The sheet discharging apparatus for discharging sheets to a stacking portion by a discharging portion, including an opening/closing member openable and closable with respect to a main body of the apparatus; a lever member rotatably provided on the opening/closing member above the stacking portion and capable of taking a suspended posture by an own weight of the lever member in a position where the opening/closing member is closed; and a delay mechanism which delays a rotation of the lever member toward the suspended posture caused by the own weight of the lever member, when the opening/closing member is shifted from an open position to a closed position. It can be prevented from being caught by the sheet when the upper cover is opened and closed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a sheet discharging apparatus used in an image forming apparatus such as, for example, a copier, a printer, a facsimile and the like and an image forming apparatus having such a sheet discharging apparatus, and more particularly, it relates to a compact sheet discharging apparatus having good operability and an image forming apparatus having such a compact sheet discharging apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, in image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers and the like, needs for miniaturizing a main body or frame of the image forming apparatus have particularly been increased. Particularly, in a color image forming apparatus, since an image forming portion tends to become bulky, compactness thereof has been requested strongly.
Further, regarding operability of the main body of the image forming apparatus, particularly, needs for improving a jam treatment ability and exchangeability of a process cartridge has been increased, and thus, it is very important to perform such operations by one-action.
In order to satisfy such requirements, for example, in a color image forming apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-34021, as shown in FIG. 9, process cartridges Y, M, C and K capable of forming respective color images are arranged in an up-and-down (vertical) direction and the jam treatment and the exchanging of the process cartridge can be facilitated by opening a front cover 100. Further, the jam treatment in a fixing portion and a sheet discharging portion can be performed by opening an upper cover 101. In this way, by providing a front-operation structure in which the jam treatment and the exchanging of the process cartridge can be completed only at a front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus, the operability of the operator can be improved.
However, since the plurality of process cartridges are arranged in the vertical direction, there arises a problem that a height of the main body of the apparatus becomes relatively great, and thus, a technique for reducing such height as less as possible is required.
To this end, it is considered to design an arrangement in which a discharged sheet full-stacked condition detecting portion does not affects an influence upon the height of the main body by attaching a lever member 102 constituting the discharged sheet full-stack condition detecting portion for the sheets discharged on a discharge tray 103 to the opening/closing upper cover 101.
However, in the above-mentioned arrangement, if the sheets are stacked up to a substantially full-stack condition, for example as shown in FIG. 9, when the upper cover 101 supported by an L-shaped arm 105 rotatable around an rotation axis 104 tries to be closed, the lever member 102 may be caught by the stacked sheets. As shown in FIG. 10, when the lever member 102 is lowered by its own weight, the lever member is locked by a stopper (not shown) provided on the upper cover 101, thereby preventing a further rotation of the lever member in an anti-clockwise direction. The reason is that, when a sheet P1 is discharged from the main body of the image forming apparatus, an angle between the lever member 102 and the upper cover 101 is maintained to a predetermined angle range to prevent the buckling of the sheet even if a leading end of the sheet P1 abuts against the lever member 102.
Further, since the rotation axis 104 of the upper cover 101 does not coincide with a rotation center of the lever member 102, the following influences occur. That is to say, as shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C, from a condition that the upper cover 101 is opened, as the upper cover is closed, due to the rotation of the upper cover 101, the lever member 102 is shifted obliquely and downwardly to approach a pair of discharge rollers 106. Further, from the condition that the upper cover 101 is opened, as the upper cover is closed, the lever member 102 remains in a suspended condition halfway due to its own weight (see FIGS. 11A and 11B). However, when the lever member 102 is engaged by the stopper of the upper cover 101, the lever member 102 is lifted by the stopper to be rotated together with the upper cover 101 (see FIG. 11B). In this case, as shown in FIG. 11C, a leading end of the lever member 102 may be caught by the sheet stack P1 not to permit the closing of the upper cover.

Sheet discharging apparatus and image forming apparatus


An apparatus (2, 22) is described which includes a touch panel (1, 21). The touch panel (1, 21) includes a layer of piezoelectric material (4) disposed between a number of sensing electrodes (5, 23, 24) and at least one counter electrode (6). The apparatus (2, 22) also includes a touch controller (3) connected to the touch panel (1, 21). The touch controller (3) is configured to determine, in response to receiving piezoelectric signals (7) from one or more of the sensing electrodes (5, 23, 24), a location (9) and an applied force (10) corresponding to a user interaction (11) with the touch panel (1, 21). The touch controller (3) is configured to determine a capacitance value (20) of one or more of the sensing electrodes (5). The touch controller is configured to operate in a force-based mode, a capacitance-based mode or a mixed force-capacitance mode depending on the type of input received.

Resistive and capacitive touch panels are used as input devices for computers and mobile devices. One type of capacitive touch panel, projected capacitance touch panels, is often used for mobile devices because an exterior layer may be made of glass, providing a hard surface which is resistant to scratching. An example of a projected capacitance touch panel is described in US 2010/0079384 A1.
Touch panels which use piezoelectric based force-detection have been proposed. For example JP 2010-026938 A describes a touch panel which includes a piezoelectric body layer containing a polyvinylidene fluoride-ethylene tetrafluoride copolymer, a first electrode provided on one surface of the piezoelectric body layer, and a second electrode provided on the other surface of the piezoelectric body layer.
Examples of touch sensors combining capacitive sensing with piezoelectric based force-detection capabilities are described in WO 2016/102975 A1. Further examples of touch sensors combining capacitive sensing with piezoelectric based force-detection capabilities are described in WO 2017/109455 A1.


A sodium-ion electrolyte composition for use in an electrochemical cell, the electrolyte composition comprising a mixture of a phosphonium salt and a sodium salt, wherein the electrolyte composition presents as a solid up to at least 25° C.

Electrolyte compositions are essential components of electrochemical cells in that they provide the medium through which electrical charge is exchanged between the electrodes of the cell. Being electronically insulating but ionically conductive, electrolyte compositions facilitate the exclusive transfer of positive charges between electrodes by providing a separate and isolated pathway to cations relative to electrons.
The search for effective and efficient electrolyte compositions is therefore essential for the provision of electrochemical cells capable of delivering high current densities in a stable and safe manner.
There are numerous known electrolyte compositions in the art. Amongst those, nitrogen-based ionic liquids (N-ILs) have in the recent years attracted considerable attention due to their high ionic conductivity and low cost. In particular, lithium based N-ILs have been the focus of recent research efforts as alternative electrolytes in existing and ubiquitous lithium-ion cells.
However, concerns about future supply of lithium in view of a growing demand and inconvenient geographical localisation of known lithium mineral deposits have recently contributed to shift the research focus away from lithium-based cells and electrolytes to sodium-based alternatives. Sodium mineral deposits are vast, attainable at low cost, and geographically well distributed. In addition, given a number of similarities between the chemistry and format of lithium and sodium-based cells, there is potential for sodium-based cell technology to retrofit into existing technology used to industrially manufacture lithium-based cells.
Accordingly, a variety of sodium-based N-ILs have been proposed as electrolyte compositions for use in sodium cells. However, inherent drawbacks of proposed electrolyte compositions remain a concern, with commercial applicability being limited by safety issues arising from flammability and high volatility.
An opportunity therefore remains to address or ameliorate one or more disadvantages or shortcomings associated with current electrolyte compositions with a mind to enabling their practical and commercial applicability.


The present invention provides an electronic device including a coupler, a noise-estimation apparatus and an assembly unit. The coupler receives a baseband signal. The noise-estimation apparatus receives the baseband signal and subtracts a predetermined synchronization preamble from the baseband signal to obtain a noise-estimation signal, and the predetermined synchronization preamble is a transmission signal that conforms to the standards of 802.11bg and/or IEEE 802.11n. The assembly unit receives the baseband signal and subtracts a noise-estimation signal from the baseband signal to obtain an output signal.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electronic device, and in particular to an electronic device and a noise cancellation method of eliminating noise interference caused by devices compatible with the USB3.0 standard.
Description of the Related Art
Generally, devices compatible with the USB3.0 standard have been widely used, including laptop computers, desktop computers and all kinds of portable storage devices. However, the operating rate of a device compatible with the USB3.0 standard is 5 Gbps, wherein the baseband frequency is about 2.5 GHz and a background noise of 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz is added. Therefore, if the electronic device proceeds to wireless communication with an operating frequency of 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz at the same time, such as WiFi or Bluetooth, its signal will experience interference from the high frequency operation of the USB3.0. The increasing noise and the decreasing signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) result in such problems as distortion of the received signal and a decrease of signal flow. Therefore, a new method is needed to eliminate the noise interference caused by the high frequency operation of the USB3.0.

Electronic device and noise-cancellation method


A TCP-connection-router performs encapsulated clustering by dividing each encapsulated cluster into several Virtual EC (VECs), dynamically distributing incoming connections within a VEC based on current server load metrics according to a configurable policy. In one embodiment, the connection router supports dynamic configuration of the cluster, and enables transparent recovery which provides uninterrupted service to the VEC clients.

a. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of networked computing. More specifically, the invention relates to the clustering of computers to support a set of remote services.
b. Related Art
An Encapsulated Cluster (EC) is characterized by a Connection-Router (CR) node and multiple server hosts providing a set of services (e.g. Web service, NFS, etc.). An example of a system which provides encapsulated clustering is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,371,852, entitledxe2x80x9cMETHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING A CLUSTER OF COMPUTERS APPEAR AS A SINGLE HOST ON A COMPUTER NETWORKxe2x80x9d.
Remote clients request services from the EC using protocols based, for example, on TCP/IP (e.g. HTTP). The service time for each request varies depending on the type of service, and the availability of the corresponding server applications. Hence, a naive allocation of connections quickly creates a skewed allocation that under utilizes the available EC resources, and introduces unnecessary delay to the requests.
The prior art has shown that there are many performance problems relating to scaling servers. See, for example, NCSA""s World Wide Web Server: Design and Performance, IEEE Computer, Volume 28, Number 11, November 1995, Pages 68-74. Consider an EC which uses round-robin DNS to support Web servers (i.e. httpd demons). The servers provide access services to video streams, database queries, and static web pages via http. The service time for each type of request varies widely depending on the type of services being provided, and the actual content involved. For instance, a complex database query could take orders of magnitude more time than providing a static, pre-loaded HTML page. This imbalance in request processing time often causes skewed utilization of the server cluster. Related problems with round-robin DNS are described in User Access Paterns to NCSA""s Worldwide Web Server, Kwa et al, Technical Report UIUCDSD-R-95-1394, Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, February 1995).
The prior art has shown that there is a need for dynamic allocation of resources. See, for example, Evaluating Management Decisions via Delegation, German Goldszmidt and Yechiam Yemeni, The Third International Symposium on Integrated Network Management, San Francisco, Calif., April 1993. An EC provides a single system image of a collection of services, typically over a collection of hosts. However, actual installations may require that services be allocated according to specific user policies, which can be dynamic. For example, a specific subset of the hosts may be allocated for secure transactions on a merchant Web server, while video on demand services is supported by another subset of hosts which include specialized hardware.
An object of this invention is to improve the overall throughput of an Encapsulated Cluster.
Another object of this invention is to reduce the aggregate delay of the remote service requests.
A further object of this invention is to provide means for a designated node to take over the operation of a failed connection-router in such a way that network clients experience no interruption of service.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention an Encapsulated Cluster (EC) is characterized by a Gateway node and server hosts. The gateway node (1) divides an EC into several Virtual EC (VECs), (2) dynamically distributes incoming connections within a VEC based on current server load metrics according to a configurable policy and (3) supports dynamic configuration of the cluster.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention a system and method are provided to enable transparent recovery from the failure of a gateway node in order to provide uninterrupted service to the clients. In accordance with the method, each node in a cluster or VEC maintains a copy of a subset of state information held at the gateway. When the gateway fails, the state information is transferred to a backup gateway.
In a preferred embodiment, the EC can appear as (1) a VEC (a single IP address for all the remote clients) or (2) as multiple VECs (aliasing several IP addresses.) The TCP-CR node owns these IP addresses and receives all their TCP connection requests. Each IP address is associated with a VEC. The TCP-CR distributes new TCP connections to hosts within each VEC according to the weights associated with the VEC. The TCP-CR supports dynamic configuration that allows: Dynamic definition of VECs. Dynamic configuration of the weights associated with a VEC. Automatic or manual management of VECs (adding or removing hosts, services, etc.). This solution allows for dynamic configuration, addition and removal of server hosts, while avoiding the problem of cached server names in the network.

System and method for providing dynamically alterable computer clusters for message routing

International Business Machines Corporation


A method and apparatus for current measurement using Hall sensors without iron cores, used to estimate a flowing current in an electric conducting cable are provided by the exemplary examples of the present invention. The method for current measurement using Hall sensors without iron cores includes the following step: (a) providing Hall sensors to be attached to or located near the electric conducting cable; (b) using each of the Hall sensors to measure the flux density of the magnetic field generated by the flowing current, so as to generate an output voltage according to the flux density of the magnetic field; (c) performing a statistical operation on the output voltages of the Hall sensors, so as to generate a statistical voltage; (d) estimating the flowing current in the electric conducting cable according to the statistical voltage.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for current measurement, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for current measurement using Hall sensors without iron cores.
2. Description of Prior Art
In power systems, safety and reliability are the most important considerations. In order to meet safety and reliability requirements of the power systems, appropriate current transformers are used to measure currents for metering and fault protection.
A traditional current transformer is an apparatus for current measurement. The traditional transformer using the coil magnetic effect has an iron core. Therefore it has the problems of direct current and alternating current saturations, and remanent magnetization. All of the problems mentioned above are caused by the effect of hysteresis. The problem of direct current saturation caused by the effect of hysteresis may affect the current measurement of the current transformer most severely.
When faults occur in power systems, fault currents usually contain large direct offsets, and thus, may cause iron cores of current transformers to be saturated. This may cause distortion of current waveforms in secondary windings, resulting in false responses in current detection and protective systems. These problems seriously affect the safety and reliability of power systems.
Since traditional current transformers have these problems, including direct current and alternating current saturations, and remanent magnetization, caused by iron cores, several technologies for decreasing the effects caused by iron cores have been proposed. The technologies include air-gap current transformers, linear coupler current transformers, electro-optics current transformers, and linear current transformers (i.e Rogowski coil transformers.).
However, in practical applications, only the linear current transformer is used, and the others are not used due to their disadvantages and low practicalities. When a large transient current flows in a power system, the linear current transformer can perform better than the traditional current transformer. Nevertheless, the cost of the linear current transformer is high, and thus, causes limited usage of the linear transformer. Moreover, the bulky volume of the traditional current transformer further limits the development of an intelligent power protection system. Therefore, the research of the current transformer is still one of the important issues in power industry.
According to properties of the electromagnetic field in a power cable when an alternating current flows in this cable, based on Ampere's circuital law, a magnetic field is produced outside the insulator, and it changes with the waveform of current. For sensing the variation of the magnetic field and decreasing the bulky volume, Hall sensors have been researched for replacing traditional current transformers. Based on Lorentz force, Hall sensors have quick response times, and can measure a wide range of magnetic fields. Moreover, the related compensations can be integrated into Hall sensors to help them show steady performances and have high sensitivity. Therefore, Hall sensors can be used to replace traditional current transformers.
At present, Hall-effect transducers include two parts: iron cores and auxiliary circuits, either open-loop circuits or closed-loop circuits. These transducers are mainly used to measure small currents with large bandwidths. They still contain iron cores, because iron cores not only can transform the magnetic field into electricity but also can block the interference of the ambient magnetic fields. Furthermore, with iron cores, measurements of Hall current transformers will not be affected by the geometric shape of the measured object, and the magnetic field thereof can be concentrated.
However the Hall current transformers with iron cores still have the problems of direct current and alternating current saturations, and the volumes of them are also almost the same as those of traditional current transformers.

Method and apparatus for current measurement using hall sensors without iron cores

National Taiwan University of Science and Technology


An exemplary paddle includes a central shaft having a first end and a second end. One or more lateral blades extend laterally from the central shaft, and each lateral blade including a geared end positioned adjacent the central shaft and a distal end opposite the geared end. Each lateral blade provides a blade gear at the geared end. A drive shaft is movably positioned within the central shaft and operatively coupled to the one or more lateral blades such that rotation of the drive shaft about a central axis rotates the one or more lateral blades about a corresponding one or more blade axes. The one or more lateral blades are able to move between a horizontal position and a vertical position via independent actuation.

The present disclosure is related to fluid testing apparatus and, more particularly, to actuatable paddles for consistometers and their methods of use.
Hydraulic cement compositions are frequently used in subterranean well completion and remedial operations. In cementing operations carried out in oil, gas and other wells, a hydraulic cement composition and various additives are mixed with sufficient water to form a pumpable cement slurry, and the cement slurry is pumped into a subterranean zone to be cemented. For instance, in primary cementing operations cement slurries are used to cement strings of pipes such as casings and liners in wellbores. To accomplish this, a cement slurry is pumped into the annular space between the walls of a wellbore and the exterior surfaces of a pipe string disposed therein. The cement slurry is then permitted to set in the annular space and, once hardened, it forms an annular sheath of substantially impermeable cement, which supports and positions the pipe string in the wellbore and bonds the exterior surfaces of the pipe string to the walls of the wellbore.
Since cement slurries are required to perform in high temperature and high pressure environments commonly found downhole, cement slurry compositions are often tested under simulated downhole conditions prior to pumping a batch of the cement slurry for downhole operation. The cement slurry composition is subjected to various tests under downhole conditions to determine its rheology, thickening time, and transition time, among other tests. Such tests are often undertaken by using high temperature, high pressure consistometers, which include a canister or "slurry cup" to hold the cement slurry composition and a paddle disposed in the slurry cup to stir the cement slurry under test conditions. In order to test for each of rheology, thickening time, and transition time, it is often necessary to test separate volumes of the cement slurry composition at multiple consistometer test stations since the geometry and makeup of one canister and paddle combination may not be amenable for testing each parameter of the cement slurry composition.


A positive-type photosensitive siloxane composition which comprises (I) two or more polysiloxanes that differ in the rate of dissolution in aqueous tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) solutions, (II) a polysiloxane that gives a film which after prebaking has a rate of dissolution in 2.38 wt-% aqueous TMAH solution of 50-1,000 Å/sec and that has a group soluble in aqueous TMAH solution, other than silanol, (III) a diazonaphthoquinone derivative, and (IV) a solvent.

In recent years, various proposals for further improvement of the light utilization efficiency and the energy saving in optical elements such as displays, light-emitting diodes, and solar cells have been made. For example, it has been known in a liquid crystal display to raise an aperture ratio of the display device by forming a transparent planarization film by application on a TFT element and then forming pixel electrodes on the planarization film (see the patent document 1 below). Further, in an organic EL device, it was also proposed to raise an aperture ratio thereof like a liquid crystal display by adopting a method for extracting light emitted by a luminous layer, which exists on a planarization layer formed on a TFT element by application, from the opposite side of the TFT element (a top emission method) instead of a method for extracting light emitted by a luminous layer, which is formed by vapor deposition on a transparent pixel electrode formed on a substrate, from the substrate side (a bottom emission method) (see the patent document 2 below).
Furthermore, delay in signal on wiring becomes a problem accompanying to high resolution, increasing size, high image quality, and 3D indication of a display. An incoming signal to a TFT becomes shorter by increasing of writing speed of an image data (frame frequency) but extension of the wiring width for lowering a wiring resistance is limited from a demand of high resolution. Because of this, it was proposed to solve the problem of signal delay by increasing the thickness of the wiring (see the non-patent document 1 below).
As materials of the planarization film for the TFT substrate, there has been known a material which comprises an acrylic resin and a quinonediazide compound (see the patent documents 3 and 4 below). Though properties of the material do not deteriorate sharply at a high temperature of 200° C. or more, decomposition thereof begins gradually at a high temperature of 230° C. or more and there occur problems such as reduction of a film thickness and lowering of transparency due to coloring of a transparent layer by a high temperature processing of the substrate. This material, therefore, cannot be used particularly in a process for forming a film on a transparent layer at a high temperature with devices such as a PE-CVD. Further, the acrylic material is not a best material for use in a high temperature process or for use to a device influenced by impurities, as decomposition products thereof affect badly to the luminous efficiency and the life of an organic EL element. Furthermore, the acrylic material to which a heat resistance is given has simultaneously a high dielectric constant generally. The material, therefore, has such problems that electricity consumption becomes larger due to the increase in the parasitic capacitance by an insulation film and the image quality decreases due to the delay of a driving signal in a liquid crystal element. Though the capacitance of an insulating material with a large dielectric constant can be made small, for example, by making a film thickness large, it is not preferable to make the film thickness large as it is difficult to form a coating film of e.g. 5 μm or more in thickness with a uniform film thickness on a large glass substrate by a slit coating method etc. generally and the amount of the material used becomes large.
The polysiloxane, in particular, silsesquioxanes is known as a material with a high thermal resistance and a high transparency. Though the silsesquioxane is a polymer constructed by a three-functional siloxane structure unit: RSi(O1.5) and is in between an inorganic silica (SiO2) and an organic silicone (R2SiO) with respect to the chemical structure, it is a singular compound as it is soluble in an organic solvent but the cured material thereof shows a high thermal resistance which is a characteristic of inorganic silica. Furthermore, as the polymer having a siloxane skeleton has a low dielectric constant compared to organic polymers generally, it is expected as a material for a transparent insulation film with a low dielectric constant. When the polysiloxane is used as a component of a photosensitive composition, it is necessary that the polysiloxane is soluble in a developer such as a tetramethylammonium hydroxide aqueous solution. Therefore, there was proposed a photosensitive composition comprising an acrylic copolymer which is formed by copolymerizing a silsesquioxane compound, in which an acrylic group is given to a particular cage-type silsesquioxane, with an unsaturated carboxylic acid, an unsaturated compound containing an epoxy group, and an olefinic unsaturated compound, and a quinonediazide compound (see the patent document 5 below). However, the composition comprising a complicated system described above gives a cured material with an insufficient thermal resistance due to the thermal deterioration of organic compounds except for the polysiloxane, as the amount of the organic compounds is large. In addition, the problems of coloration and gas generation due to the decomposition cannot be ignored.
As a photosensitive composition comprising the polysiloxane and the quinonediazide, there was proposed a photosensitive composition comprising, for example, a combination system of a polysiloxane insoluble in a developer and a polysiloxane soluble in a developer and a quinonediazide compound, by which a 'pattern' sagging, that is, the deterioration of the resolution caused by flowing of developed hole or line patterns at a heat curing, was prevented (see the patent document 6 below). However, when a polysiloxane insoluble in a developing solution is used, it will cause generation of a development pattern defect due to undissolved residues after development or re-adhesion of insoluble materials eluted into the developing solution during the development.
As methods for retaining solubility of the polysiloxane in a developing solution by a group except a silanol group, there were proposed a method of acylating a part of phenyl groups in phenylpolysiloxane (see the patent document 7 below) and a method of using a cage-type silsesquioxane compound having a quinonediazide structure (see the patent document 8 below). As these siloxanes have stable developer-soluble groups, even if a silanol group reacted during development, problems of generating an undissolved layer and undissolved residues are reduced. However, as the cured materials of these polysiloxanes have poor resistance for chemicals such as a stripper for photoresist, usable uses will be limited.
By the way, when a photosensitive siloxane composition containing a diazonaphthoquinone derivative as a dissolution inhibitor is developed using a 2.38 wt-% tetramethylammonium hydroxide (hereinafter, refer to "TMAH") aqueous solution as a developer, it is possible to forma practical positive pattern after exposure and development if the rate of dissolution in a 2.38 wt-% TMAH aqueous solution of the polysiloxane is 100 Å/second or more. However, a polysiloxane having a silanol group and soluble in a TMAH aqueous solution is a polymer having a relatively low molecular weight and when this polysiloxane is used, the 'pattern' sagging is generally caused in a heat curing process.
The polysiloxane becomes a high molecular weight by the dehydration condensation of silanol groups by heat. This reaction proceeds faster as the temperature is higher. However, it is difficult to control the 'pattern' sagging at a high temperature, as the polysiloxane becomes temporarily a low viscosity at a high temperature.
The 'pattern' sagging can be reduced by increasing a molecular weight of a polysiloxane. However, if the molecular weight of a polysiloxane is increased, the polysiloxane becomes slightly soluble in a 2.38 wt-% TMAH aqueous solution as described in the patent document 6. Therefore, it will cause problems such as deterioration in resolution, low sensitivity, and pattern defects after development. As another method for solving the 'pattern' sagging, there was proposed a method for reducing the 'pattern' sagging despite a low molecular weight material by synthesizing a polysiloxane, which is a polysiloxane having a low dissolution rate in at least two kinds of polysiloxanes having different dissolution rates, in the existence of a basic catalyst (see, the Patent document 9 below). In this method, the rate of dissolution in a 2.38 wt-% TMAH aqueous solution of the polysiloxane mixture is adjusted by changing a mixing ratio of polysiloxanes having different dissolution rates and a positive-type photosensitive composition having a high sensitivity can be obtained.
Generally, in the subsequent development process after the light irradiation process, a relatively long time development from 30 seconds to 120 seconds are performed for controlling a pattern size after development. It is, therefore, necessary to make the dissolution rate slower as the thickness of the film becomes thinner. However, in the method described in the patent document 9, it is necessary to increase an amount of a slightly soluble polysiloxane for delaying the dissolution rate when the thickness of the film is thin or the photosensitive composition is applied to a process in which a long time development is performed. Because of this, there is a problem such that development residues called scum remains.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Positive-type photosensitive siloxane composition

AZ ELECTRONIC MATERIALS (LUXEMBOURG) S.A.R.L.


A system for monitoring and analyzing impurities in a liquid by analyzing the non-volatile residue of droplets of the liquid includes a droplet generator for generating a stream of droplets of the liquid, a droplet inspection unit, a drop-on-demand unit for removing selected droplets from the stream of droplets, a heat exchanger for drying the droplets to provide non-volatile residue particles, and a particle size measurement unit. The droplet inspection unit determines the diameters of the droplets. A feedback arrangement from the droplet inspection unit controls droplet diameter by varying the droplet generation rate. The drop-on-demand unit removes a selected fraction of droplets from the droplet stream so as to reduce vapor loading in the heat exchanger and prevent agglomeration of droplets. The heat exchanger includes a first section for gradually increasing the temperature of the stream of droplets and a second section for maintaining the stream of droplets at the boiling temperature of the liquid. A vortex shedder can be used at the inlet to the heat exchanger to enhance heat transfer to the stream of droplets. The system can include an instrument for analyzing the composition of the particles.

Ultrapure liquids are used in various industrial processes such as semiconductor wafer fabrication. Liquids such acetone, freon, alcohol, xylene, water, and the like may be used in process steps such as cleaning, rinsing, etc. Although the liquids are ultrapure, they contain traces of impurities or contaminants. Contaminants in the liquids produce a residue on the semiconductor wafers after drying. The microminiature devices on the semiconductor wafers may be rendered defective by even a slight residue from the liquids used. Thus, it is desirable to monitor impurity levels in the liquids used. Impurity concentrations on the order of tens of parts per billion may be sufficient to cause defects in semiconductor wafers. The measurement of such low impurity concentrations has been extremely difficult.
A technique for measurement of sub parts per million concentrations of impurities in liquids is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,794,086, issued Dec. 27, 1988 to Kasper et al. The disclosed technique involves the dispersion of the liquid into droplets in a gas stream The droplets evaporate in the gas stream leaving residue particles having diameters that depend on the impurity level. The sizes of the particles are analyzed using a light scattering particle spectrometer, a condensation nuclei counter or an aerodynamic particle sizer. The concentration by volume of the impurities is calculated from the droplet diameter and the particle diameter. Aerodynamic particle sizing systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,854,321 issued Dec. 17, 1974 to Dahneke; U.S. Pat. No. 4,895,034 issued Jan. 23, 1990 to Poole; U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,494 issued Apr. 17, 1990 to Poole et al; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,592 issued Jul. 3, 1990 to Poole et al. A technique for measuring impurity concentrations in a liquid employing a condensation nuclei counter is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,761,074, issued Aug. 2, 1988 to Kohsaka et al.
The prior art techniques for monitoring impurities in ultrapure liquids have had one or more disadvantages which have resulted in poor accuracy and poor resolution. In particular, the non-volatile residue technique described above requires highly accurate measurement of both droplets and particles. Such measurement techniques have not been known in the prior art, since techniques for controlling droplet generation have not been developed. Furthermore, prior art systems for monitoring impurities in ultrapure liquids have not been suitable for use on a continuous basis in a production environment.
It is a general object of the present invention to provide improved methods and apparatus for monitoring impurities in liquids.
It is another object of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus for monitoring impurity levels in liquids with high accuracy and high resolution.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus for monitoring impurities in liquids by analyzing the non-volatile residue of single droplets of the liquid.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a non-volatile residue system having accurate control over droplet generation.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus for monitoring impurities in a liquid on a continuous basis in a production environment.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus for monitoring impurity concentration and impurity composition in a liquid.

Non-volatile residue system for monitoring impurities in a liquid


The present invention relates to a photoinitiator composition that can be used to initiate polymerization upon exposure to radiation. The said composition includes both a composition which yields cations upon exposure to actinic radiation, such as an iodonium borate initiator and a stabilizing amino agent. The amino agent is a secondary or tertiary amine having the general formula (VIII), a sterically arranged cyclic amine having the general formula (IX), or an amine consisting of groups that have the general formulas (VIII) and (IX) and that are interconnected. ##STR1## The compositions are particularly useful when used in conjunction with polyorganosiloxane monomers and when exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to stable photoinitiator compositions used to polymerize or crosslink another composition containing polymerizable or crosslinkable groups. More specifically, the compositions include both a compound which liberates cations upon exposure to actinic radiation, preferably an iodonium borate, and a hindered amine. The hindered amine acts to stabilize the composition to provide it with an extended shelf-life, particularly when the cationic liberating compound is present in a diluent liquid.
2. Technology Description
It is known that anti-adhesive coatings can be obtained through the use of compositions having a base of a polyorganosiloxane with functional groups (of the epoxy or vinyl ether type, etc.), to which a cationic onium salt is added in order to function as a polymerization initiator (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,450,360, No. 4,576,999, and No. 4,640,967).
It has been observed that the best results are obtained with onium salts whose anion is SbF.sub.6.sup.-. However, the initiators that contain this type of anion are difficult to handle and can pose significant toxicity risks.
The compound used as the photoinitiator is typically a solid, but for practical applications and to provide enhanced performance is often maintained in a liquid form by dissolving or dispersing it in a diluent. An example of this type of technology is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,703,137 wherein ester diluents, such as n-butyl lactate are used as reactive diluents for onium salt photoinitiators.
When the photoinitiator is stored in liquid form, it can have a tendency to degrade and to display a reduced level of performance if it is used after having been stored for a long time. While not wishing to be bound by any specific theory, the inventors hypothesize that some cations must be liberated from the photoinitiator during the storing period.
In addition, when selecting certain diluents for the photoinitiator, it is believed that a minute amount of a premature reaction between the diluent with the cations generated from the photoinitiator compound may yield potentially harmful by-products.
Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for a photoinitiator composition having excellent stability and which does not release potentially harmful by-products when used.

Photoinitiator composition including hindered amine stabilizer


An improved power supply circuit which includes a utility power source, a plurality of silicon controlled rectifiers (SCR1-SCR6), a first battery, a second battery, a first inductor, a second inductor, a first capacitor, a second capacitor and a plurality of power switch elements (Q1˜Q4). When the utility power source is in a positive half cycle, the SCR1 and the SCR6 are turned on; the SCR2, the SCR3, the SCR4 and the SCR5 are turned off; the Q1 is activated to make the electrical energy directed to the first capacitor through the diode of the Q3, and the voltage on the first capacitor is maintained at a constant. Meanwhile, the Q2 is turned off, the Q4 is operated to let the current flow through the second inductor to charge the second battery.

In the field of power electronics, the circuit architecture of a UPS currently found on the market generally includes bipolar circuits. The first stage is a rectifier circuit (or a power factor correction circuit) and the second stage is a battery charging circuit, while the first stage is a front polar circuit and the second stage is a rear polar circuit.
In general, the first stage circuit has a function of power factor correction, by which a voltage on a capacitor at an output end of the first stage circuit is maintained at a stable voltage value. The existing circuit architecture of the second stage charging circuit is accomplished through the formation of a combination of two groups of buck circuits. However, in the charging circuit architecture of the UPS, when a larger charging current is required, inductors with a larger size need to be designed therefor, while relevant semiconductor devices with a larger capacity need to be selected therefor, which would inevitably increase the costs associated therewith. In addition, since a greater number of devices may be required, said costs may be further increased. Therefore, there is a need in the related art for improvement on the conventional power supply circuit.


A retractable outside door handle assembly for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include an outside door handle protruded outward in a width direction of a vehicle rather than a door outer panel configuring a door of the vehicle or being receivable to an opening formed at the door outer panel. A first link has one end connected to one end of the outside door handle and the other end extending downward along a height direction of the vehicle. A second link has one end connected to one side and the other side of the outside door handle and the other end extending along the height direction of the vehicle. A main arm has one end rotatably connected to the door outer panel and the other end connected to the second link.

In general, a vehicle has a predetermined size of cabin formed therein for boarding of a driver and accompanying occupants, and cabin opening/closing doors are provided for opening/closing the cabin.
For easily opening and closing the cabin opening/closing door by the passenger, an inside door handle is mounted on an inside face toward a cabin inside of the door, and an outside door handle is mounted on an outside face toward a cabin outside of the door.
Each door handle is connected to be interworked with a door latch to fix the door to a vehicle body, such that the door may be opened while the door latch is released according to an operation of each door handle.
The outside door handle is generally mounted to be pivotally movable to the outer panel of the door, and in this case, the outside door handle is installed on the door outer panel to be protruded outside along a width direction of the vehicle so that the passenger may easily hold the outside door handle.
As above-described, if the outside door handle is installed to be protruded outside along a width direction of the vehicle, operation convenience of the passenger is improved, however exterior beauty of the vehicle may be deteriorated due to the protruded outside door handle, also, a running noise may not be only caused in traveling of the vehicle, but also running performance may be also deteriorated due to running resistance.
Recently, to solve these problems, a retractable outside door handle, in which the outside door handle is protruded outside along the width direction of the vehicle from the door outer panel or is received inside a receiving hole formed in the door outer panel by the driving of an actuator (a motor) to not be protruded from the door outer panel outside, has been developed.
The conventional retractable outside door handle assembly may have the outside door handle protrude from the door outer panel via a link mechanism or may receive it inside the receiving hole of the door outer panel through the actuator, and is connected to a door lock mechanism including a key cylinder capable of being operated for locking or releasing the door to the vehicle body and a door latch mechanism directly locking or releasing the door to/from the vehicle body.
However, in the structure of the conventional retractable outside door handle assembly, since the link mechanism retracting the outside door handle is configured of four-node links, to elongate a protruding length of the outside door handle for the operation convenience of the user, the length of the four-node links must be long, and accordingly, since the size of the handle housing must be increased, there are drawbacks that weight and cost are increased and the exterior beauty of the protruded outside door handle is also not satisfied.
The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Retractable outside door handle assembly for vehicle


Apparatus for the identification of articles (5) endowed with device for changing the polarization properties of the radiation, comprising a source (1) of non-randomly polarized microwave radiation, and a detector (3) for detecting the change in polarization properties of the radiation. The microwave radiation may have a first plane of polarization and, in use, the device for changing the plane of polarization properties of radiation may change the first plane of polarization to a second plane of polarization. The detector (3) for detecting the change in polarization properties of radiation may comprise a receiving antenna (4c) connected to suitable microwave detector (3), where the receiving antenna (4c) is arranged to favour reception of radiation having the second plane of polarization. For example, the transmitting (4b) and receiving (4c) antennas may be waveguide antennas. The device for changing the polarization of radiation may comprise a feature having an edge oriented at a nonzero angle to a direction parallel with, or orthogonal to, the first plane of polarization. Typically, the feature may be a linear metallic strip, or may be a feature having a crossed dipole antenna structure. The apparatus may also comprise a device for determining the orientation of the feature or features. The polarization changing device may also comprise a covert structure for preventing the changing of the polarization properties by the polarization changing device in one or more selected location, wherein the arrangement of the one or more selected location provides an identification code.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is concerned with apparatus and a method for the identification of articles or objects.
2. Discussion of Prior Art
Conventionally, identification of articles has been achieved by the inclusion of features on the article which can be read by some means. These might include graphically complex features or holographic features. Such features however, have the disadvantage that their presence is obviously apparent and this is not always desirable
Furthermore, whilst such features can be easily identified manually, such as labels or holograms, they are more difficult to identify using automated systems. Bar codes are a commonly used machine readable identification means. However, bar codes contain a lot of information, and whilst suitable for certain applications, for example supermarket product sales, such readout systems are too slow for applications requiring very high speed identification of articles.
An object of the present invention is to provide a reliable means of identification which is not immediately apparent to the human eye and which is compatible with automated identification techniques and high speed readout systems.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a means for obtaining strong identification signals which are derived from physically robust features, created using materials which are acceptable for use on or in articles. In addition, the invention lends itself to high speed, automated checking. This is particularly advantageous when dealing with high volumes of articles.
According to the present invention apparatus for the identification of articles endowed with polarisation changing means for changing the polarisation properties of radiation incident on the article comprises,
a source of non-randomly polarised microwave radiation,
means for detecting the change in polarisation properties of the radiation.
The polarisation changing means may comprise means for changing the properties on transmission therethrough or reflection therefrom.
The microwave radiation may have a first plane of polarisation and the polarisation changing means may comprise means for changing the plane of polarisation to a second plane of polarisation. Preferably, the first and second planes of polarisation are substantially orthogonal.
The apparatus may comprise a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna connected to suitable microwave radiation detecting means, the receiving antenna being arranged to favour reception of microwave radiation having the second plane of polarisation. At least one of the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna may be a waveguide.
The polarisation changing means may comprise at least one feature having at least two pairs of dipole arms, wherein each pair of dipole arms is arranged to be substantially parallel to a different one of the first plane of polarisation or the second plane of polarisation, the feature being arranged on or within the article.
Alternatively, the polarisation changing means may comprise at least one feature having an edge oriented at a non-zero angle, xcex8, to a direction substantially parallel or substantially orthogonal to the first plane of polarisation. Preferably, the angle, xcex8, is substantially 45xc2x0. This provides the advantage that coupling of the microwave radiation having a first plane of polarisation to the waveguide connected to the detection means is maximised. For example, the one or more features may be a strip arranged on or within the article.
The polarisation changing means may comprise any one of a conducting foil, a conducting ink, a conducting oxide, a metal fibre or a carbon fibre. Alternatively, the polarisation changing means may comprise an insulating material.
The polarisation changing means may comprise covert means for preventing the changing of the polarisation properties by the polarisation changing means in one or more selected location, wherein the arrangement of the one or more selected location provides an identification code. For example, the polarisation changing means may comprise a plurality of features for changing the polarisation properties of the radiation, whereby one or more selected feature has applied thereto covert means for preventing the changing of the polarisation properties by the one or more selected feature or features. For example, the covert means for preventing the changing of the polarisation properties may comprise one or more layer of conducting material. This layer may be arranged substantially parallel to and in contact with the one or more features.
The apparatus may also comprise means for determining the orientation of the polarisation changing means. For example, the apparatus may comprise a Homodyne receiver having a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna, arranged such that, in use, the polarisation changing means has a location between the transmitting antenna of the Homodyne receiver and the receiving antenna of the Homodyne receiver.
The polarisation changing means may comprise a plurality of features, at least one of the features being arranged to have a dissimilar orientation from the other feature or other features, whereby the arrangement of the feature orientations provides an identification code.
The apparatus may include both (i) means for determining the orientation of the means for changing the polarisation properties of the radiation and (ii) covert means for preventing the changing of the polarisation properties by the polarisation changing means. This has the advantage of providing a more complex identification code.
According to a second aspect of the invention a method for identifying articles comprises the steps of;
(i) endowing articles to be identified with polarisation changing means for changing the polarisation properties of non-randomly polarised microwave radiation,
(ii) illuminating articles to be identified with non-randomly polarised microwave radiation and
(iii) detecting a change in the polarisation properties of the radiation.
According to a third aspect of the invention, an article, for use in the apparatus or method of the invention, comprises
polarisation changing means for changing the polarisation properties of non-randomly polarised microwave radiation for identification purposes, wherein the polarisation changing means are suitable for arrangement on or within the articles to be identified.

Article identification apparatus and method


A seatbelt device for a vehicle includes a belt reel for winding a belt for restraining a target object, a motor for driving the rotation of the reel, and a control unit. The control unit determines whether the target object to be restrained is a child seat or a vehicle occupant on the basis of a winding position of the belt while no electricity is being supplied to the motor and the winding position of the belt when electricity is being supplied to the motor.

A vehicular seatbelt device restrains a vehicle occupant using a seatbelt when an emergency situation occurs in the vehicle or when travel conditions are unstable.
In recent years, regulations have been made stating that a child seat is to be used when a young child rides in a vehicle. Therefore, a demand exists for the aforedescribed type of seatbelt device for a vehicle that functions both in instances in which a vehicle occupant is to be restrained in the seat and instances in which a child seat is to be anchored to the seat. When a vehicle occupant is to be restrained, control must be made so that a degree of movement is allowed in normal driving conditions, and so that the restraint on the vehicle occupant is strengthened in the event of an emergency or when travel conditions are unstable. A child seat is itself a structural object and must therefore be attached to the seat and anchored by the belt before the vehicle travels. In such a situation, an assessment must be made as to whether the child seat is anchored to the seat. Such a seatbelt device is disclosed in JP-A-2006-76390.
FIG. 9 hereof shows a seatbelt device disclosed in JP-A-2006-76390, wherein a child seat is faced rearward and provided to a passenger's seat.
In a seatbelt device 210, a transceiving part 212 is provided to a child seat 211, and a transceiving part 214 for determining whether the child seat 211 has been installed is provided to a passenger's seat 213, as shown in FIG. 9. A belt 215 is wrapped around the child seat 211 mounted on the passenger's seat 213, a belt winding device 216 is then driven, and the child seat 211 is anchored by the belt 215. When an ignition key that is inserted into a cylinder of an ignition device is turned past an accessory (ACC) position, the belt winding device 216 is once again driven, and the child seat 211 is securely anchored by the belt.
However, in the seatbelt device 210, the transceiving parts 212, 214 are provided to detect the child seat 211, and are used to detect whether the child seat 211 is present. Merely providing a special sensor for simply detecting the installation of the child seat 211 in order to determine whether the child seat 211 has been installed may make it impossible to suitably anchor the child seat 211 when, for any of a variety of reasons, it cannot be accurately detected whether the child seat 211 is present.
It shall be apparent that the seat belt device is a device for restraining a vehicle occupant as well. Therefore, the seat belt device preferably can determine whether the installed object is a child seat or a vehicle occupant via the operation for restraining the child seat or the vehicle occupant using the belt. In particular, an accurate assessment preferably can be made.
In addition, when slackening or another change in the anchoring state occurs during travel due to any of a variety of reasons while the child seat is anchored, the anchoring state must be promptly returned to a proper state. When the anchoring item is determined to be a child seat, a seat belt device is desirably one that, in the event of an emergency, can issue a control to cancel the initiation of an airbag device or other devices that perform actions in relation to the vehicle occupant.


A method of using solid profile rods instead of the usual filament coils for additive manufacturing methods such as 3D printing for industrial applications such as aircraft manufacturing, and to enable a more rapid production of fiber-composite components. The additive manufacturing device, or the 3D printer which generates the component layer by layer, respectively, comprises a material magazine in which a plurality of profile rods are stored. The profile rods are pre-tailored and are adapted to the component layer by layer. The profile rods, when printing, are successively retrieved from the material magazine and, by way of an infeed installation, guided to the nozzle of the additive manufacturing installation and subsequently applied to the printing bed so as to form the component layer by layer.

The most common 3D printing application uses plastic materials in the so-called fused filament fabrication (FFF) in which a thermoplastic filament is melted and applied to a printing bed. The filament can contain additives or reinforcements. The filament cools and re-solidifies on the printing bed.
The filament is usually provided as a coil which is fitted close to the printing head, or at an immovable position of the 3D printer. The filament herein is fed to the printing head by way of an adequate guide system, for example by means of a Bowden cable. This enables the use of comparatively long filaments but is associated with certain limitations in terms of the filaments used.
One limitation can thus be that the filaments used have a rather small diameter (usually between 0.8 mm and less than 3 mm), so as to permit the winding and guiding by way of acceptable bending radii. The achievable deposition rates can be limited by virtue of the small diameter. Alternative methods such as, for example, the use of yarns mixed in, or an in-situ impregnation, can be significantly more complex in terms of the part quality that can be obtained, in particular by virtue of the additional complexity of the method.
It can additionally be required for fiber-reinforced filaments that a cutting operation is to be carried out by virtue of the continuous configuration of the filaments, for example when a part cannot be generated in one single uninterrupted fiber path, or filament path, respectively. While cutting devices of this type exist, this approach may be less desirable because the cutting of the fibers may be a limitation in terms of the continuous operation of the 3D printer. This applies, in particular, when materials such as carbon fibers are used.
In another case, the accumulation of degraded thermoplastic material at the exit of the printing nozzle can represent a problem.
Furthermore, the thicker the filament, the longer the filament has to be heated (or the method has to be decelerated) in order to guarantee melting through of the filament. The risk and occurrence of degradation can be increased on account thereof. For example, the degradation changes the viscosity of the material such that the latter can accumulate on the nozzle or be squeezed into the component, this being undesirable and potentially compromising the printing quality. This is usually more critical in so-called "(endless) fiber-reinforced printing" in which the cleaning of the nozzle is more complicated than in the case of an endless filament which cannot be cut directly at the nozzle.
FIG. 1 hereunder shows a schematic drawing of a printing device 10 for layered melting, with and without fiber reinforcements. The printing device 10 comprises a printing head 12 which is disposed so as to be movable relative to a printing bed 14. The printing head 12 can contain a filament drive installation 16 so as to move, by means of a plurality of drive wheels 18, a filament 22 that is wound on a coil 20 to the so-called hot end 24. A cutting device 26, by way of which the filament 22 can be chopped, can be provided at a location which in the material flow direction is ahead of the hot end 24. If required, a filament guide 28 can be additionally interposed between the filament drive device 16 and the hot end 24. A heating element 30 which heats the filament 22 to the melting temperature and by way of an exit nozzle 32 deposits the filament 22 on the printing bed 14 is situated at the hot end 24.
The sequence and the functional principle of these components may be dissimilar. The cutting device 26 can also be dispensed with if no endless fiber reinforcement is used.
In general, devices of this type and the deposition rate thereof is limited several tens of grams per hour. Furthermore, a fiber breakage may arise in the fiber-reinforced filament in the case of excessively small bending radii. Usual thicknesses of the filaments for fiber-reinforced filaments are 0.4 mm, for example.

Additive manufacturing device, additive manufacturing method, and profile rod therefor


Methods and kits for identifying RNAs and DNAs associated with an RNA or DNA binding protein via a detector specific for the binding protein or protein bound thereto which is linked to an oligonucleotide capable of directing the synthesis of cDNA copies of RNA or DNA that are in close proximity to or in the vicinity of the bound detector are provided.

Cellular functioning requires the translation of mRNA into protein. Part of this process is the movement and processing of RNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. mRNAs in the cytoplasm are also transported to different regions within a cell where they are locally translated. Translation also occurs on ribosomes which are complexes of RNAs and proteins. The RNAs that are associated with ribosomes, as well as the mRNAs that are transported and translated, associate with proteins that facilitate the directed movement of RNAs to their proper functional place within cells. These RNA binding proteins, in association with other proteins and the cytoskeleton of the cell, are primary regulators of this movement.
RNA-binding proteins are crucial cellular integrators that are at the nexus of genetic and environmental interactions. RNA-binding proteins are responsible for the conversion of genetic DNA information into RNA (transcription), the maturation of the transcribed RNA (splicing and editing), the transport of RNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and transport of mRNA throughout the cytoplasm to ribosomal sites of translation. Indeed, RNA-binding proteins are responsible for regulation of the translation of RNAs. This regulation is referred to as translational control and is key in cellular regulation. Furthermore, all cellular RNAs bind to multiple RNA-binding proteins and each type of RNA-binding protein can bind to multiple mRNA species. Indeed, RNAs should be classified as functional groups not based upon the proteins that they encode (e.g. g-protein coupled receptor family) but rather by the RNA-binding proteins that they interact with since these proteins regulate the expression of the bound RNAs.
There are over 500 different RNA binding proteins within cells which are involved in modulation of various physiological functions. Characterization of RNA binding proteins has been difficult. Typically, RNA fragments are used to select RNA binding proteins from a protein lysate. Identification of RNAs associated with the RNA binding protein is also important to understand the function of the RNA binding protein and what RNAs may be affected by dysfunction of the RNA binding protein.
Determination of RNAs which bind to the RNA binding protein is usually done by screening a pool of mRNAs or mRNA fragments with an RNA binding protein to identify those RNAs which associate with the RNA binding protein. Once one RNA has been identified which associates with the RNA binding protein, nucleotide sequence similarity or predicted RNA structure is often utilized to predict what other RNAs might share these structural features and associate with the RNA binding protein. Typically, these studies utilize gel shift assays and ultraviolet light induced protein-RNA cross-linking assays. However, these assays suffer from a lack of sensitivity and specificity that often result in erroneous results.

Methods and kits for identifying and quantifying RNAs and DNAs associated with RNA and DNA binding proteins

Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania


Cosmetic compositions are provided, which are capable of having a tightening and/or curling effect on a human integument when applied thereto. Cosmetic compositions according to the invention typically include a cosmetically acceptable vehicle and a pH-dependent film-forming polymer of either a poly(methacrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate) or a poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyl acrylate). The tightening and/or curling effect of these cosmetic compositions is prolonged and substantially resistant to environmental stresses such as increased heat or humidity.

The main sign of aging skin in humans is the increased presence of fine lines, deep wrinkles, and sagging skin. These signs of aging are most noticeable on the hands and faces of individuals. Although active agents, such as α-hydroxy acids, β-hydroxy acids and retinoids, are known to combat the underlying causes of wrinkles and fine lines, the prolonged period of time over which administration of these agents is necessary for visible results is inconsistent with the consumer's desire for immediate relief from these signs of aging.
Various film forming agents have been used as tightening and/or tensioning agents. The tightening effect of the film forming agents results from tension on the underlying substrate generated by the film forming agent as it contracts during its drying process. Thus, when the film forming agents are applied to skin the tension is sufficient to draw the skin tight and thereby temporarily smooth fine lines, mitigate deep wrinkles, and lift sagging skin. These tightening agents also have beneficial effects on other human integuments such as eyelashes such that, when applied, the curl of the eyelash is enhanced lifting and improving the eyelash's appearance.
Historically, naturally occurring film forming agents such as albumin derived from egg white or bovine serum have been used. More recently synthetic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyimides, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and acrylate/octylacrylamide copolymer have been used to obtain tightening effects and/or curling effects. However, the tightening and/or curling effects of these above-noted film forming agents are not particularly persistent and are often susceptible to environmental influences such as heat and humidity. For example, under conditions of high humidity compositions containing PVP are known to plasticize, thereby diminishing tension exerted upon the skin.
Accordingly, there is a continuing need in the art for cosmetic compositions that provide a prolonged tightening and/or curling effect substantially resistant to environmental factors such as heat and humidity.
Certain pH-dependent products are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,831 to Ribier et al., incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, is directed to compositions containing nanoparticles of one or more pH-dependent polymers encapsulating an oily phase containing an active agent such as a cosmetic or pharmaceutical. The nanoparticles are said to be from 100 to 1000 nm in diameter, which allows the particles to slip between the outermost corneocytes of the stratum corneum without reaching the living epidermis.
As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,961 to Norbury et al., incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, is similarly directed to cosmetic emollient oils in microcapsules of pH-dependent polymers. Norbury's microcapsules are said to range in size from 50 to 2000 μm in diameter, and are typically curshed on the skin to release the oils contained therein. The microcapsule shell is said to include organic polymers such as phenolic aldehydes, urea-aldehydes, acrylic polymers, gelatin, and agar.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,053,034 to Shefer et al., incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, is directed to a controlled-release carrier system for targeted delivery of fragrances and active ingredients onto fabric, hair, and skin. Shefer's system is said to include solid hydrophobic nano-spheres encapsulated in a pH or salt sensitive micro-spheres. The micro-spheres are described as having an average sphere size in the range of from about 20 μm (micrometers) to about 100 μm, and the nano-spheres are said to have an average sphere size in the range of from about 0.01 μm to about 5 μm. Moreover, the micro-spheres may be made from such exemplary pH-sensitive materials as copolymers of acrylate polymers with amino substituents, acrylic acid esters, and polyacrylamides. The micro-spheres of Shefer are formed from high temperature melts emulsified into an aqueous phase.
U.S. Patent App. Pub. 2006/0127427 to Vernice et al., incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes a surface coated abrasive material, having a water-soluble abrasive core surrounded by a coating that is substantially insoluble in aqueous media during storage but becomes substantially water soluble upon application of substantially large quantities of water or adjustment of the pH of the aqueous medium.
Additionally, European Patents 11806 and 705854 disclose the use of pH-dependent polymers as pH responsive thickening agents.

Cosmetic compositions having persistent tightening effects


A molecular beam epitaxy system having a plurality of chambers which contain at least a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is used to form II-VI column compound semiconductor layers not containing Te. The second chamber is used to form II-VI column compound semiconductor layers containing at least Te. A semiconductor device having an ohmic characteristics can be fabricated without mixing Te into other layers.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) system capable of forming II-VI column compound semiconductor layers and also to a method of fabricating an optical semiconductor device, using this MBE system.
2. Description of the Related Art
II-VI column compound semiconductors consisting of zinc selenide (ZnSe) or the like are applied to optical semiconductor devices such as laser diodes emitting blue-green light and light-emitting diodes.
Where a semiconductor device is fabricated, using these II-VI column compound semiconductors, the issue of ohmic contacts to p-type layer is still a subject, because it is difficult to obtain a high acceptor concentration. On the other hand, high p-type conductivity is obtained from zinc tellurium (ZnTe) more easily than from various other II-VI column compound semiconductors. Consequently, the use of ZnTe is essential for formation of the above-described ohmic contact.
An example of the optical semiconductor device which uses an ohmic contact made of ZnTe layer and emits blue-green light is shown in FIG. 3. This optical semiconductor device, 100, is a semiconductor laser. For example, this device uses a substrate 110 made from gallium arsenide (GaAs). A buffer layer of GaAs 121 is formed on the substrate 110. II-VI column compound semiconductor layers 120 are formed on the buffer layer 121. One example of this is described below.
Specifically, a buffer layer 122 of ZnSe and an n-type cladding layer 123 consisting, for example, of zinc magnesium sulfur selenide (znMgSSe) are successively formed over the GaAs buffer layer 121. Furthermore, an n-type guiding layer 124 made from zinc sulfur selenide (ZnSSe), an active layer 125 consisting, for example, of zinc cadmium selenide (ZnCdSe), and a p-type guiding layer 126 consisting of ZnSSe are stacked.
A p-type cladding layer 127 made from zinc magnesium sulfur selenide (ZnMgSSe:N) and a p-type layer 128 made from ZnSSe are successively formed over the p-type guiding layer 126.
A contact layer 129 consisting, for example, of a multilayer film of ZnSe/ZnTe and having a superlattice structure and a cap layer 130 made from ZnTe are successively formed over the p-type layer 128. That is, the contact layer 129 and the cap layer 130 cooperate to form a p-type ohmic layer. Thus, the II-VI column compound semiconductor layers 120 are constituted.
Heretofore, the above-described II-VI column compound semiconductor layers 120 have been formed by MBE (molecular beam epitaxy) using an MBE system, for example. In the MBE process, the constituent elements of the II-VI column compound semiconductor layers 120 are evaporated in an ultra-high vacuum and epitaxially grown on the substrate 110, thus forming the layers 121-130.
However, tellurium (Te) is an element having a high vapor pressure and thus stagnant in nature. Therefore, where the substrate placed inside the chamber of the MBE system is isolated by a shutter from a Te cell connected with the chamber, if the temperature of the Te cell is elevated to a level at which growth is possible, then Te goes to the substrate through an unstraight route. For this reason, when the p-type cladding layer under the contact layer containing ZnTe is grown, Te is mixed into the p-type cladding layer. As a result, the hole concentration in the p-type cladding layer decreases. In consequence, the crystallinity deteriorates.
For example, when the hole concentration in the p-type cladding layer consisting of ZnMgSSe is about 3.times.10.sup.17 cm.sup.-3, if about 2% Te is mixed into the selenium (Se) in the p-type cladding layer, then the hole concentration drops to about 1.times.10.sup.17 cm.sup.-3. Also, recombination center due to Te in the n-type cladding layer is observed with photoluminescence (PL) at 77 K.
As a result, the fundamental emission characteristics are affected severely. For instance, the operation current or the threshold current of the formed optical semiconductor device increases, and the intensity of the emitted light decreases.

MBE system and semiconductor device fabricated, using same


A lithography system is disclosed that provides an array of areas of imaging electromagnetic energy that are directed toward a recording medium. The reversible contrast-enhancement material is disposed between the recording medium and the array of areas of imaging electromagnetic energy.

The present invention relates generally to lithography, and in particular, to zone plate array lithography.
In a zone plate array lithography system, an array of diffractive lenses such as Fresnel zone plates may be used to form an array of tightly focused spots on a photosensitive layer that is on top of a substrate. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,900,637, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a mask-less lithography system and method that employs a multiplexed array of Fresnel zone plates. The light incident on each diffractive lens may be controlled, for example, by one pixel of a spatial light modulator. The spatial light modulator for use in such a system should provide a high refresh rate, be able to operate at short wavelengths such as under 200 nm, and be able to perform gray-scaling or intensity modulation in real time.
One commercially available spatial light modulator that may satisfy the above requirements is the grating light valve (GLV) spatial light modulator made by Silicon Light Machines of Sunnyvale Calif. The GLV consists of a linear array of pixels, and each pixel consists of six metallic ribbons that form a diffraction grating. Alternate ribbons may be moved by electrostatic actuation to provide either a reflective surface or a grating.
The lithographic resolution, however, of such a system may be limited by the contrast of the aerial image. The image contrast is dependent on the printed pattern. The optical performance may be quantified by calculating the aerial image contrast of a dense grating as a function of the half-pitch of the grating. The image contrast, K is defined as:
                    K        =                                            I              max                        -                          I              min                                                          I              max                        +                          I              min                                                          (        1        )            where Imax and Imin are defined as the maximum and minimum intensities of an illumination signal that may be employed to provide a desired pattern. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a desired pattern 10 that includes alternating imaged regions (as shown at 12) and non-imaged regions may be created using an illumination signal 14. Note that the pitch p of the desired grating pattern 10 corresponds to the pitch p of the illumination signal 14.
The intensity profile of the illumination signal 12, however, results in an imaging pattern on a photo-resist layer 16 when imaged by illumination source signals 18 (again having a pitch p). The photo-resist layer 16 is supported by a wafer 20, and includes marked regions in the photo-resist layer that have been exposed by the sources 18. After exposure, the photo-resist layer is developed, and the marked regions are removed, leaving exposed portions 22 of the underlying wafer 20. Efforts to increase resolution (e.g., decrease the pitch p), however, may result in a degradation in image contrast, due at least in part to the intensity profile of the illumination signal 14.
In particular, the aerial images for gratings of different periods may be simulated assuming a zone plate array lithography system of numerical aperture (NA)=0.7 and λ=400 nm. The cross-section through each grating may then be averaged over several line-scans, and the image contrast may be calculated using Equation (1) above. The image contrast may be plotted as a function of k1, where k1 is a measure of the lithographic resolution (normalized to the wavelength and NA), and is given by:
                              k          1                =                              p            2                                          NA            λ                                              (        2        )            where NA is the numerical aperture and λ is the exposing wavelength. For example, a system of the prior art may provide that k1=0.32, which corresponds to an image contrast of about 18%. As the pitch p becomes smaller, the image contrast will be negatively affected, due in part, to the spatial extent of each illumination source 18.
Contrast enhanced lithography may be employed in an effort to improve image contrast. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, a contrast-enhancement material 24 that is spin coated on top of a photo-resist layer 26 on a wafer 28. The contrast-enhancement material 24 may, for example, be a photo-bleachable polymer, whose absorption decreases (i.e., becomes more transparent) with increasing exposure dose. The intensity of transmitted light may be plotted as a function of time for an ideal contrast-enhanced system. Prior to exposure of the contrast-enhancement material 24, the material 24 is opaque, and almost no light passes through the material 24. After sufficient exposure by illumination beams 30, the material becomes transparent and light is transmitted in areas indicated at 32. Light is let through into the photo-resist layer only where the exposure dose is high enough to bleach the contrast-enhancement material 24 completely. This increases the contrast of the image recorded in the photo-resist. An antireflective coating between the photo-resist and the wafer may also be employed.
As shown in FIG. 2B, illumination is able to reach defined regions 34 of the wafer 28 only in areas where the contrast-enhancement material 24 has become transparent (as shown at 32). The contrast-enhanced material 24 is then removed as shown in FIG. 2C using a suitable medium in (such as water) in which the contrast-enhancement material 24 will dissolve. The defined regions 34 are then removed through photo-resist development, leaving openings 36 in the photo-resist layer 26 through which portions of the wafer 28 may become exposed as shown in FIG. 2D.
By employing a contrast-enhancement material and by controlling the photo-bleaching rate of the contrast-enhancement material, as well as the clearing dose of the photo-resist, one may enhance the contrast of the aerial image that is recorded in the photo-resist. The contrast enhancement material behaves, in essence, as a contact mask, which increases the contrast of the image recorded in the photo-resist. The contrast enhancement material is removed from the resist prior to development. If the contrast-enhancement material is incompatible with the photo-resist, a barrier layer is needed between the contrast-enhancement material and the photo-resist. This also incurs an additional step for removal of the barrier layer after exposure. There are several commercially available contrast-enhancement materials, some of which are water-soluble.
Ideally, such contrast-enhancement materials would become bleached by the illumination signal 14 in an on/off step pattern that provides an instantaneous step at the edge of each illumination beam. Since the beams, however, provide an intensity profile as shown in FIG. 1B, the contrast-enhancement material bleaches in varying amounts with distance from the center of each illumination beam. This limits resolution. Moreover, repeated illumination near a non-imaged area may accumulate over time, and may eventually reach a threshold within the material for becoming transparent.
Contrast-enhancement may also be achieved by diluting the developer or by using thin photo-resist layers, but such systems may also involve difficulties such as increased line-edge roughness, as well as difficulties with pattern transfer respectively.
There is a need therefore, for an imaging system that more efficiently and economically provides increased image contrast in mask-less lithography.

System and method for absorbance modulation lithography


A plant pot comprising a first reservoir, in which the first reservoir has a base and at least one first side wall extending upwardly from an outer periphery of the base. The plant pot further comprising at least one second side wall formed in the first reservoir extending upwardly from the base. The at least one second side wall forming a second reservoir in the first reservoir, and wherein the second reservoir is integrally formed from the base of the first reservoir.

Plant pots are typically used to retain a plant in a residential or business environment. Plant pots allow a plant to grow within environments which typically would not be able to grow. However, there are a number of problems with pot plants, typically that they only imitate limited aspects of a natural environment.
Plant pots typically comprise a base and one or more side walls that extend upwardly from said base and whereby said base in conjunction with said side wall or walls define an open topped receptacle that is capable of receiving a plant base medium, such as soil, sand, humus, mulch or a mixture of two or more of the aforementioned materials. The side wall or walls generally diverge outwardly away from the base thereby assisting the removal of the plant and the plant base medium from the pot with minimal disturbance to the plant's root system and also permitting the pot and other similarly shaped pots to nest within one another.
Plant pots also typically include at least one drainage aperture consisting of an opening formed in the side wall and extending upwardly from the base, and which may be cognate with an opening formed in said base. Typically plant pots include a plurality of such apertures spaced equally around the periphery of the pot's base.
Potted plants typically require frequent watering if the plant is to survive. However, the pots described above are themselves not designed to retain water and whereby the plant is reliant upon the ability of the plant base medium and the manner by which it is packed within the pot to trap and/or otherwise retain sufficient water long enough for it to be absorbed by the plant's roots. For example, in practice, a plant base medium that contains gravel might retain less water than a plant base medium that contains humus.
Regardless of the type of plant base medium that is used to support a plant, or the manner by which the plant base medium is arranged within the pot, it has been observed that often water applied to the exposed upper surface of the plant base medium will over a relatively short period of time descend though the plant base medium and exit the pot via the aforementioned drainage apertures. Further, it has been observed that often very little of the water is retained by the plant base medium to be taken up by the plant's root system.
It has also been observed that the drainage apertures contribute to a general drying out of the plant based medium adjacent the base of the pot. Unfortunately this situation does not encourage growth of the plant's root system and can cause the lowest extending roots considerable stress.
Further it has been observed that the generally downward flow of water through the plant base medium tends to carry with it nutrients that are present, or have been added, to the plant base medium and that these nutrients are lost due to the exodus of water though the drainage apertures.
Moreover, when a conventional plant pot is watered it is not always possible to be assured all of the plant base medium has been thoroughly wetted, in most cases it is not, even after continuous irrigation, and correct moisture levels overall are very difficult and time consuming to ascertain. This is a serious problem to horticulturalists and home growers alike. Much water is wasted attempting to ensure thorough wetting of the plant base medium within conventional plant pots and many times pockets of plant base medium lacking moisture remain unnoticed until the plant has suffered dramatically.
Of course many designers of prior art plant pots of the self-watering type have attempted to resolve some of the problems associated with full draining types however other problems have ensued. Some of these problems for example are, bulky and non-stackable separate water storage receptacles, and elaborate and complicated expensive multi-part systems. All of these types slosh and spill when transported or are moved, are prone to stagnation, algae growth, insect infestation (for example, mosquito larvae) and loss of capillary action due to disassociation between material and water supply, i.e. failure of wicking.
As a consequence of the aforementioned deficiencies in the general design of plant pots it is believed that a significant amount of the water applied to the plant base medium through watering activities is wasted as too are vital nutrients. Further, because a significant amount of water is lost almost immediately through the drainage apertures, the potted plants must be watered more frequently, and in some instances more than once a day, in order to keep the tips of the lowest extending roots moist, adding further effort/maintenance and contributing to further leeching of nutrients.
Further, it has also been observed that some water and plant base medium may be lost from the pot via the drainage apertures. Often this is not desirable, particularly during transportation, as it may contribute to an unsightly mess around the base of the pot and may present hazards. Leakage from the plant pots may cause problems for transports, threaten the fouling of accompanying transported materials, goods and products.
For example, in order to contain or limit the egress the aforementioned mess some previous plant pot designs or configurations are sold with a saucer that is designed to receive and temporarily store any water that passes through the pot's drainage apertures, as well as any plant base medium carried along with the water.
In a natural environment the soil beneath the surface may retain water and nutrients for a long period of time, moisture and nutrient levels are more constant, than a plant base medium that is housed within a conventional plant pot.
Further, it has also been observed that conventional plant pots with down-turned rim or skirt may not aid the holding capacity of the plant pot and that the down-turned rim or skirt may provide a haven for spiders and other dangerous insects. Moreover, the down-turned rim or skirt may be awkward or difficult to lift. This is generally not desirable, when an operator is lifting the plant pot on the edge of the rim, which may be weak and can crack, split, cut or pinch the operator's hands.
Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.


Systems and devices can include a controller and a command queue to buffer incoming write requests into the device. The controller can receive, from a client across a link, a non-posted write request (e.g., a deferred memory write (DMWr) request) in a transaction layer packet (TLP) to the command queue; determine that the command queue can accept the DMWr request; identify, from the TLP, a successful completion (SC) message that indicates that the DMWr request was accepted into the command queue; and transmit, to the client across the link, the SC message that indicates that the DMWr request was accepted into the command queue. The controller can receive a second DMWr request in a second TLP; determine that the command queue is full; and transmit a memory request retry status (MRS) message to be transmitted to the client in response to the command queue being full.

Central Processing Units (CPUs) perform general-purpose computing tasks such as running application software and operating systems. Specialized computing tasks, such as graphics and image processing, are handled by graphics processors, image processors, digital signal processors, and fixed-function accelerators. In today's heterogeneous machines, each type of processor is programmed in a different manner. The era of big data processing demands higher performance at lower energy as compared with today's general-purpose processors. Accelerators (either custom fixed function units or tailored programmable units, for example) are helping meet these demands.

Non-posted write transactions for a computer bus


Disclosed is a method of data rate adaptation based on channel conditions. Data is initially transmitted at a first data rate based on a measured first channel condition and subsequently re-transmitted at a second data rate based on a measured second channel condition, wherein the first channel condition is measured prior in time to the second channel condition.

In the well-known Data Only Evolution of third generation CDMA based wireless communication systems, hereinafter referred to as 3G-1x EVDO, voice and data services are provided using separate frequency carriers. That is, the voice and data signals are transmitted over separate forward links defined by different frequency carriers. Data is transmitted over a time multiplexed frequency carrier at fixed data transmit powers but at variable data rates. Specifically, measured SIR at a receiver of a pilot signal transmitted by a base station is used to determine a data rate which can be supported by the receiver. Typically, the determined data rate corresponds to a maximum data rate at which a minimum level of quality of service can be achieved at the receiver. Higher measured SIR translates into higher data rates, wherein higher data rates involve higher order modulation and weaker coding than lower data rates. For example, if measured SIR at the receiver is 12 dB and −2 dB at two different receivers, then the data rates may be 2.4 Mb/s and 38.4 Kb/s at each of the respective receivers.
To improve system throughput, 3G-1x EVDO allows the receiver with the most favorable channel conditions, i.e., highest measured SIR, and thereby the highest associated data rate, to transmit ahead of receivers with comparatively less favorable channel conditions. 3G-1x EVDO utilizes a fast rate adaptation mechanism whereby the receiver, for every time slot, measures SIR, calculates a data rate using the measured SIR and reports the calculated data rate to the base station. Calculated data rates from multiple receivers are used by the base station to schedule when data transmission is to occur for a particular receiver.
Data transmission from the base station to a particular receiver occurs when that receiver reports the highest calculated data rate to the base station. The following protocol is utilized in data transmissions. The base station transmits data to the receiver in time slot n at the calculated data rate. The receiver receives the data transmission and responds with an ACK/NACK message indicating to the base station whether the data transmission was successfully received, i.e., no errors, by the receiver. Specifically, if the data transmission is successfully received, the receiver responds with an acknowledgement or ACK. Otherwise the receiver responds with a negative acknowledgement or NACK. The ACK/NACK message is received by base station in time slot n+j, wherein j is some known time offset. Thus, the base station can determine that an ACK/NACK message was transmitted from a receiver to which data was transmitted j time slots prior to receipt of the ACK/NACK message.
If an ACK was received, the base station knows that the data transmission to the associated receiver was successful. If a NACK was, the base station knows that the data transmission to the associated receiver was unsuccessful. In response to the NACK, the base station re-transmits, at the same data rate, the same data which was earlier transmitted. Note that the term "re-transmits the same data" should be understood to describe a retransmission of the data that may or may not be identical to the data it is being compared to, i.e., data transmitted in a previous transmission, so long as the data of the retransmission may be soft combined with the data to which it is being compared. The re-transmitted data is received by the receiver in time slot n+j+k, wherein k is some known time offset.
This prior art protocol disadvantageously utilizes the data rate of the initial transmission for re-transmissions even if the channel conditions may have changed for the associated receiver. Specifically, if the channel conditions degraded between the time of the initial transmission and the re-transmission, the re-transmission will likely suffer a higher frame error rate (FER) than the initial transmission, thereby suffering a degradation in transmission quality. Or if the channel conditions improved, then channel resources are being inefficiently utilized since a higher data rate could had been used for the re-transmission.

Rate adaptation in a wireless communication system