A method and structure for providing ESD protection for an integrated circuit having multiple pairs of voltage supply rails, each pair including a VDD rail and a VSS rail. In one aspect, ESD devices are connected between pairs of supply rails and I/O pins of the integrated circuit, and antiparallel diodes are connected between respective VSS rails and a VSS-ESD rail.

It is generally recognized that some semiconductor devices are susceptible to damage from electrical overstress conditions (EOS). These conditions occur when current or voltage ratings for a circuit are exceeded. Exemplary electrical overstress conditions include electrostatic discharge (ESD), transient conditions, incorrect polarity connections, etc. The electrical overstress conditions are characterized by over-voltage and over-current stress events.
Progress in VLSI technology has resulted in smaller and smaller integrated geometry in integrated circuits. As devices become smaller, they also become more sensitive to damage from electrical overstress conditions. Protecting a device from EOS damage is becoming more and more difficult as circuits are now manufactured with numerous layers of thin film materials. More layers result in a more complicated problem to be solved.
Overcoming electrostatic discharge conditions continues to increase in importance as the sensitivity of semiconductor devices increases. Electrostatic charge (ESC) can accumulate in a body and damage semiconductor devices if the body is brought into contact with a semiconductor device. For example, a person may accumulate electrostatic charge by walking across carpeting. The accumulated electrostatic charge can be imparted to semiconductor devices touched by the individual. Some semiconductor devices are sufficiently sensitive that the resultant flow of charge imparted to the device results in permanent damage to the semiconductor device.
Accordingly, it is highly desired to protect semiconductor devices from electrostatic discharge and other electrical overstress conditions. Some solutions have attempted to minimize the accumulation of electrostatic charge to prevent electrostatic discharge. Exemplary solutions have included utilization of protective clothing such as shoes, smocks, etc. for workers in the semiconductor industry. Such approaches may alleviate the problem of electrostatic discharge to some extent but consumers may not be aware of the potential damaging effects of electrostatic discharge upon the electronic components being handled.
Other approaches for abating electrical overstress conditions and electrostatic discharge events with regard to electrical components have included providing electrostatic discharge components within the electrical or semiconductor components themselves.
It is known to provide mixed signal systems on a single integrated circuit. More particularly, it is possible to include both analog and digital circuits on the same integrated circuit. In such circuits, it is desirable to impede digital noise from reaching the analog circuit. In such circuits, the voltage supplies may be the same or may be different.
Traditionally, ESD protection devices have been constructed for the input and output pads of devices to absorb sudden ESD surges. However, such ESD protection devices are designed for devices with a single power supply. For integrated circuits with mixed signals, multiple independent power supply rails are required to isolate different circuit functions. Adequate ESD protection mandates a clamp circuit between different circuit functions to provide a discharge path between pads. Such a clamp circuit requires a large amount of area on the die. With each additional power supply rail, the area required becomes correspondingly larger.
In such an integrated circuit, multiple independent power supply busses are required to accommodate the requirement of isolation between the various circuit functions. It should be noted that there are interacting signals between the different circuit blocks to provide total system functionality. When different circuit blocks on a mixed signal integrated circuit operate on different supply domains, there must be protection structures incorporated between all power and ground supply rails (in addition to protection circuitry within any circuit block) to guard against damage caused during any ESD stressing between the terminals of different circuit blocks with unrelated power rails. Unfortunately, protection structures between different supply domains counteracts with the requirement of isolation between different supply domains.
FIG. 1 shows a typical prior art circuit arrangement in a mixed signal integrated circuit 10 and its ESD protection scheme. The integrated circuit 10 has multiple functional blocks with respective supply domains. These functional blocks 11, 12, and 13 are labeled "Circuit 1," "Circuit 2," through "Circuit N." The supply and ground rails for these blocks respectively are labeled "VDD1, VSS1," "VDD2, VSS2," through "VDDN, VSSN." Each circuit 11, 12, and 13 has no input or multiple input terminals and no output or multiple output terminals. The input/output terminals may be bi-directional. In FIG. 1, the inputs/outputs (I/O) of the circuits 11, 12, and 13 are represented by terminals 14, 15, and 16. What is not shown in the figure, for simplicity, are the interacting signals between circuit blocks that are within the integrated circuit with no external connection. The circuitry is built as a die on a semiconductor substrate and die pads 17, 18, and 19 provide external connections for the circuits 11, 12, and 13.
To protect against an ESD stress event between any two die pads, there should be a high current path between those pads. This is a basic requirement for preventing ESD damage. ESD protection devices 20 labeled "ESD DEVICE" provide this current path during ESD stressing. Each supply domain has an ESD device 20 between its VDD and VSS, between its I/O and VSS, and between its I/O and VDD. Note that these ESD protection devices can be of many different types, such as: grounded gate NMOS, diode connected PMOS or NMOS, p+/well diode, n+/substrate diode, Zener diode, or SCR based clamp. It should also be noted that depending on the type of ESD protection device used between the I/O and VSS, the ESD protection device between the I/O and VDD may be omitted in some designs.
For protection between the supply domains and to provide high current paths, there are cross-coupled ESD devices between each VDD and other VSSs as shown in the FIG. 1. In a usual die the different VSSs are connected together through substrate resistance 21, 22, and 23 indicated as RSUB. The values of the resistances 21, 22, and 23 depend on the type of substrate material used, and geometry of the circuit layout. Note that the values of the resistances 21, 22, and 23 can be the same or different.
Back to Back (or antiparallel) diodes 24, 25, and 26 (BBD) between the different VSSs are also required for ESD protection. The diodes provide a high current path during stress between circuit block pads (e.g., a supply die pad 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, or 32, or I/O pad 17, 18, or 19) of unrelated supply domains. Without the Back to Back diodes 24, 25, and 26, current may be limited by a high substrate resistance, causing a high voltage build up across the substrate, resulting in damage to the IC.
The integrated circuit (IC) die is usually seated in a housing or package. FIG. 2 shows such a typical case 33 for a plastic quad flat pack package. Die pads 17, 18, 19, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32 are connected to lead frame pins 34 by bond wires 36. Note that there are various kind of packages for ICs that conceptually have similar arrangements. The IC is connected to some sort of circuit board as its final circuit carrier through its package pins. The bond wires 36 and package pins 34 (or in general package terminals if not pins) have a finite amount of electrical impedance. These impedances are usually very inductive. These impedances are shown by ZVDD1, ZVDD2, ZVDDN, ZVSS1, ZVSS2, and ZVSSN in FIG. 1 for supply rail die pads 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32. Note that similar bond wire, and pin connections, and impedances exist for the I/O die pads 17, 18, and 19. These impedances are not shown since they are not relevant to the invention.
Because of these finite impedances ZVDD1, ZVDD2, ZVDDN, ZVSS1, ZVSS2, and ZVSSN, even if the circuit board power supplies and circuit board supply ground are very quiet, during normal operation of IC, there is noise generated on the VDDs and VSSs of different circuit blocks based on the nature of their functionality. As a result, noise from a noisy VDD or VSS can couple through ESD devices or BBDs to other quiet circuit blocks in the configuration of FIG. 1.
The lower frequency noise usually coupled through the conductive path in ESD devices 20 and BBDs 24, 25, and 26 and the higher frequency noise is transferred by capacitance coupling through the parasitic capacitance of the ESD devices and BBDs. This noise coupling phenomena is well known and appreciated by those skilled in the art. Reducing the amount of noise coupling is one of the design challenges in mixed-signal IC design.
The degree of the coupling between the different supply domains depends on the nature of ESD devices 20 and BBDs 24, 25, and 26 (this is almost uncontrollable by designers for a given process technology) and the values of the ZVDDs and ZVSSs. To reduce the amount of noise coupling, the values of ZVDDs and ZVSSs must be reduced. This can be done by having a better package, using lower inductance pins or using multiple die pads and package pins for each of the VDDs and VSSs. However, this is not trivial to accomplish for a given design with a limited number of package pins.
Thus, a drawback of the circuit of FIG. 1 is that noise generated in one supply domain is easily transmitted to an adjacent supply domain. Further, the level of attenuation is much lower than the attenuation provided in the circuit of the invention, described below. Another drawback is the consumption of surface area on the die. To provide ESD protection, cross-coupled ESD devices and BBDs should be provided between every two circuit blocks on the integrated circuit. However, this would take up too much surface area and would be difficult to arrange on the die as the number of supply domains increase.
Therefore, there exists a need to provide protection from electrical overstress conditions while overcoming the drawbacks associated with the prior art.


A laminated microchannel device is described in which there is a unit operation process layer that has longitudinal channel. The longitudinal channel is cut completely through the layer in which the unit process operation resides. Both the device structure and method of making the device provide significant advantages in terms of simplicity and efficiency. A static mixing unit that can be incorporated in the laminated microchannel device is also described.

The present invention relates to laminated microchannel devices, static mixing units, and methods of making same.
The desires to reduce costs and increase efficiency have been important factors in promoting advances in modern technology. One technique to reduce the costs of devices is to produce the devices automatically and in large quantities. This technique, known as mass production, was a key to making the automobile widely available. Another common technique to reduce costs is to minaturize devices. A well known example of minaturization is in the computer industry, where computers that formerly occupied entire rooms can now be made the size of a wristwatch. Minaturization saves both space and materials.
Furthermore, the reduction of size, in theory, can increase the efficiency of processes such as heat transfer. Scientists and engineers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have been at the forefront of efforts to minaturize fluid-containing systems. The success of these efforts can be seen in the microcomponent systems described by Wegeng et al. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,611,214 and 5,811,062. These patents describe microcomponent sheet architecture that can be used in a wide variety of devices including heat exchangers, fuel processing units, chemical separators, and chemical processing.
Other minaturized chemical reactors, sometimes called xe2x80x9creactor-on-a-chip technologyxe2x80x9d, are formed on a single layer, usually silicon. An example of a multilayer chemical reactor is described by Ashmead et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,534,328. In column 3 of the patent, Ashmead et al. suggest various materials and state that the laminae can be processed by selected subtractive, additive, and forming processes. At column 6, lines 55-60, Ashmead et al. state that their invention preferably uses materials of groups III, IV, and V of the Periodic Table, most preferably silicon and germanium. In the xe2x80x9cMethod Of Fabricationxe2x80x9d section of the patent, the desposition and etching of silicon and silicon compounds is described.
Methods for forming complex microstructures in silicon are well-known and have found applicability in making microfluidic devices. It would be desirable to form microfluidic devices from plastic. Plastic is cheap, light-weight, durable, and resistant to many chemicals. However, unlike silicon, methods for creating complex microstructures in plastic are not well-established, nor are these methods necessarily amenable to low cost, mass production. Becker et al. in xe2x80x9cMicrofluidic devices for xcexc-TAS applications fabricated by polymer hot embossing,xe2x80x9d describe methods of hot embossing polymer substrates using a heated master material. Becker et al. state that, when silicon was used as the master material, their technique required very tight control over the deembossing process because very small shear stresses could break the fine silicon structures. Becker et al. also state that embossing vertical walls requires high quality embossing tools since any surface defect in the tool is replicated in polymer and that the tool remains in contact with the structured surface during deembossing and slight deformations on the channel edge can be observed due to the frictional forces.
Despite prior efforts at miniturizing microfluidic devices, there remains a need for microchannel devices that can be made by new, inexpensive methods of mass production. There is also a need for multilayer, plastic microchannel devices. There is a corresponding need for new methods of making microchannel devices, especially methods for making plastic and/or multilayer devices.
The present invention provides a laminated microchannel device containing at least a unit operation process layer, and first and second channel containment layers. The unit operation process layer has an inlet and a channel that extends longitudinally through the process layer. The channel is cut through the entire layer, including top and bottom surfaces. One of the channel containment layers forms the top and bottom cover layer. Fluid communication into the inlet and out of the outlet is provided via fluid passages through either or both of the channel containment layers. The surface area of the channel""s inlets and outlets preferably make up less than about 20%, and more preferably less than 10% of the channel""s total surface area.
The invention also provides a method of making a laminated microchannel device in which the channel containment layers and the unit operation process layer are stacked together in a laminated device.
In another aspect of the invention, a static mixing unit is provided. The mixing unit has an inlet adapted to convey a first fluid into a central channel. The central channel has sides and an outlet. The mixing unit also has an outer channel having a second inlet adapted to convey a second fluid into the outer channel. The outer channel is disposed around the central channel and at least two connecting channels extend between the outer channel and the central channel and thus provide fluid communication between the outer and central channel. The mixing unit is especially well adapted for insertion in a laminated microchannel device.
The inventive microchannel device and methods provide numerous advantages over the prior art. These advantages include simplicity, rapid construction, and excellent suitability to low cost mass production. The static mixing unit provides intimate mixing of fluid streams without the presence of moving parts. The mixing unit is especially well suited for inclusion in a laminated microchannel device where this novel design provides efficient fluid transport and essentially instantaneous mixing of multiple fluid streams; thus providing an intimately mixed product stream to a subsequent unit process operation layer.
The subject matter of the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification. However, both the organization and method of operation, together with further advantages and objects thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following drawings and description.
xe2x80x9cUnit operation process layerxe2x80x9d means that an entire process, such as mixing, is conducted within a single layer, i.e., the unit process does not extend through several layers of a laminated device.
xe2x80x9cLaminaxe2x80x9d means a single sheet of material.
xe2x80x9cLayerxe2x80x9d can include a lamina, adhesive layers and parts of upper and lower laminae.
Elements that are in xe2x80x9cfluid communicationxe2x80x9d means that fluid can flow between the elements. In preferred embodiments, an outlet of one element is directly adjacent the inlet of another element.
A xe2x80x9cchannelxe2x80x9d in the microchannel device refers to a channel having a length at least five times greater than the width, and where the channel width is less than 20% of the sheet width.
A xe2x80x9cchannel containment layerxe2x80x9d is defined in combination with a unit process operation layer, and the channel containment layer blocks at least a portion of the through-cut channel in the unit process operation layer. For example, the channel containment layer can be a cover layer or a second process layer whose channel or channels only overlap with the first unit process operation layer at the inlet and/or outlet.
A xe2x80x9cfluid passagexe2x80x9d is a through hole, channel or other passage that allows fluid flow therethrough.
A xe2x80x9cmicrogroovexe2x80x9d is a groove (on the micrometer scale) that is cut only part way through a layer.

Laminated microchannel devices, mixing units and method of making same


A communication system for an active implantable medical device. The communication system includes an isolation transformer a coil coupled to the isolation transformer, and first and second communication components each coupled to the isolation transformer such that the first and second communication components are electrically isolated from the coil, and such that the isolation transformer enables the first and second communication components to communicate, via magnetic induction (MI) using the coil, with at least one external component.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a magnetic induction (MI) communication system, and more particularly to an MI communication system for use in an implantable medical device.
2. Related Art
Medical devices having one or more implantable components, generally referred to herein as implantable medical devices, have provided a wide range of therapeutic benefits to patients (sometimes referred to herein as recipients) over recent decades. Included among implantable medical devices are active implantable medical devices (AIMDs), which are medical devices having one or more implantable components that rely for their functioning upon a source of power other than the human body or gravity, such as an electrical energy source. AIMDs often include an implantable, hermetically sealed electronics module, and a device that interfaces with a patient's tissue, sometimes referred to as a tissue interface. The tissue interface may include, for example, one or more instruments, apparatuses, sensors or other functional components that are permanently or temporarily implanted in a patient. The tissue interface is used to, for example, diagnose, monitor, and/or treat a disease or injury, or to modify a patient's anatomy or to modify a physiological process of a patient.
An implantable medical device may include multiple separate device components that communicate via magnetic induction (MI) over an inductive link in order to transfer power and/or data from one device component to another.

Magnetic induction communication system for an implantable medical device


Alarm information reporting methods are presented. The method includes encapsulating alarm tokens constituent of a reported alarm in eXtensible Markup Language (XML) tags at communication network equipment reporting alarms. An XML aware parser associated with a network management system, extracts alarm tokens based on the encapsulating XML tags and triggers diverse network management functions based specified presence of alarm token groups in respect of a reported alarm. Each XML tag includes: a specification regarding compliance with of a standard and a recommendation, a specification regarding an alarm type, and a specification regarding an alarm tag name. Advantages are derived from a communication equipment development independence, a network management system development independence, a network management function development independence, employing a single alarm log file for concurrently reporting alarms for multiple network management functions at reduced alarm reporting overheads, an operational resilience of a network management system in respect of a newly reported alarm token in respect of an existing alarm, an operational resilience of the network management system in respect of a newly reported alarm, and only the network management functions requiring a particular no longer reported alarm token in processing an alarm being affected.

In the field of communications network management alarm reporting is important both in addressing immediate fault management issues related current infrastructure failures, and in the larger context of statistics reporting and network planning.
In a managed communication network context, large numbers of communications network nodes generate very large numbers of alarms which are logged. The alarm logs are collected into log files, the log files are subsequently interpreted, and the results are displayed to network management personnel interacting with network management equipment such a Network Management System (NMS). Efficient parsing of the log files in interpreting thereof, is important because of the large number of alarms and log files. Shortcomings in this regard represent large and costly operational network management overheads in provisioning communications services.
Complications arise from a lack of consistency in respect of alarm reporting. While attempts have been made to mitigate deficiencies, current solutions are either vendor specific addressing vendor specific needs and issues, or not widely adopted. Specifically shortcomings stem from:                the absence of a common format for alarm reporting;        the requirement to address multiple network management needs concurrently;        the absence of a common format for log files;        the difficulty in timely providing documentation regarding alarm reporting and file formats employed for timely development and/or update of alarm management tools; and        the onerous requirement to provide alarm management tools to take advantage of newly reported alarm information.
In referring to a common format for alarm reporting, one understands an alarm report to include a sequenced group of tokens which specify in respect of an alarm, without being limited thereto: an alarm name, an alarm type, an alarm severity, an equipment component specification, a comment, etc. The sequence of the alarm tokens relates to the identification of the tokens. Each alarm report requires a different combination of such alarm tokens to fully convey the full meaning of the alarm and to distinguish it from others stifling any attempts towards alarm report standardization.
Network management functions, in addressing different aspects in responding to an alarm, require different sub-combinations of reported alarm tokens. Trying to address all network management functions with the same alarm report restricts independent development of network management functionality.
In order to support independent development of network management functionality, alarm reports are typically logged in different log files only with the necessary sub-combination of tokens needed to implement the network management functionality. However the practice introduces an alarm reporting overhead associated with reporting the same alarm multiple times, and further introduces complexities related to log file management.
Log files employed to support different network management functionality typically have different log file formats in respect of internal file structure including log file headers, the alarm log body, and any log file trailers. For example, the structure of a log file dictates the location where alarm reports start and end. Further alarm log file formats specify the manner in which alarm tokens are delimited such as: quote-comma delimiters wherein complex tokens containing spaces are placed between quotation marks and a coma is used between tokens, tab delimiters wherein complex tokens may include spaces and the tab character is used between tokens, etc.
Communications network equipment development includes multiple independent efforts of multiple communications network equipment vendors, wherein documentation has to be provided in respect of each effort for: each change in reporting an alarm, each new alarm, in respect of existing and newly developed communications network equipment. A development overhead is incurred in producing the documentation which is required to take into account the diverse network management functionality provided by network management systems.
The onerous requirement to provide alarm management tools to take advantage of newly reported alarm information relates to the diverse network management functions which are provided by a network management system. All network management functions have to be re-coded for each change in reporting an alarm, for each new alarm, for each change in a log file format, etc. in respect of existing and newly developed communications network equipment. In this respect, specialized log file parting code must be developed and updated with each alarm reporting change.
To date the most notable effort towards mitigating alarm reporting relates to an International Telecommunications Union Recommendation X.733 entitled "Information Technology, Open Systems Interconnection—System Management: Alarm Reporting Function" 1992 which is incorporated herein by reference. The X.733 recommendation specifies a mechanism for reliable alarm transport and relates to formatting tokens without addressing alarm report formatting nor alarm log file formatting. As a particular example the X.733 specification describes alarm token formats for:
Probable causeM;Specific problemsU;Perceived severityM;Backed-up statusU;Back-up objectC;Trend indicationU;Threshold informationC;Notification IdentifierU;Correlated notificationsU;State change definitionU;Monitored attributesU;Proposed repair actionsU;Additional textU;Additional informationU;etc.wherein "M" denotes a mandatory token; "U" denotes the token as a service-user option; "C" denotes a conditional token, conditions being defined by the text describing the token; "P" denotes a token having a value which is subject to constraints imposed by CCITT Recommendation X.710/ISO/IEC 9595. In order use the Rec. X.733 both the communications network equipment issuing alarm reports and the network management systems receiving the alarm reports have to employ the specification, agree on alarm report formats and alarm log file formation which are considered beyond the scope of the X.733 specification.
There therefore is a need to solve the above mentioned issues.

Combined alarm log file reporting using XML alarm token tagging


A removal and re-application board for hair extensions and process of using same. The board contains at least 3 serially spaced apart lines (linear or curvilinear), vertically or radially spaced apart. Hair extension bands are mounted on, above or below the lines. Board indicia conveys sequential band removal and board placement, and then band board-dismount and re-application sequential order data to re-apply the hair bands on a user's head. When the bands are on-board, the bands from a columnar matrix; therefore the serially spaced apart lines provide board-mounting and board dismounting data to the stylist (board-mounting is hair band removal; board dismounting is band re-application). The indicia and the serially spaced apart lines allow for hair bands to be easily stored (board-mounted) and organized, such that the hair bands can be reliably re-applied to substantially the same location on a user's head.

It is increasingly fashionable to wear hair extensions to add length and volume to an individual's existing hair. Hair extensions are lengths of hair attachable to a individual's head to make the individual's hair appear either fuller, longer or add color. There are a variety of types of hair extensions and methods of attaching the hair extensions to the individual's head. For example, hair extensions can be attached by hot fusion or keratin bond, cold fusion or micro-links, tape-in hair extensions, glue-in extensions, sew-in or braided hair extensions, clip-in extensions, and micro-link skin weft. The choice of hair extensions is dependent upon the individual's type of hair, lifestyle, budget and time.
Tape-in extensions are applied using either double or single-sided tape. High quality tape-in hair extensions may remain in the hair for up to 6-8 weeks. The tape-in hair extensions can be removed and reused as many as three times. In order for tape-in hair extensions to blend flawlessly with the individual's hair, the individual needs to have a haircut with the extensions in place. Accordingly, the tape-in extensions are cut to a certain length dependent upon where they are located on the individual's head. If the extension is on the lower part of the head, near the nape of the neck, the extension is likely to be cut shorter than an extension that is placed near the crown or upper part of the user's head. Therefore, it is ideal to re-apply the hair extensions in the same location as they were in the first application when the individual received the hair cut with the installed/applied hair extensions in place on the user's head. However, there is no known method for keep the extensions organized so that they are able to be accurately re-applied in the same location on the head.
Tape-in extensions include a polyurethane adhesive tape with a removable backing. The tape-in extensions are typically applied in pairs with an adhesive side facing each other and the pair is secured to the user's hair by the user's natural hair being sandwiched between the pair. The user's hair is also secured to outer side of the sandwiched extensions when double-sided tape is used. The tape-in extensions are typically applied by starting at the nape of the neck and taking about one and a half inch of the user's hair down. Then, one quarter of the one and half inch part is sectioned off. The backing is removed from a tape-in hair extension and tape-in hair extension is placed under the one quarter section of hair with the adhesive side up. The user's hair is gently rubbed onto the adhesive stip using a comb. Next, a second tape-in extension is placed directly on top of the first, bottom extension. The extensions are then pinched together forming a sandwich around the user's hair. This pattern is repeated as the extensions are added upward to the crown of the head. At the earline, the extensions will be placed all around the head. The number of tape-in extensions used depends upon the user's hair texture, length and desired volume. The extensions can be placed in a serially spaced apart line or in bricklaying fashion, depending upon the desired coverage.
The current invention provides a removal and re-application board for hair extensions which simplifies and organizes extension removal and extension re-application onto the user's head. The inventive removal and re-application board and process overcomes the forgoing disadvantages and issues encountered when trying to remove extensions while maintaining their order so that they are re-applied in nearly the same location on the user's head.

Removal and re-application board for hair extensions and process


The general field of the invention is that of display systems comprising an electronic calculator containing first image generation means and an associated semi-transparent display device, said display device intended to be arranged in front of an outside landscape. The display device according to the invention consists of two overlaid semi-transparent flat display screens, a photo-sensitive sensor and a position detection system. The first display screen is passive, its transmission rate being controlled by the first image generation means, the second display screen is active, its light emission being controlled by the first image generation means. The image generated is displayed either on the first display screen, or on the second display screen as a function of the outside landscape luminance information output by the photo-sensitive sensor and the position detection.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of the invention is that of display devices arranged in civil and military aircraft cockpits.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Currently, the control panels of modern aircraft cockpits contain display screens and instruments on the greater part of their surface, thereby reducing direct sight of the outside landscape in the lower zone of the cockpit. In a certain number of applications, including flight at low altitude, this absence of direct sight can be a nuisance.
A simple first solution consists in the pilot contorting himself to see above the display screens, when that is possible.
A second solution consists in using collimated "see through" display systems. These systems fall into two main categories, helmet visors carried by the head of the pilot and so-called "Head-Up Display" devices permanently mounted in the cockpit. These devices overlay information in the form of imagery or symbol sets on the outside landscape.
The latter equipment has the particularity of being collimated, i.e. the information output by a displayer is projected "at infinity" by means of suitable optics. Thus, the pilot does not need to focus on the information or on the landscape, the two being seen sharply at the same time. This equipment has a certain technical complexity and therefore a high cost. Moreover, the information is presented in a specific manner in order not to mask the background landscape, which implies a different representation from that of "head-down" screens. The pilot must then put a certain amount of effort into his to-and-fro movements between the "head-up" and "head-down" screens to find his coordinates.
A third solution consists in using semi-transparent display screens placed in the field of vision of the user and which make it possible to project an image overlaid on the outside landscape. One of the difficulties of overlaying is that the luminance from the outside landscape can be highly contrasted and/or very bright. It is, of course, essential that whatever the variations in luminance, the overlaid image remain perfectly legible without excessively dimming the vision of the outside landscape. It is possible to produce emissive screens with high luminance but these display screens remain expensive and consume a large amount of electricity.

Display system containing an adaptive semi-transparent display device and means for detecting the landscape viewed by the user


A method of generating parameters for a predistortion circuit in an integrated circuit is disclosed. The method comprises receiving, at the predistortion circuit, an input signal to be amplified by a power amplifier; receiving an output of the power amplifier at an input of the integrated circuit; comparing an output of the predistortion circuit with the output of the power amplifier; conforming the output of the power amplifier with the output of the predistortion circuit; and generating parameters to be applied to the predistortion circuit based upon the conformed output of the power amplifier and the predistortion circuit. An integrated circuit having a circuit for generating parameters for a predistortion circuit of the integrated circuit is also disclosed.

Integrated circuits are an integral part of any electronic device. A variety of integrated circuits are often used together to enable the operation of the electronic device. While integrated circuits are typically designed for a particular application, certain integrated circuits may have configurable logic.
For example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) may have portions comprising configurable logic. Another type of integrated circuit which has configurable logic is a programmable logic device (PLD). A programmable logic device is designed to be user-programmable so that users may implement logic designs of their choices. One type of programmable logic device is a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD). A CPLD includes two or more "function blocks" having a two-level AND/OR structure connected together and to input/output (I/O) resources by an interconnect switch matrix. Another type of programmable logic device is a field programmable gate array (FPGA). In a typical FPGA, an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) is coupled to programmable input/output blocks (IOBs). The CLBs and IOBs are interconnected by a hierarchy of programmable routing resources. For both of these types of programmable logic devices, the functionality of the device is controlled by configuration data bits of a configuration bitstream provided to the device for that purpose.
Integrated circuits may be used in arrangements for transmitting data. Because data transmitted using a power amplifier (PA) may be distorted, a predistortion circuit may be employed. The purpose of predistortion is to negate the non-linear effects of a power amplifier. Predistortion is achieved by applying a non-linear filter to the signal prior to transmission. The predistortion circuit acts on the transmitted data to cancel the distortion in the PA by implementing an inverse model of the amplifier. The predistortion circuit may be a function having a vector of parameters applied to the sequence of transmitted data. However, implementing a predistortion circuit in a device having programmable logic poses a number of problems.

Method of and circuit for generating parameters for a predistortion circuit in an integrated circuit


An audio frame timing correction method and a wireless device are provided. A controller generates a reference clock for audio coding/decoding such that the reference clock runs fast and moved forward within an audio data sampling interval with the remaining time becoming a margin of the interval. An audio codec decodes demodulated data based on the reference clock, and codes an audio signal based on the reference clock. A demodulator detects wireless frame deviation and determines an adjustment timing whereat the wireless frame symbol timing and the audio frame timing are corrected based on the deviation and the margin. Upon the adjustment timing, the controller synchronizes audio sampling timing with the wireless frame symbol timing.

In mobile communications systems, when wireless communications are performed between a base station and a terminal (a mobile station) or between a terminal and another terminal, there is a need to synchronize a wireless frame timing between a transmitting side and a receiving side. For this purpose, if there occurs a deviation in the wireless frame timing, the terminal corrects the wireless frame timing for communications between the base station and the terminal and the receiving side corrects the wireless frame timing for communications between the terminals.
In audio communications, a transmitting side encodes audio data by an audio codec, modulates the encoded audio data, and transmits the modulated audio data by carrying them on a wireless frame. A receiving side decodes a received and demodulated wireless frame by an audio codec to extract the audio data. That is, there is a need to adjust a sampling timing in A/D or D/A conversion of the audio data in the audio codec to a wireless frame timing.
(Wireless Frame and Audio Frame)
Next, configurations of a wireless frame and an audio frame are described. The wireless frame includes 384 symbols, and one wireless frame is provided when a symbol timing counter counts 384 symbols. Then, the symbol timing counter is reset to "0" and then counts symbol timings of the next wireless frame. The wireless frame length is 40 ms, the wireless frame timing is 25 Hz, the symbol length is 104.17 μs, and the symbol timing is 9.6 kHz.
The audio frame in the audio codec includes 320 audio samples, and one audio frame is provided when an audio sampling counter counts 320 audio samples. Then, the audio sampling counter is reset to "0" and then counts a sample timing of the next audio frame. The audio frame length is 40 ms, the audio frame timing is 25 Hz, as in the wireless frame, the audio sample length (audio sampling interval) is 125 μs, and the audio sampling timing is 8 kHz. The audio codec operates by using an audio codec reference clock (256 kHz) to count 32 times within one audio sampling interval. The reference clock is supplied from a controller.
Here, since the audio frame timing needs to be adjusted to the wireless frame timing, a timing at which the audio sampling counter counts 320 audio samples and then is reset to "0" is adjusted to a timing at which the symbol timing counter counts 384 symbols and then is reset to "0."
In addition, a clock (19.2 MHz) is provided in the wireless device as the general reference clock of the entire device. Counters and clocks for various parts are generated by dividing the reference clock. The symbol timing corresponds to 2000 counts of 19.2 MHz and the audio sampling timing corresponds to 2400 counts of 19.2 MHz.
(Conventional Audio Frame Timing Correction Method: FIG. 5)
Next, a conventional audio frame timing correction method will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a conventional audio frame timing correction method. (a) of FIG. 5 shows a wireless frame having a deviated timing, (b) of FIG. 5 shows an audio frame before correction, and (c) of FIG. 5 shows an audio frame after correction. In particular, (a) of FIG. 5 shows a case where a wireless frame timing of a wire device leads a timing of a counterpart performing wireless communications by 2.5 μs every 12 symbol timings. In this case, the wireless frame is required to be shortened by 2.5 μs every 12 symbol timings.
To this end, the symbol length is shortened by 2.5 μs every 12 symbol timings (count 11, count 23, count 35, . . . ). Specifically, a symbol clock is outputted earlier by 2.5 μs every 12 symbol timings. That is, 2.5 μs/(1/19.2 MHz)=48 clocks and correction is made to absorb the deviation by incrementing the symbol counter to count the next symbol timing at a timing earlier by 48 clocks of 19.2 MHz every 12 symbols.
Accordingly, while the symbol counter counts 384 symbols, time is saved by 80 μs (=2.5 μs×(384/12)) and one wireless frame length becomes 39.92 ms (=40 ms−80 μs).
In addition, as shown in (b) of FIG. 5, when the symbol timing counter of the wireless frame counts 384 symbols and then is reset to "0," after the audio sampling counter of the audio frame counts 319 audio samples, an interval for 320th count elapses just 45 μs and the audio frame length does not reach 40 ms. If the audio sampling timing is counted based on the audio codec reference clock as it stands, 80 μs has to elapse more to start the next audio frame.
As described above, since the audio frame timing needs to be synchronized with the wireless frame timing, at the 320-th audio sampling timing, the audio sampling counter is reset to "0" and begins to count the next audio frame at the point of time when 45 μs elapses, as shown in (c) of FIG. 5. That is, the remaining data corresponding to 80 μs at the 320-th audio sampling timing are lost.
When an interface with the audio codec operates at clocks of, e.g., 256 kHz, 21 clocks (=80 μs/(1/256 kHz)=20.48) are lost.
Some audio codec devices may not operate normally or may destroy data in the unit of audio frame even when one reference clock is lost. Such an audio codec device has a problem of abnormal audio or audio disconnection. In addition, if there are data in synchronization with the reference clock, the data may be lost in time for the reference clock, which may result in audio disconnection.
To avoid the data loss, it may be considered that audio-encoded/decoded data are first buffered and are outputted without making adjustment of the reference clock. However, this may result in increase of a circuit scale, delay of audio data and difficulty in timing adjustment.
(Related Technique)
As one of techniques for correcting an audio data timing in wireless communications, there has been proposed a "wireless base station" disclosed in Japanese Publication Application No. 2010-252019 (JP2010-252019A) (by Hitachi Kokusai Electronic Inc.). JP2010-252019A discloses technique of allocating an uplink frame of audio data by a converter, detecting temporal change in the audio data by comparing time information of the audio data with time information of an audio control signal from a network by a correction processor, and correcting the allocation timing of the uplink frame of the audio data in the converter based on the temporal change.
However, the conventional audio frame timing correction method and wireless device have problems in that audio data are lost due to shortening of a wireless frame resulting from a deviation of the wireless frame timing from that of a counterpart, which may result in abnormal audio and audio disconnection.
In addition, the conventional audio frame timing correction method and wireless device have another problem of increase in a circuit scale and complicated control of timing adjustment in an audio-encoded/decoded data buffering configuration.

Audio frame timing correction method and wireless device


A laser beam generator includes first and second mirrors, a laser light source, a laser medium, a non-linear optical crystal element and a birefringent element. The laser light source generates a pumping light beam. The laser medium, arranged between the first and second mirrors, is irradiated with the pumping light beam via one of the mirrors to generate a fundamental laser beam based on the pumping light beam. The non-linear optical crystal element is arranged between the first and second mirrors to generate a second harmonic laser beam under the type II phase matching as the fundamental laser beam from the laser medium is passed through it in resonant oscillation. The birefringent element has its one surface at a pumping light beam inlet side coated with a high reflectance coating and has its opposite surface parallel to it with a nonreflective coating. The birefringent element is set so that its optical axis is inclined at a predetermined azimuth angle with respect to the crystal axis of the non-linear optical crystal element. The surface of the birefringent element coated with a high reflectance coating constitutes one of the first or second mirrors.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a laser beam generator and, more particularly, to a laser beam generator for generating a laser beam having a wavelength translated by a non-linear optical crystal element.
2. Background of the Invention
It has hitherto been proposed to achieve efficient wavelength conversion by taking advantage of the high power density in a resonator. For example, researches have been conducted for second harmonic generation (SHG) by an external resonator type device and SHG by a device having a non-linear optical element provided within the resonator.
As an example of a generator of the type of SHG within the laser resonator is a generator in which a laser medium and the non-linear optical crystal element are arranged between a pair of reflecting mirrors as components of the resonator. With the type of the laser beam generator, the second harmonic laser beam is phase-matched with respect to the fundamental laser beam within the non-linear optical crystal element within the resonator for efficiently taking out a second harmonic laser beam.
For achieving phase matching, it is necessary to set up type I or type II phase matching conditions between the fundamental laser beam and the second harmonic laser beam. The type I phase matching is based on a principle of creating a phenomenon of producing a photon of a doubled frequency from two photons polarized in the same direction by taking advantage of an ordinary light beam of the fundamental laser beam. With the type II phase matching, on the other hand, two fundamental waves of proper polarization perpendicular to each other are caused to fall on a non-linear optical crystal element for setting up phase matching conditions for each of these beams. With the type II phase matching, the fundamental wavelength laser beam is split by in the non-linear optical crystal element into an ordinary light beam and an extraordinary light beam to effect phase matching with respect to the extraordinary light beam of the second harmonic laser beam.
However, if desired to generate the second harmonic laser beam using the type II phase matching conditions, proper polarization of the fundamental laser beam undergoes phase changes each time the fundamental laser beam is repeatedly passed through the non-linear optical element, as a result of which the second harmonic laser beam tends to be generated only unstably if the type II phase matching conditions are employed.
That is, if proper oscillations perpendicular to each other, that is p-wave component and s-wave component, are deviated progressively in phase each time the fundamental laser beam generated by resonation in the laser medium is passed through the non-linear optical crystal element, it becomes impossible to realize a steady-state condition in each part of the resonator in which the laser light beams efficiently strengthen one another, such that a state of strong resonation, that is a strong standing wave, cannot be produced within the resonator. The result is that the translation efficiency from the fundamental laser beam into the second harmonic laser beam is deteriorated and the noise tends to be produced in the second harmonic laser beam.
The present Assignee has already proposed in JP Patent KOKAI Publication No.1-220879 (1989) a laser beam generator in which a birefringent element, such as a quarter wave plate, is inserted in a resonation light path of a fundamental laser beam in a laser source adapted for generating a second harmonic laser beam by a non-crystal optical element for stabilizing the second harmonic laser light radiated as an output laser beam.
FIG. 1 shows a typical laser beam generator as disclosed in JP Patent KOKAI Publication No.1220879. The laser beam generator shown therein has a resonator 201 comprised of a reflecting surface 203, such as a dichroic mirror formed on the incident surface of a rod-shaped laser medium 202, such as Nd:YAG laser medium, and another reflecting surface, such as a dichroic mirror, formed on the inner surface of an output concave mirror 104. The Nd:YAG laser medium 202, a non-linear optical crystal element 206, formed of KTP(KTiOPO.sub.4), and a birefringent element 207, are arrayed within the resonator 201. The birefringent plate 207 is formed by a quartz plate designed as a quarter wave plate, for producing a phase difference of one-quarter cycle of the fundamental laser beam generated in the laser medium 202 within the resonator 201. The laser medium 202 generates the fundamental laser beam by a pumping light from the pumping semiconductor laser 211 falling on an incident surface 203 of the laser medium 202 via collimator lens 212 and object lens 213. The fundamental laser light is transmitted through non-linear optical crystal element 206 and birefringent plate 207 so as to be reflected by the reflecting surface of the concave mirror 204. The fundamental laser beam is again transmitted through birefringent element 207, non-linear optical crystal element 206 and laser medium 202 in this order so as to be reflected by the reflecting surface 203. Thus the fundamental laser light travels back and forth between the incident reflective surface 203 of the laser medium 202 and the inner reflecting surface of the output concave mirror 204 within the resonator 201 by way of performing a resonant oscillation.
The birefringent element 207, such as the quarter wave plate, has its optical axis set so that the direction of the refractive index for extraordinary light n.sub.e(7) is inclined a predetermined azimuth angle, such as azimuth angle .theta.=45.degree., with respect to the direction of the refractive index of the non-linear optical element 206 for extraordinary light n.sub.e(6), within the plane perpendicular to the oscillation of the amplitude of the light beam, as shown in FIG. 2.
In the above-described laser beam generator, the second harmonic laser beam is generated as the fundamental laser beam is passed through the resonant light path via the non-linear optical crystal element 206. The second harmonic laser beam is transmitted through the concave mirror 204 so as to be radiated as output laser beam.
It is noted that the light beams making up the fundamental laser beam are transmitted trough the birefringent element 207, adjusted to an azimuth angle .theta.=45.degree. with respect to the non-linear optical crystal element 206, for stabilizing the laser beam power at each part of the resonator to a predetermined level. That is, as the fundamental laser beam generated the laser medium 202 is passed through the non-linear optical crystal element 206 by way of resonant oscillation to produce a type II second harmonic laser beam, coupling by sum frequency generation between the two polarization modes of the fundamental laser beam perpendicular to each other is inhibited, as a result of which the oscillation of the second harmonic laser beam may be stabilized. If the two proper polarization modes of the p-wave component and the s-wave component are of equal intensity, the spatial phase difference between the two proper polarization modes becomes equal to 90.degree., as shown in FIG. 3(A). The result is that the two polarization modes are simultaneously set into oscillation so that the standing wave in the resonator becomes uniform in light intensity, as shown in FIG. 3(B). In this manner, the spatial hole burning effect, which indicates axial spatial non-uniformity of the oscillation gain, may be inhibited to produce stable double longitudinal mode oscillation.
Meanwhile, the quarter wave plate 107, as the birefringent plate, has its both sides coated with anti-reflection (AR) coating to permit 100% transmission of the fundamental laser beam having a wavelength of 1064 nm. In other words, the birefringent element 107 has its both sides coated with AR coating to permit 0% reflection of the fundamental laser beam having a wavelength of 1064 nm. However, in effect, the AR coating of the quarter wave plate 107 is subject to residual reflection such that 0% reflectance cannot be achieved and residual reflection R on the order of 0.1% is incurred. By this residual reflection R, multiple reflection is incurred within the quarter wave plate. With the wavelength .lambda., the thickness of the quarter wave plate D and with the refractive index of the quarter wave plate n, the reflectance R.sub.m of the multiple reflection may be expressed by ##EQU1## where .DELTA.=4.pi.nD/.lambda..
Therefore, if fluctuations in the effective thickness of the quarter wave plate on the order of the quarter wave plate thickness are changed from 0 to .lambda./4 due to thermal expansion or manufacture tolerances, the reflectance R.sub.m is changed from 0 to about 4 R. Since the quarter wave plate has a difference in thickness of one-quarter of a wavelength with respect to the incident polarized light, a difference in the loss within the resonator of about 4 R at a maximum is produced between the two polarization modes.
If there is such difference in the loss within the resonator between the two polarization modes, there is incurred a difference in intensity between the two modes of proper polarization, that is the p-wave component and the s-wave component, as shown in FIG. 4(A), so that the standing wave within the resonator becomes non-uniform, as shown in FIG. 4(B), to incur the above-mentioned spatial hole burning effects. If double or more longitudinal modes are oscillated, there may be occasions wherein the oscillation becomes non-uniform due to coupling by sum frequency generation between the longitudinal modes of the same polarization, by reason of the nonuniform intensity of the standing wave.
Meanwhile, in the above-described resonator of the standing wave type in which the light beam is caused to travel back and forth repeatedly between two mirrors, since the fundamental laser beam falls on the non-linear optical crystal element as it travels back and forth repeatedly between the mirrors, the second harmonic laser beams are generated in two directions with respect to the non-linear optical crystal element. For example, in the basic resonator shown in FIG. 5 in which a non-linear optical crystal element 222 and a laser medium 223 are provided on a light path in the resonator made up of an optical element 221 having a reflecting surface 221R for transmitting 100% of the second harmonic laser beam having the wavelength of 532 nm and reflecting 100% of the fundamental laser beam having the wavelength of 1064 nm and an optical element 224 having a reflecting surface 224R for transmitting 100% of the second harmonic laser beam having the wavelength of 532 nm and reflecting 100% of the fundamental laser beam having the wavelength of 1064 nm, the fundamental laser beam generated in the laser medium 223 is incident on the non-linear optical crystal element 222 as it caused to travel back and forth repeatedly between the reflecting surfaces 221R and 224R, so that the second harmonic laser beam generated in the non-linear optical crystal element 222 is radiated in two directions, that is towards the reflecting surface 221R and towards the reflecting surface 224R.
However, it is difficult to realize a mirror coating reflecting 100% of the fundamental laser beam and transmitting 100% of the second harmonics, such that several to tens of percents of reflection of the second harmonic laser beam is necessarily incurred, as shown in FIG. 6 which illustrates characteristics of the mirror coating applied to a quartz surface. For example, transmittance to the second harmonic laser beam having a wavelength .lambda. of 532 nm is about 97%, such that about 3% of the beam is reflected. On the other hand, transmittance to the fundamental laser beam having a wavelength .lambda. of 1064 nm is about 99.91%.
If, with a reflecting surface on which a coating is applied to permit approximately 100% transmission of the second harmonic laser light, 1% of the light is reflected due to manufacture tolerances, the reflected light in the amount of 1% is superimposed on the other second harmonic laser beam to produce interference.
The phase of the reflected light is usually constant at all times if the fundamental laser beam and the second harmonic laser beam have the same speed of propagation and both of these laser light beams are not subject to dispersion. However, since dispersion is incurred by air, non-linear optical crystal element and by the laser medium, the reflected light is changed in phase because of changes in temperature. When the reflected light beam is changed in phase in this manner, the forward light intensity I given by ##EQU2## is incurred, where w and R indicate the phase and the reflectance of the reflected light, respectively.
The following Table 1 shows values of amplitudes of intensity fluctuations (2.sqroot.R) when the phase of reflected light is changed from 0 to .pi. for several values of reflectance R of the reflected light, as calculated by the formula (2), and the backward intensity (=1-R).
TABLE 1 ______________________________________ amplitude 2.sqroot.R of reflectance R of intensity backward intensity reflected light fluctuations (= 1 - R) ______________________________________ 10% 67% 90% 1% 20% 99% 0.1% 6.7% 99.9% 0.01% 2% 99.99% ______________________________________
It is seen from Table 1 that fluctuations in intensity amounting to .+-.20% are incurred even with the reflectance R of the reflected light of 1%. That is, with the backward intensity (1-R)=99% for the reflectance R of 1%, its backward output obviously differs from the forward effective output accompanied by fluctuations in intensity amounting to .+-.20%. Consequently, if it is attempted to control the intensity of the light of the forward effective output in the laser beam generator shown in FIG. 5 based on the detected value of the intensity of the backward output, it is difficult to maintain a constant output because the forward and backward second harmonic laser light beam intensities are not coincident with each other by interference effects.
On the other hand, it is also seen from Table 1 that, if the intensity fluctuations should be maintained within a range of .+-.2%, it is necessary to keep the reflectance R of the reflected light within 0.01%. That is, the changes in intensities cannot be maintained within 2% with a mirror having the mirror coating having the characteristics as shown in FIG. 6.
Although a part of the forward output may be split by a beam splitter and detected by a photodetector, the number of optical components is correspondingly increased, while an output efficiency is lowered.


The present disclosure relates to topical treatment of vitiligo using ruxolitinib, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Vitiligo occurs when the cells that produce melanin die or stop functioning, resulting in patchy loss of skin pigmentation. Nonsegmental vitiligo involves depigmentation in patches of skin all over the body. Depigmentation typically occurs on the face, neck, and scalp, and around body openings. Loss of pigmentation is also frequently seen in areas that tend to experience rubbing, impact, or other trauma, such as the hands, and arms. Segmental vitiligo is associated with smaller patches of depigmented skin that appear on one side of the body in a limited area.
Vitiligo is estimated to affect 0.5% to 2% of the population worldwide (Krüger C, Schallreuter K U. A review of the worldwide prevalence of vitiligo in children/adolescents and adults. Int J Dermatol 2012; 51:1206-1212). The prevalence is similar between men and women, and there is no known difference in presentation according to skin type or race. Almost 50% of patients present before 20 years of age, and many of them present before 10 years of age (Rodrigues M, Ezzedine K, Hamzavi I, Pandya A G, Harris J E, Vitiligo Working Group. New discoveries in the pathogenesis and classification of vitiligo. J Am Acad Dermatol 2017; 77:1-13). Generalized (nonsegmental) vitiligo is the most common type, accounting for up to 90% of cases (Taieb A, Picardo M. Clinical practice. Vitiligo. N Engl J Med 2009; 360:160-169). Vitiligo is associated with autoimmune diseases such as Sutton nevus, thyroid disorders, juvenile diabetes mellitus, pernicious anemia, and Addison's disease. The natural course of the disease is generally unpredictable, but it is often progressive. Some degree of spontaneous repigmentation may occur in 10% to 20% of patients; however, it is typically not cosmetically acceptable (Castanet J, Ortonne J P. Pathophysiology of vitiligo. Clin Dermatol 1997:15:845-851).
Vitiligo is a serious disease owing to its substantial psychological impact on patients' day-to-day functioning, and its progressive course if left untreated. Studies have shown that the effect vitiligo has on quality of life, particularly psychological impairment, is similar to other skin diseases, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD) (Linthorst Homan M W, Spuls P I, de Korte J, Bos J D, Sprangers M A, van der Veen J P. The burden of vitiligo: patient characteristics associated with quality of life. J Am Acad Dermatol 2009; 61:411-420). Involvement of exposed skin, such as the face and hands, can have a major impact on self-esteem and eventually link to the psychological burden and quality of life (Silverberg J I, Silverberg N B. Association between vitiligo extent and distribution and quality of life impairment. JAMA Dermatol 2013; 149:159-164). In some societies, there is poor acceptance and understanding of the disease, to the extent of discrimination against affected individuals (Yazdani Abyaneh M A, Griffith R, Falto-Aizpurua L, Nouri K. The dark history of white spots. JAMA Dermatol 2014; 150:936). Approximately 75% of vitiligo sufferers feel their appearance is moderately to severely intolerable, and 41% of patients feel that there is little they can do to improve their condition, and feelings of hopelessness increase with time (Salzer B A, Schallreuter K U. Investigation of the personality structure in patients with vitiligo and a possible association with impaired catecholamine metabolism. Dermatology 1995; 190:109-115). In studies, 66% of patients report being distressed by their disease, and 92% have experienced stigmatization (Krüger C, Panske A, Schallreuter K U. Disease-related behavioral patterns and experiences affect quality of life in children and adolescents with vitiligo. Int J Dermatol 2014; 53:43-50). Feelings of embarrassment and fear of rejection can cause vitiligo patients to withdraw and lead to social isolation in both personal and professional relationships. A majority of patients with vitiligo have reported feelings of anxiety and embarrassment when meeting strangers or beginning a new sexual relationship (Porter J, Beuf A and Lerner A et al. The effect of vitiligo on sexual relationship. J Am Acad Dermatol 1990; 22:221-222). Additionally, clinical depression or depressive symptoms are associated with vitiligo. Patients with vitiligo were approximately 5 times more likely to suffer from depression than healthy controls (Lai Y C, Yew Y W, Kennedy C, Schwartz R A. Vitiligo and depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Br J Dermatol 2017; 177:708-718; Osinubi O, Grainge M J, Hong L, et al. The prevalence of psychological comorbidity in people with vitiligo: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Dermatol 2018; 178:863-878). A recent analysis indicated that the pooled prevalence of depression across 17 unique populations (n=1711) was 29% (Wang G, Qiu D, Yang H, Liu W. The prevalence and odds of depression in patients with vitiligo: a meta-analysis [published online ahead of print Dec. 9, 2017]. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. doi: 10.1111/jdv.14739).
Studies also suggest that the onset of vitiligo beginning in childhood can be associated with significant psychological trauma that may have long lasting effects on self-esteem. The extent of vitiligo is associated with quality of life (QOL) impairment in children and adolescents, especially self-consciousness, but also bullying and teasing. Teenagers ages 15 to 17 years seem to experience the most self-consciousness of all pediatric age groups (Silverberg, supra). In a study comparing social development and the health-related quality of life of young adult patients with childhood vitiligo with healthy controls, vitiligo patients reporting negative childhood experiences reported significantly more problems in social development than those not reporting negative experiences. Negative childhood experiences were significantly associated with more health-related quality of life impairment in early adulthood (Linthorst Homan M W, De Korte J, Grootenhuis M A, Bos J D, Sprangers M A, Van Der Veen J P. Impact of childhood vitiligo on adult life. Br J Dermatol 2008; 159(4):915-20). Vitiligo is considered to be one of the most psychologically devastating diseases in dermatology.
Currently there is no approved drug treatment for vitiligo. Drugs have been used off-label; however, the clinical evidence that has been generated consists of a few, small, randomized, controlled studies. The off-label topical treatments that have been used for vitiligo include corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and vitamin D analogues. Other therapies include oral drugs, phototherapies, and some surgical methods (e.g., implantation of melanocytes into depigmented lesions). Due to the low level of evidence for any of these treatments, definitive clinical recommendation for treatment of vitiligo could not be proposed, and the management of vitiligo is empirical and based on the most recent consensus guidelines.
Vitiligo pathogenesis involves intrinsic defects within melanocytes and autoimmunity that targets these cells. Once melanocytes become stressed, they release inflammatory signals that activate innate immunity, which may represent the initiation event in vitiligo. Janus kinases are intracellular signaling enzymes that act downstream of key proinflammatory cytokines implicated in vitiligo pathogenesis. The oxidative stress, cell damage, and cytokines secreted from innate immune cells then trigger CXCL10 release by skin cells, and that recruits CD8+ T cells to the site. Activated CD8+ T cells produce IFN-γ and other inflammatory mediators to target and destroy melanocytes (Frisoli M L, Harris J E. Vitiligo: mechanistic insights lead to novel treatments. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2017; 140:654-662). IFN-γ signaling utilizes the Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway. Inhibition of JAK signaling may play a role in the treatment of vitiligo. Case reports of administering JAK inhibitors to patients with vitiligo include a patient with both alopecia areata and vitiligo who was treated with oral ruxolitinib 20 mg BID for 20 weeks and subsequently had hair regrowth as well as repigmentation of areas affected with vitiligo (Harris J E, Rashighi M, Nguyen N, et al. Rapid skin repigmentation on oral ruxolitinib in a patient with coexistent vitiligo and alopecia areata (AA). J Am Acad Dermatol 2016; 74:370-371). In another report, a patient with widespread and progressive vitiligo who did not have a response to topical steroids, tacrolimus ointment, and NB-UVB phototherapy treated with oral tofacitinib at 5 mg QD and resulted in near complete repigmentation after 5 months of treatment (Craiglow B G, King B A. Tofacitinib citrate for the treatment of vitiligo: a pathogenesis-directed Therapy. JAMA Dermatol 2015; 151:1110-1112). There was a 20-week open-label study using topical ruxolitinib cream in 12 participants with vitiligo who had a minimum of 1% BSA affected. The results showed a 76% improvement in Face Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (F-VASI) and 26% improvement in Total Body Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (T-VASI) within 7 of 9 participants who completed the study (Rothstein B, Joshipura D, Saraiya A, et al. Treatment of vitiligo with the topical Janus kinase inhibitor ruxolitinib. J Am Acad Dermatol 2017; 76:1054-1060). The same group conducted an additional 32-week extension study with optional NB-UVB treatment (Joshipura D, Alomran A, Zancanaro P, Rosmarin D. Treatment of vitiligo with the topical Janus kinase inhibitor ruxolitinib: a 32-week open-label extension study with optional narrow-band ultraviolet B. J Am Acad Dermatol 2018; 78:1205-1207). Five participants completed the study, and 3 of them received NB-UVB. At Week 52 (Week 20+Week 32), results showed 92% improvement in F-VASI and 37% in T-VASI. The results also indicated that 2 participants who had failed prior phototherapy and topical cream monotherapy on truncal lesions responded after combined therapies. Additionally, participants were followed up with at 6 months after treatment discontinuation, and all 5 participants maintained response with maximum duration of more than 40 weeks. The results, however, were from studies that were open label and from exceedingly small sample sizes. Accordingly, the efficacy of ruxolitinib cream in treating vitiligo has yet to be clinically demonstrated in randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trials excluding disparate treatment regimens.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Topical treatment of vitiligo by a jak inhibitor


A liquid crystal display device and a method of repairing bad pixels thereof, in which the bad pixels can be efficiently and easily repaired, includes a first insulating substrate, a gate wiring and a storage wiring arranged substantially parallel to each other in a first direction on the first insulating substrate, a data wiring intersecting the gate and storage wirings in an insulated manner and arranged substantially in a second direction, and a pixel electrode formed on a pixel area defined by the gate and data wirings. The storage wiring includes a horizontal portion arranged substantially in the first direction and at least a part of which does not overlap the pixel electrode, and a vertical portion branching off substantially in the second direction from the horizontal portion and overlapping the data wiring.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image display device and, more particularly, to a liquid crystal display device and a method of repairing bad pixels therein.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma display panel (PDP) apparatus, electronic paper display (EPD), and so forth are examples of commonly used image display devices that are being developed to the meet demand for miniaturization, weight reduction, and low power consumption.
A liquid crystal display includes a color filter substrate having a color filter, a thin film transistor ("TFT") substrate having a TFT array, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the color filter substrate and the TFT substrate.
The TFT substrate of the LCD includes a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of storage wirings, a plurality of data lines, a pixel electrode and others. There is a concern that an open may occur in the individual wirings or a that a short between the wirings may occur. If one data line is opened, all pixels in a column connected to that data line will not operate.
When pixel defects occur, a process of repairing the pixel defects is generally performed, but the process may give rise to further pixel defects, for example, a short between wirings overlapping each other. As such, a method is needed that efficiently and easily repairs bad pixels without causing any other pixel defects.

Liquid crystal display device and method of repairing bad pixels therein


Systems and methods are provided for recording data associated with the operation of Foundation Fieldbus devices. Device parameter data associated with one or more Foundation Fieldbus devices may be received by a device comprising one or more computers. A visual representation of the operation of the one or more Foundation Fieldbus devices may be generated by the device receiving the device parameter data. The device may then record at least a portion of the device parameter data received to generate the visual representation.

Control systems are utilized in a wide variety of different applications. For example, control systems are utilized in conjunction with power generating devices, in power plants, anti/or in process plants. A control system typically includes a central controller in communication with other components of the control system, for example, sensors, measurement devices, valves, etc. The central controller typically communicates with the other components via suitable network communications.
With the development and adoption of the Foundation Fieldbus standard, Foundation Fieldbus devices have been incorporated into control systems. The use of visualization controls offered by Foundation Fieldbus Device Description ("DD") Services allows various Fieldbus device parameters to be updated and illustrated in the control system. However, existing systems do not allow the recording and playback of data associated with the operation of the Fieldbus devices. Accordingly, there is an opportunity for systems and methods that facilitate the recording of data associated with the operation of Foundation Fieldbus devices.

Systems and methods for recording data associated with the operation of foundation fieldbus devices


A valve assembly is provided with concentric fluid paths and may be used on a hydrogen generator to transport liquid reactant to the hydrogen generator and hydrogen gas. The valve assembly includes a housing defining first and second fluid paths, a first valve member disposed in the first fluid path, and a second valve member disposed in the second fluid path. The assembly includes a connector including a first elongated member configured to engage the first valve member to open the first valve member to allow a first fluid to flow through the first fluid path, and a second fluid port including a second elongated member configured to allow fluid to flow through the second fluid path. The valve assembly is concentric in that the second fluid path surrounds at least a portion of the first fluid path.

Interest in fuel cell batteries as power sources for portable electronic devices has grown. A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that uses materials from outside the cell as the active materials for the positive and negative electrodes. Because a fuel cell does not have to contain all of the active materials used to generate electricity, the fuel cell can be made with a small volume relative to the amount of electrical energy produced compared to other types of batteries.
Fuel cells can be categorized according to the types of materials used in the positive electrode (cathode) and negative electrode (anode) reactions. One category of fuel cell is a hydrogen fuel cell using hydrogen as the negative electrode active material and oxygen as the positive electrode active material. When such a fuel cell is discharged, hydrogen is oxidized at the negative electrode to produce hydrogen ions and electrons. The hydrogen ions pass through an electrically nonconductive, ion permeable separator and the electrons pass through an external circuit to the positive electrode, where oxygen is reduced.
In some types of hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen is formed from a fuel supplied to the positive electrode side of the fuel cell, and hydrogen is produced from the supplied fuel. In other types of hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen gas is supplied to the fuel cell from a source outside the fuel cell. A fuel cell system can include a fuel cell battery, including one or more fuel cells, and a hydrogen source, such as a hydrogen tank or a hydrogen generator. In some fuel cell systems, the hydrogen source can be replaced after the hydrogen is depleted. Replaceable hydrogen sources can be rechargeable or disposable.
A hydrogen generator uses one or more reactants containing hydrogen that can react to produce hydrogen gas. The reaction can be initiated in various ways, such as hydrolysis and thermolysis. For example, two reactants can produce hydrogen and byproducts when mixed together. A catalyst can be used to catalyze the reaction. When the reactants react, reaction products including hydrogen gas and byproducts are produced. The hydrogen gas is separated from byproducts and unreacted reactants, and the gas exits the hydrogen generator and is provided to the fuel cell battery.
For a hydrolysis reaction, the hydrogen generator typically has a first fluid path for receiving a liquid solution and a second fluid path for outputting the hydrogen generated. As such, two fluid flow ports are generally required to be connected to the hydrogen generator cartridge and both ports must be disconnected and reconnected upon changing of the cartridge. It would be desirable to provide for fluid flow connection for transporting the reactant liquid and the hydrogen output which has fewer components and is easy to connect and disconnect.


A hanger for supporting a held member from a holding member is provided with a seat member adapted for supporting the held member, first and second side members connected to the seat member, the first and second side members having lower portions and upper portions, the lower portions of the first and second side members each having inner an face and an outer face with the inner faces facing each other, and the upper portions of the first and second side members being connected to first and second back flanges respectively, the upper portions of the first and second side members each having an inner face and an outer face, and the first and second back flanges being adapted to be connected to the holding member by a plurality of fasteners, wherein the inner faces of the lower portions of the first and second side members and the inner faces of the upper portions of the first and second side members form reflex angles with each other.

This invention relates to sheet metal hangers which are used to connect a held or supported member to a holding or supporting member, which are often specifically a joist or truss member connected to a truss or girder member.
Structural engineers sometime prefer that hangers for trusses be connected to the vertical members of the truss, rather than the bottom chord which is in tension. There are various hangers which have a seat for supporting the held member, vertically disposed side members for providing lateral support to the held member and one or more back flanges disposed between the width defined by the first and second side members provided with a plurality of openings for attaching the hanger to the narrow vertical web of the supporting truss member.
The present invention provides a hanger that can have first and second side members having portions that are spaced relatively close together while having first and second back flanges disposed between portions of the first and second side flanges that are relatively wide and allow for optimal spacing of fasteners used to attach the hanger to the relatively narrow vertical web of the supporting truss.


An energy expenditure garment includes at least a portion of the garment made from multilayer construction which has an inner layer of hydrophobic material to direct moisture away from the skin with an intermediate layer of hydrophilic material to store the moisture. An outer layer of non-porous and non-moisture permeable material is provided outwardly of the storage layer to act as a barrier or wall for preventing evaporation of the moisture stored in the intermediate layer. Preferably, a moisture vapor transmission membrane is provided between the hydrophobic inner layer and the hydrophilic storage layer to provide one way flow of the moisture to the storage layer.

The present invention relates to sports clothing worn during the performance of some activity which would result in perspiration. Various garments have been suggested for directing moisture or perspiration away from the user's body in an attempt to keep the user drier, cooler and more comfortable. Examples of patents disclosing garments pertinent to the present invention are U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,560,611, 5,126,182, 5,306,536, 5,217,782, 5,390,376 and 5,636,380.

Multilayer energy expenditure garment made from hydrophobic/hydrophilic materials


One embodiment may include a machine for providing beverages. The machine may include a reader configured to read data representative of an available balance for a user to obtain beverages from the machine from a machine-readable medium and electronics. The electronics may be configured to receive the data from the machine-readable medium in response to the user positioning the machine-readable medium within reading distance of the reader, enable the user to dispense a beverage into a vessel, and update the available balance of the machine-readable medium so as to reduce or prevent the user from dispensing unlimited beverages.

Beverage dispensers are used in a variety of venues. A common type of beverage dispenser found in service industry venues are self-serve beverage dispensers. Users of self-serve beverage dispensers are able to handle refilling and modifying of beverage orders without hindering the venue's time and resources. In addition to being more efficient, providing refills at a discounted price or at no value is a good marketing tool for the venue.
Beverage dispensers are also continuing to improve technology, allowing venues to better control variability and access to beverages. Having a self-serve beverage dispenser option allows venues to streamline a portion of the service they are providing. For example, soda dispensers and/or coffee dispensers in a restaurant allow for employees of the restaurant to focus on food preparation and customer service, as opposed to constantly refilling beverages for the customers.
However, unfettered access to the beverage dispenser also provides a series of concerns. For example, self-serve beverage dispensers are difficult to monitor and may limit a venue to choosing between employee handling of refills or unlimited refills without any form of regulation or compensation.
Additionally, government regulations in certain geopolitical locations may require a venue to limit an amount of the refills that are provided. Traditional methods of regulating a quantity of dispensed beverages, such as using a radiofrequency identification device (RFID) affixed to a cup, can be both expensive and burdensome in manufacturing.
Venues that are providing self-serve beverage dispensers, such as the service industry, are searching for solutions that are both affordable and efficient. In the scenario of long-term use beverage vessels, such as ceramic coffee cups, higher cost is less of an issue. However, when the venue is evaluating a method for providing inexpensive and disposable beverage vessels, existing technology is cost prohibitive.
Additionally, modifications to existing self-serve beverage dispensers should provide some level of uniformity so that user interaction with the beverage dispensers does not require a learning process across common dispensers. Not only are existing technologies cost prohibitive, as previously described, dispenser use is not sufficiently intuitive. Accordingly, modified and new dispensers that support a regulated number of servings should be intuitive, thereby supporting more efficient consumer usage and acceptance.
Beverage dispensers, vending machines, and coolers allow for one user interaction at a time, including an end-to-end transaction from selection to delivery of the ordered product. Such beverage dispensers are often located in noisy venues, such as, food courts, arenas, restaurants, convenience stores, and grocery stores. User interfaces of dispensers and other beverage machines can be slow, especially given a total number of beverage choices for consumers and complexity of machines for service people and technicians. As such, there is a need to improve user interaction with dispensers, vending machines, and coolers to support consumer, service personnel, and technician usage.


Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. For example, a user equipment (UE) may be configured to receive a downlink control message (e.g., an uplink grant) that schedules resources for transmitting repetitions of an uplink channel transmission, where each of the repetitions of the uplink channel transmission may correspond to a single transport block. The UE may determine a plurality of sounding reference signal (SRS) resources based on the downlink control message, and transmit different instances of the uplink channel transmission repetitions according to different SRS resources. The described examples for uplink repetitions may support various techniques for uplink coverage enhancement and diversity gains.

Wireless communications systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, and so on. These systems may be capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing the available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple-access systems include fourth generation (4G) systems such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, or LTE-A Pro systems, and fifth generation (5G) systems which may be referred to as New Radio (NR) systems. These systems may employ technologies such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), or discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM). A wireless multiple-access communications system may include a number of base stations or network access nodes, each simultaneously supporting communication for multiple communication devices, which may be otherwise known as user equipment (UE).
In some examples, a wireless communications system may employ various techniques for uplink coverage enhancement between a UE and a base station. However, configuring such techniques may be associated with various challenges or inefficiencies.