An improved method of establishing plantings in sod mats which are capable of being transported as a unit and reestablished without significantly disturbing the root system of the plants. The sod mats established from grass turf sod, by utilizing the matted, dead grass roots of turf sod as a biodegradable medium for anchoring the roots of the growing plants, the plant roots being intermeshed with the matted grass roots. The sod mat allows for the production of a diversity of sod mat products, including annual and perennial ornamental plants, herbs, and edible plants, among others. While the plants can be grown to various sizes depending on market desires and mature plant height, the sod mats are capable of rapidly establishing sufficient stability to withstand lifting and transportation, thus providing a significant improvement over sod-like mats of the prior art.

The turf grass sod industry holds a preeminent position among grass growers because economies of scale allow for extremely efficient production of the product. Namely, large quantities of turf grass, in the form of a sod mat, can be easily grown, lifted and transported as one unit, and replanted at a remote, secondary location.
Growers of plants other than turf grasses have attempted to emulate the desirable features of grass sod by constructing various sod-like mats to enable their use as a planting medium or to be used as a base for seeding and/or transplanting other plant material. Once the plants are established, the sod-like mats, along with the established plants are intended to thereafter be transported for replanting. However, all plants do not have what is required to enable efficient utilization of the sod-like mats as a planting medium, namely the needed root knitting characteristic exhibited by grass and which imparts the required stability to grass sod. Consequently, in attempts to impart the necessary structural integrity to such simulated mats and to enhance their root knitting ability with the plants thereon, the sod-like mats of the prior art typically include a layer or layers of wood chips and/or other mulch and an underlying layer or layers of synthetic anchoring material such as netting or fabric into which the roots of the seeded and/or transplanted plants can grow and become anchored.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,282 to Milstein requires a polyester fabric sheet underlaying the planting medium. U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,290 to Molnar et al. discloses a nylon spunbonded fabric as the sod reinforcement. U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,388 to Loads uses an inert mesh material as a base for roots to intertwine.
There are several disadvantages to such prior methods: (a) in constructing the mats it is cumbersome, time-consuming, and, therefore, expensive to spread out multiple layers of base material, the sod reinforcement, and then the growing medium; (b) in field growing conditions it is difficult to obtain an even thickness of growing medium; (c) the time period required for root anchoring can vary greatly, depending on environmental conditions and the crop grown, from approximately two (2) months to one (1) year; and (d) the synthetic anchoring material is either not biodegradable or is photodegradable and, in the latter case, most of the material would not degrade, as it is buried.
Therefore, the objects and advantages of the present invention are as follows:
(a) to provide a sod mat which has the advantages of turf grass sod, for establishing plantings of annual and perennial ornamental and/or edible plants and the like, and especially those having an adventitious or fibrous root system; PA1 (b) to provide a sod mat in which the knitted and matted roots of killed grass provide a support or anchoring system for the fibrous roots of such plants; PA1 (c) to provide a sod mat having a support or anchoring system which is biodegradable; PA1 (d) to provide a sod mat which will anchor plant roots rapidly, thereby requiring a shorter time period for the establishment of such plantings; PA1 (e) to provide a sod mat for other plants, the construction and establishment of which is less cumbersome, time consuming and expensive than the sod-like mats of the prior art; PA1 (f) to provide a sod mat which possesses the requisite strength and integrity to withstand handling and transporting, and where such integrity is able to be maintained even when the sod is placed or attached in a substantially vertical position; PA1 (g) to provide a sod mat which eliminates the traditional need of growers and retailers for plant containers, and provides a convenient method of transporting and planting already-established plantings for ornamental purposes; and PA1 (h) to provide a sod mat which can be laid permanently or temporarily for such ornamental purposes.
Other objects and advantages of the subject invention will become apparent after considering the following description and the accompanying drawings.


A ball return apparatus for use with a basketball goal includes an elongated framework including an upstanding back pole having a hook at the top to removably engage a hoop support bracket of a conventional basketball goal assembly. A pair of chute support arms extend laterally from the top of the back pole and cooperate with a longitudinal portion of the framework to support a ball return chute which extends toward a front of the frame. The longitudinal portion of the framework is pivotally connected to a back portion to enable the apparatus to be angled relative to the goal assembly. A vertically adjustable defense bar is mounted in a front portion of the frame and forms a barrier over which a player must shoot a basketball to encourage and develop a proper basketball shooting technique.

In sports, as in many other areas, practice is required to develop skills to their highest potential. In basketball, basket shooting is of prime importance since scoring is based on sinking baskets. Shooting proficiency is desirable for all players, since all players in a game may have an opportunity to shoot, either during normal play or for free throws. When a basketball is shot toward the basket, it may return to the shooter; more often, however, it lands at a position which requires the shooter to retrieve the ball or for someone else to return it to the shooter. During team practice, several players may cooperate whereby turns are taken in shooting and ball returning. However, when a player practices alone, a considerable amount of tedium can result from the continual need to chase down the ball.
There have been a number of arrangements devised to facilitate basketball shooting practice by returning the ball to the shooter. Some devices of this nature do not use a regulation size and weight ball or hoop or do not position the hoop at the regulation height. Such nonregulation devices do not develop muscular strength, coordination, and technique which is directly transferable to a regulation court. Other devices of this type provide a regulation size and height hoop; however, the backboard and hoop are integral to the apparatus, resulting in increased cost and complexity in setup.
An area which most of the prior basketball shot training devices do not address is proper shooting technique. It has been observed that many players tend to shoot from their hips or from in front of their faces. Such a manner of shooting blinds the shooter to the target of the shot, risks facial or eye injury, and makes defense of the shot easier for opposing players. It is generally believed that a shot with a high arch from the hands held above the head is less likely to be blocked by an opposing player and is difficult to steal without fouling the shooter.
What is needed is a basketball training device which facilitates shooting practice, which can be used with virtually any existing type of regulation basketball goal, and which has features that require the player to use good shooting technique.

Ball return apparatus for basketball goal


The present invention provides An optical module to be put into a host board, comprising: a module body to be installed on the host board; a projection provided on the module body and adapted to engage with a hook provided in the host board; and a lever mounted on the module body in order to disengage the hook engaging with the projection, to release engagement therebetween, wherein said lever comprises: a first portion which moves when a force is applied thereon in a direction toward the module body; and a second portion for pushing up said hook, said second portion having a tip portion and being interconnected to the first portion, wherein the second portion of the lever is bent toward a direction apart from the module body at a center thereof and bent toward a direction close to the module body at thed tip portion thereof.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a hot-plug type optical module.
2. Related Background Art
An optical module of the pluggable type, which is used in such a manner that the optical module loading with a light emitting unit and/or a light receiving unit is installed in a host board, was known in the prior art. This optical module is generally fixed to the host board, as shown in FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B, through engagement between a hook 41 provided in the host board and a projection 15 provided in a housing 14 of the optical module. The optical module thus fixed is dismounted in the following manner from the host board. In the first step, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, a wedge-shaped projection 50 is slid along a direction of an arrow to be pushed against the hook 41. This results in lifting the hook 41 up along a slant surface of the projection 50, whereby the hook 41 is disengaged from the projection 15. While the hook 41 is kept in a dismounted state, the optical module is then drawn out of the host board.
However, the mechanism for dismounting the optical module, described above, had the problem of poor workability. Namely, in order to disengage the hook 41, the projection 50 had to be slid to in the pushing direction of the optical module on the occasion of pulling the optical module out of the host board, which was an inefficient work. Particularly, optical modules are mounted in an integrated form on the host board in many cases, and work space is limited. It was thus difficult to draw the optical module while pushing the projection 50 toward the hook 41.

Releasing mechanism of an optical module from a host board


A protective shield (2) is provided for a free-cutting tool (1). The free-cutting tool has a cutterhead (4) rotatable about a rotational axis (3) and carries a cutting filament (5). For a rotating cutterhead (4), the cutting filament (5) rotates in a rotational direction (10), aligns itself approximately radially to the rotational axis (3) and defines a cutting circle (6) having a constructively pregiven nominal radius (R). The cutting radius (6) is at least partially covered by the protective shield (2). A cut-to-length knife (7) having a cutting edge (8) for cutting the cutting filament (5) to length is mounted on the protective shield (2) in the peripheral region thereof. The cut-to-length knife (7) is mounted on the protective shield (2) to be moveable back and forth between a cutting position (11) and a rest position (12). The cutting edge (8) lies in the plane of the cutting circle (6) in the cutting position (11) and has the nominal radius (R) to the rotational axis (3) and, in the rest position (12), the cutting edge (8) lies outside of the cutting circle (6).

Motorized scythes or free-cutting tools of known configuration have a drive motor especially in the form of an internal combustion engine which drives a cutterhead via a shaft supported in a guide tube. The cutterhead is rotatably driven about a rotational axis. The cutterhead carries a cutting filament which rotates in a rotational direction when the cutterhead rotates. The cutting filament aligns itself approximately radially to the rotational axis as a consequence of the developed centrifugal forces. In its rotational direction, the cutting filament defines a cutting circle having a nominal radius which is constructively pregiven. A protective shield is provided in the region of the cutterhead and this shield covers the cutting filament at least partially over its cutting circle.
For cutting different plant matter such as grass or the like, the free-cutting tool is aligned in a usual work position so that the cutting circle lies approximately parallel to the surface to be processed. The rotating cutting filament cuts the plant matter in the plane of the cutting circle.
The cutting filament is made of a flexible plastic and is subjected to wear which causes the cutting filament to become shortened. A cutting circle arises with a radius which is less than the nominal radius pregiven constructively. The cutting capacity of the free-cutting tool is reduced.
A manual or automatic readjustment of the cutting filament is necessary from time to time. For this purpose, the cutting filament is moved out of a magazine from the cutterhead in order to compensate the loss of length caused by wear. The length compensation takes place mostly with an excess. A cut-to-length knife for the cutting filament is mounted on the protective shield at the peripheral region of the cutting circle in order to prevent the formation of a cutting circle having too large a radius, that is, in order to adjust the cutting circle to its nominal radius pregiven constructively. In the first rotational movements following the length compensation, a free end of the excessively long cutting filament impinges upon the cutting edge of the cut-to-length knife and is automatically cut to the length which is not to be exceeded. A nominal radius is thereby imparted to the cutting circle.
A free-cutting tool having a protective shield and an integrated cut-to-length knife is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,351,403. The cut-to-length knife is mounted at the peripheral end of the cutting circle. Its cutting edge extends perpendicularly to the cutting circle and axially parallel to the rotational axis of the cutterhead. After the automatic cutting to length of the cutting filament by means of the above-mentioned cut-to-length knife, the cutting filament has a free outer end which, in further operation, is cyclically guided past the cutting edge of the cut-to-length knife at high rpm. In this region, an unwanted high level of noise is generated.

Protective shield for a free-cutting tool


The present document describes a communication session resumption mechanism. A client computer system establishes a communication session to a server computer that is a member of a set of related server computers. As a result of establishing the communication session, the server computer identifies the set of related server computers to the client computer system. The set of related server computers share communication session information with each other, allowing the client computer system to resume the communication session with another server computer belonging to the set of related server computers. The communication session may be specified to the other server computer by the client computer system by providing a session identifier or a session ticket.

Establishing cryptographically protected network communication sessions is a complex problem that can impose significant computational costs on network entities that participate in such communications. For example, when establishing a new communication session using transport layer security ("TLS"), parties to the communication session negotiate a set of session keys for use in encrypting data exchanged between the parties. This negotiation may require several back and forth transmissions between the parties where seed values, supported protocol lists, and shared secrets are encrypted, exchanged, and decrypted. As a result, significant network and computational overhead may be incurred in the course of establishing the new communication session.
Some secure protocols provide a way for previously established connections to be re-established, called session resumption. In TLS for example, re-establishing a previous TLS session may be accomplished using session identifiers and session tickets to retrieve parameters associated with a previous communication session. As a result, session resumption generally requires fewer network exchanges and imposes less computational overhead on the parties than establishing a new session. For example, by reusing previously-negotiated cryptographic parameters, certain steps for negotiating connection parameters can be avoided. Network entities that support session-resumption capabilities generally retain session information such as cryptographic parameters in association with the destination IP address or domain name. If a network entity wishes to establish a new communication session with a particular destination for which previous session information is available, the network entity can request resumption of the previous session, and reuse the retained connection parameters when establishing the new secure connection.
If the network entity connects to a destination for which previous session information is not available, then the secure session is negotiated from scratch, potentially resulting in a performance penalty. Avoiding this performance penalty, while maintaining the integrity of the secure protocol, is a difficult problem.


An injection module assembly (IMA) that moves along a predetermined path to inject gas onto a substrate and discharge excess gas is described. The IMA may be used for processing a substrate that is difficult to move for various reasons such as a large size and weight of the substrate. The IMA is connected to one or more sets of jointed arms with structures to provide one or more paths for injecting the gas or discharging the excess gas. The IMA is moved by a first driving mechanism (e.g., linear motor) and the jointed arms are separately operated by a second driving mechanism (e.g., pulleys and cables) to reduce force or torque caused by the weight of the jointed arms. The movement of the first driving mechanism and the second driving mechanism is synchronized to move the IMA and the jointed arms.

1. Field of Art
The present disclosure relates to an injector assembly module for performing deposition of material on a substrate or treating the surface of the substrate by injecting gas onto the substrate.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various chemical processes are used to deposit material on a substrate. Such chemical processes include chemical vapor deposition (CVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD) and molecular layer deposition (MLD). CVD is the most common method for depositing a layer of material on a substrate. In CVD, reactive gas precursors are mixed and then delivered to a reaction chamber where a layer of material is deposited after the mixed gas comes into contact with the substrate.
ALD is another way of depositing material on a substrate. ALD uses the bonding force of a chemisorbed molecule that is different from the bonding force of a physisorbed molecule. In ALD, source precursor is absorbed into the surface of a substrate and then purged with an inert gas. As a result, physisorbed molecules of the source precursor (bonded by the Van der Waals force) are desorbed from the substrate. However, chemisorbed molecules of the source precursor are covalently bonded, and hence, these molecules are strongly adsorbed in the substrate and not desorbed from the substrate. The chemisorbed molecules of the source precursor (adsorbed on the substrate) react with and/or are replaced by molecules of reactant precursor. Then, the excessive precursor or physisorbed molecules are removed by injecting the purge gas and/or pumping the chamber, obtaining a final atomic layer.
MLD is a thin film deposition method similar to ALD but in MLD, molecules are deposited onto the substrate as a unit to form polymeric films on a substrate. In MLD, a molecular fragment is deposited during each reaction cycle. The precursors for MLD have typically been homobifunctional reactants. MLD method is used generally for depositing polymers or hybrid organic-inorganic thin films on the substrate.
In order to perform spatial ALD or MLD deposition methods on a substrate, the substrate is moved relative to stationary injectors for exposure to different gases. However, as the size or weight of the substrate increases, the devices and components for moving the substrate becomes excessively large or inefficient.

Scanning injector assembly module for processing substrate


A semiconductor device is provided that includes a semiconductor chip and a resin section that molds the semiconductor chip and has a first through-hole. A through electrode that is electrically coupled to the semiconductor chip, extends through the resin section, and extends between a top edge and a bottom edge of an inner surface of the first through-hole. A cavity which extends between planes corresponding to an upper surface and a lower surface of the resin section is formed inside the first through-hole.

In recent years, with miniaturization and sophistication of electronic devices, a number of technologies designed to increase packaging density of semiconductor devices have been developed. Such technologies include chip-on-chip semiconductor device technologies and package-on-package semiconductor device technologies.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional chip-on-chip semiconductor device. On an upper surface of an interposer 84, a semiconductor chip 80 having an upper surface on which a circuit is formed is stacked via an adhesive 82. An external electrode (not shown) provided on the upper surface of the semiconductor chip 80 and a connector terminal (not shown) on the interposer 84 are electrically coupled by a wire 86. On a lower surface of the interposer 84, a solder ball 88 for electrically coupling to the outside is provided. On the upper surface of the interposer 84, a resin section 89 to mold the semiconductor chip 80 and the wire 86 is provided. With this configuration, the packaging density of the semiconductor device can be increased as a plurality of semiconductor chips 80 can be provided in a single package.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a package-on-package semiconductor device of a second conventional approach. Components of FIG. 2 common to FIG. 1 have been given the same numbers and their explanations are omitted. A first semiconductor package 90 and a second semiconductor package 92 respectively include semiconductor chip 80, adhesive 82, interposers 84a and 84b, wire 86 and resin section 89. A first solder ball 94 provided on a lower surface of the interposer 84a of the first semiconductor package 90 is bonded to an upper surface of the interposer 84b of the second semiconductor package 92. On a lower surface of the interposer 84b of the second semiconductor package 92, a second solder ball 96 for electrically coupling to the outside is provided. With this configuration (since a plurality of semiconductor packages can be vertically stacked) the packaging density of the semiconductor device can be increased.
Other conventional semiconductor device packaging techniques are commonly used in industry. For example, WO99/56313 (FIG. 20) illustrates a semiconductor device in which a plurality of semiconductor packages are stacked by providing a through electrode on a lead frame where a solder ball is provided on a tip of the through electrode. Published Japanese Translation of PCT Application No. JP-T-2000-510993 discloses a semiconductor device in which electronic components and wirings are electrically bonded by using connector pins. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. JP-A-2003-151714 discloses a method for mounting electronic components to a wiring circuit body using crimp pieces.

Semiconductor device and manufacturing method therefor


Gas separation membrane compositions including at least one crosslinked polymer, gas separation membranes made of such compositions, methods for making such gas separation membranes, and methods of using such membranes to separate gases are described. In one embodiment, the crosslinked polymer includes polyarylene ethers (PAE).

Polymer membranes are often used commercially as a means of achieving gas separations on a relatively small or intermediate scale. Such membranes can offer an advantage in terms of energy consumption and lower capital investment in comparison to other gas separation technologies, such as cryogenic distillation. However, currently available gas separation membranes can be problematic with respect to long term stability, particularly for applications in which water is present, due to hydrolytic instability. In addition, the stability of gas separation membranes can be affected by the presence of other components that may cause swelling of the membrane, and consequently cause loss of performance.
In addition, currently available membrane compositions suffer from a well-known trade-off of permeability versus selectivity, wherein highly permeable polymers have limited selectivity for separating the gas-phase components of interest. The trade-off between the permeability and selectivity of gas separation membranes has been extensively reviewed by Robeson in his articles describing the "upper bound" in polymeric gas separation membranes (J. Membrane Sci., 1991, 62: 165-185; J. Membrane Sci., 2008, 320: 390-400). Much effort has been expended to devise polymers that fall above this "upper bound" limit, but with minimal success.
The crosslinking of membrane materials by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation for gas separations was disclosed by Hayes (U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,393). Hayes reported that the UV treatment of polyimides improved separation performance while diminishing the propensity of polyimide systems to hydrolyze, although no data on the latter property were presented. Hayes also did not report any mechanical properties of membrane materials, such as stress/strain behavior at room temperature. Thus, there was no indication that the materials cited would be sufficiently durable for use in hollow fiber or asymmetric membrane systems. In addition, Guillet has provided an extensive review of polymer photo processes (Polymer Photophysics and Photochemistry: An Introduction to the Study of Photoprocesses in Macromolecues, 1987, Cambridge University Press).
Others have sought to apply Hayes' results in polyimide systems to other materials, but the irradiation of other types of membranes to improve gas separation performance or other physical properties has been unsuccessful. Wright and Paul reported the irradiation of polyarylate copolymers, and showed slight increases in selectivity for gas separations upon irradiation (J. Membrane Sci., 1997, 124: 161-174). However, the presence of ester groups in those systems led to competing chemistries and was problematic with regard to hydrolytic stability in membranes. In an attempt to overcome these deficiencies, Wright and Paul incorporated benzocyclobutene-based monomers into polyarylate systems for purposes of inducing thermal crosslinking. However, this approach required specialized, expensive monomers, and resulted in membranes with gas separation performance inferior to the polyarylate systems (J. Membrane Sci., 1997, 129: 47-53). In addition, the olefin groups introduced for purposes of crosslinking also introduced sites that could lead to undesired thermally-induced reactions during the processing steps required to form thin film membranes or hollow-fiber structures that would subsequently be cross-linked.
Likewise, Zhong has reported the crosslinking of sulfonated polyarlyene ether ether ketone (SPEEK) polymers by incorporating allyl groups into a side chain and using a blended photo-initiator in the polymer film to effect the crosslinking reaction upon irradiation (J. Power Sources, 2007, 164: 65-72). However, as with Wright and Paul's system, a specially prepared monomer was required, and subsequent processing was also required to remove the remaining photo-initiator.
Ishikawa et al. have described the use of crosslinkable polyarylene ethers for fuel cell membranes (U.S. Pat. No. 7,345,135). However, the polymers described in Ishikawa are directed to optimal proton exchange across a membrane. Ishikawa does not describe polymers useful for gas separation membranes.
Thus, there is a continuing need in the art for a gas separation membrane with excellent separation performance and high durability, particularly membranes comprising relatively inexpensive crosslinkable polymers. The present invention addresses this unmet need in the art.

Crosslinked polymer compositions, gas separation membranes of such crosslinked polymer compositions, methods of making such membranes, and methods of separating gases using such membranes

Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.

Board of Regents, The University of Texas System


A capacitive sensor system for an active magnetic bearing supporting a rotating shaft and flywheel in a flywheel energy storage system integrates sensor elements into the bearing stators, thereby conserving valuable space within a vacuum housing enclosing the flywheel energy storage system. High frequency resonant processing provides intrinsic linearity and noise immunity while permitting fast response times. Simple design of the sensor system permits all sensor electronics to be readily packaged within the vacuum housing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a magnetic bearing. More specifically, the present invention relates to a capacitive sensor for the magnetic bearing, which capacitive sensor measures the displacement of a rotor axis from its desired position within a non-rotating assembly of the magnetic bearing. The capacitive sensor associated with the magnetic bearing is particularly advantageous when employed in a flywheel energy storage system.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Modem high strength-to-weight ratio fibers make it possible to construct high energy density flywheels, which, when combined with high power motor-generators, are an attractive alternative to electrochemical batteries for use as energy buffers in hybrid electric vehicles. A properly designed flywheel system would provide higher energy density, higher power density, higher efficiency, and longer life than a conventional electrochemical battery.
The vehicle environment, however, presents special challenges to successful implementation of a flywheel to motor vehicle applications. Among these challenges are the need to deal with the gyroscopic torques resulting from the vehicle's angular motions and the need to compensate for translational accelerations of the vehicle.
Flywheel energy storage systems have been proposed for many years; many of the storage systems have even been proposed for use in motor vehicles. U.S. Pat. No. 3,741,034, for example, discloses a flywheel contained in an evacuated sphere which is surrounded by a liquid but does not address itself to the dynamics of the driving environment. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,266,442, 4,285,251 and 4,860,611, on the other hand, disclose different ways of constructing high speed rotors. However, the above referenced patents do not recognize, let alone describe, design features needed for compatibility with the environment of a motor vehicle.
High speed rotors, such as used in high energy density flywheels, often require a magnetic bearing system in order to avoid the problems associated with the lubrication and cooling of mechanical bearings. Magnetic bearings require a set of sensors to measure, with adequate speed and precision, the displacement of the rotor axis from its neutral position in order for the corrective magnetic forces to be applied in a timely fashion.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,490,816 and 3,860,300, both of which were issued to Joseph Lyman, describe the general principles of a magnetic bearing system wherein the static load, i.e., the resting weight of a rotor, is supported by one or more permanent magnets while dynamic force generators, i.e., force coils, provide compensation for acceleration differences between the rotor and a surrounding stator. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,490,816, for example, the axial velocity is derived from a sensing coil disposed above the load bearing permanent magnet while axial displacement over relatively long time periods is sensed using an opaque piston, a light source, optical baffles and optical sensors arranged at the end of the rotor shaft opposite the permanent magnet. The system proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,490,816 requires two separate amplifiers, one specifically matched to the associated sensor type.
It will be appreciated that non-contacting sensors are required for high speed energy storage flywheel systems because non-contacting sensors offer long life in a high rotational speed environment. Examples of non-contacting sensors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,036,236 and 5,314,868. While magnetic sensors such as those disclosed in either U.S. Pat. No. 3,490,816 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,036,236 may be used, magnetic sensors are generally degraded by changes in the material properties of the surfaces being sensed, such as the electrical resistivity and magnetic permeability of the sensed surfaces.
On the other hand, optical sensors such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,490,816 are subject to degradation due to fouling from surface contamination. Moreover, optical sensors normally include delicate, sophisticated circuit components. These supporting components would frequently be located outside of the flywheel enclosure, which would require the routing of signal lines between the optical sensors themselves and the supporting components and between the supporting components and the force generators. It will be appreciated that this would severely complicate the connections between the energy storage flywheel and the rest of the power train components. An alternative approach would be to locate the supporting components within the confines of the flywheel, which would simplify the cable routing concerns but would require additional efforts to adapt the supporting components to the environment of the interior of the flywheel, i.e., a vacuum environment.
The present invention was motivated by a desire to correct the perceived weaknesses and identified problems associated with conventional magnetic bearing sensor systems used with flywheel energy storage systems.

Capacitive sensor system for magnetic bearings


A measuring and instructional ruler device is provided for use by children and persons during the instruction of linear measurement, and for use in the measuring and drawing of objects. The device is comprised of a base panel having a top surface having standard units of measure delineated thereon, and at least one transparent sheet having fractional increments of the same standard unit of measure delineated thereon, wherein the transparent sheet is positionable over the base panel so that the delineated fractional increments of the standard unit of measure may be aligned with the delineated standard units of measure to demonstrate the relationship between the unit of measure and the fractional increments thereof.

This invention concerns a ruler device for use in measuring distance, for use in measuring and the construction of linear objects, for use during the instruction of linear measurement, and for use as an instrument to demonstrate the relationship between a said unit of measure and fractional increments of said standard unit of measure.
The concept of fractional increments of standard units of measure can be demonstrated by abstract or mathematical approaches when accompanied by visual indica. The standard scale markings on a conventional ruler are not easily comprehended by children or persons. Young children and persons, especially those with learning impediments, have difficulty with the perception of fractional increments of a said unit of measure on a conventional ruler. For example, after the concept of 1/2", fourths of and inch, eighths of an inch have been presented persons, especially young children, have difficulty with the perception of the relationship between the fractional incremental markings since one indicum denotes one half inch, two fourths, four eighths, and eight sixteenths of an inch.
Also due to the fact that the fractional incremental markings on a standard ruler are of the same color, it is difficult for the learner to distinguish the markings.
Although the fractional incremental markings on a standard ruler may be of gradually decreasing length which denote the decreasing size of the fractional increment, the lines of one color are not easily described to the learner. For example, when presenting the one inch mark, one states the longest lines are the inch marks. Then when presenting the one half inch mark, one states the next shorter lines are the one half inch marks. Next, when presenting the one fourth inch marks, the problem begins to present itself. If the instructor says the shorted lines are the one fourth inch lines, the learner becomes confused. The term "shorter" is now applied to more than one set of indica. The problem becomes even more severe when the instructor presents the eighth and sixteenth inch indica. This problem is alleviated with each of the fractional incremental indica being different colors, presented independently and then aligned on top of each other. Said standard unit of measure and the fractional increments thereof are easily distinguished.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,614,042 to Maurer discloses an educational device for use by children and persons having learning impediments or physical handicaps. While the Maurer device provides a means for perceiving a fraction of an inch, it only shows a fraction of an inch as an extension of an inch at a given point on the device. It does not uniformly demonstrate the fractional increments throughout the entire length of the instrument. It also does not simultaneously demonstrate the relationship amongst the various fractional increments throughout the entire length of the device. Furthermore, it does not disclose the fact that the incremental markings denote multiple fractional increments of said standard unit of measure. Example: the one half inch indica is also the two fourth, four eighth and eight sixteenth inch indica. The Maurer device, while demonstrating a fractional part of one inch, does not demonstrate the fractional parts of twelve inches simultaneously. The Maurer device, while being a teaching aid for students, by design, would preclude its wide spread use as a measuring device for the general populace.
It is accordingly a object of this invention to provide a ruler comprising functionally symbolic means to aid in the distinguishing of a said standard unit of measure and its said fractional increments for wide spread use amongst students and the general populace.
It is another object of this invention to provide a ruler device for the measuring of distance and objects and to use when drawing.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an educational tool which will facilitate in the instruction for use of conventional rulers.
It is still another object of this invention to provide a ruler of the aforesaid nature of sufficient construction and low cost that it may find wide spread use amongst educators and persons.
These objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description.


The present invention provides methods of drying radiofrequency-activatable inkjet inks, methods for customizing the radiofrequency parameters of an RF source based on pre-selected printing conditions, and methods for selecting or formulating an RF inkjet ink composition based on pre-selected printing conditions and/or printing equipment. The invention further provides radiofrequency-activatable inks having customized radiofrequency susceptibility profiles and to sets of such radiofrequency-activatable inks.

Most inkjet inks currently available are low viscosity liquids which contain large amounts of water, often 90 weight percent or greater. The use of water as a solvent in these inks is advantageous because it is inexpensive, environmentally friendly and non-toxic. Unfortunately, water also has a relatively high boiling point and a high latent heat of evaporation. For this reason, inkjet inks which contain large amounts of water tend to be slow-drying. Slow-drying inks are disfavored for many printing applications because they lead to slow printing rates.
To speed up the printing rate of water-based inkjet inks, printing equipment may employ external heating devices to speed up the evaporation of water from the inks. Unfortunately, external heating involves heating equipment which is often expensive and impractical. Another approach to increasing the drying rate of water-based inkjet inks is to generate heat internally within the inks by incorporating radiation susceptors into the ink formulations. These susceptors are activated by exposing them to radiation of a suitable frequency, causing them to generate heat within the ink and speeding up the evaporation of water and other volatile solvents. Most of these susceptors are microwave activated inorganic salts. Unfortunately, the use of microwave energy poses human safety hazards in an inkjet printing device and also results in slow heating of the inks.
Inkjet ink formulations that optimize the transfer of radiation to an inkjet ink frequently do not provide inkjet inks with optimal printing properties. This problem is exacerbated by the standard practice in the printing industry of formulating and selling microwave activatable inkjet inks that are not tailored to specific printing applications or printing equipment and is further exacerbated by the standard practice of using microware sources that are insufficiently adjustable to allow their microwave parameters to be tailored based on the susceptibility characteristics of a selected inkjet ink.
Thus, a need exists for methods which provide improved drying times for inkjet inks while minimizing human safety hazards. In addition, a need exists for methods of providing a system for customizing inkjet inks based on pre-selected printing applications and printing equipment and a system for customizing a radiation source for use with a pre-selected radiation-activatable inkjet ink in a pre-selected printing application.

Fast-drying, radiofrequency-activatable inkjet inks and methods and systems for their use


A board for opening an oyster has a cradle consisting of a support wall and a cradle portion sloping upwardly therefrom. The outer wall supports and anchors first end portions of the oyster which rest in abutment against, while the second end portions are disposed and elevated slightly on the cradle portion for opening of the oyster at the second end portions.

It is well known in the art to use boards for opening oysters. As is well known, the edible portion of an oyster is situated, and normally enclosed, within an oyster shell consisting of two shell parts, or halves, conjoined to one another along respective contiguous and conjoining edges. Thus, to consume the edible portion, the shell must be opened or otherwise separated from the edible portion. For example, the shell may broken or shattered, as well as cut or separated with a knife, at a point other than the contiguous edges. Use of cutting boards, bowls, plates, and the like for such operations is well known, as the boards, plates, etc. allow for capture of the portions of the shell and the juice of the oyster, as well as the edible part. However, such methods for disengaging the edible portion disadvantageously increase risk that portions of the shell will be mixed with the edible portion.
Preferably, and again as is well known in the art, the shell is opened by at least partially separating the two shell parts along the conjoining edges, typically by cutting in between the conjoined edges with a sharp object, such as a knife, and then prying the two parts away from each other with a lever, which may also be a knife. Such an approach reduces risk that portions of the shell will mix with the edible portion. Further, such an approach allows for consumption of the edible portion, including the juice, from one of the shell parts. Once again, use of conventional cutting boards or other flat surfaces for seating the oyster thereupon while the shell parts are separated along the conjoined edges is well known in the art. Unfortunately, such flat surfaces will not permit capture of juice or other liquid from the oyster. While one could circumvent this disadvantage by using a conventional bowl, plate, or other kitchen container for opening the oyster, opening the oyster by prying apart the two shelf parts while seating the oyster on the surface of such containers is often awkward as the presence of a raised rim of the container relative the surface makes manipulating the lever awkward. Further, as an upward pressure is exerted on one the shell parts, there is a risk that the shell, and possibly part of the edible portion and juice, may be flipped away and out of the container should excessive force be applied.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved board for opening an oyster.


An Allen™-key style wrench that has tips at the working ends of the wrench that are composed of a different material than the body of the wrench. The body include internally-threaded bores at each end, mated to the external threads of bits providing the tips.

Hex keys, also known as hex wrenches, Allen™ wrenches, and Allen™ keys have hexagonal cross-sections, and come in inch and metric dimensions. They are used to drive workpieces such as bolts and screws that have a hexagonal socket in their head.
Hex keys are typically produced by shearing and bending a metal wire that has a hexagonal cross section to form a one-piece key. There are tradeoffs between the weight of a hex key, its durability, and its cost. While the keys can be produced using relatively light, cheap material, the tips at the working ends of such keys can strip when over-torqued. In comparison, when made from materials that produce more durable tips, the weight and cost of the key can be considerably higher. Another consideration is the resilience of the material to twisting, since materials that produce durable ends may result in the body of the key snapping or permanently twisting when over-torqued.


Systems and methods are provided for deploying a configuration at a network device. The deployment of the configuration includes, receiving an indication that a particular configuration of a computing component is to be deployed, extracting grammar data from the computing component, the grammar data including commands used to deploy the particular configuration of the computing component and restrictions corresponding to a subset of the commands, generating a template used to deploy the particular configuration, determining, from the grammar data, a variable that is currently undetermined and included in the particular configuration, obtaining the variable, incorporating the variable into the template, and deploying the particular configuration based on the template.

Configurations may be programmed into a computing component such as a device or a server to incorporate or enable particular settings, functions, and/or commands. Such functions may include, as illustrative examples, troubleshooting, logging, security, or manageability. In a particular example of a network device such as a switch, features of configurations may include, enabling of Virtual Trunking Protocol (VTP), access port configurations, trunk port configurations, Secure Shell Protocol (SSH) configurations, setting up management IP (Internet Protocol), assigning hostname, and domain name, as illustrative examples.
The figures are not exhaustive and do not limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed.

Dynamically configurable templates to support versatile deployment of configurations at network devices

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP


Previously unisolated serum immunoregulatory polypeptides (SIPs) having a molecular weight of approximately 14,000 to 31,000 are provided. The SIPs may be obtained from hemorrhagic serum of mammals and have been shown to activate suppressor T-cells and suppress lymphocyte proliferation and interleukin production. There is a significant homology between SIPs of different mammalian species. The amino acid sequence of an SIP having a molecular weight of about 16,000 is provided. In addition, immunosuppressive polypeptides are identified which have the formula (SEQ ID NO:2): EQU X-Met-Asp-Ala-His-Pro-Pro-Arg-Leu-Phe-Ala-Cys-Ser-Y. wherein X is an amino acid sequence having from 0 to 10 amino acids and Y is an amino acid sequence having from 0 to 110 amino acids.

Immunoregulatory agents are substances that regulate or modify the normal or aberrant immune response of a host animal. Such agents are extremely important in medical applications, specifically in diseases that are caused by an abnormal immune response, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythrematosis (SLE), AIDS, et c. They are also useful where it is desirable to suppress normal immune response, such as in organ transplants and other types of tissue or organ grafts.
Various immunoregulatory agents are known in the art, but all have significant disadvantages. Some examples are cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 6-MP and cyclosporin A. These drugs suffer from various shortcomings such as toxic side effects and a narrow therapeutic index that severely limits their therapeutic application.
Immune response can be modified in many ways. One of the most desirable approaches is to influence or modulate the activity of suppressor T-cells. Suppressor T-cells are an important class of lymphocyte that have an important role in the regulation of immune response. These cells play an important role in the development of immuno-tolerance. Malfunction of these cells is believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of auto-immune diseases, such as RA and SLE. These diseases are believed to be caused by diminished suppressor T-cell activity and a resultant overproduction of auto-antibodies. This situation may be reversed by activation of suppressor T-cells. In organ transplants, activation of suppressor T-cells, with the consequential suppression of the immune response, helps promote tolerance and prevent rejection of transplanted organs to the recipient's immune system.
Therefore, it would be extremely advantageous to have an immunoregulatory agent that activates suppressor T-cells, thereby regulating immune response, but which has a wide therapeutic index and does not have toxic side effects at physiological doses. The present invention satisfies this need and provides other related advantages.

Serum immunoregulatory polypeptides and uses therefor

The Regents of the University of California


Embodiments provide apparatuses and systems which include a front surface, a back surface, and a second back surface. A speaker may be disposed between the front surface and the back surface. The speaker is to direct audio substantially orthogonally through the back surface. The second back surface is to enable an acoustic response from the speaker. A method is also provided which enables a computing device to determine whether it is engaging a surface. In response to the determination, the computing device may adjust the audio signal provisioned to a speaker directed orthogonally to the surface, and output the audio signal to provision an omni-directional acoustic response.

Computing devices such as tablets, slates, mobile phones, smart phones, televisions and others utilize display screens to output images to a user and one or more speakers to output audio. The audio and images may be synchronized with each other, for example when the device is utilized for watching a movie, or they may be independent of each other, for example when a user is browsing the web or listening to music.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


An electrosurgical system including or connected to an output circuitry comprising an electrosurgical device and an electrical cable is modelled during a cable interrogation phase using a transfer matrix in order to determine a leakage capacitance in the electrosurgical system. After the leakage capacitance is assigned or set to a virtual capacitor in the transfer matrix, an output parameter of the electrosurgical system, such as output voltage, output current, output impedance or output electrical power, may be determined by applying an actual input voltage to the output circuitry and measuring a resulting input current, and multiplying the input voltage and measured current by the transfer matrix.

Damaged tissues are sometimes treated using an energy delivering system. Various types of therapeutic energies (e.g., electrical, ultrasonic, microwave, cryogenic, heat, laser, etc.) used in tissue treatment, which are known in the art, may be applied to treat a tissue. Electrosurgery is a tissue treating technique involving delivering of high radio frequency ("RF") electrical energy (e.g., 1-70 watts in auto bipolar electrosurgical systems, 1-300 watts in monopolar electrosurgical systems). Electrosurgery treatment is rendered by an electrosurgical device (e.g., electrosurgical forceps).
Electrosurgical systems conventionally monitor an electrical voltage and an electrical current in order to 'remotely' evaluate the impedance at the electrosurgical device. Evaluation of the impedance at the electrosurgical device enables an electrosurgical system to detect whether the electrosurgical system is in an 'open circuit' state in which the electrosurgical device does not touch the treated site, or in a 'closed circuit' state in which the electrosurgical device touches the treated site. Distinguishing between these two states enables the electrosurgical system to output (generate) therapeutic energy only when the electrosurgical device touches the treated site.
When the surgical device touches a tissue, the impedance evaluated by the electrosurgical system is relatively low (a few tenths of ohms to several thousands of ohms). When the surgical device is detached from a treated tissue, the impedance measured by the electrosurgical system should ideally be infinite (or practically very high; e.g., in the order of tenths of mega ohms). Should this be the case, an impedance gap between the open circuit state and the closed circuit state would have been very large, which would enable the electrosurgical system to distinguish between the two states easily and reliably. However, in practice, the electrosurgical system's periphery, which may include, for example, cable(s), adapter(s), connector(s), surgical device(s), etc., includes parasitic (leakage) impedances that detrimentally affect the impedance gap, that is, they narrow the gap. Depending on the electrical characteristics of the electrosurgical system's periphery, the impedance undesirably imposed by it may vary, for example, from tenths of ohms to tenths of kilo ohms.
The parasitic (e.g., leakage) impedance imposed on the electrosurgical system by its periphery poses a problem which is that the electrosurgical system, which monitors the impedance during electrosurgical procedures, might erroneously interpret a parasitic impedance as an impedance that results from a tissue contact even in cases where the electrosurgical device does not touch the tissue. As a result of this, the electrosurgical system might erroneously continue to deliver therapeutic energy to the electrosurgical device, or resume delivery of the therapeutic energy, even though the device (e.g., forceps) is not touching the surgical site. Holding the treatment device by a surgeon may also add parasitic impedance, which exacerbates the problem of misinterpretation of the impedance evaluated by the electrosurgical system. (The surgeon may hold the device prior to treatment and then during treatment, and, occasionally, s/he may detach it from the treated tissue and, therefore, a parasitic impedance caused by the surgeon might change during the electrosurgical process as well.)
Because, conventionally, the electrical voltage and current that the electrosurgical system uses to evaluate the impedance at the electrosurgical device, hence the device-tissue contact degree, do not genuinely represent the real impedance at the electrosurgical device (due to the aforesaid parasitic/leakage capacitances), not only that distinguishing between the open circuit state and the closed circuit state might not be reliable, the electrosurgical system might deliver/output therapeutic/treatment energy to the tissue which is not therapeutically optimal.
It would be beneficial to have a method and system that enable reliable operation of an electrosurgical system despite unknown impedance changes in the electrosurgical system during electrosurgical procedures.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

System and method for controlling operation of an electrosurgical system


The present patent application discusses a frequency translation apparatus for altering the effective frequency of the phase information of an input signal (115). The input signal (115) has a first phase (.theta.(t)) and a first frequency (f.sub.i). The phase of the input signal is extracted and digitized at a second frequency (f.sub.o), forming a second N-bit digital phase signal (.theta.'(t))(311). The frequency translation apparatus generates a third digital phase signal (319) which approximates the difference between .theta.(t) and .theta.'(t). Then, the frequency translation apparatus combines the second digital phase signal and the third digital phase signal, forming a fourth digital phase signal (307) substantially approximating the first phase signal.

Typically, radio receivers include a reference oscillator. The reference oscillator is used to generate all the frequencies required to demodulate the received signal. If the phase of the intermediate frequency (IF) signal will be directly digitized, then a detector reference signal must be generated having a frequency equal to the IF; otherwise, the digitized phase signal will need to be corrected for the difference in frequencies after the digital detection. For example, assume the radio receiver has a reference oscillator of 16.8 megahertz (MHz) and an IF (f.sub.i) of 456 kilohertz (kHz). Using an N-bit phase digitizer circuit operating at the reference oscillator frequency (f.sub.ref) results in a digital detector reference frequency (f.sub.o) equal to f.sub.ref divided by 2.sup.N. With a 5-bit phase digitizer circuit, the detector reference frequency would be equal to 16.8 MHz divided by 2.sup.5, or 525 kHz. Thus, the digital detector reference frequency (f.sub.o) does not equal the IF (f.sub.i). To directly digitize the phase, the IF and the digital detector reference frequency must be matched. Two solutions are currently available.
First, another reference oscillator could be used to generate a detector reference frequency equal to the IF. In the previous example, the digital phase detector would require a second reference oscillator generating a frequency of 14.592 MHz (14.592/2.sup.5 =456 kHz). Several disadvantages result from the use of the second reference oscillator. First, a non-standard frequency would require a specialized design and additional cost. Second, an additional oscillator increases the cost, size, and power consumption within the radio receiver. Third, having two unique frequencies generated within the radio receiver can potentially cause spurious interference problems. Thus, adding a reference oscillator is an undesirable solution to this problem.
A second solution to the problem involves translating the frequency of the IF signal (f.sub.i) to match the frequency of the detector reference (f.sub.o). This can be implemented by mixing the IF signal with a local oscillator (LO) whose frequency is equal to the difference f.sub.o -f.sub.i. Furthering the preceding example, the IF of 456 kHz would need to be mixed up such that it was equal to 525 kHz. The mixing would required an LO frequency equal to f.sub.o -f.sub.i, or 69 kHz. In addition to the extra hardware required, this solution can also cause spurious interference problems. Hence, analog frequency translation is also an undesirable solution to this problem.
Therefore, a need exists for a small, low cost, frequency translation device which does not require any additional analog hardware or create any potential spurious interference problems.

Frequency translation apparatus and method


The present invention relates generally to photolithographic systems and methods, and more particularly to systems and methodologies that facilitate compensating for imprint mask critical dimension error(s). An aspect of the invention generates feedback information that facilitates control of imprint mask critical dimension via employing a scatterometry system to detect imprint mask critical dimension error, and mitigating the error via a spacer etchback procedure.

As semiconductor trends continue toward decreased size and increased packaging density, every aspect of semiconductor fabrication processes is scrutinized in an attempt to maximize efficiency in semiconductor fabrication and throughput. Many factors contribute to fabrication of a semiconductor. For example, at least one photolithographic process can be used during fabrication of a semiconductor. This particular factor in the fabrication process is highly scrutinized by the semiconductor industry in order to improve packaging density and precision in semiconductor structure.
Lithography is a process in semiconductor fabrication that generally relates to transfer of patterns between media. More specifically, lithography refers to transfer of patterns onto a thin film that has been deposited onto a substrate. The transferred patterns then act as a blueprint for desired circuit components. Typically, various patterns are transferred to a photoresist (e.g., radiation-sensitive film), which is the thin film that overlies the substrate during an imaging process described as "exposure" of the photoresist layer. During exposure, the photoresist is subjected to an illumination source (e.g. UV-light, electron beam, X-ray), which passes through a pattern template, or reticle, to print the desired pattern in the photoresist. Upon exposure to the illumination source, radiation-sensitive qualities of the photoresist permit a chemical transformation in exposed areas of the photoresist, which in turn alters the solubility of the photoresist in exposed areas relative to that of unexposed areas. When a particular solvent developer is applied, exposed areas of the photoresist are dissolved and removed, resulting in a three-dimensional pattern in the photoresist layer. This pattern is at least a portion of the semiconductor device that contributes to final function and structure of the device, or wafer.
Current methods of pattern line formation on a photolithography mask typically produce LER as an undesirable side effect which can increase mask fabrication cost. As lithographic techniques are pushed to their limits, smaller and smaller CDs are desired to maximize chip performance. Thus, chip manufacture is governed largely by wafer CD, which is defined as the smallest allowable width of, or space between, lines of circuitry in a semiconductor device. As methods of wafer manufacture are improved, wafer CD is decreased, which in turn requires finer and finer line edges to be produced, which further requires finer and finer mask features.

Post fabrication CD modification on imprint lithography mask


A process and a device are described for detecting physical, chemical, biological or biochemical reactions and interactions on biochemically or chemically functionalized specimen carriers in the form of layers or films from the spectral reflection after irradiation of the specimens with light of different wavelengths. In so doing, parameters for the nature of the specimens are determined in an economical and highly accurate manner and with a high degree of parallelism in the measurements. According to the process, the specimens are arranged on a substrate plate with a carrier layer of a carrier plate and are irradiated with light. The following process steps are carried out: temporally resolved illumination of an areal arrangement of specimens to be analyzed by light of different wavelengths from a tunable light source or from a scanning monochromator which is arranged subsequent to a polychromatic light source; b) the imaging of the beam component reflected on at least one boundary surface of each specimen or of the beam components or interferences reflected and interfered, respectively, at boundary surfaces of each specimen which are arranged one behind the other in the direction of light, this imaging being carried out on a spatially resolving areal detector array or a video camera by means of subsequently arranged optical elements; and c) a wavelength-selective detection of the radiation intensities reflected and influenced by the specimens or of the intensities of the imaged interferences, determination of a wavelength spectrum associated with each specimen, and derivation of parameters characterizing the interactions and reactions to be analyzed.

a) Field of the Invention
The invention is directed to a process and a device for detecting physical, chemical, biological or biochemical reactions and interactions on biochemically or chemically functionalized specimen carriers in the form of layers or films from the spectral reflection after irradiation with light of different wavelengths. It is based on the resonance phenomenon excited by evanescent fields in planar waveguides and in thin metal films which react to changes in or attachment to the biosensitive film located thereon as well as on interference phenomena occurring as the result of reflection at the interfaces or boundary surfaces of this film.
b) Description of the Related Art
WO 93/14392 discloses a device for detecting such reactions and interactions in which collimated, polychromatic light is totally reflected at an internal prism surface. Given a suitable selection of the parameters of a spacing layer film and a cavity layer located above the latter, the occurring evanescent field is coupled into the cavity layer at resonance, wherein the resonance is effected in different wavelengths depending on the specimen interaction above the cavity layer. In a subsequent wavelength-dispersive unit, the resonance wavelength is determined as an extreme value in the spectrum.
Another arrangement for detecting biochemical interactions is known from EP 0 257 955. In this case also, polychromatic light is coupled into a transparent plate via a multiple-prism structure and is totally reflected at the transparent plate at an angle of incidence greater than the critical angle. The vertically oscillating polarization component of the evanescent field excites collective electron density oscillations (surface plasmons) in a thin metal film applied to the boundary surface. This resonance phenomenon is influenced by changes at the boundary surface due to the morphology or nature of the specimen and is detected as absorption of the respective resonance wavelength in a subsequently arranged dispersive device. The changes at the boundary surface owing to the nature of the specimen accordingly result in a shifting of the reflection minimum which is a criterion for the nature of the analyzed specimen.
WO 93/01487 describes an arrangement for the selective detection of substances in chemical, biochemical and biological measurement specimens by determining changes in the effective refractive index of a guided mode by means of a grating coupler. The grating coupler is arranged on a transparent substrate plate in the boundary surface interfacing with an applied planar waveguide and takes over the functions of input coupling and output coupling of radiation. The coupling efficiency of the entire arrangement depends upon the polarization, the angle of incidence, the waveguide characteristics, the grating characteristics, and the refractive index above the waveguide. In the input coupling optimum, a mode is excited in the waveguide and, at a determined coupling angle, the reflectivity of the grating coupler achieves a minimum which is recorded by a position-sensitive detector.
DE 42 00 088 discloses a process and a device for detecting physical, chemical, biochemical and biological processes, wherein light of a suitable wavelength or of a suitable spectral range is radiated into a specimen at which the process takes place at or in at least one thin layer of at least partially optically transparent material. In so doing, the interference phenomena which are brought about as a result of the process are detected and measured and can be interpreted and represented as a change in the optical layer thickness. For this purpose, the absolute optical layer thickness can be calculated from the spectral position of the interference extrema and their distance from one another. The optical layer thickness can also be determined from the change in intensity in one or more wavelengths. A device for carrying out the process comprises a light source emitting white light, a specimen arrangement at which the process to be studied can be carried out, a detector, for example, a photoelectric receiver array, and an evaluating device, e.g., a computer. The specimen arrangement has a base with a carrier layer comprising a thin polymer film (e.g., polysiloxane film) in which the process to be detected takes place. The base can be a glass plate, a commercially available interference filter or a suitable substrate.
All of these devices have the disadvantage that they can only be used to carry out individual measurements. The simultaneous measurement of a plurality of specimens would substantially increase technical complexity. It would only be possible to expand these measurements to a few parallel measurement objects and specimens. An example of such a device, by means of which four specimens can be measured, is described and shown in WO 93125 909.
A further disadvantage consists in that in arrangements with an angle-selective light radiation or coupling in of radiation, converting to the simultaneous measurement of a plurality of specimens requires costly duplication of the coupling structure as is illustrated in WO 92/0542.

Process and apparatus for detecting structural changes of specimens


The present invention relates to practical plasma. Because in the plasma lightning arrester of the prior art, the intensity of the balancing charge is usually insufficient and disappear quickly, there is no sufficient time and intensity to balance out the induced charge on the surface of object to be protected, therefore the plasma lightning arrester of the prior art can not prevent the object from lightning strike effectively. The present invention appends a RC charging-discharging circuit on the passage way of balancing charge in series, so that the passing period of balancing charge is extended, and the lightning strike can be prevented effectively. The charge amplifier is arranged to intensify the balancing charge and enhance the protecting ability against lightning strike.

The plasma lightningproof technology is a technology in which the plasma atmospheric layer is polarized by the lightning effect, and the induced charge on the surface of the object to be protected is balanced out or weakened, so that the object can be protected from lightning strike. The main structure is a conductive ball. The lower portion of the conductive ball is connected to an input of a charge amplifier, and the output of the amplifier is connected to the surface of the object to be protected through a wire. The underlying operating principle is: when the plasma gas is polarized by the electric field caused by the lightning precursor charge, the charge, which has the same polarity with that of the precursor charge, enters into a charge amplifier from the conductive ball covered by the plasma, then further into the surface of the object to be protected, so as to balance out or weaken the induced charge on the surface of the object to be protected, therefore the atmosphere electric field on the surface of the object to be protected decreases in intensity, so that the electric field intensity can not rise to a value at which the atmosphere can be broken through, consequently the object to be protected can be protected from lightning strike.
A charge amplifier is provided to enhance the protection ability of the conductor covered by the plasma, so as to better protect the object which is not covered by plasma.
When the lightning precursor charge develops to a lightning strike level, the induced charge is produced, and the balancing charge is produced, then the balancing charge flows into the surface of the object to be protected, and the period of the above whole process is very short, typically at the order of microsecond, but the danger period of suffering from lightning strike is much longer, typically at the order of 10□100 microsecond, therefore during the lightning strike, the balancing charge for eliminating the lightning strike would disappear quickly, but at this time, the danger period has not finished yet, in other words, the possibility of suffering lightning strike still exists. Thus there is a need for the balancing charge to stay on the surface of the object to be protected for a longer time.
Further, there is also a need to modify the said charge amplifier so that it can be put into practical use for some special purpose.


A pixel circuit includes an OLED, a driving transistor, first and second transistors, a storage capacitor and a coupling capacitor. The OLED includes an anode and a cathode connected to a first voltage source. The driving transistor includes a first node connected to a second voltage source, a second node, and a third node connected to the anode. The first transistor includes first, second and third terminals connected to a data driving line, a first control signal source, and the second node, respectively. The second transistor includes a first terminal, a second terminal connected to a second control signal source, and a third terminal connected to the anode and the third node. The storage capacitor includes first and second terminals connected to a third voltage source and the second transistor, respectively. The coupling capacitor includes first and second terminals connected to the second transistor and the second node, respectively.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a pixel circuit and its driving method and, more particularly, to an active matrix OLED pixel circuit and its driving method suitable for compensating transistor threshold voltage and OLED voltage.
2. Description of Related Art
Driving transistors of active matrix OLED (AMOLED) can be classified to P-type transistors and N-type transistors according to its back plate manufacture technologies. Please refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, which are prior P-type and N-type driving circuits of AMOLED, respectively. As shown in FIG. 2, for the N-type driving circuit, there is a problem in that the threshold voltage of the N-type transistor may be shifted. This threshold voltage shift is caused by the generation of degradation due to the manufacture variation and long-time operation, resulting in being unable to output a current same as the initial current and thus producing mura or brightness decay. Moreover, due to that the OLED is operated for a long time, the operating voltage is increased following the increase of the time. Thus, to solve the aforementioned problem, an N-type compensation circuit is proposed. With reference to both FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, there are a schematic diagram of N-type AMOLED compensation driving circuit and a timing diagram of N-type compensation driving circuit. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, it can be seen that the number of components (6T2C) in the pixel circuit design is too many and the driving signals (Sn, Sn′, En, Xen) become too complicated, resulting in being unable to satisfy the requirements of high precision and high aspect ratio.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved pixel circuit and its driving method, in which N-type driving transistors are used to drive the OLED, and combined with a plurality of transistors and capacitors to compensate the threshold voltage of the N-type transistor and the voltage of the AMOLED, so as to satisfy the requirements of high precision and high aspect ratio.

Pixel circuit and driving method and display device thereof


A system and method in a network of devices, which ascertains the user's context to suggest the most preferred task for the user to perform. User's context includes his/her location, the content he/she is interested in, the devices which are being used by him/her, and the devices and content allowed to be used by the user. Using this context, the system suggests tasks to the user that are appropriate to that context. The determination of context and the suggestion of tasks are performed by keeping track of the content and the devices available to the user at any given time. The suggestion of tasks is performed in accordance with certain policies. For example, the user can control the behavior of the system by changing the rules in the policy. Tasks are in the form of simple sentences that can be easily understood by the user. If, based on certain context, more than one task is possible, the system suggests the task with the highest priority to the user.

Typical user interfaces for user control of devices such as CE devices (e.g., TV, VCR, DVD player, CD player, etc.) are such that user tasks are not represented in the devices. Instead, a set of device functions are presented to the user and the user selects combinations of these device functions to perform a task. For example, to watch a video tape requires the user to select the input (e.g., tape), rewind the tape and press play on a VCR. As a result, the user cannot simply specify that he/she wishes to 'watch' 'video tape' to automate the above operations. Users cannot express desired tasks to be performed (e.g., 'watch' 'video tape'), rather users must directly control devices to perform desired functions (e.g., selecting the input, rewinding the tape and pressing play on a VCR).
This is similar to conventional software architecture wherein tasks map into the idea of an application. For example, if a user wants to write a letter, the user runs a word processor that has the appropriate functionality. However, apart from a well known functionality mapping to a well-known name, this expresses little to the user. Another alternative has been to present the user with a set of options in the form of a menu. Several systems allow well-known tasks to be listed in menu options (e.g., spell-check document or instant record on a VCR). However, such systems only provide device functions to the user.
Yet another alternative has been to allow a user to express the task graphically (e.g., using lines to connect together a set of depicted devices to perform a desired task). The problem with this approach is that it does not mask the complexity of using the devices from the user. It simply graphically represents the function selections to the user and asks the user to specify the connections necessary to perform a task.
Yet another alternative has been a system that discovers devices, and thereby the services available in an ad-hoc environment. The system identifies the services that could be aggregated and finally suggests the possible service combinations to the user. While suggesting the aggregated service combinations to the user, the system scores the services based on any user preferences set and execution history for the user and displays the service with the highest score to the user. However, in such a system the services are ranked based on user preferences and execution history without considering the context of the user, which results in scoring the services in a way that does not reflect the user intentions at that particular instant.

Contextual task recommendation system and method for determining user's context and suggesting tasks


The invention relates to the distribution of a synchronization signal in an optical communication system which is inherently asynchronous. In order to accomplish a cost-efficient mechanism for transmitting a synchronization signal in such a system, the amplitude of a payload signal is modulated with the synchronization signal, whereby an amplitude-modulated payload signal is obtained. This amplitude-modulated payload signal is transmitted as an optical signal to the opposite end of an optical link, where the synchronization signal is separated from the payload signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to the transfer of a synchronization signal in an optical communication system. The invention is intended particularly for optical Ethernet systems, which have no inherent mechanism for distributing a synchronization signal within the system.
2. Description of the Related Art
In many networks the distribution of an exact frequency reference is mandatory. This is the case, for example, in radio access networks where a synchronization signal needs to be delivered to the base stations. The traditional, synchronous transmission technologies like PDH or SDH/SONET include this feature.
Recently, due to advances in optical Ethernet technology, this well-established LAN technology has also been introduced into Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN). The main reasons for the extension of the Ethernet technology beyond the LANs are its cost-effectiveness, i.e. low cost combined with simplicity and speed, which makes it suitable for carrying data traffic.
However, Ethernet is an asynchronous technology which does not support the distribution of a synchronization signal between the nodes. Therefore, there is no specified way or mechanism in an Ethernet-based optical communication system for the distribution of a synchronization signal. The Ethernet nodes have been designed to operate in their own clock domains, i.e. the clocks of the nodes are not locked to any high precision master clock. Since an Ethernet network is asynchronous, the clock recovered in a node cannot be used as a synchronization signal, as is the case in synchronous networks. However, the distribution of a synchronization signal can be introduced into an optical Ethernet system if extra measures are taken. This is discussed briefly in the following.
The synchronization signal can be transported over the link in a copper Ethernet (e.g. 10Base-T or 100Base-T) using an extra line or line pair, such as a twisted pair cable. For reasons of cost, this method is not desirable when the physical medium is an optical fiber.
In the optical Ethernet, the transmitting clock of a node can be locked to an external high precision clock source acting as a master clock, whereby the synchronization signal can be transmitted over an optical link to a neighboring node. However, one drawback of this method is that it requires an additional channel for informing the receiving party about the validity of the master clock source. Due to failures, for example, the master clock source may not always be available. When this occurs, the transmitting clock starts to drift, and soon the frequency reference may no longer be acceptable. Therefore, information about the locking state, whether the transmitting clock is locked or not, has to be transmitted to adjacent nodes using higher layer protocols, such as Ethernet MAC control layer packets, in order to inform the receiving node when the frequency reference, i.e. the synchronization signal, is invalid.
The frequency synchronization can also be provided to each Ethernet node separately, using separate synchronization lines or the Global Positioning System (GPS), for example. It is also possible to provide each node with a precise clock source. However, these are expensive solutions. Furthermore, the GPS does not work properly indoors.
As indicated above, the introduction of a frequency reference distribution system in an optical Ethernet system is at present rather complicated and/or expensive, as the additional mechanisms needed are complex or require expensive additional components. This naturally detracts from the cost-effectiveness of an optical Ethernet system, which is otherwise good.

Distribution of a synchronization signal in an optical communication system


A diffuser is provided having a spaced apart shroud and backing plate. A diffuser vane is provided between the backing plate and shroud. The vane includes first and second sealing surfaces opposite from one another and adjacent to the backing plate and shroud. Leading and trailing surfaces are arranged opposite from one another and adjoin the first and second sealing surfaces. The first sealing surface includes a first protrusion extending therefrom approximate to the leading surface with a gap extending from the trailing surface to the first protrusion. The second surface includes a second protrusion extending therefrom proximate to the trailing surface with a second gap extending from the leading surface to the second protrusion. The surfaces provide four corners such that the protrusions are arranged on opposite corners from one another to create a pressure differential between the first and second sealing surfaces.

This invention relates to a variable area diffuser, and more particularly, the invention relates to geometry of the diffuser vanes.
Variable area diffusers use multiple vanes that are rotated between different angular positions to vary the throat size of the diffuser. Variable area diffusers can be used in conjunction with, for example, superchargers to vary the flow through an air conditioning system of an aircraft. The vanes are supported between a backing plate and a shroud of the diffuser. A small clearance a few of thousandths of an inch is provided between the vane and backing plate and shroud to minimize the loads and wear between these components. As a result, the life of the diffuser vanes is improved.
Under some supercharger operating conditions it is possible to produce an unstable airflow condition. The unstable airflow condition creates a hydrodynamic bearing-like layer between the vanes and the backing plate and shroud. As a result, the vanes are permitted to float freely between the backing plate and shroud. As the length of the vanes increases, the vanes may have a resonant frequency within the operating range of the supercharger. As a result, in some applications the vanes may reach resonant frequency and fail as the vanes oscillate violently at a high frequency between the backing plate and shroud.
What is needed is a diffuser vane geometry that is not excited at its resonant frequency during normal supercharger operating conditions.


An electrical plug connector includes a first housing and a second housing. The first housing includes first electrical contacts arranged in first and second contact zones. The second housing includes second electrical contacts arranged in first and second contact holders. The second contact holder is displaceable with respect to the second housing in a direction of mating when the first and second housings are mated. The second contact holder is displaceable between a first position where the second electrical contacts of the second contact holder mechanically engage the first electrical contacts and a subsequent second position where the second electrical contacts of the first contact holder mechanically engage the first electrical contacts.

Electrical plug connectors are used in a variety of technical fields. For example, electrical plug connectors are used in the automotive industry to connect electrical terminals. The electrical plug connector prevents the terminals from becoming loose when the terminals are exposed to jolts and vibrations. In the automotive industry, the electrical plug connector is typically used in door modules where a plurality of actuators and servo motors are used that require electrical supply lines to connect the actuators and servo motors to on-board power supply and control devices. Using the electrical plug connector in vehicle doors is beneficial, because the electrical supply lines may be disconnected in the event the vehicle door needs to be removed. The electrical plug connector may also be used in vehicle seats, which are also typically provided with a plurality of servo motors and actuators.
Conventional electrical plug connectors comprise a first housing having a plurality of pin contacts that mate with a second housing have a plurality of socket contacts. Each of the socket contacts is associated with one of the pin contacts. One example of such an electrical plug connector is disclosed in DE 10320460 A1. The first housing and the second housing are pushed together in order to make an electrical connection between the pin contacts and the socket contacts. A relatively high insertion force is required to bring the pin contacts into mechanical contact with the socket contacts. Additionally, when the first housing is detached from the second housing, a relatively high pulling force is required to disconnect the pin contacts from the socket contacts. As a result of these high forces, it is necessary to securely fix either the first housing or the second housing in a support structure of the motor vehicle. Additionally, pushing and/or pulling aids must be used to apply the high forces needed when the first and second housings are mated and/or unmated.


A new and distinct Bergenia plant characterized by a vigorous, miniature habit, clean, shiny green late spring to summer foliage, numerous short inflorescences, large, deep pink flowers in a very showy spring display, and clean, shiny and almost black winter leaves.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Bergenia hybrid and given the cultivar name of 'Flirt'. Bergenia is in the family Saxifragaceae. The new cultivar originated from a planned breeding program to create small pot type Bergenia. The new cultivar was created from controlled crosses using proprietary parents. The exact parents were not recorded and are unknown.


An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (10), a number of first contacts (20), a contact module (30) and a metallic shell (40). The insulative housing has a mating face (14), a first receiving cavity (15) and a second receiving cavity (16) recessed from the mating face. The first contacts are disposed in the insulative housing. The contact module is received in the second receiving cavity and has an insulative base (31), a number of second contacts (32) and a shielding plate (33). The metallic shell is attached to the mating face of the insulative housing and having a plate section (41) defining a central opening (410) in alignment with the first receiving cavity, and a pair of opposite ends (42) extending from the plate section and inserted in the insulative housing. The metallic shell has electrical connection with the shielding plate of the contact module.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrical connector, and more particularly to an electrical connector having individual shell for shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI).
2. Description of the Prior Art
To protect an electrical connector from EMI, a conventional connector assembly for transmitting high speed signal usually includes a connector unit with a shielding plate received in an receiving cavity and an outer shell enclosing the connector assembly. Such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,685,504 issued to Espenshade on Feb. 3, 2004 discloses an electrical connector including an insulative housing defining a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity, a plurality of terminals disposed in the first receiving cavity, a contact unit received in the second receiving cavity with a shielding plate envelopping thereon, and an outer shell enclosing the insulative housing. The outer shell enclosing the insulative housing includes a top wall and opposite side walls. The top wall and opposite side walls define a chamber for substantially enclosing the insulative housing. The top wall has a bent section defining a plurality of holes thereon, and each side wall has a plurality of latches formed thereon for engaging with a corresponding hole of the top wall and securing the top wall to the side walls. The side walls have a plurality of grounding tails for electrically connecting to a printed circuit board.
However, the outer shell is made of metallic material and should have enough length and width for enclosing the insulative housing. It requires a great quantity of metallic material for forming the outer shell, so the cost of manufacturing the electrical connector is inevitably high. Furthermore, the top wall and side walls of the outer shell should be connected together via the engagement between the latches and the holes of the outer shell. It is a complicated process of manufacturing the outer shell.
Hence, an improved electrical connector with improved shielding is needed to solve the above problem.

Electrical connector having individual shell