Method and apparatus are provided for peak identification of sample peaks in a chromatogram, wherein at least one group of standard peaks in standard peak series is matched to at least one group of sample peaks in a sample peak series so as to perform proper identification of the sample peaks in the sample peak group. In a preferred method, a succession of retention time windows are determined according to the characteristic retention times of the standard peaks and according to steps for determining shift, stretch, and distort parameters. The retention time windows are located with respect to the sample peak series and in accordance with the shift, stretch, and distort parameters so as to capture only certain ones of the sample peaks in the sample peak series. The shift, stretch, and distort parameters are used to position the retention time windows for improved matching of the standard peaks in the standard peak group to the captured sample peaks.

Chromatography is a known method of analyzing a sample comprised of several components to qualitatively determine the identity of the sample components as well as quantitatively determine the concentration of the components.
A typical gas chromatographic apparatus includes an injection port into which the sample is injected and mixed with an inert gas at high temperature, a column through which the various dissolved components of the sample will travel at a rate related to the characteristics of the specific components, and a detector for measuring the retention time of each component. The time between the injection of a sample and the detection of a specific component is called the retention time for that component. The results of a chromatographic separation are displayed as a plot of detector signal versus time, commonly known in the art as a chromatogram. A chromatogram typically comprises a plurality of peaks wherein each peak corresponds to a certain component of the analyzed sample. The area of the peak is to some degree characteristic of the amount of the respective component present in the sample. In order to insure a reliable qualitative and quantitative analysis of the sample, it is necessary that the chromatograph perform proper identification of those peaks in the chromatogram that represent certain compounds present in the sample.
As various components will have different retention times, the chromatogram will usually provide a series of Gaussian-shaped sample peaks wherein each peak represents a respective component in the sample. Ideally, a chromatogram of a sample containing, e.g., a plurality of components, should have a respective plurality of clearly separate and identifiable peaks. Such a chromatogram may thus be analyzed to determine the identity of the respective components by noting the time occurrence of each sample peak and comparing the observed retention time of a sample peak in the chromatogram to a characteristic retention time for a known, or standard, peak that is derived from a standard mixture of known components. Since the retention time is a unique physical characteristic of each different component, the observed retention time at which each sample peak occurs may be compared to the characteristic retention times of compounds in a standard mixture so as to allow one to assign, or name, an identity to each component in the sample under investigation.
Retention time is typically considered to be a function of the flow rate of the fluid, which in turn is a function of operating parameters such as the column dimensions or temperature, the inlet outlet pressure, and the gas viscosity. Because the retention time of a component is subject to variations in the operating parameters, retention time stability in a chromatographic system is a desirable characteristic that determines the ability of the system to properly identify closely eluting components and to allow a component to be identified within a desired identification window of time. However, retention time stability is not often achieved without use of extensive methods and apparatus for calibration. Conventional analytical methods have heretofore included techniques such as frequent recalibration so as to correct for any systematic errors or shift due to instability in the retention time.
Some conventional chromatographic equipment incorporate a form of a peak identification algorithm for improving the process of assigning compound names to the observed chromatographic peaks based on the observed retention times. These algorithms are based upon the use of a fixed retention time window for identification of a given peak. The conventional algorithm may be understood as follows. If the observed retention time of a given peak in a sample falls within a window centered on a characteristic retention time known to be associated with a compound, the respective compound name is assigned to that peak. If a plurality of peaks occur within the window, the peak nearest the known retention time for the compound is assigned the compound name.
The window size is sometimes determined as a percentage of the characteristic retention time for the given compound. However, because the retention times of components will change, a wide retention time window is often selected to capture and thus locate a given peak of interest. This step also requires intervention by the user, e.g., by editing the characteristic retention time for a given compound. Further, as the retention time window becomes larger, unwanted peaks are captured by the window and accordingly it is difficult to resolve which of the peaks within a window is the peak of interest. If the window is made too small, the system may not be able to recalibrate; and the performance of the system is then subject to drift. Some complex algorithms have been employed that track and adjust for drift between calibrations; however, this approach is nonetheless disadvantageous because each copy of an chromatographic method may be the result of a different data reduction method and the characteristic retention time for a given compound will vary according to the instrumentation used to determine the characteristic retention time. Also, the data reduction method will change when a column is replaced or reduced in length.
An improved approach was used in a microbial identification system commercially available in the Hewlett-Packard Model HP5898A Chromatograph, wherein peaks were located in an analysis of a calibration sample in a calibration sequence so that the retention times of the calibration sample peaks could be used to determine a calibration table of retention time indices. The retention time indices were then used in performing peak identification. The peak location algorithm employed an algorithm that included move, stretch, and distort parameters for improved peak location in the presence of spurious peaks due to noise and other artifacts. However, the peak location algorithm typically required that each and every peak of interest in the calibration sample be identified for the algorithm to succeed. If not, the algorithm would fail and a failure mode would be declared.
Several shortcomings remain in the above-described approaches. Firstly, it is undesirable to require that all peaks in a chromatogram must be identified for a peak identification method to succeed. Secondly, the aforementioned approaches are not amenable to the identification of groups of peaks that may have been recorded in a chromatogram generated by the use of multiple columns or according to techniques known in the art as heart cutting or multidimensional chromatography.

Method for identification of chromatographic peaks


A suction pad used for use in a substrate treatment apparatus which treats a substrate by immersing the substrate in a solution while the pad attaches to the substrate, including: a main face for attaching to the substrate; an outer face disposed along the outer periphery of the substrate; and a suction opening formed in the main face. In a cross-sectional shape including the main face and the outer face, the angle formed between a line corresponding to the main face and a line corresponding to the outer face is an acute angle.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a suction pad for holding a substrate and a substrate treatment apparatus having the same, and in particular, to a suction pad for holding the peripheral part of the rear face of the substrate using vacuum suction so that the rear face of the substrate is not treated and a substrate treatment apparatus having the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
As a substrate treatment apparatus that treats only the front face side of the substrate so that the rear face of the substrate is not treated while the substrate is immersed in a solution, an anodizing apparatus is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent No. 3,376,258.
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the anodizing apparatus illustrated in Japanese Patent No. 3,376,258. The anodizing apparatus has an anodization tank 108 for storing a HF solution 107, a holder 102 integrated with the anodization tank 108, and electrodes 106a and 106b disposed to the anodization tank 108 for anodizing a silicon substrate 101 by applying a voltage to the silicon substrate 101. An opening 103 is provided to the holder 102, a groove is provided to the holder 102 along the opening 103, and a suction pad 104 is fitted in the groove.
The suction pad 104 has a holding portion which attaches to a part of the rear face of the silicon substrate 101, a suction groove 104a whose cross-sectional shape is concave or U shaped, and a suction opening 105 for depressurizing the space in the suction groove to cause the substrate to attach.
In a substrate treatment using the anodizing apparatus, first, the silicon substrate 101 is immersed in a HF solution 107 while being subjected to vacuum suction with respect to the suction pad 104 via a pump (not shown) connected to the suction opening 105 through a line. To the silicon substrate 101 immersed in the HF solution 107, a current is flown by applying a voltage to the electrodes 106a and 106b. After that, upon finishing of the treatment of the silicon substrate 101 by the application of the voltage, the HF solution 107 is drained from the anodization tank 108, and then the silicon substrate 101 is exposed to the atmosphere. In order to allow the silicon substrate 101 to be taken out of the anodization tank 108, an inert gas such as nitrogen is poured in the line so as to break the vacuum atmosphere that caused the silicon substrate 101 to attach to the suction pad 104 via the suction opening 105. By this procedure, the anodization treatment of the silicon substrate 101 is completed.
Since the silicon pad 104 has the above-described shape and relationship with respect to the silicon substrate 101, even when the silicon substrate 101 is immersed in the HF solution 107, the HF solution 107 will be brought into contact with only the front face of the silicon substrate 101. Accordingly, this prevents the HF solution 107 from being brought into contact with the rear face of the silicon substrate 101. By applying a voltage to the electrodes 106a and 106b to flow a current in the silicon substrate 101, a porous layer is formed only on the front face of the silicon substrate 101, and is not formed on the rear face of the silicon substrate 101, because the HF solution 107 is not brought into contact with the rear face of the silicon substrate 101.
As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, during such a substrate treatment, in some cases, the HF solution 107 erroneously enters the line through the gap between the silicon substrate 101 and the suction pad 104. When vacuum is broken, the HF solution 107 that has entered the line will flow back in the vacuum suction line being pushed back by the inert gas. In this case, the flowing-back solution may further pass through the gap between the suction pad 104 and the silicon substrate 101 or the suction pad 104 and the holder 102 and spurts out near the end of the substrate. In particular, when the spurting part of the HF solution locates upper than the silicon substrate 101, the spurting HF solution 107 will come around to the front face of the silicon substrate 101 and then pass along and drop from the front face of the silicon substrate. Since many foreign materials comprised primarily of reaction by-products are contained in the solution which entered the vacuum suction line, if the solution passes along the face of the silicon substrate 101, the foreign materials may attach to and remain on the passage, or watermarks may be formed on the passage since liquid droplets remain and get dried on the front face of the substrate.
Moreover, in such a production method of a SOI wafer disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,371,037, a SOI wafer is produced using a porous silicon layer formed by a method described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,697. Foreign materials as mentioned above may affect the quality of SOI wafers. For example, once a solution drawn into the vacuum suction line flows back and attaches to the produced porous silicon, foreign materials remain on the face of the porous silicon. As a result, since an epitaxial silicon layer is not formed on the position to which the foreign materials are attached, resulting in defect of a SOI wafer where a SOI layer is lacked. Such lack of the SOI layer, when device chips are produced, may cause malfunction of a circuit.
In other words, in order to reduce the foreign materials and watermarks on the face of the porous silicon, it has been required to prevent the solution that flows back from the vacuum suction line as mentioned above from coming around to the substrate front face.
The present invention is completed in view of the above problems, and, in a substrate treatment method for treating only the substrate face using a liquid chemical, the present invention provides a suction pad capable of preventing undesired foreign materials from attaching to the substrate face when the substrate is taken out, and a substrate treatment apparatus having the same.

Suction pad and substrate treatment apparatus


An article for adsorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) derived from organic matter comprising adsorbing the VOCs onto palladium doped ZSM-5, optionally at ambient temperature. The organic matter can be perishable organic goods such as food, including fruit and/or vegetables, horticultural produce, including plants and/or cut flowers, or refuse. The palladium doped ZSM-5 has a Si:Al ratio of less than or equal to 100:1 and preferably has a palladium content of from 0.1 wt % to 10.0 wt % based on the total weight of the doped ZSM-5.

VOCs are a wide ranging class of compounds including environmental pollutants such as certain components of car exhaust gases, solvents and aerosol gases, but also including a range of compounds that are derived from organic matter. One example of a VOC derived from organic matter is ethylene, a plant hormone that causes ripening, whilst another example is trimethylamine, a gas commonly given off by fish as it decomposes.
The removal of VOCs derived from organic matter is of interest for a variety of applications. The adsorption of ethylene can prevent undesired ripening and softening, loss of colour, loss of leaves and sprouting to occur in fruit and vegetables, and it is also known to prevent other food and horticultural products from perishing prematurely, and can help eliminate unpleasant smells.
Various methods have been used to oxidise or combust VOCs using Pt on Al2O3 or KMnO4. However, although these systems are efficient for the removal of VOCs, they have disadvantages associated with their use. Pt on Al2O3 works by catalytically combusting the ethylene at elevated temperatures; therefore, Pt on Al2O3 needs to be used in a heated unit separate from the source of the VOCs (see for example GB 2 163 637 A and U.S. Pat. No. 4,331,693). KMnO4 cannot remove VOCs efficiently from humid environments (see Example 4). Since organic matter, such as food, cannot be heated without being altered and inherently exudes moisture, such systems are unsuitable for use in removing VOCs derived from organic matter.
Other methods used to remove VOCs are suited for use at lower temperatures; these include the use of high surface area supports, usually in conjunction with a promoter, for the adsorption of VOCs. For example, JP 2-261341 discloses the adsorption of ethylene from refrigerated storage compartments, JP 2-233381 discloses an ethylene adsorption film and JP 2000-004783 discloses a combined ethylene adsorber, deodoriser and anti-bacterial product for use in a refrigerator. Specific support materials are not disclosed in any of these publications, instead activated carbon and metal oxides are stated as being generally suitable for use as supports. GB 2 252 968 A relates to an adsorber comprising a sepiolite in combination with a zeolite, and optionally a metal selected from the platinum group metals, the iron group metals, group I metals, group VII metals and the rare earth metals. The most preferred zeolites for use in the invention described in GB '968, are silicalites because their alumina content is almost zero.

Adsorption of volatile organic compounds derived from organic matter


A volume data encoder with high encoding efficiency is provided. The object of the coding is volume data which contains a plurality of tomogram planes output from a CT and an MRI. A header analysis unit separates each plane image into header information and pixel information. A header compression unit compresses the separated header information. On the other hand, a two-dimensional transform unit conducts frequency decomposition on the pixel information. A skip portion detection and table generation unit detects skip portions that are the same in all coefficients in a z-direction, and stores them in a table. A one-dimensional transform unit conducts one-dimensional transform on the pixel information for coefficients except the skip portions. A unit block division unit divides each subband into unit blocks. An entropy encoding unit determines a parameter for entropy encoding according to statistical properties of all coefficients in all unit blocks included in each class.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a volume data encoder in the field of digital image processing, and in particular to a volume data encoder for encoding image data having a three-dimensional pixel arrangement (hereafter referred to as volume data) with high efficiency.
2. Description of the Related Art
It has become possible to acquire a large amount of three-dimensional medical image data in the department of radiology as a result of the renovation in the technique such as the CT and MR. Needs for compression of such images are becoming greater.
In DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine), which is standards for a system intended for storage and management of images in the department of radiology, JPEG (irreversible encoding) and JPEG-LS (reversible encoding), which are two-dimensional-based image encoding systems, are approved as the compression system for such images.
In encoding, and especially in reversible encoding, using the conventional two-dimensional-based image encoding as described above, there is a limit in the encoding efficiency of data. In some cases, therefore, compression brings about neither a remarkable reduction of the server capacity for storing encoded data, nor shortening of the time required for transmission. Three-dimensional wavelets are frequently used for encoding volume data. As a preceding paper concerning the three-dimensional wavelets, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-204168 can be mentioned.


A fluid analysis system for use downhole comprises an input light signal that is directed through a fluid sample housed in a sample cell. The input light signal may originate from a plurality of light sources. An output light signal from the sample cell is then routed to one or more spectrometers for measurement of the represented wavelengths in the output light signal. The output of the spectrometers is then compared to known values for hydrocarbons typically encountered downhole. This provides insight into the composition of the sample fluid. Additionally, the light from the light sources can be routed directly to the one or more spectrometers to be used in calibration of the system in the high temperature and noise environment downhole.

In order to evaluate the nature of underground formations surrounding a borehole, it is often desirable to obtain and analyze samples of formation fluids from a plurality of specific locations in the borehole. Over the years, various tools and procedures have been developed to facilitate this formation fluid evaluation process. Examples of such tools can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,476,384 ("the '384 patent"), assigned to Schlumberger Technology Corporation ("Schlumberger"). The disclosure of this '384 patent is hereby incorporated by reference as though set forth at length.
Schlumberger's Repeat Formation Tester (RFT) and Modular Formation Dynamics Tester (MDT) tools are specific examples of sampling tools as described in the '384 patent. In particular, the MDT tool includes a fluid analysis module for analyzing fluids sampled by the tool.
Over the years, various fluid analysis modules have been developed for use in connection with sampling tools, such as the MDT tool, in order to identify and characterize the samples of formation fluids drawn by the sampling tool. For example, Schlumberger's U.S. Pat. No. 4,994,671 (also incorporated herein by reference) describes an exemplary fluid analysis module that includes a testing chamber, a light source, a spectral detector, a database, and a processor. Fluids drawn from the formation into the testing chamber by a fluid admitting assembly are analyzed by directing light at the fluids, detecting the spectrum of the transmitted and/or backscattered light, and processing the information (based on information in the database relating to different spectra) in order to characterize the formation fluids. Schlumberger's U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,167,149 and 5,201,220 (both of which are incorporated by reference herein) also describe reflecting light from a window/fluid flow interface at certain specific angles to determine the presence of gas in the fluid flow. In addition, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,156, by taking optical density (OD) measurements of the fluid stream at certain predetermined energies, oil and water fractions of a two-phase fluid stream may be quantified. As the techniques for measuring and characterizing formation fluids have become more advanced, the demand for more precise and expandable formation fluid analysis tools has increased.
Prior optical fluid analysis tools typically utilized a single light source directed at a sample cell and a single spectrometer to collect and analyze the light. In a typical embodiment, a filter array (FA) spectrometer is used which provides a maximum of about 20 channels. These tools are used downhole in adverse conditions which can affect the signal to noise ratio of the spectrometer. Also, size constraints downhole are often limiting so any tool used must fit into a very small space.
The prior approaches while being largely effective also exhibit certain limitations. While the measurements from the single FA spectrometer are useful, it is desirable to have a system where multiple spectrometers of different types can be utilized downhole at the same time to analyze fluid. This would alleviate the need for multiple separate modules; a single light source may provide information to a group of different spectrometers increasing the number of channels available and the specificity of the overall system.
Adverse conditions downhole also make it necessary to calibrate a spectrometer system such as those in the prior art. This requires directing at least two beams of light, one reference signal and one measurement signal, at a spectrometer. This requires differentiation of light signals which may be achieved through the use of a light chopper, as disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/273,893 relating to real-time calibration for a downhole spectrometer. However, light choppers require a motor that increases the size of the downhole tool significantly.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and apparatus for downhole spectral analysis of fluids


A boat or recreational vehicle ladder apparatus is provided. One aspect of the present ladder apparatus includes an elongated extension handle including a slot adjacent a lower end thereof. Another aspect of a boat or recreational vehicle ladder apparatus provides a snap-on step tread which can be mounted to a dual-tubular ladder step structure. Another aspect of a boat or recreational vehicle ladder apparatus employs a laterally expandable ladder step which can be retrofit onto an existing ladder. A further aspect employs clasps or hooks to attach and retain a ladder step to generally vertical ladder rails in a tool-free and fastener-free manner.

The disclosure relates generally to a ladder apparatus and more specifically to a retrofit ladder apparatus for use with an existing boat or recreational vehicle ladder.
Many watercraft employ ladders to assist swimmers with exiting the water onto the watercraft. It is common for recreational boats, such as pontoon boats or even larger V-hull boats, to have a swim platform or deck adjacent a stern, to which is mounted a rotatable and telescopically collapsible swim ladder. Such a ladder can be downwardly extended in a generally vertically elongated orientation into the water or collapsed and upwardly rotated to a stowed and generally horizontal position on the swim platform or boat deck. Examples of such conventional arrangements are disclosed in the following U.S. Pat. No. 9,067,647 entitled "Portable Boat Ladder" which issued to Neese on Jun. 30, 2015; U.S. Pat. No. 7,182,175 entitled "Retractable Telescopic Boat Ladder" which issued to Schmitt et al. on Feb. 27, 2007; Design 331,219 entitled "Telescoping Boat Ladders" which issued to Barbour et al. on Nov. 24, 1992; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0272895 to Lavoie which was published on Dec. 7, 2006, all of which are incorporated by reference herein.
An additional concern is that most traditional boat ladders have no handle or too short a vertically elongated rail. This makes it very difficult for a swimmer to exit the water and enter the boat. Furthermore, the few traditional ladders with extended handles are either poorly positioned, obstruct easy stowage of the upwardly rotated ladder, or are overly complicated and expensive due to hydraulically powered actuators. An example of such a hydraulically powered handle is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,789,648 entitled "Retractable Ladder Assembly" which issued to Cook on Sep. 14, 2004, which is incorporated by reference herein.
Conventional boat ladders also suffer from uncomfortable or difficult to access ladder steps. There are three typical conventional step constructions. First, many boat ladders employ dual parallel tubes, defining a generally horizontal plane therebetween, for each step. In some instances, a polymeric tread, having a generally T or hourglass cross-sectional shape, is snapped between the pair of tubes to provide a grooved tread surface with an inboard-outboard width less than that of the collective tubes. Also, some traditional polymeric treads have a C-shape with an entirely hollow center, for mounting around the collective tops of and spanning between the dual tubes. Second, single piece rigid polymeric steps are screwed or riveted to the vertical rails. Third, single tubes are welded to or otherwise fastened between the vertical rails with an upper surface of each tube step optionally being flattened and sometimes encapsulated within a similarly shaped polymeric cover. Nevertheless, these conventional steps do not provide adequate inboard-outboard width for proper foot gripping, are too close to the boat hull for easy foot access, are slippery when wet, and/or are uncomfortable on the swimmer's bare feet.
Traditional boat ladder constructions typically have too few steps, especially below the water surface. The more steps provided, the easier it is for a swimmer to use the ladder without requiring undue upper body exertion. However, the more steps presented, the more difficult it is for the boat manufacturer to create a retracted stowage space, especially when the ladders are rotated about an attachment mounting bracket on a swim deck. Moreover, elongating conventional ladders and/or those with larger steps create weight concerns which make it more difficult for a user to upwardly rotate and stow the ladder.
Many of the preceding concerns are also presented with ladders attached to wheeled recreational vehicles ("RV"), even where some of these traditional RV ladders are stationarily and not rotatably mounted. The general term "recreational vehicle" is used herein to include a person or cargo carrying watercraft such as small or large boats or ships for any use, and wheeled recreational vehicles such as campers, fifth wheel trailers or motor homes within which a person can sleep in a prone position.
In accordance with the present invention, a boat or recreational vehicle ladder apparatus is provided. One aspect of the present ladder apparatus includes an elongated extension handle including a slot adjacent a lower end thereof. In another aspect, a ladder extension handle is provided with a flotation structure. A further aspect allows an elongated extension handle to be attached within a boat-mounted pivoting rail of an existing ladder, in a retrofit, tool-free and fastener-free manner, such that the extension handle can be easily manually removed for ladder stowage. An offset bend is provided between upstanding sections of a removable extension handle for another aspect of the ladder apparatus.
The extension handle of the present ladder apparatus advantageously achieves better leverage for a swimmer climbing up the top steps of the ladder and pulling his or her body forward into the boat. Moreover, the present extension handle is quickly and easily insertable and removable from an existing ladder rail to promote quick stowage yet be sturdy due to its insertion below the existing rail-to-bracket pivot. The offset bend option further allows for larger people to enter the boat through a larger width provided by a pair of the extension handles being spaced apart greater than the lower ladder rails.
Another aspect of a boat or recreational vehicle ladder apparatus provides a snap-on step tread which can be mounted to a dual-tubular ladder step structure. Another aspect of a ladder step allows for tool-free and fastener-free installation of a wider step onto a smaller width existing ladder step in a retrofit manner. This advantageously provides a larger and more comfortable step tread area for a user's foot. In a further aspect, a snap-on polymeric tread is provided with an angle of at least 5°, and more preferably at least 10°, above a plane through an existing step with an apex of the angle outboard of the step; this advantageously allows for easier user foot access and improved ergonomics when the user is exiting the water.
Another aspect of a boat or recreational vehicle ladder apparatus employs a laterally expandable ladder step which can be retrofit onto an existing ladder. A further aspect employs clasps or hooks to attach and retain a ladder step to generally vertical ladder rails in a tool-free and fastener-free manner. In another aspect, a ladder step is laterally telescopic.
The present step advantageously provides a larger step surface. Moreover, the present step allows for adjustment between differently spaced apart existing ladder rails and/or to attach to different diameter rails, especially when employed with differing diameter telescopic rail sections. Another advantage is that the present step can be quickly removed from the ladder rails for stowage.
Another aspect of a boat or recreational vehicle ladder apparatus employs a hook between a retrofit supplemental ladder for placement upon an existing ladder. In a further aspect, a hook extends from an inboard edge of a foot tread surface of a step. An additional aspect provides a hook extending from each step in at least two different telescopic sections of a retrofit ladder. Yet another aspect employs an adjustable length standoff between a ladder and a boat surface. The present ladder apparatus is advantageous over conventional devices in that the present ladder apparatus provides an additional quantity of steps to allow easier use thereof while also being easily removable for stowage of both the retrofit ladder and the existing ladder. Further advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Boat or recreational vehicle ladder apparatus


The present invention allows a technician a quick reference diagnostics of an automotive individual electrical circuit by replacement of the OEM relay with a diagnostics relay incorporating a series of LED bulbs designed to illuminate individually upon completion of each internal switching function. Adjacent to an LED is a voltage portal which allows measurement of voltage during each function stage of relay switching.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention in general relates to a method and system for the diagnostics of an electrical circuit.
2. Background and Related Art
Today's automotive vehicles have greater dependence upon electrically driven circuits utilized for vehicle drivability and consumer control and comfort. These increased electrical features have placed higher demands on the vehicle's electrical circuitry thus increasing the need for electrical diagnosis. Many operating systems such as on board computers, electronic fuel injection, electrically operated emissions controls and several other current dependent technologies, utilize relay switches to ease the electrical load when switching on or off or when transmitting power to these individual operating systems.
While traditional fuses still play the vital role in electrical load protection the addition of Relays, have reduced much of the electrical burden while providing additional overload protection to the electrical system. In addition, the relay allows a lesser energy input for activation of the requested operating circuit. In order to switch on a individual circuit which sometimes draws more current then may be advisably to pass through the circuit activation switch, a relay is used. The coil of a relay draws very little current for the switching function, (less than 500 milliamps) and the amount of current which can be passed through the relay typically exceeds the amount of current the activation switch can handle. This allows switching of high current devices such as headlights and other high amperage drawing components made possible without damage to the electrical system or the activation switch.
Relays as do fuses have an electrical amperage rating which provides regulation of current flow to the operating system. If the operating system should malfunction due to electrical overloading or shorting, typically both a fuse and the concurring relay are designed to break the circuit thus protecting not only the operating system but the circuit as well.
Typically in most automotive applications, relays are incorporated and mount inside a central sheltered housing within a vehicle.
If failure of the electrical circuit occurs typically a diagnoses by a technician is required in order to detect where and why the system failure. The following invention provides a method and system which provides for the technician a quick diagnostics of the failed circuit.

Quick reference relay diagnostic circuit


The invention describes a method for treating sewage sludge through the treatment steps of hydrolyzing (2) the sewage sludge (1) and digesting (11) the hydrolyzed sewage sludge (10), which has undergone hydrolysis (2), for the anaerobic treatment of the sewage sludge (1), and through the step of separating phosphate from the at least partially treated sewage sludge (3). Phosphate is separated after the treatment step of hydrolyzing (2) and before the treatment step of digesting (11) the hydrolyzed sewage sludge (3), wherein the sewage sludge (10), without the phosphate portion separated in the phosphate separation step, is fed to the anaerobic treatment performed through digestion (11).

Wastewater treatment generally gives rise to sewage sludge (primary, activated and tertiary sludge) which contains in concentrated form the majority of the ingredients eliminated from the wastewater. This comprises plant nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, and also organic and inorganic ingredients. To stabilize and to reduce the volume of sewage sludges, anaerobic treatment is performed in digestion vessels. During this sludge digestion, the degradation of organic substrate releases not only the digester gas which arises, but also organically bound nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. This method and the removal of phosphate are described in "Auswirkungen der thermischen Klärschlammhydrolyse und der prozessintegrierten Nährstoffrückgewinnung auf die Stoffstrom-und Energiebilanzen auf Kläranlagen" ("Effects of thermal sewage sludge hydrolysis and of process-integrated nutrient recovery on the material-flow and energy balances on sewage plants"), final report AZ 24507-23, H. Bormann, M. Sievers, W. Ewert, published by Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (German Federal Foundation for the Environment), 2010 (http://www.dbu.de/projekt_24507/_db_1036.html). The removal of phosphate from the wastewater is achieved in practice by chemical precipitation with iron/aluminum salts or by increased biological P uptake into microorganisms (Bio-P). To increase the phosphorus recovery potential, thermal hydrolysis of surplus sludge and subsequent separate digestion of the surplus sludge is proposed. During the thermal hydrolysis, there is a partial redissolution of phosphorus and nitrogen from the solids of the surplus sludge. Phosphate recovery is achieved by phosphate precipitation of the redissolved phosphorus portion in the anaerobically treated surplus sludge.
D. Stumpf: "Phosphor Recycling durch MAP-Fällung im kommunalen Faulschlamm" ("Phosphorus recycling by MAP precipitation in communal digester sludge"), Umweltbundesamt Berlin (Federal Environmental Agency in Berlin), 2007 describes various methods and appliances for removing phosphorus by precipitating magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) from sewage sludge. Traditionally, this is carried out after the anaerobic treatment of sewage sludge, i.e., surplus sludge and/or primary sludge. The MAP precipitation is generally carried out using precipitation reactors or fluidized-bed reactors in which the pH is increased by addition of alkaline solution or by air stripping. MAP is traditionally precipitated directly from the digester sludge or from process water of sludge dewatering. The precipitated MAP can then be removed by means of sieves, hydrocyclone or centrifuges. In some cases, it then has to be further processed in order to be able to be used as, for example, fertilizer.
The methods carried out after completed digestion process in order to remove magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) prevent undesired crystallizations, which can frequently lead to operational interruptions. Here, advantage is taken of the known fact that, after use of biological phosphate elimination, the majority of the stored polyphosphates in the surplus sludge are redissolved under anaerobic conditions as orthophosphates in exchange for organic acids. This effect is utilized in the recovery of phosphates by the phosphates being precipitated and removed as magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) in either the digested sludge or the separated sludge water. The magnesium source used is generally magnesium chloride, magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide.
In the case of the redissolution of phosphates from the surplus sludge or raw sludge, preference is given to the phosphate exchange processes which occur under anaerobic conditions. The disadvantage here is that it is necessary to work with relatively large volumes and that relatively low phosphate concentrations are obtained.
EP 1 364 915 A1 discloses a method for reducing phosphate from sewage sludge. In said method, wastewater is fed to aerobic treatment after the anaerobic treatment and sludge recycled from a settling tank is subjected to anaerobic treatment. The liquid phase is then fed to an apparatus for removing phosphate, for example a MAP reactor.
WO 2009/112208 A2 discloses a method for wastewater treatment and a wastewater treatment plant for this purpose, in which hydrolyzed and subsequently anaerobically treated surplus sludge is fed to a precipitation unit in order to remove phosphate. There, magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) is precipitated from the processed hydrolyzed and anaerobically treated surplus sludge by addition of magnesium salts with the setting of an appropriate pH of from 7.5 to 7.8.

Method for treating sewage sludge and wastewater treatment plant


A pin wheel roller assembly for a bacon slicer. The roller assembly is formed with a number of individual spacer segments and an end cap. The pin wheel assembly is formed with a pin wheel sandwiched between adjacent cylindrical segments and the end cap.

This invention relates to bacon slicers, and in particular, to a pin wheel roller assembly used in a bacon slicer.
Pin wheel roller assemblies are used in bacon slicing machines to move the sliced bacon away from the slicing apparatus to a sliced bacon processing stage. The pin wheel roller assemblies are typically comprised of an elongated cylindrical tube with a number of sets of radial pins protruding circumferentially outward at various positions along the cylindrical tube. Because a set of pins protrudes outwardly along the same radially circumferential line about the cylindrical tube, each set of pins is commonly referred to as a pin wheel. A typical cylindrical tube has four pin wheels evenly spaced along the length of the cylindrical tube. The cylindrical tube rotates about its elongated central axis. The pin wheels rotate with the cylindrical tube, with the pins of each pin wheel engaging bacon slices and moving them radially across the cylindrical tube.
Since bacon slicers are dealing with edible products, each slicer and its corresponding pin wheel assembly must be cleaned at regular intervals. The cleaning process requires disassembling the slicer and specifically cleaning those parts touching the edible products being processed, including and especially the pin wheel assembly. Bacon slicers must also work at relatively high speeds to be economical. The high speed operation of the bacon slicer exerts substantially force on a pin wheel assembly. Pin breakage is common. With pin breakage, the bacon slicer must be stopped and the pin wheel roller removed and repaired.
Prior art pin wheel assemblies are typically comprised of an elongated, one-piece, cylindrical, hollow tube, with four sets of radial holes formed circumferentially about the tube at evenly spaced radial intervals along the length of the tube. Pins are inserted into each hole and welded to a backing ring within the tube. The points of the pin thereby protruding outwardly from the tube. Because of the prior art construction of pin wheel assemblies, repairing a prior art pin wheel assembly is tedious and time consuming.


An apparatus and method for diagnosing mechanical problems in turbocharged engines. In its preferred embodiment, the apparatus consists of a boot that is coupled to a turbocharge systemxe2x80x94preferably at the air inlet thereof. The, apparatus further includes a source of air pressure that may be delivered to the turbocharge system, a first pressure gauge to measure the pressure of the air that is being delivered, and a second pressure gauge to measure the pressure of the air within the turbocharge system. Under pressure, and with the engine off, the turbocharge system can be inspected for leaks. In addition, under pressure, the operation of turbocharge system componentsxe2x80x94such as the wastegate valve/diaphragm and the boost sensorxe2x80x94can also be inspected.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates generally to engine diagnosis and, more specifically, to an apparatus and method for diagnosing pressure-related and other problems in turbocharged systems.
2. Background of the Invention
Turbocharged systems are used, particularly on diesel engines, to increase engine power by compressing the air that enters the engine""s combustion chambers. They operate by utilizing the hot exhaust gases exiting the cylinders to spin a compressor wheel (also known as an impeller), pressurizing air drawn into the system and routing that pressurized air, into the engine.
A typical turbocharged system generally includes a number of additional components. Too much impeller speed can cause impeller shaft or bearing failure. To address this, the turbocharger uses a waste gate valve, which allows exhaust gas to bypass the turbine once the ideal pressure level or boost is exceeded. This has the effect of reducing impeller speed, and thus helps prevent shaft and bearing failures.
Additionaly, if the turbocharged air is too hot when it enters the engine , engine knocking and reduced output can be caused. To address this, the turbocharger tipically includes an intercooler (or charge air cooler), which cools the turbocharged air before it enters the cylinders.
A turbocharged system""s efficiency can be diminished by leaks at any point in the turbocharged system. Such leaks can occur in a number of places, including in the boots and clamps utilized in the system, in seams, in gaskets or O-rings, in the intercooler, and at the point where the turbocharge system couples to the intake manifold. Currently, such leaks are tested for by starting the engine and listening to the sounds the turbo system makesxe2x80x94in an effort to detect higher pitched sounds that would indicate the presence of a leak. This can be difficult, however, because the engine noise can interfere with a mechanic""s ability to hear such higher pitched sounds. Moreover, other problems, such as improper functioning of the wastegate or of the boost sensor, can also resist ready diagnosis.
A need therefore existed for an apparatus and method that simulates running pressure conditions in a turbocharge system when the engine is off, to permit the more effective diagnosis of pressure-related and other mechanical problems in a turbocharge system. The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other, related, advantages.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method that simulates running pressure conditions in a turbocharged system with the engine off, so as to permit the more effective diagnosis of pressure-related mechanical problems in a turbocharge system.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method that simulates running pressure conditions in a turbocharged system with the engine off, so as to permit the more effective diagnosis of problems with the wastegate and boost sensor in a turbocharged system.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for diagnosing potential mechanical problems in turbocharged systems is disclosed. The apparatus comprises, in combination: a source of pressurized air; and means for delivering said pressurized air to any portion of a turbocharged system for a vehicle engine in a substantially air-tight manner when said vehicle engine is in an off condition.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for diagnosing potential problems in turbocharged systems is disclosed. The apparatus comprises, in combination: a source of pressurized air; means for delivering said pressurized air to any portion of a turbocharged system for a vehicle engine in a substantially air-tight manner when said vehicle engine is in an off condition; wherein said means for delivering said pressurized air comprises a boot adapted to be positioned over an exposed end of a turbo inlet following removal of an air filter from said turbo inlet; a first display gauge in communication with said source of pressurized air and adapted to display the pressure of said pressurized air as it is provided to said any portion of a turbocharged system; and a second display gauge adapted to display the pressure within said any portion of a turbocharged system.
In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, a method for diagnosing potential mechanical problems in turbocharged systems is disclosed. The method comprises: providing a source of pressurized air; providing means for delivering said pressurized air to any portion of a turbocharged system for a vehicle engine in a substantially air-tight manner when said vehicle engine is in an off condition; coupling said delivering means to said turbocharged system; delivering said pressurized air to said turbocharged system; inspecting said turbocharged system for mechanical problems.

Apparatus and method for diagnosing pressure-related problems in turbocharged engines


A dusting mitt dispensing device includes a container and a plurality of dusting mitts housed in the container. The container includes a bottom, a top, a front-side, a back-side and two lateral sides in which the top is integrally connected to the back-side along a top/back-side seam, and has cover flaps to cover the front-side and both lateral sides. The top is free to pivot about the top/back-side seam between a closed position and an open position, and contains a perforation pattern that forms an access flap and dispensing opening when the perforations are torn and the flap is opened. The access flap is integrally connected to the front side cover flap along a top/front-side flap seam, and is free to pivot about the top/front-side flap seam between a closed position and an open position in a direction opposite to the pivot direction of the top. Each of the plurality of dusting mitts is folded individually along its longitudinal axis and arranged to present the thumb of the dusting mitt as a removal tab. The dusting mitts are individually removable from the container by grasping the thumb of the top dusting mitt and pulling the thumb in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the dusting mitt.

Not applicable
Not applicable
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a system for dispensing mitts having a thumbed mitt design from a disposable container. More particularly, the invention is directed to a system for dispensing dusting mitts for use in general household dusting and cleaning applications.
2. Description of the Related Art
Dispensing systems for paper products and thermoplastic gloves have long been available to the consumer to provide ready accessibility to articles that are generally one-time use items. Although the type of dispensing system for a given application is obviously dependent on the type of article involved, generally speaking, the design of such dispensing systems has involved balancing the desirability of easy release and ready accessibility of the articles contained within the dispenser, with such factors as unit cost, and the need to prevent the dispenser from releasing multiple items at one time. Other important design issues include dispenser capacity, and whether to cover or seal the unused articles during non-use.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,543 discloses a dispenser for gloves made of sheet material wherein a finger of the glove protrudes through a slot. Gloves are removed from the dispenser by grasping the protruding finger and pulling the glove in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the glove. A securing device prevents multiple gloves from being removed at one time.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,566 discloses a reusable dispenser for disposable child mitt wipes, which has a hinged lid. The mitt wipes can be removed through an open lid of the dispenser or through a recloseable access opening on the top of the dispenser.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,105 discloses a glove dispensing system, in which gloves are placed on a plate in a rectangular container having a shield and a flap. A spring can be included to bias the plate/gloves toward a dispensing aperture.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,621,788 discloses a pocket tissue package, in which a paperboard rectangular carton has a removable window section through which individual folded sheets of tissue are removed. The tissues are folded so as to present folded corners to be grasped by the fingers.
While the foregoing patents describe dispensers for gloves, tissues or mitt wipes, none of these patents teaches or suggests a system for dispensing dusting mitts having a thumbed mitt design as in our invention. Removing an article from a dispenser by grasping the body or edge of the article as in the prior art is more cumbersome than grasping and pulling an easily accessible thumb tab as in our invention, and is more likely to result in the wasteful removal of multiple articles simultaneously. Accordingly, a need has arisen for a simple and economical system for dispensing mitts, such as dusting mitts, having a thumbed mitt design.
Our invention addresses the foregoing needs in the art by providing a dispensing system for dispensing dusting mitts having a thumbed mitt design from a disposable container.
In one aspect, a dispensing device of our invention includes a container and a plurality of dusting mitts housed in the container. The container includes a bottom, a top, a front-side, a back-side and two lateral sides, in which the top is integrally connected to the back-side along a top/back-side seam, and has cover flaps to cover the front-side and both lateral sides. The top is free to pivot about the axis of the top/back-side seam between a closed position and an open position, and contains a perforation pattern that forms an access flap and dispensing opening when the perforations are fully torn or otherwise severed. The access flap is integrally connected to the front-side cover flap along a top/front-side flap seam, and is free to pivot about the axis of the top/front-side flap seam between a closed position and an open position in a direction opposite to the pivot direction of the top. Alternatively, the access flap may be integrally connected to the back side along the top/back side seam, or to a lateral side along a top/lateral side flap seam, provided that the access flap is so dimensioned as to provide ready access to the thumb portion of the dusting mitts within the container, when the access flap is in an opened position. When the access flap is connected to a lateral side along a top/lateral side flap seam, the access flap is free to pivot about the axis of the top/lateral side flap seam in a direction transversed to the pivot direction of the top.
Each of the plurality of dusting mitts is folded individually along its longitudinal axis, stacked inside the container and arranged to present the thumb of the dusting mitt as a removal tab. The dusting mitts are individually removable from the container by grasping the thumb of the top dusting mitt and pulling the thumb in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the dusting mitt.
Preferably, the dusting mitt dispensing system is manufactured from cardboard, paperboard and the like, and the dusting mitts housed in the container are preferably manufactured from woven or non-woven material. The dusting mitts themselves are the subject of a copending utility patent application Ser. No. 09/606,694 filed on Jun. 30, 2000, and three design patent applications, Ser. Nos. 29/125,759, 29/125,760 and 29/125,764, each also filed on Jun. 30, 2000. Each of these patent applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.


A pistol including a mechanism that locks manual safety of the pistol. The lockable manual safety mechanism may include a manual safety that engages the firing apparatus of the pistol to prevent discharge of the pistol when the trigger is pulled. The firing apparatus may include a trigger, trigger bar, sear, and hammer that contacts a firing pin which may strike a chambered cartridge. The manual safety may be movable into and out of engagement with the firing apparatus. In one embodiment, the safety engages the sear to prevent the sear from moving and releasing the hammer while held in the cocked position by the sear. In one embodiment, the manual safety is a lever that is pivotally mounted to the frame of the pistol. The pistol may further include a locking member that engages the safety. The locking member may be movable from an unlocked position in which the manual safety is freely movable, to a locked position engaging the manual safety so that the safety cannot freely move and is locked into engagement with the sear while the hammer is held in the cocked position by the sear. In one embodiment, the locking member may be a lock pin that may be rotatably carried by the pistol.

The present invention generally relates to firearms, and more particularly to a mechanism related to locking the manual safety mechanism of a pistol.
Prior devices, often referred to as a "manual safety" in the industry, are known that block the discharge of a pistol by disabling the firing apparatus. The firing apparatus typically includes a trigger, trigger bar, sear, and hammer which contacts a firing pin that strikes a chambered cartridge. The sear generally operates to hold the hammer in a cocked "ready-to-fire" position. These components are functionally linked so that pulling the trigger activates the sear which releases a hammer or striker to strike a chambered cartridge and discharge the pistol. When activated, manual safety devices may arrest the movement of one or more of the firing apparatus components to disable the firing assembly and the pistol's ability to be discharged by a trigger pull. Such devices are generally operated by the user physically selecting the position of the manual safety by placing it "on" or "off" in the safety position as desired.
These prior devices, however, do not generally provide a pistol user with the option to manually lock these devices in an activated or "safe" position in which the firing apparatus is disabled. Although optimal methods to secure a pistol to prevent inadvertent discharge or unauthorized access are to fully unload the pistol and store it in a lockable box, in a safe, or to affix an external lock such as those supplied by most pistol manufacturers, an added measure of precaution can be achieved via a manually-operated supplemental mechanism, that when activated, can physically engage such prior devices to lock them in their "safe" position.

Pistol with lockable manual safety mechanism


A method for receiving data packets in a communication network comprising scanning a channel for a preamble during an acquisition search window, detecting the preamble during the acquisition search window, assigning a reception acquisition search window for receipt of a data packet including a data preamble and a data portion, coordinating the transmission of the data packet with the reception acquisition search window, detecting the data preamble during the reception acquisition search window, and initiating receipt of the data portion upon detection of the data preamble.

In many situations, such as military or security applications, it is desirable to have communication systems with modes supporting low probability of detection (LPD). LPD communication systems may provide users with a tactical advantage or enhanced safety relative to other communication systems, such as through increasing difficulty of a non-member of the system to acquire and recognize signal transmissions. A significant challenge for LPD-supporting communication systems is to operate at extremely low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), including SNR of well below negative 20 decibels (dB). For instance, LPD communication systems must be capable of distinguishing low power signal transmissions from background "noise" in the system.
There are typically two fundamental parts of receiving a signal transmission: (1) detecting the signal transmission presence and (2) receiving the data portion of the signal transmission. In general, detecting the signal transmission presence is accomplished by including some known sequence of bits at a known position of a transmission (for example, typically in the first few bits). These known sequences of bits sometimes may be referred to as preambles, since they generally precede a data or message portion of a signal transmission. A communication system receiver correlates received signal information against the known sequence and uses information gathered to establish timing and Doppler estimates for the signal message. The estimated timing information is then used to demodulate the data portion of the message.
The two fundamental parts of receiving a signal transmission may differ in that signal transmission presence detection occurs via acquisition hardware of a communication system. The acquisition hardware searches for a message with any Doppler/timing offset. Whereas receiving the data portion involves data demodulation that demodulates the signal at a given time (typically after the signal transmission presence detection is completed).
In most communication systems, detecting signal transmission presence is easily accomplished. For example, a power measurement on the communication channel may be sufficient to detect a signal transmission. Communication systems that handle slightly lower SNRs are able to run acquisition correlators that continuously search over all time offset/Doppler combinations to locate acquisition preambles. However, the hardware required for this type of acquisition grows roughly linearly with the length of the acquisition preamble, making it infeasible for the very long acquisition preambles needed at very low SNRs. Thus, it is desirable for a communication system to operate at very low SNRs while reducing the hardware required for successful operation.


A system and method for data application performance management is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method, comprises receiving a selection of a goal for an application on a cluster of compute nodes. The goal includes one or more of a speedup goal, an efficiency goal, a reliability goal, and a service level agreement goal. The application on the cluster is executed. Data associated with the goal is collected. A recommendation to adjust one or more parameters that would allow the goal to be achieved.

Data systems are very complex. Big data systems are even more complex. The productivity of application developers and operations staff plummets when they have to constantly track many interdependent factors such as application behavior, resource allocation, data layout, and job scheduling to keep big data applications running. In addition, application developers often have to deal with problem applications, which may run slow or slower than in the past, or even fail.
Enterprises are running more and more big data applications in production (like ETL, business intelligence applications, online dashboards, analytics, machine learning, etc.). These applications have to satisfy service level agreements (SLAs) related to a multiplicity of objectives such as performance, cost, reliability, maintainability, scalability, and so on. For example to satisfy performance SLAs, applications have to meet performance-related business needs such as deadlines (e.g., ETL job to finish by market close), fast response time (e.g., Hive queries), and reliability (e.g., fraud application). The data platform team (architect, operations, and developers) needs to ensure application reliability, optimize storage and compute while minimizing infrastructure costs, and optimize DevOps productivity. Problems associated with the operation of big data systems becomes hard to identify, diagnose, and fix. Existing systems do not address or adequately solve these problems. The present system provides solutions to these problems that prior data and application management systems have as described below.

System and method for data application performance management


The present invention relates to a device for making lacerations in a surface of a product without removing the surface. The device includes a power-driven hand tool; a disc member connectable to the power-driven hand tool, wherein when connected to the power-driven hand tool, the disc member can be rotated by the power-driven hand tool in a circular motion; and a plurality of pointed lacerating elements secured to and extending perpendicular from a face of the disc member, where the plurality of lacerating elements form a pattern on the face, and where when the disc member is rotated in a circular motion by the power-driven hand tool, the lacerating elements lacerate the surface of the product without removing the surface. The present invention also relates to a method for lacerating a surface of a product without removing the surface.

In dirt track racing, the tires of the cars need to heat up before they achieve maximum traction. One way of facilitating this is to manually grind the tire using a body grinder to produce circular texturized patterns in the tread surfaces of the tires. Manually grinding tires is slow process.
Complex texturing devices have been described that require the tire to be mounted to a complex device.
Other more simple devices use a circular grater or rasp that removes material from the surface of a tire.
Resurfacing wheels have also been described for buffing rubber tires to remove rubber therefrom and to prepare the tire for recapping. These devices use a cutting action produced by the provision of a plurality of cutting means spaced circumferentially about a hub and rotation of the hub in close proximity with a tire so that the cutters contact the tire about the circumference thereof. The cutters are designed and set out in a density and pattern that permits removal of rubber from a tire.
There is a need for a device and method for texturing surfaces, e.g., tire surfaces without removing material from the surface, and without having to mount the tire to a complex device.
The present invention is directed to overcoming these and other deficiencies in the art.

Device for making lacerations in a surface and method thereof


A configuration is provided with: memory cell arrays, sense amplifiers, bit lines that connect the memory cells and sense amplifiers, and transfer gates that are inserted on the bit lines for ON/OFF control of the connections of the memory cells and the sense amplifiers; wherein the sense-amplifier-interior bit lines, which are the sense-amplifier sides of the bit lines from the transfer gates, are arranged at positions interposed between exterior bit lines, which are the memory-cell side of the bit lines from the transfer gates.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device provided with memory cells for storing data and sense amplifiers for reading data from the memory cells.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the trend toward greater capacity in semiconductor memory devices such as DRAM (Dynamic RAM) in recent years, a wide variety of designs have been proposed for the layout of memory cell arrays that are provided with a plurality of memory cells and sense amplifiers for reading data from the memory cells, one of these designs being the open bit-line system. The configuration of the open bit-line system is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2001-102549 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2001-273764. As shown in FIG. 1, the open bit-line system is a configuration provided with a plurality of sense amplifier columns 110 that are composed of a plurality of sense amplifiers arranged in a column, and a plurality of memory cell arrays (cell plates) 100; sense amplifier columns 110 and memory cell arrays 100 being alternately arranged. Each sense amplifier is connected to two adjacent memory cell arrays 100 by a pair of bit lines 120, and reproduce data that are stored by complementary signals (two signals of opposite phase) that are received from the memory cells by way of bit lines 120.
The alternate arrangement of memory cell arrays 100 and sense amplifier columns 110 in the open bit-line system means that the number of memory cells that can be accessed in the memory cell arrays (reference plates) that are arranged outermost is reduced by half. In other words, the open bit-line system, due to its necessity for reference plates, entails the disadvantage of reduced chip size.
One example for circumventing this problem adopts a configuration in which sense amplifier column 110a is formed by an arrangement that concentrates a plurality of sense amplifiers between two memory cell arrays (cell plate) 100a (hereinbelow referred to as "sense amplifier concentrated arrangement") (See FIG. 2).
The sense amplifier concentrated arrangement does not require the above-described reference plate, and is advantageous from the standpoints of compact chip size and improved integration.
However, when laying out interconnections in the semiconductor device, the standard values for each interconnection width are found based on the level of integration and the necessary current-carrying capacity, and interconnection spacing is determined from these standard values. More specifically, where the standard value of the interconnection width is F, interconnections are each arranged to have an interconnection spacing having a pitch of at least 2 F, which is the minimum pitch.
Within a memory cell array, sufficient interconnect spacing must be ensured in order to avoid memory cells that are arranged in a matrix, and bit lines and word lines are arranged at a pitch of 3 F.
Within a sense amplifier in which memory cells do not exist, however, each interconnect is arranged at a pitch of 2 F in order to reduce the layout area. Interconnect spacing is therefore narrower within a sense amplifier than within a memory cell array, and there is the consequent concern for an increase in the influence of noise produced by coupling between signals.
For the purpose of achieving higher-speed data reproduction by sense amplifiers in semiconductor devices of recent years, transfer gates are inserted between bit lines and sense amplifiers, and a process is carried out to isolate the sense amplifiers from bit lines having large capacitive load by turning OFF the transfer gates when amplifying bit line voltage inside a sense amplifier.
Although high-speed operation is possible in such a configuration because the capacitive load of bit lines on the sense amplifier side from the transfer gates (hereinbelow referred to as the "sense-amplifier-interior bit lines") is reduced, noise tends to intrude from the outside, and this raises the danger that sufficient noise margin cannot be ensured in the sense amplifier.
No method has been proposed in the prior art for reducing this intrusion of noise in bit lines inside the sense amplifiers, and reducing noise has therefore been problematic.

Semiconductor device with sense amplifier for memory cells


A medical device (110) including a catheter shaft (111) and a unitarily and continuously formed portion (108) having a varying durometer, and optionally including an expandable balloon (18, 118). One or both of the unitarily and continuously formed portion (108) and the balloon (18, 118) are made from an irradiation cross-linked or cross-linkable mixture of a polyamide elastomer and at least one additional cross-linking reactant. The polyamide elastomer can be a polyester amide, a polyether ester amide or a polyether amide, and is preferably a nylon block copolymer. The aromatic molecule can be 1,3,5 triethyl benzene; 1,2,4 triethyl benzene; and 1,3,5 triisopropyl benzene. The cross-linking reactant can be: (a) a difunctional material, (b) a trifunctional material, (c) a tetrafunctional material, or (d) an aromatic molecule containing at least two ring substituents, each of the ring substituents having labile hydrogens at a benzylic site therein. The cross-linking reactant can also be diallyl phthalate or meta-phenylene dimaleimide.

Medical devices which incorporate inflatable or expandable balloons serve a wide variety of purposes. The balloon is carried on or affixed to a catheter shaft for delivery of the balloon to a desired location in the patient. The catheter shaft includes a lumen for introducing an inflation fluid into the balloon. For example, such catheter balloons are widely known to be useful for performing angioplasty procedures or the like, in which narrowings or obstructions in blood vessels or other body passageways are altered in order to increase blood flow through the narrow or obstructed area. More specifically, in a typical balloon angioplasty procedure, a balloon catheter is percutaneously introduced into the patient by way of the arterial system and advanced until the balloon of the catheter lies across the vascular narrowing or obstruction. The balloon is then inflated to dilate the vessel lumen at the site of the narrowing or obstruction. If desired, a stent may be positioned over the balloon and deployed at the site of the narrowing or obstruction to ensure that the dilated vessel lumen remains open. Balloon catheters find utility in a wide range of procedures, including valvuloplasty and urological procedures, among others.
The balloons of prior balloon catheters have been constructed from a wide variety of polymeric materials. These balloons each have their own advantages and drawbacks. Balloons comprising polyethylene terephthalate (PET), for example, have a relatively low degree of distention or expansion once they are inflated. This generally minimizes any potential adverse effects from overinflation or overexpansion of the balloon or any stent carried on it. Semi-distending or non-distending balloons often possess relatively high tensile strength, burst pressure and puncture resistance, qualities highly desirable for dilating tough lesions or for deploying and expanding stents carried over them.
However, body vessels such as arteries are generally tapered, and the locations at which narrowings or obstructions may occur vary, so that a balloon which closely matches the ultimately desired diameter of the vessel may not be readily available. Moreover, it may at times be desirable to be able to increase the diameter of the balloon beyond that which had been contemplated before the balloon procedure was begun. While balloons comprising materials such as polyvinyl chloride can be more distensible than PET or the like, balloons comprising such materials often possess a significantly lower tensile strength, burst pressure or puncture resistance than the less-distensible balloons. Overinflation of such balloons is also possible.
A variety of attempts have been made to construct medical device balloons from materials which yield balloons of good strength (that is, relatively high tensile strength and burst pressure, and good puncture resistance) while retaining an adequate degree of compliance, that is, an acceptable ratio of balloon diameter growth under an applied pressure to that balloon pressure. Each of these attempts possesses its own advantages and disadvantages. Balloons made from materials such as PET may possess excessive crystallinity or may be too stiff, so that such balloons may be resistant to the folding desired to minimize the profile of the catheter in which the balloon is employed; such resistance to folding is particularly problematic when the balloon is deflated following inflation during an in situ application, in order to be retracted into the distal end of the catheter for withdrawal. A minimal catheter profile is a highly desirable characteristic of balloon catheters, however. Some materials do not readily accept coating with drugs or lubricants, and some materials are difficult to fuse or adhere to conventional catheter shafts. Balloons made of some biaxially oriented nylons or polyamides have been asserted to overcome some of these problems.
Catheter balloons comprised of block copolymers have been suggested as a way of achieving an acceptable combination of balloon strength and elasticity. For example, it is known that catheter balloons can be constructed from polyamide/polyether block copolymers, commonly identified by the acronym PEBA (polyether block amide). Many of such copolymers can be characterized by a two phase structure, one being a thermoplastic region that is primarily a polyamide, semicrystalline at room temperature, and the other being an elastomer region that is rich in polyether. Balloons comprising such copolymers are asserted to possess a desirable combination of strength, compliance and softness. Catheter balloons comprising blends of two or more such copolymers are also known, and it has been asserted that irradiating such blends can enhance the properties of the resulting balloons, including increased burst pressures.
It would be highly advantageous to have medical devices which included expandable or inflatable balloons with improved strength, for example, with greater tensile strength, burst pressure and/or puncture resistance, while simultaneously possessing acceptable compliance (in this case, an acceptable ratio of balloon diameter growth to balloon pressure). It would also be highly advantageous to have medical devices made from materials which meet a variety of desirable processing criteria, including thermal stability, non-toxicity, non-volatility, high boiling point (preferably, solid at room temperature), high flash point, insensitivity to moisture and commercial availability.
It would also be advantageous to have balloon-type or other medical devices (such as catheters) which had a varying durometer or durometer hardness, that is, a varying resistance to deformation upon the application of a transverse force, but which did not need to be constructed from multiple pieces of different durometers. "Durometer" or "durometer hardness" usually refers to the resistance of materials such as rubber or plastics to deformation, typically to deformation by an indenter of specific size and shape under a known load. The stiffness or resistance to lateral deformation of an elongate rubber, plastic or portion of a medical device often correlates to durometer hardness, as does balloon burst pressure. The stiffness or resistance to lateral deformation of such an elongate portion also often correlates to the modulus of elasticity or flexural modulus of the rubber, plastic or other material of which the elongate portion is made. For brevity, the use of the phrase "varying durometer" herein refers to changes in any or all of durometer hardness, stiffness, resistance to lateral deformation, modulus of elasticity, flexural modulus or other desirable functional property. Use of the word "durometer" herein is therefore not limited to durometer hardness or to properties which correlate to durometer hardness. As used herein, "durometer" instead also includes properties such as modulus of elasticity and flexural modulus which do not necessarily correlate to durometer hardness, since materials having the same durometer hardness may have different moduli of elasticity or different flexural moduli, and thus different stiffnesses.
Varying durometer along the length of a medical device enables different parts of a device to perform different functions. Unfortunately, present methods or structures for achieving a variable durometer along the length of a catheter shaft or other medical device entail securing two or more separate pieces of different durometer by adhesion, heat bonding, butt bonding, sonic welding, mechanical means or the like. The resulting structures have a very rapid or abrupt change in composition, and therefore a very rapid or abrupt change in durometer, at the junction of the pieces of different durometer. One drawback of such structures is that the very rapid or abrupt change in durometer creates a kink point at which the catheter shaft or the like is subject to folding over during use, making the catheter shaft or the like more difficult to advance in the patient. Eliminating this abrupt change in composition while allowing the medical device (or portion thereof) to have different durometers along its length would make it easier to advance a catheter shaft or the like in a patient. Moreover, particularly in devices having very small cross-sectional diameters, it is often difficult to reliably secure together different pieces of very small diameter. This difficulty would be avoided if the different pieces of the medical devices could be continuously formed. It would further be advantageous to achieve a varying durometer without the need for heat bonding two or more separate pieces, as heat bonding the pieces adds heat history to them, along with an associated risk of degradation at the bond site. It would also be advantageous to have medical devices in which a change in durometer was gradual over an appreciable length of the devices, that is, over a length long enough to improve the practical utility of such devices, such as by obviating kinking or the like.

Medical device including unitary, continuous portion of varying durometer


An ultrasound detection device comprising: an ultrasound receiver configured to generate a signal indicative of a pressure of ultrasound that impinges on the receiver; and a coded mask comprising an ultrasound-blocking material perforated by an array of a plurality of apertures, the apertures arranged such that when the coded mask is placed over the receiver between the receiver and a source of ultrasound in a predetermined lateral position, the ultrasound is transmitted from the ultrasound source to the receiver via a known unique pattern of active apertures of the plurality of apertures such that the signal that is generated by the receiver is a multiplexed signal.

Technologies for the generation and detection of ultrasound have numerous applications in the biomedical fields as well in the field of nondestructive testing. For example, optoacoustic imaging may be utilized to examine biological tissues. In optoacoustic imaging, a region of tissue may be irradiated by laser pulses so as to cause heating and thermal expansion of the tissue. The expansion of the tissue may generate ultrasound that may be detectable by one or more detectors. In some cases, one or more tomographic reconstruction techniques may be applied to detected ultrasound signals so as to map one or more properties of the irradiated tissue.

TECHNION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION LIMITED


An example method for forming a data-bearing medium in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure includes setting variables associated with the data-bearing medium, the variables comprising a bit length of a payload, a row-to-row offset and an interleave period, identifying a standard form of the payload, the standard form being a circularly shifted version of the payload, generating a phase code based on the variables, and arranging rows of the data-bearing medium with the standard form of the payload and the phase code based on the interleave period.

Technologies for enabling data-bearing hard copy afford a number of interesting applications, including labels, packaging, signage, and documents in general. Non-limiting examples of data-bearing media may include data-bearing magnetic media (e.g., magnetic storage), data-bearing optical media (e.g., optical storage), data-bearing atomic media (e.g., atomic storage), data-bearing images, etc. For example, data-bearing images may include data-bearing halftoned images (e.g., halftoned images in which explicit data is added by altering the halftone structure in a controlled/causal way), graphical alpha-numerics, barcodes, etc.
One approach of enabling data bearing properties may be encoding information in the halftone of an image. Halftone screening techniques represent one of the methods imaging companies have used to improve the quality of printed pieces. These techniques can possibly improve the aesthetic qualities and fidelity of printed reproductions. Clustered-dot halftoning converts the original image into a series of dots of varying size to simulate tonal difference, displaying detail in the image. Darker areas of the image are printed with larger dots and lighter areas are printed with smaller dots. These different sized dots absorb the light reflecting from the paper in varying amounts thus giving the illusion of different shades of gray while printing with only black ink.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


Provided are techniques for dynamic LIFI extenders routing. One or more geographic locations of a physical region are identified based on historical crowd density, historical network traffic, current crowd density, and current network traffic. For each of the one or more geographic locations and a plurality of mobile bots, a mobile bot of the plurality of mobile bots is sent to that geographic location at a specified time, where the mobile bot provides a dynamic Light Fidelity (LIFI) extender router that acts as a network access point, and users at that geographic location are associated with the mobile bot, where each of the users has a LIFI enabled mobile device that communicates with a network of devices by sending data to the dynamic LIFI extender router via LIFI.

Embodiments of the invention relate to dynamic Light Fidelity (LIFI) extenders routing.
LIFI may be described as a high speed, bidirectional, networked and mobile communication of data using visible light (e.g., Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)), non-visible light (e.g., Ultraviolet (UV)), and/or infrared light spectrums. LIFI may be formed by multiple light bulbs that form a wireless network. On the other hand, WIFI uses radio frequency to transmit data.
Also, LIFI is considered to be more secure that WIFI because LIFI may be contained to a physical region. With WIFI, for example, one may pick up a neighbor's signal without much effort. However, with LIFI, simply focusing a more direct beam to a focused area and/or the act of closing a door may limit the shared spectrum of LIFI to other parties/users. Light also does not "bleed" through walls or other barriers, and light does not wander into environments signal owners may prefer to avoid.

Dynamic light fidelity (LIFI) extenders routing

International Business Machines Corporation


An applicator and receptacle sealer, the applicator for applying a viscous liquid stored in a receptacle and the sealer for sealing the receptacle which is open at the top for removal of the liquid, the applicator and receptacle sealer comprising: a substantially circular member of a flexible, semi-rigid material having a diameter which is selectively adjustable and having a marginal annular edge for sealably engaging the interior wall of a receptacle, the selectively adjustable diameter of the circular member formed by providing annularly in the marginal annular edge scored lines for removing a selected outer portion of the marginal annular edge from the circular member, thereby reducing the diameter of the circular member; and, an elongated handle member mounted to the upper surface of the circular member for imparting vertical movement thereto when the circular member is positioned within the receptacle. The lower surface of said circular member can have an affinity for the viscous liquid to allow the liquid to adhere to the surface and be removed from the receptacle and deposited for its intended use.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for sealing receptacles and applying the contents therein and, more particularly, to a receptacle and applicator for printers' ink which allows for the adjustment of the size of the applicator to fit the container (without any special tools) and sealing of the container by the applicator after each use without the need for a special sealing cap, thereby minimizing the amount of time to supply the ink to its end use and minimizing the amount of ink wasted.
2. General Background
In the printing industry, ink comes in containers of many differing sizes and must be poured into the reservoirs of printing machines by using a ladle as the ink has a high viscosity. Seldom is a full container used thus requiring that the container be resealed or the ink will develop a crust at the top wasting a good portion of the ink which is quite expensive. This problem is exacerbated because there is no one standard sized container industry-wide so that one sealing cap or applicator can be used.
Several attempts have been made at sealing receptacles containing liquids and/or providing an applicator therefor. However, none of these prior devices allow for a universal applicator and receptacle sealer for printers' ink or like viscous material.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,465,755 issued to F. A. Sanders; U.S. Pat. No. 1,525,785 issued to G. W. Ullman; and, U.S. Pat. No. 1,092,902 issued to D. Doggett, all disclose containers for printers' ink which have "floating" lids which prevent air from contacting the ink's surface during storage. U.S. Pat. No. 3,221,359 issued to R. Moroni, at al.; U.S. Pat. No. 888,756 issued to E. M. Scranton; and, U.S. Pat. No. 1,534,259 issued to J. D. Dempsey, all disclose containers for viscous materials (such as glue, polish, etc.) which have lids with applicators on the under surfaces thereof that snugly fit inside containers to cover the substances therein. U.S. Pat. No. 3,164,289 issued to T. A. Cocchiarella; U.S. Pat. No. 2,828,886 issued to R. W. Thomas; and, U.S. Pat. No. 1,284,751 issued to M. Mussino, all disclose containers which have sealable lids, the edges of the lids contacting the inner walls of the containers; each has a handle affixed to the upper surface of its "floating" lid.

Receptacle and applicator for printers' ink


Objective of the invention is a pruning device for upright pruning of trees, to which pruning device belongs a shaft (1), an at the end (2) of the shaft through an articulated joint fastened support (3), an at the support fastened, rotatable cutting blade (4), an at the support fixed, with the cutting blade parallel running cutting support device (5) for leaning of the upright pruning device against the tree when cutting the branches as well as a with the cutting blade connected power source (6, 7) for the rotating of the cutting blade. When operating the present pruning devices the problem is the fact, that when using them the trunk of the tree is easily damaged, because the cutting is performed too close to the trunk of the tree. In the pruning device in accordance with the invention at the support (3) fastened on the end (2) of the shaft is fastened a fastening device (8), on which the cutting blade (4) is fixed adjustably parallel to the axis of the cutting blade for adjusting of the distance between the trunk of the tree and the cutting blade.

The object of this invention is a pruning device which allows for upright pruning of standing trees. Said pruning device comprises a shaft, one end of said shaft having a support which is articulatably joined to said shaft; a rotatable cutting blade; a cutting support device which is fixed parallel to the cutting blade for leaning the upright pruning device against a tree when cutting its branches; and a power source coupled to and rotating the cutting blade.


A battery terminal connector for connection to a battery post, particularly useful in automotive application. The connector includes a plate having an aperture which is shaped and sized to fit about the battery post. A slot extends from the aperture to one end of the plate so as to form two spines in the plate which are separated by the slot. With the plate positioned in a horizontal orientation, one spine has an extender element, such as a bolt, extending upwardly from the spine. The other spine has a receiving element such as an upwardly extending clasp. A camming band seats about the bolt and about the clasp, and extends across the slot. A nut is rotatable on the bolt and can be moved downwardly to forcibly contact the camming band. The nut and camming band have cooperating surfaces such that downward movement of the nut on the bolt forces the camming band to move laterally relative to the bolt. This lateral motion of the camming band pulls the clasp so that the bolt and clasp move toward each other. Correspondingly, the two spines move toward each other, contracting the width of the slot between the spines. This contraction also tightens the aperture about the battery post.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to battery terminal connectors of the type suitable for use with automotive batteries, and more particularly to a connector which can be installed from above by applying a lateral torque to actuate a firm grip about a vertical battery post.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Numerous types of terminal connectors are available to connect an electrical conduit to a battery in automotive type applications. Some, such as those including a laterally extending tightening bolt, are simple. Many, however, such as those with a vertical tightening bolt, are more complex to manufacture, require numerous parts and operations, and are more susceptible to failure. Additionally, many such connectors are relatively large and bulky. As automobiles have become more streamlined with added attention to aerodynamics, the space available for placement of a battery, under the hood or elsewhere in the automobile, has become limited. This is particularly a concern where original equipment manufacturers are offering world cars where it is desirable to standardize on common parts. There is a premium on automotive components that allow better space utilization and ease of installation. For example, many simple connectors attach a generally cylindrical clip about a vertical post extending upwardly from the battery. The clip is tightened into engagement with the post by a horizontally oriented bolt. Gaining access to the horizontal bolt is sometimes difficult. With improved design and attention to fabrication techniques, manufacture of terminal connectors can be made easier, resulting in a less expensive and more rapidly manufactured part.
To address the access concern, battery terminal connectors which engage a vertical battery post through application of a lateral torque about a vertically oriented bolt have been proposed. In this manner, the operator can work through direct access to the top of the battery. This is particularly beneficial in new car construction where a robotic tool may be involved in the initial installation. These types of connectors are herein referred to as "vertical access connectors".
One such vertical access connector is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,741. That connector includes a vertically oriented, generally cylindrical post fitting including two clamping members extending laterally from the fitting and forming a gap between the members. As the gap is closed, the fitting tightens about the battery post. To close the gap, a separate tightening tool, having a vertical bolt and camming surfaces conforming to the clamping members, is laterally slid onto the members and, upon applying a lateral torque to the bolt, the tool forces the members together. While allowing vertical access, the design relies on the camming action of the clamping members themselves. This results in a connector that is difficult to fabricate and, in order to provide sufficient gripping force, may require a taller fitting and tougher or thicker material. The shapes of portions of the connector are relatively complex.
Another vertical access connector is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,178 which includes a generally cylindrical electrode post holder having two clamping pieces extending laterally from the holder. One clamping piece includes a slanting plate extending from the bottom of that piece upwardly at an angle through a horizontal opening in the other clamping piece. A vertical bolt is mounted to a support piece and the bottom of the bolt engages the slanted plate. As a lateral torque is applied to the bolt, the bolt moves downwardly and forces the slanted plate and integral clamping piece to move laterally, thus moving the clamping pieces toward one another and tightening the post holder about the post. This connector thus also relies on the clamping members themselves to perform a camming action. It too may require a taller post holder and tougher or thicker material in order to achieve sufficient gripping force. The shapes of the portions of connector, while different than those described above, are also relatively complex.
Yet another vertical access connector is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,941 which includes a generally cylindrical opening for fitting about a battery post which is formed by two jaws. Several embodiments are disclosed, each having a cam face on the jaws and a vertical screw passing through a portion of each jaw. The jaws are initially spaced from one another to create a gap which closes upon application of torque to the screw. Here too, the jaws themselves are camming members, with attendant strength, packaging and manufacturing limitations. Additionally, the connector is made by a die cast process, which is relatively expensive and of increased weight.
It is therefore desirable to provide a battery terminal connector of the vertical access type which is sturdy, inexpensive, simple to manufacture, easy to install, and which provides sufficient gripping force about a battery post in a compact package. It is particularly desirable to provide such connectors of parts that can be fabricated with relatively simple tooling.