in another way.
The rotating part/rotor is usually moved with magnets that are embedded into the rotating part/rotor. Hereinafter, the rotating part/rotor and the spring defining the valve pressure are referred to as the adjustment mechanism of the implanted valve. For adjusting the valve pressure an adjustment mechanism that is also provided with magnets is placed externally on the skin of the patient. These magnets of the externally placed adjustment mechanism interact with the magnets of the rotating part/rotor in the implanted valve, such that a rotation/pivoting motion of the externally placed adjustment mechanism brings about a rotation/pivoting motion of the rotating part/rotor arranged in the implanted valve. This results in an adjustment of the spring defining the valve pressure, linked with a change in the valve pressure.
The adjustment mechanism can also be involuntarily adjusted if the patient enters into the effective range of strong magnetic fields.
This led to the wish to lock the adjustment mechanism in each position. Various proposals have been made for locking.
Known proposals again use magnets for locking.
Other proposals use spring forces and frictional forces for locking.
In one proposal a housing in the locked state presses with cams in a friction locking manner onto the rotatingly movable rotor/rotating part that carries the oblique surface or staircase-shaped tiered surface, on which the above-described spring slides. For unlocking, the housing has to or should be curved in such a manner that the cams lift off from the rotor/rotating part. After the cams have lifted off, the rotor/rotating part can be adjusted with an adjustment mechanism that is located externally on the skin of the patient. This adjustment mechanism possesses magnets that interact with other magnets that are arranged in the rotor/rotating part.
In another proposal, the spring force of a curved housing cover is used for unlocking. The cover pulls the rotor/rotating part against it with its force resulting from the curvature, such that, in the locked state, the rotor/rotating part is friction-locked with the housing cover. Here, the rotor/rotating part is rotationally movably/pivotably movably seated on an axle/bolt provided on the housing cover.
For unlocking, the housing cover is deformed, such that the rotor/rotating part lifts off from the housing cover, the friction lock to the cover no longer exists and the rotor/rotating part can be pivoted with the help of an adjustment mechanism that is externally placed on the skin of the patient. The adjustment mechanism possesses magnets that are inserted into the rotor/rotating part.
Depending on the rotational/pivotable direction, the rotationally movable rotating part/rotor tightens or releases the spring that defines the valve pressure and which slides on the rotating part/rotor. In this regard, the spring defining the valve pressure slides on a curved path of the rotating part/rotor. At the same time the spring defining the valve pressure presses on the valve ball of the valve, such that a desired modification of the closing pressure of the valve ball or the valve occurs.
The valve ball interacts with a conical opening in the housing of the valve. In some valves, this opening is located on the inlet side of the valve.
The magnets possibly have a compact design, for example pin magnets are used. The small magnets also contribute to the compact dimensions of the valve.
The valve adjustment mechanism provided externally on the skin of the patient can likewise be designed with extremely small dimensions. In some valves, use is made of a reduced diameter and a possible shape of the adjustment device, namely designed in the shape of a pen, similar to a ballpoint pen. This allows the adjustment device to be handled as a pen or ballpoint pen, e.g. by carrying it in a breast pocket. At the same time the mechanism of a ballpoint pen is utilized in order to move the magnets provided in the head of the adjustment mechanism backwards or forward lengthways along the pen (with the applied pen, toward the head of the patient or toward the valve). In the vertical position of the pen, that means raising and lowering.
The pen-shaped adjustment device that is applied externally on the skin of the patient optionally possesses on the front end a cap, on which the adjustment device is placed. Loosely placing the adjustment device should automatically cause the magnets to center the adjustment device above the rotor/rotating part of the valve.
Once the adjustment device that is located externally on the patient has been centered on the implanted valve, provision is made for an elastic deformation of the implanted valve so as to unlock the rotating part/rotor. The above described adjustment is then carried out.