Coefficient multipliers are inserted into feedback loops between an output of a delay unit and an input of an adder, and between an output of the other delay unit and the other input of the adder. Here, it is assumed that an input data supplied to an integration circuit is X(z), an output data supplied from the integration circuit is A(z), and an output data of a quantizer is Y(z). Then, the following equations are met. EQU Y(z)=X(z)+Q(1-Z.sup.-1).sup.2 (1-.alpha.Z.sup.-1). where .alpha. is a coefficient of the coefficient multipliers. EQU A(z)={X(z)+Y(z).multidot.F(z)-Y(z)}/F(z) EQU F(z)=(1K.sub.1 Z.sup.-1) (1-K.sub.2 Z.sup.-1) . . . (1-K.sub.n Z.sup.-1). where K.sub.1 to K.sub.n are coefficients of real numbers meeting the relation 0<K.sub.1, K.sub.2, . . . , K.sub.n .ltoreq.1.

A conventional noise shaping circuit is basically composed of an integration circuit and a quantizer.
In a first conventional noise shaping circuit, the integration circuit comprises serially connected first to third adders, first to third delay units each feeding an output of a corresponding one of the first to third adders back to the corresponding adder, and an additional delay unit feeding an output of the quantizer back to the first adder. Thus, the integration circuit having three integration steps is provided. In such a noise shaping circuit, the noise shaping property is improved to be proportional to the number of the integration steps.
However, the first conventional noise shaping circuit has a disadvantage in that oscillation occurs in the integration circuit, as the number of the integration steps is increased. In order to overcome this disadvantage, the precision of quantized bits is increased in the quantizer. However, this results in a complicated structure of an output circuit and the necessity of a higher frequency clock.
In a second conventional noise shaping circuit, the integration circuit comprises first to third sets of first to third adders and first to third delay units, coefficient multipliers for multiplying outputs of the second and third adders by coefficients, a limiter provided between the third adder and a corresponding one of the coefficient multiplier, and an additional delay unit feeding an output of the quantizer back to the first adder.
In a second conventional noise shaping circuit, the coefficient multipliers are provided to decrease the influence of an oscillation state, and the limiter is also provided to suppress oscillation occurring at the third integration step.
However, the second conventional noise shaping circuit has a disadvantage in that the integration circuit works only as having two of the first and second integration steps, because the limiter suppresses even the integration operation of the third integration step.
In a third conventional noise shaping circuit, the integration circuit comprises first to third coefficient multipliers, and two delay units, wherein an output of the quantizer is fed through a first path of the two delay units and the first coefficient multiplier, a second path of one of the two delay units and the second coefficient multiplier, and a third path of only the third coefficient multiplier back to the adder. In accordance with the structure, noise is decreased at an audio frequency band.
However, the third conventional noise shaping circuit has a disadvantage in that oscillation can not be avoided, although the noise shaping property is improved at the audio frequency band.

Noise shaping circuit having plural feedback coefficient multipliers


An air conditioning apparatus includes a compressor, an interior side heat exchanger, an exterior side heat exchanger, an expansion device provided between the interior side heat exchanger and the exterior side heat exchanger, a four-way valve provided between the compressor and the interior side heat exchanger and between the compressor and the exterior side heat exchanger, an oil separator provided between a delivery outlet of the compressor and the four-way valve, a first restrictor and a second restrictor provided between the oil separator and a suction inlet of the compressor, and an open-close valve provided between the second restrictor and the suction inlet of the compressor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an air conditioning apparatus and a method of controlling thereof. In particular, the invention relates to an air conditioning apparatus in which refrigerating machine oil can be returned sufficiently, and to a method of controlling thereof.
2. Description of the Background Art
A conventional air conditioning apparatus is constituted as shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, the air conditioning apparatus is composed of a compressor 21, a four-way valve 22, an interior side heat exchanger 23, an expansion device 24, an exterior side heat exchanger 25, a refrigerant pipe 26, an interior side blower 27 and an exterior side blower 28.
In this configuration, refrigerant flows as shown by the arrow of the solid line in the case of cooling.
Specifically, the refrigerant discharged from compressor 21 passes through four-way valve 22 and is condensed by exterior side heat exchanger 25. After the heat is discharged into the exterior air, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant are reduced by expansion device 24. The refrigerant flows into interior side heat exchanger 23, cools the interior air, and evaporates. The evaporated and vaporized refrigerant is passed through four-way valve 22, and sucked into compressor 21.
In the case of heating, the refrigerant flows as shown by the arrow of the dotted line. Specifically, the refrigerant discharged from compressor 21 is passed through four-way valve 22, and condensed by interior side heat exchanger 23. The refrigerant heats the interior air, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant are reduced by expansion device 24, and the refrigerant flows into exterior side heat exchanger 25. The refrigerant receives heat from the exterior air and evaporates. The evaporated and vaporized refrigerant is passed through four-way valve 22, and sucked into compressor 21.
The refrigerating machine oil is enclosed in compressor 21 for lubrication of the mechanical section. The apparatus has a mechanism by which the refrigerating machine oil is difficult to let flow from compressor 21. However, currently a small amount of refrigerating machine oil is emitted with the refrigerant from compressor 21. Since refrigerant flon (chlorofluoro carbon) 22 currently used by the air conditioning apparatus has compatibility with the refrigerating machine oil, the refrigerating machine oil is melted into the refrigerant, passed through interior side heat exchanger 23 and exterior side heat exchanger 25, and returned to compressor 21. Accordingly, the refrigerating cycle proceeds without trouble.
Due to the problem of destruction of ozonosphere, flon 22 which is HCFC type flon is to be successively reduced during the period from 2004 to 2020. Therefore, the flon should be replaced with HFC type flon or the like of which modulus of destruction of ozonosphere is zero. Three-component type refrigerant R407C (R32/R125/R134a:23/25/52 wt %), two-component type refrigerant R410A (R32/R125:50/50 wt %) are the HFC type flon that are leading substitutes as the refrigerant. However, the compatibility of the substitute refrigerant with mineral oil used as the conventional refrigerating machine oil is poor, and the rate of the refrigerating machine oil emitted from compressor 21, mixed with the refrigerant and returned to the compressor becomes extremely low. As a result, the amount of the refrigerating machine oil in the compressor could be insufficient to cause inadequate lubrication.
As a refrigerating machine oil which has the compatability with the substitute refrigerant described above, refrigerating machine oil of polyester type or polyether type is developed. Although the polyester type refrigerating machine oil has hygroscopicity and is easy to be hydrolyzed, the sludge is often found in case of contamination of any impurities such as the machine oil. Further, although the polyether type refrigerating machine oil has the hygroscopicity, there are unknown factors of the cost and the possibility of supply. Consequently, the refrigerating machine oil is selected out of the conventional mineral oil, the polyester type refrigerating machine oil, the polyether type refrigerating machine oil, and the like. Whichever oil is selected, the compatability with the refrigerant would be poor, and any measures to return the refrigerating machine oil are necessary.
If returning of the refrigerating machine oil is inadequate in a large-sized air conditioning apparatus or the like, the configuration as shown in FIG. 2 is conventionally used. Specifically, a by-pass formed of an oil separator 29 and a restrictor 30 is provided between a delivery outlet and a suction inlet of compressor 21, the refrigerating machine oil contained in the refrigerant discharged from compressor 21 is separated by oil separator 29, the separated refrigerating machine oil is passed through restrictor 30 and sucked into compressor 21. The capillary tube or the expansion valve is used as restrictor 30. If the resistance of flow passage is too high, the refrigerating machine oil does not flow sufficiently. If the resistance of flow passage is too low, a large amount of refrigerant flows and the capacity as the air conditioning apparatus decreases. Therefore, a restrictor having a proper resistance of flow passage is employed.
In a refrigerating cycle in which the compressor operates with a constant speed of rotation, most of the refrigerating machine oil discharged from compressor 21 is separated by oil separator 29, and sucked into compressor 21 in the apparatus above. In the air conditioning apparatus mainly used now, an inverter compressor is used and the capacity control is achieved by controlling the operation frequency of the compressor. In this air conditioning apparatus, if the operation frequency of compressor 21 is low, the refrigerating machine oil discharged from compressor 21 and circulated in the refrigerating cycle is difficult to let return to the compressor 21 due to the low flow velocity of the refrigerant. Consequently, the amount of the refrigerating machine oil in compressor 21 could be insufficient, causing inadequate lubrication.

Air conditioning apparatus returning refrigerating machine oil to compressor by two restrictors and method of controlling air conditioning apparatus


Presently described are systems and methods for identifying a mute/sound attribute of an audio sample set having first-channel samples and second-channel samples. An embodiment takes the form of a method that includes: (i) receiving the audio sample set; (ii) for each first-channel sample, determining a first max amplitude and a first min amplitude; (iii) calculating a first span based on a first function of the first max amplitude and the first min amplitude; (iv) for each second-channel sample, determining a second max amplitude and a second min amplitude; (v) calculating a second span based on a function of the second max amplitude and the second min amplitude; and (vi) identifying the audio sample set as having a sound attribute if both the first span and the second span are greater than a min-volume threshold.

Sound is a mechanical wave that is an oscillation of pressure transmitted through a solid, liquid, or gas, composed of frequencies within a range that can be heard and/or felt (typically from 20 Hz to 20 KHz). Audio technology relates to the electronic representation of sound. When using an analog recording technique, audio signals are stored as a continuous wave in or on a recording medium. When using a digital recording technique, audio signals may be stored as, for example, representative data points or samples.
In digital recording, the accuracy of the digital signal's representation of the wave (i.e., the underlying sound) is dependent on, among other things, the sampling rate, which specifies how many samples are taken per unit of time. For example, the sampling rate typically used for "CD-quality" audio is 44.1 kHz, meaning 44,100 samples are taken per second to represent the wave. A sample refers to a value at a point in time. A plurality of samples representing a portion of audio is referred to as a sample set. In the case of a wave, a sample represents the amplitude at an associated location on the wave. As more samples of the wave are taken, the wave is more accurately represented by the digital signal, thereby allowing for improved quality in the playback of the originally recorded sound.
Audio has many properties, including loudness, as an example. Loudness, sometimes referred to as volume, is a level of auditory sensation having a value on a scale extending from quiet to loud. The loudness level is determined by the amplitude at a given location of the wave. When the loudness level is at or near the quiet end of the scale (e.g., a low amplitude), the audio is often characterized as being silent or "mute." Due to static and noise that are present in audio recordings, the audio may still be considered mute even when a slight level of loudness is present. As such, the mute characterization is typically used when audio has no (or only an insignificant amount of) loudness, and would therefore be logically characterized (e.g., by a listener) as being mute. When the loudness level is not at or near the quiet end of the scale (such that it has a relatively high amplitude), the audio is often characterized as having "sound."
Audio is commonly organized as a single channel (i.e., mono) or as multi-channel (i.e., with two or more associated channels), where multi-channel is often used to create a sense of space and/or direction of sound. For example, a stereo-channel configuration includes two separate (but associated) audio signals, typically identified as left and right channels. Multi-channel configurations having more than two channels are commonly used to simulate surround sound, but still typically include the left and right channels.
Audio technology is also closely related to video technology, which relates to electronically capturing, processing, recording, and reconstructing a sequence of still images referred to as frames, so as to represent motion. Video includes a number of frames based on a predefined frame rate. For example, in the U.S., the Advanced Television Systems Committee ("ATSC") establishes a standard frame rate of 29.97 frames/second for video used for commercial over-the-air television broadcasting. Video may also be transmitted via a digital video signal (e.g., based on the high definition serial digital interface (HD-SDI) standard). Once captured and processed, video is typically encoded and recorded as a digital file. Thereafter, the file is retrieved and the video is reconstructed by decoding the file.
Audio is often embedded in and/or otherwise associated with video. As an example, a signal based on the HD-SDI standard represents not only video but also up to 16 channels of audio with a 20 or 24-bit sampling rate of 48 kHz. As such, each frame of video may have an associated audio sample set (i.e., representing the sound associated with that frame).
Since the HD-SDI standard or other standards may provide or include more audio channels than were used when a given set of audio was recorded, often the audio associated with one or more of the recorded channels is duplicated and used for the additional channels. For example, when mono audio is played out from a first source and then recorded by a second source (e.g., using the HD-SDI standard), the same (or substantially the same) audio from the single channel may be effectively copied and used as both the left and right channels. This process is often referred to as audio "up conversion." Thereafter, when the recorded audio is played back, the same (or substantially the same) audio is heard on both the left and right channels. Notably, noise and static often prevent two or more channels in this instance from being identical, but in most instances, they are at least substantially similar.
For a variety of reasons, such as to analyze systems, identify commercials, and assist with video and/or audio editing, there is a desire to analyze sample sets and identify in those sample sets select attributes such as the mute/sound attribute as described above.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Systems and methods for identifying a mute/sound sample-set attribute


A method for improving the intermediate dielectric profile, particularly for non-volatile memories constituted by a plurality of cells, including the following steps: forming field oxide regions and drain active area regions on a substrate; forming word lines on the field oxide regions; depositing oxide to form oxide wings that are adjacent to the word lines; opening, by masking, source regions and the drain active area regions, keeping the field oxide regions that separate one memory cell from the other, inside the memory, covered with resist; and removing field oxide in the source regions and removing oxide wings from both sides of the word lines.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for improving the intermediate dielectric profile, particularly for non-volatile memories such as EPROMs and FLASH memories.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
The gradual reduction in the size of chips allows an increasingly larger number of devices to be located on each individual silicon wafer, with a consequent reduction in production costs.
In reducing memory size more and more, an increasingly important role is played by the space occupied by each individual memory cell, which is repeated in an array millions of times in a matrix until the desired memory capacity is reached.
The ever greater size reduction, on the other hand, causes many problems in the connection and continuity of the metal lines. Elevation differences in the devices and size reduction (reduction in the size of the contacts and of the metal lines, reduction in the distances between the contact and the gate terminal of the cell and of the distances between metal lines) can cause elevation differences that are difficult to span adequately with the interconnecting metal layers.
In order to improve contact formation, deposition methods (doped dielectrics) and reflow methods, i.e., thermal treatments for redistributing the dielectric and thus "soften" the elevation differences, have been developed.
The method normally used to produce memories entails the use of memory cells with implantations that are self-aligned with respect to the gate terminal of the cell, in order to ensure the electrical performance (writing of the memory cell), and transistors, with structures of the LDD (Low Doped Drain) type, used to relax the electrical fields.
A method that is currently used to provide LDD structures is the generation of wings made of oxide, generally termed oxide "spacers", that are formed by means of a process for depositing a non-doped dielectric and with an RIE etching (anisotropic etching in plasma) that leaves an oxide residue at the sides of the transistor gates.
Light implantations are performed before generating the oxide spacers, while heavy source/drain implantations, self-aligned with the spacers, are performed; the two implantations are of the same type: phosphor (light) and arsenic (heavy) for the N-channel transistors, and low-dose boron (light) and high-dose boron (heavy) for P-channel transistors.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a memory cell, of an N-channel transistor, and of a P-channel transistor. In particular, the element on the left in the figure is the memory cell, the central element is the N-channel transistor, and the element on the right is the P-channel transistor.
In detail, the reference numeral 1 designates the N-type substrate, the reference numeral 2 designates the N-type well, the reference numeral 3 designates the gate oxide layer, and the reference numeral 4 designates the layer of oxide present between the two layers of conducting polysilicon 11 and 12 of the memory cell. The polysilicon layer 12 is the control gate terminal of both the memory cell and the transistors, whereas the polysilicon layer 11 is the floating gate terminal in which charge accumulation occurs.
Between one device and the next (memory cell--N-type transistor--P-type transistor) there is provided a layer of field oxide 5 that acts as an insulator. A junction 6 is present, for the memory cell, adjacent to the field oxide 5 and is self-aligned with the gate terminal of the cell.
Likewise, adjacent to the transistors (N and P) there are provided light implantations of the LDD type, designated respectively by the reference numerals 7 and 10 for the N-channel transistors and for the P-channel transistors, as well as source/drain junctions that are self-aligned with the oxide wings 13 of the devices and are designated by the reference numerals 8 and 9 respectively.
The oxide wings, i.e., the spacers, are designated by the reference numeral 13.
A method known as SAS (Self Align Source) is currently used to selectively remove the spacers 13 on the source terminal side. In order to better understand the differences of the known SAS method with respect to the conventional method for producing memory cells, it is convenient to describe the two methods side by side, in order to point out their drawbacks that cause the need for a new solution to the problem.
FIGS. 1 and 4 show, for the standard process and for the SAS process, the first step of the process, which in one case (standard process, FIG. 1) consists in forming the region of the source line by means of an appropriate mask and in the other case (SAS method, FIG. 4) consists in forming the active drain area regions. In this manner, in the second case bands of active drain area 15 and bands of field oxide 14 (which is insulating, previously designated in FIG. 3 with the reference numeral 5) are obtained, that run uninterruptedly along the entire length of the matrix.
Then the word lines 16 are formed by means of the mask for the deposition of polysilicon.
A heavy doping implantation of the drain and source areas of the cells is then performed for both processes.
Then a step of oxide deposition (formation of the spacers 13) with RIE etching is performed.
At this point, the SAS process entails an additional SAS mask that is shown in FIG. 6 and designated by the reference numeral 17, to open only the source line regions (which are still not open with this process, differently from the standard process).
The SAS mask 17 is then arranged approximately halfway between the two word lines 16, allowing to provide the opening in the resist and to remove the field oxide bands 14 in the source line 18.
The areas of the source line that have thus been exposed are doped at this point by ion implantation.
FIG. 8 is a plan view of the final structure of the cell, executed by means of the SAS process, inserted in the matrix of an EPROM memory. In this figure, the reference numeral 18 designates the source line, the reference numeral 15 designates the active drain area, and the reference numeral 30 designates the metal bit line.
By means of the SAS process it is thus possible to remove the oxide spacers on the source line side.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of memory cells in which the spacers are removed selectively, by means of the SAS matrix, from the word lines 16, on the side of the sources 18.
Although the SAS technique is advantageous with respect to the execution of a memory cell with the standard process, the cell thus formed has the drawback that it still has spacers on the drain side.
A principal aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a method for improving the intermediate dielectric profile that allows a reduction in the problems related to the deposition of the metal contact layers.
Within the scope of this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for improving the intermediate dielectric profile so as to reduce the elevation differences of the devices, accordingly avoiding the danger of a reduction in the thickness of the layers that are deposited subsequently (metal layers for connection and final passivation).
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for improving the intermediate dielectric profile that can be applied to memory cells produced both with the standard process and with the SAS (Self Align Source) process.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for improving the intermediate dielectric profile that allows, at the same time, to reduce a step for heavy source/drain ion implantation in the memory matrix.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for improving the intermediate dielectric profile that at the same time allows to eliminate the problems linked to the possible misalignment of the contacts and to the consequent reduction in the width of the field oxide, with insulation problems.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method that is highly reliable and relatively easy to perform at competitive costs.

Method for improving the intermediate dielectric profile, particularly for non-volatile memories


A method and apparatus for controlling accesses to main memory by a CPU includes a CPU coupled to the main memory by a first switching device. A system bus is coupled to main memory by a second switching device. The system bus couples a plurality of functional units to main memory. The first and second switching devices are interconnected so that only one of the two switching mechanisms can release the connection between the CPU or the system bus and the main memory. Advantageously, a first buffer is coupled between the main memory and the CPU for temporary storage of data which is to be transferred between the CPU and main memory, and a second buffer is coupled between main memory and the system bus for temporary storage of data which is to be transferred between the system bus and main memory. The main memory, the first and second switching mechanisms as well as the first and second buffers are provided on the same board as the CPU.

The invention relates to a data processing system and a method for controlling the latter with the data processing system having a central processing unit (CPU), a main memory and a system bus which can be connected to the main memory and other functional units. The invention also relates to a CPU board for a data processing system in which the CPU is mounted on its own board.
Normally, the CPU, main memory and the input/output units (I/O units) or their controllers are each on a board, also referred to as a card. All functional units connected to the system bus are thus controlled centrally by the central processing unit (CPU), e.g. by a microprocessor. As a result, communication between the functional units and the CPU always takes place via the system bus.
For example, if an I/O unit wishes to transfer data with the main memory, i.e., input data to the main memory or output data from the main memory, the I/O unit sends a signal to the system bus; on the basis of this signal, the CPU is "halted" for a brief period of time while the I/O unit is permitted to directly access the main memory, a process also referred to as DMA (direct memory access).
Since a great many direct accesses are made to the main memory, particularly during peak load operation, jams and long waiting periods occur; this is due to the fact that the system bus timing is standardized and therefore cannot be accelerated to any speed, especially since all plug-in cards on the system bus must adhere to certain invariable timings.
An entire range of techniques are known for the simultaneous processing of as many tasks as possible in data processing systems. For example, so-called cache memories are used as small, fast buffers and are placed on the same board as the CPU. The CPU then outputs the data from the main memory via the system bus and writes these data to the fast cache memory located on the CPU board. If the CPU attempts to reaccess this data, it no longer has to transfer the data from the main memory via the relatively slow system bus, but can directly access the fast cache memory.
Due to advanced integration technology, it has become possible to place the CPU and main memory on a single board. Since communication between the I/O units and the main memory continues to take place via the system bus, the latter is blocked to the main memory by frequent DMA accesses, i.e. accesses by I/O units with direct access, so that long waiting periods again occur.

Data processing system and method for controlling the latter as well as a CPU board


Systems and methods for orientation-independent, wireless charging of devices is provided. The methods disclosed herein comprise transmitters operating at different frequencies, which collectively generate a rotating magnetic field.

The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
There is a long-felt need to transmit power wirelessly. U.S. utility application Ser. No. 15/400,884 to the current inventors, details some of the prior art in this field, and teaches solutions that utilize orthogonally placed transmitters to transmit power to a receiving device independently of the relative orientation of the transmitters and the receiving device. The '884 application, and all other publications referenced herein, are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
Orthogonal placement of the various transmitters tends to work well only when the transmitters are properly oriented, and only when there is synchronization of transmissions from the different transmitters. There are many instances in which satisfaction of those two conditions can be difficult. Thus, there is still a need for apparatus, systems, and methods, in which power can be transmitted independently of the orientation of the device, without requiring orthogonal orientation of transmitters, and without synchronization of transmissions from the different transmitters.

Wireless power transmission using transmitters operating at different frequencies


Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to utilizing client mobile devices for wireless network monitoring. Link quality data for wireless networks are measured by a plurality of wireless client devices and are provided to a network controller. The link quality data is usable to manage a wireless local area network (WLAN). The wireless networks include at least the WLAN and a cellular network. A recommendation for connection is provided to the wireless client devices, where the recommendation indicates if the cellular network is recommended or an access point of the WLAN.

Constant monitoring of network channels is often required to provide high network performance because wireless channel conditions vary over time and are difficult to predict. This is especially the case in indoor wireless networks where the wireless radio frequency (RF) propagation is affected by walls, windows, other RF signals, and even humans. Wireless channel quality monitoring is a challenging task as the quantity and quality of data required to manage, control, mitigate interferences, and improve security and coverage of the wireless network is often not available. Accordingly, enterprise network managers/administrators are challenged to improve network performance with the little network data available at their disposal.

Utilizing client mobile devices for wireless network monitoring

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A mounting structure includes a mounting unit, a plurality of first connectors arrayed on the mounting unit, a plurality of pairs of guide rails attached to the mounting unit, and a plurality of packages having electronic circuit components mounted thereon. Each of the packages has at least one second connector at one edge thereof which is engaged with at least one of the first connectors when the package is inserted into the mounting unit along an associated pair of the guide rails. The mounting structure further includes a rod and a plurality of arms. A first end of each of the arms is attached to the rod so as to be able to pivot or rotate around the rod. A second end of each of the arms is engaged with an edge of one of the packages opposite to the one edge having the at least one second connector when the arms are pivoted or rotated toward the packages, so that the packages inserted in the mounting unit are prevented from coming out of the mounting unit.

The present invention relates to a structure for mounting packages with electronic circuit components on a mounting unit.
In a conventional structure for mounting packages on a mounting unit, a plurality of pairs of guide. rails are attached to the mounting unit, and each package is inserted into the mounting unit along the associated pair of guide rails so that connectors on the mounting unit are connected to corresponding connectors attached to one edge of each package.
In the conventional structure, there is a disadvantage in that the packages can undesirably come out gradually from the mounting unit due to vibrations generated around the mounting unit. The conventional structure has another disadvantage in that electronic circuit components on each package may be destroyed or those on the other packages may be adversely affected because of surge currents or noises caused when each package is drawn out from the mounting unit. The conventional structure has still another disadvantage in that there is a large voltage drop because electrical power is supplied to each package from the connectors attached to only one edge of the package.

Structure for mounting packages with electronic circuit components on a mounting unit


A vertebral assist device for monitoring, supporting, stabilizing, and adjusting vertebrae. An embodiment of the vertebral assist device includes: a plurality of vertebral support sections, each of the plurality of vertebral support sections configured to support a respective vertebra of a patient; an actuating system for interconnecting each adjacent pair of the plurality of vertebral support sections, the actuating system dynamically controlling an alignment of the plurality of vertebral support sections; and a control system for actively monitoring the alignment of the plurality of vertebral support sections and for directing the actuating system to dynamically adjust the alignment of the plurality of vertebral support sections until an alignment goal is achieved.

Approximately half of the population of the United States population suffers from chronic back complications causing discomfort and pain, while about 300,000 people live with vertebro-spinal injuries resulting in paralysis and other permanent disabilities or limitations. In addition, around 5 million people suffer from varying degrees of scoliosis.
The spinal column is comprised of twenty-four independently moving vertebrae that allow for proper motion and flexibility. The vertebrae, along with a membrane called the meninges, provide natural protection of the delicate nervous system that serves to maintain bodily functions and movement. When part of the spine is impeded or damaged due to injury or disease, it may not be able to properly relay signals to the target extremities. This may result in loss of movement, bowel or bladder control issues, vital organ dysfunction, involuntary spasms, pain or burning in the areas affected, difficulty breathing, and severe chronic pain. Common causes of such problems include not only vertebral or spinal cord injuries caused by serious falls or automobile accidents, but scoliosis as well.
Scoliosis is a form of spinal misalignment that can cause nerve compression and surrounding muscular fibers to atrophy over time. If left uncorrected, serious long-term damage can lead to spinal deterioration, musculo-skeletal remodeling, chronic pain, nerve interference, and disc degeneration resulting in limited range of motion, coordination issues, incontinence, and a decreased quality of life.
Many people are unaware that they have a scoliosis until symptoms set in due to pronounced degrees of exaggerated kyphosis or lordosis (curvatures of the spinal column). Early development can be asymptomatic. It can take years for the symptoms to manifest. Diagnosing the problem early is critical to preventing serious or permanent damage that could impede the body's maintenance and innate healing abilities.
There are many types of procedures to correct such spinal issues, including spinal fusions, vertebral disc replacements or discectomies, and conventionally used vertebral rod stabilizers (pedicle screw systems). In addition, many pedicle screw systems are simply implanted to stabilize vertebrae while they fuse. After fusion, the pedicle screw system is typically left in the patient with no further functionality. Unfortunately, long-term side-effects may persist that include a limited range of motion due to fixation or fusion, scar tissue build-up as a result of repeated interventions or excessive damage during procedure, or other complications such as symptom recurrence or newly developed problems above or below the surgery site.
Even with these methods, some patients may not respond well or prefer alternative solutions, which may not adequately address their particular spinal issues. Additionally, these procedures may not offer long-term corrections. For example, across various methods of performing discectomies, there is about a 30% recurrence rate, resulting in repeated surgical reintervention. In many cases, reintervention may result in increased or pronounced instability in the affected areas. As a consequence of reintervention or failed primary intervention, the risk of disc slippage, degeneration, vertebral instability, and lumbar herniation may increase.
Currently, across most conventionally used spinal corrective procedures, there is about a 55% recurrence rate of complication 5-7 years after initial intervention. For laminectomies however, the recurrence rates are about 25% after 5-7 years. Unfortunately, as the population increases, so too does the number and percentage of recurrence rates for these procedures.


A fourth lens group of a four-lens group zoom lens includes, in order from an object side, a single positive lens having aspheric surfaces on both sides, and a cemented lens formed of a negative lens and a positive meniscus lens having a convex surface directed to the object side. The object-side surface of the positive single lens is convex and has a stronger refractive power. The cemented lens has a negative refractive power as a whole. The following conditional expressions are satisfied:0.04<Da/f4<0.15(n41+n43)/2<1.53where Da denotes a gap between the single positive lens and the cemented lens,                f4 denotes a focal length of the fourth lens group,        n41 denotes a refractive index of the single positive lens at the d-line, and        n43 denotes a refractive index of the positive meniscus lens at the d-line.

1. Technical Field
The invention relates to a zoom lens suitable for, for example, a video camera and a digital still camera, and relates to an imaging apparatus including the zoom lens.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, a rear focus type zoom lens has been generally used as a zoom lens for a video camera. The rear focus type zoom lens includes four lens groups having positive, negative, positive, and positive refractive powers in order from an object side, and the fourth lens group is used for focusing. There is an increasing demand for a video camera is not only compact and lightweight but also has a high performance, with an improvement in the image quality of high definition television monitors and with an increase in the screen size of high definition television monitors. Also, there is a demand for a video camera capable of capturing an image at a wide angle in a small space, such as in a room. Therefore, it is necessary to achieve a zoom lens having a large angle of view at a wide-angle end and a high zoom ratio.
There are some methods to achieve a size reduction of the four-group zoom lens having positive, negative, positive, and positive refractive powers, while maintaining a high performance. First, a movement of a second lens group in an optical axis direction may be reduced in order to increase a negative refractive power of the second lens group to ensure a predetermined zoom ratio. To this end, it is preferable that the second lens group include four or more lenses. In particular, when the second lens group consists of four lenses, it is preferable that the second lens group consists of, in order from the object side, a negative lens having a concave surface which has a strong refractive power and is directed to the image side, a negative lens having concave surfaces on both sides, and a cemented lens formed of a positive lens having convex surfaces on both sides and a negative lens (see JP 2001-91830 A and JP 2001-228395 A).
Also, the third lens group may be formed of a so-called telephoto type which includes two lenses having a positive refractive power and a negative refractive power in order from the object side, and the principal position of the third lens group may be moved to the object side to shorten a distance from the third lens group to an image formation surface. To this end, it is preferable that the third lens group include two or more lenses. In particular, when the third lens group consists of two lenses, it is preferable that the third lens group consists of, in order from the object side, a positive lens having a convex surface, which has a stronger refractive power and is directed to the object side, and a negative meniscus lens which has a concave surface, which has a stronger refractive power and is directed to the image side, (see JP Hei.4-43311 A (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 5,189,558), JP Hei.5-297275 A (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 5,396,367) and JP Hei.8-304700 A).
Further, the fourth lens group may be formed of a telephoto type, and the principal position of the fourth lens group may be moved to the object side to shorten a distance from the fourth lens group to the image formation surface. To this end, it is preferable that the fourth lens group include three or more lenses. In particular, when the fourth lens group consists of three lenses, it is preferable that the fourth lens group consists oft in order from the object side, a positive lens, and a cemented lens, which has a negative refractive power and is formed of a negative lens and a positive lens (see JP 2005-326516 A (corresponding to US 2005/0254138 A)).
However, although the second lens group of the zoom lens disclosed JP 2001-91830 A has the above-mentioned preferable structure, the fourth lens group consists of two lenses. Therefore, there is a limit to achieve a high-performance optical system. Also, S although the second lens group of the zoom lens disclosed in JP 2001-228395 A has the above-mentioned preferable structure, the third lens group consists of one lens. Therefore, it is difficult to shorten the overall length of the zoom lens, and it is difficult to achieve a high-performance optical system. Further, since a negative lens is disposed on the object side of the fourth lens group, a back focal length is long, and it is difficult to shorten the overall length of the zoom lens.
In the zoom lenses disclosed in JP Hei.4-43311 A (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 5,189,558), JP Hei.5-297275 A (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 5,396,367) and JP Hei.8-304700 A, the third lens group has the above-mentioned preferable structure. However, the second lens group consists of three lenses. Therefore, when the refractive power is increased to shorten the overall length of the zoom lens, the negative Petzval sum is increased, and a large image plane variation is caused by zooming. In addition, since the fourth lens group consists of one or two lenses and is not a telephoto type, it is difficult not only to achieve a high-performance optical system but also to shorten the overall length of the zoom lens.
Further, in the zoom lens disclosed in JP 2005-326516 A (corresponding to US 2005/0254138 A), the fourth lens group has the above-mentioned preferable structure. However, a good balance between the size reduction of the zoom lens and the improvement of the performance thereof is not achieved. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the structure of the zoom lens. In particular, an air gap between two lens elements in the fourth lens group is large, and the overall length of the fourth lens group is long. Therefore, when considering the movement of the zoom lens during zooming and during focusing, a large space is required between the third lens group and the image formation surface.


A thermosetting covering sheet comprising an unhardened or semihardened layer made of a thermosetting resin composition is provided. The thermosetting resin composition comprises, as main ingredients, a reactive acrylic resin, which is in a solid state at ordinary temperatures, and a blocked isocyanate, the reactive acrylic resin containing a plurality of at least one kind of functional group selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, amino, and carboxyl, and the weight average molecular weight of the reactive acrylic resin being in the range of 100,000 to 1,000,000.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a thermosetting covering sheet that can form a hard coating on the surfaces of objects. This sheet can be overlaid onto the surfaces of various objects and then hardened by heat to create a permanent coating for purposes such as corrosion-proofing, decoration, or display, and it is suitable for covering objects with curved or irregular surfaces. The present invention also relates to a method for forming hard coatings using the said sheet.
2 Description of the Prior Art
Coating materials in liquid or powder form are generally applied to the surfaces of objects for decoration, display, or corrosion-proofing, or to impart various other functional characteristics.
When coating materials that contain organic solvents or coating materials in powder form are used, the working environment deteriorates. On the other hand, when water-base coating materials are employed, the working environment may not be adversely affected, but the long period of time required for the drying of such coating materials, or the rapid drying of such coating materials using e.g., heat may entail substantial energy consumption. Moreover, ordinary coating materials require careful adjustment of viscosity or concentration, which involves complex and tedious work.
Therefore, covering sheets composed of thermoplastic resins such as polyvinyl chloride have been proposed as a substitute for conventional coating materials. A substrate such as a steel plate, etc., is covered by effecting the adhesion of this type of sheet onto the surface of the substrate. The use of this type of sheet has no adverse effects upon the working environment, and involves no need to remove solvents.
When covering the substrate with such a sheet, various known vacuum or pressurization methods for applying the said sheets are used in order to improve the adhesion between the sheet and the substrate. For example, a method for effecting close adhesion of a sheet to the substrate by formation of a vacuum is proposed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 53-61486, and a method of effecting close adhesion by applying the sheet to the substrate in a vacuum chamber is proposed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 57-27009. However, because the aforesaid sheets are composed of thermoplastic resins, the hardness of the coating formed on the surface of the substrate is poor, and consequently such coatings are easily scratched.
As a remedy for this shortcoming, methods for forming coatings of high surface hardness by hardening of the sheet after adhesion to the substrate have been proposed. Japanese Patent Publication No. 57-13425 discloses a type of composite sheet consisting of an initiator-impregnated sheet (which is obtained by impregnating a porous sheet base material with a radical initiator) laminated with a sheet containing a polymer and a radical reactive monomer. Japanese Patent Publication No. 60-21630 proposes a self-supporting sheet composed principally of thermoplastic resin and/or rubber, with ingredients that include a powder containing a radical reactive unsaturated compound (which is solid at ordinary temperatures) and a powder containing a radical initiator (which is also solid at ordinary temperatures).
The uniform hardening of the composite sheet described in the aforesaid Japanese Patent Publication No. 57-13425 requires that heating and pressurization be used to effect uniform contact between the components contained in the two layers of the said composite sheet; however, control of the heating and pressurization processes is difficult, and accordingly, formation of a uniformly hardened coating is difficult. Moreover, substances such as paper, woven cloth, or unwoven fabric are to be used as the basic material to be impregnated by the radical initiator. The elongation of this sort of base material is difficult. Therefore, when this sheet is used for covering the surfaces of curved or irregular substrates, wrinkles are easily formed. That is, with use of this type of sheet, wrinkle-free coatings are formed with difficulty on substrate surfaces.
For the sheet described in the aforesaid Japanese Patent Publication No. 60-21630, because the sheet is readily extensible, its application to irregular or curved surfaces should be possible. This sheet incorporates a powder containing a radical reactive unsaturated compound and a powder containing a radical initiator, but they do not come into direct contact within the thermoplastic resin layer. By heating of the sheet, the two powders and the resin are fused together, thereby effecting hardening of the sheet. Consequently, the quality of the sheet is dependent on the grain size of the powder and the uniformity of mixing of this powder. In the process of the manufacture of this sheet, because the two powders start to react when brought into contact at high temperatures, each powder must be refrigerated when the crushing and mixing are performed. Uniform mixing of the two powders is difficult, so the reaction induced by heating the sheets so obtained tends to be nonuniform. As a result, nonuniform covering coatings are liable to be formed, which detracts from the external appearance of such coatings.
In Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-61873, a sheet made of a composition containing a photocrosslinking acrylic polymer and a photosensitizer is proposed. The substrate is covered with this type of sheet and then the sheet is hardened by irradiation. However, if this type of sheet is used to cover objects with irregular or curved surfaces, then the sheet cannot be uniformly irradiated, and therefore a uniformly hardened coating is not obtained.
The following functions and characteristics are also desired in sheets used for coating objects.
(1) The sheet can provide rustproofing protection to a metallic substrate when the sheet is applied on the substrate.
(2) The desired gloss can be imparted to the sheet surface.
Hitherto, methods have been known whereby the gloss on the sheet surface is modified by transferring the desired irregularities from process paper to the said sheet surface. However, in this method, when the sheet is hardened by heating, the resin of the surface portion of the sheet is melted, and therefore a sheet with the desired gloss is difficult to obtain.
(3) Photochromic properties can be imparted to the sheet.
Japanese Patent Publication No. 57-10913 discloses an adhesive coating consisting of a plastic coating with a layer of an adhesive agent containing a photochromic compound. However, because this adhesive coating is based upon a coating of soft plastic, the surface of the sheet is of low hardness and is easily scratched.
(4) The sheet is not prone to having dust adhere to it; or, the sheet is electrically conductive.
Electrically conductive coating materials have been known for some time. For example, there are antistatic agents applied to plastic or metal articles, sealers used for electroplated objects, coatings for electronic materials used for electrodes, volumes, condensers, and printing of circuit boards, and others.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 60-219270 discloses a type of coating material or sheet that contains a binder and an electrically conductive powder, and is hardened by light, other radiation, electron beams, etc. By use of this type of coating material or sheet, coatings with high strength and hardness as well as excellent electrical conductivity and transparency can be formed.
However, when the coating materials disclosed in this patent publication are used, solvents are required, and therefore, as previously mentioned, the working environment deteriorates, or a long time is necessary for the removal of the solvent. On the other hand, if the said type of sheet is used, then, because these sheets are not flexible, application to substrates with curved surfaces is difficult.
(5) Dew should not condense on the sheet surface.
Japanese Patent Publication No. 62-205171 proposes a type of coating material prepared by formulating a highly water-absorbant resin in a hydrophilic or oilphilic solvent. However, the applied coating material should be dried to remove the solvent, and therefore, the working environment deteriorates, or the removal of the solvent prolongs the processing time.
(6) After hardening, the surface of the sheet should resist soiling. (7) The sheet should have an attractive external appearance and excellent physical properties. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 62-16930 proposes a type of colored coating with a attractive external appearance and excellent weather resistance, fabricated by laminating a colored layer containing an unsaturated polyester polyol and a transparent layer composed of a cross-linked polymer composition.
Because the transparent layer is laminated onto the surface of a colored layer in this type of colored coating, the external appearance of the coating gives an impression of depth. However, the colored film is prepared by applying a colored plastic layer onto the surface of a hardened transparent plastic layer, so the coating lacks ductility and malleability. Consequently, wrinkles are liable to form when this coating is used to cover a substrate with an irregular surface.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 62-271735 discloses a sheet obtained by consecutive lamination of a surface layer composed of a thermoplastic resin composition and a colored layer composed of a crosslinking polymer composition containing metallic powder and/or a coloring agent onto a smooth release sheet with mold-releasing characteristics. However, this type of sheet also lacks extensibility.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 58-57472 proposes a type of sheet with a surface layer principally composed of semihardened resin and a base layer principally composed of hot melt resin. Adhesiveness is imparted to the base layer of this sheet by heating. However, heating is required when the sheet is applied to the surface of the substrate, so working characteristics are poor. Moreover, raising the temperature of an object that has been covered with such a sheet causes peeling at the margin of the sheet.

Thermosetting covering sheet and a method of forming hard coating on the surface of substrates using the same


In the present invention, personal air filtration unit sold as SMARTMOUTH(trademark), a trademark for a personal air filtration unit comprised of an outer activated carbon pre-filter and an inner filter for particulate matter available through Tri-Pact Enterprises has been attached to a column of valve connectors which are connected to a tracheostomy tube. The filter has a downwardly dependent exhaust port which allows expired air to flow out of the filtration unit without passing through the filters, thereby helping to prevent mixing of inhaled and exhaled air, and decreasing resistance to exhalation, as well as one-way valves in the form of a flap, on the one hand to prevent exhaled air from entering a dead space between filters, and on the other hand to prevent entering of inhaled air through the exhaust port.

1) Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to breathing devices for patients with tracheostomies.
2) Description of the Related Art
Devices exist which may be utilized by patients with tracheostomies to humidify and to filter inhaled air. The prior art seems to be lacking, however, in a filter which may be attached to a tracheostomy tube which provides an outer activated carbon pre-filter and an inner filter for particulate matter with one-way valve in the form of a flap to prevent exhaled air from entering the filters as well as an exhaust port with one-way valve in the form of a flap to allow for outward flow of expelled air, which helps to prevent mixing of inhaled and exhaled air and decrease resistance to exhalation. The terms xe2x80x9couterxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cinnerxe2x80x9d are in reference to the structure of the filter and the direction of inhaled air; the xe2x80x9couterxe2x80x9d filter is located at the outer extent of the filter and is the filter through which inhaled air passes first. The xe2x80x9cinerxe2x80x9d filter is located proximal to the xe2x80x9couterxe2x80x9d filter, and is the second filter through which inhaled air passes. U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,950 to Smith discloses a filter device for a tracheostoma with an activated carbon and hydrophic layer, but which does not include an exhaust port or one-way valves. U.S. Pat. No. 3,262,447 to Burke discloses an inhalation valve and exhalation valve in a respirator for laryngectomies; however the inhalation valve comprises a structure different from and works differently from that of this invention. The inclusion of an exhaust port and the one-way valves makes the invention particularly useful to those patients whose respiratory status is the most delicate, as it helps to maximize the presentation of filtered air to the patient and the ease with which it is presented.
In the present invention, a personal air filtration unit sold as SMARTMOUTH(trademark) available through Tri-Pact Enterprises, which includes an activated carbon pre-filter and filter for particulate matter, as well as an exhaust port, and one-way valves has been attached to a column of valve connectors, firstly to a conical xe2x80x9cmultiadaptorxe2x80x9d provided by Hudson, which is in turn connected to a cylindrical connector which is available through Instrumentation Industries which is in turn connected to a trach swivel adaptor, such as a xe2x80x9cdouble swivel elbowxe2x80x9d by Intersurgical Co. and xe2x80x9ctrach swivel adaptorxe2x80x9d by Marquest Medical Co., which is in turn connected to a patient""s tracheostomy tube.
In the present invention, a personal air filtration unit (5) has been attached to a column of valve connectors, firstly to a conical xe2x80x9cmultiadaptorxe2x80x9d provided by Hudson, which is in turn connected to a cylindrical connector which is available through Instrumentation Industries which is in turn connected to a trach swivel adaptor, such as a xe2x80x9cdouble swivel elbowxe2x80x9d by Intersurgical Co. and xe2x80x9ctrach swivel adaptorxe2x80x9d by Marquest Medical Co., which is in turn connected to a patient""s tracheostomy tube.
The filtration unit (5) includes an outer activated carbon pre-filter and an inner filter for particulate matter. Proxhnally from the inner filter for particulate matter is a one-way valve in the form of a flap which allows air to be inhaled through the inner filter but prevents exhaled air from entering dead space between the filters. The filtration unit (5) also has a downwardly dependent exhaust port with it""s own one-way valve in the form of a flap which allows expired air to flow out of the fixation unit without passing through the filters, thereby helping to preventing of inhaled and exhaled air and decreasing resistance to exhalation. This one-way valve prevents air from being drawn into the port with inhalation.


The present invention to provides a portable terminal and data output control device suitably used for readily obtaining detailed information on a network. The data output control terminal communicably connects a user-owned portable terminal, printing devices situated at various locations for outputting data, and WWW servers, via the Internet, receives data printing requests containing portable terminal position data generated by the portable terminal from the portable terminal, searches printing device position data of a storage device based on portable terminal position data contained in the data printing request, selects a printing device which is considered to be closest either distance-wise or time-wise with the position of the portable terminal as a reference, and outputs data relating to the data printing request to the selected printing device.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a device and terminal for communicably connecting a user-owned portable terminal and multiple printing devices situated at various localities via a network, receiving data printing requests from the portable terminal, and outputting data relating to the data printing requests to one of the printing devices. Particularly, the present invention relates to a data output control device and portable terminal suitably used for readily obtaining detailed information on a network.
2. Description of Related Art
In recent years, information on the Internet can be readily obtained at any location by using i-mode (Registered Trademark) provided by NTT DoCoMo, Inc., for example. However, with such portable terminals, while information on the Internet can be readily obtained at any location, the display capabilities are usually of a simple configuration due to considerations such as reduction in size of the portable terminal and reduction in power consumption and so forth. Therefore, the information displayed is quite simplified as compared to that displayed on a normal personal computer, and does not come close to providing information which sufficiently satisfies the users.
Accordingly, a proposal can be made for an arrangement for obtaining detailed information while maintaining the small size and reduction in power consumption of the portable terminal, by combining a portable terminal with a printing device, so as to display general information on the portable terminal and print detailed information with the printing device. However, there are several problems which must be technically solved for such an arrangement combining a portable terminal with a printing device.
For example, a printing device can be large and not readily carried along with a portable terminal, so printing detailed information using a printing device set up in the home or office can be conceived. However, by using such a fixed particular printing device, information is far from being readily obtainable at any location. Accordingly, in order to realize portable printing there is the need to either reduce the printing device to a portable level, or to arrange for arbitrary printer devices to be used. In the case of the former, it is extremely difficult to technologically realize this at the current state, so this is not realistic. In the case of the later, unique drivers are necessary for each printing device, so drivers for all printing devices to be used must be installed in the portable terminal, which also is not realistic.

Data output control device and portable terminal


This invention relates to a light curable composition, comprising at least one acrylate monomer, at least one acrylamide compound, at least one acrylate oligomer, and at least one photoinitiator. The light curable composition of the present invention exhibits excellent elongation property after curing and is suitable to be applied for 3D printing.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing processes, such as Stereolithography (SLA) and Digital Light Processing (DLP), are based on the layer-wise polymerization of Ultraviolet (UV) sensitive resins. One of the UV sensitive resins widely used for the 3D printing processes is (meth)acrylic based resin. Traditional (meth)acrylic based resins, however, are rigid and have poor elongation property after curing. The products of the traditional (meth)acrylic based resins are fragile, and the application of the products are therefore limited.
Therefore, there is a need for developing a light curable composition having good elongation property after curing, and suitable for 3D printing.


An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell preventing formation of a diffusion layer containing Ca and other elements, and having an excellent power generation performance at low temperature by preventing breakdown of a crystal structure of an electrolyte by firing. Disclosed is a solid oxide fuel cell which includes an inner electrode, a solid electrolyte, and an outer electrode, each being sequentially laminated on the surface of a porous support. The porous support contains forsterite, and has a Mg/Si molar ratio of 1.90 to 2.2 both inclusive, and an A-to-B ratio (A/B) of 0.0% to 9.0% both inclusive, where A denotes a maximum peak height which appears at a diffraction angle 2θ=26.5° to 27.0° and B denotes a maximum peak height which appears at 36.5° to 37.0° in a powder X-ray diffraction pattern obtained by using Cu-Kα radiation.

In recent years, intense studies have been conducted on low operating-temperature solid oxide fuel cells to reduce operating temperatures of solid oxide fuel cells to around 600° C. to 800° C. As a solid electrolyte material for low operating-temperature solid oxide fuel cells, lanthanum-gallate-based oxide have been proposed (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-15756 (pages 1 to 9, FIGS. 1 to 9), and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. Hei 11-335164 (pages 1 to 12, FIGS. 1 to 12)). In solid oxide fuel cells in which lanthanum-gallate-based oxide is used as a solid electrolyte material, NiO-YSZ having similar thermal expansion properties is employed as a support material. Nevertheless, NiO-YSZ is expensive, and hence an inexpensive support material is desired. In this regard, the use of relatively inexpensive forsterite-based sintered compact as a support material has been proposed (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-93241).


A mechanism for selectively locking and unlocking a vehicle door latch, comprising a rheological fluid in operable connection with an output and an input, the fluid acting so as to in a first state prevent actuation of the output upon actuation of the input and in a second state permit such actuation.

The present invention relates to a vehicle locking mechanism that utilizes a rheological fluid in its operation.
Conventional locking systems require a number of moving parts whose operation may be compromised by dust ingress and wear, for example. Such locks are often relatively noisy in operation and may be relatively slow to change between locked and unlocked states. A further problem with know locking systems is that they do not interface well with electrically operated passive entry systems.
Passive entry systems replace conventional vehicle unlocking devices such as keys or "plip" type devices with sole form of transponder device that is carried by a vehicle user and that is remotely interrogated by a reader associated with the vehicle. If entry permission is granted, the system will signal the unlocking of the vehicle locks. However, as locking mechanisms are essentially mechanical in operation, one or more electrical motors must be fitted to a locking mechanism so as to convert the signals from the passive entry system to operate the locking mechanism.

ArvinMeritor Light Vehicle Systems (UK) Ltd.


A spacer, disposed between first and second substrates of an electron emission display, includes a main body, a resistive layer arranged on a side surface of the main body, a secondary electron emission preventing layer arranged on the resistive layer, and a diffusion preventing layer arranged between the resistive layer and the secondary electron emission layer. The diffusion preventing layer prevents interdiffusion between the resistive layer and the secondary electron emission preventing layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a spacer and an electron emission display including the spacer. More particularly, the present invention relates to a spacer that is configured to prevent electric charges from being accumulated on the surface thereof and an electron emission display including the spacer.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, electron emission elements are classified into those using hot cathodes as an electron emission source, and those using cold cathodes as the electron emission source. There are several types of cold cathode electron emission elements, including Field Emitter Array (FEA) elements, Surface Conduction Emitter (SCE) elements, Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM) elements, and Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor (MIS) elements.
A typical electron emission element includes an electron emission region and driving electrodes for controlling the electron emission of the electron emission region. The electron emission region emits electrons according to the voltage supplied to the driving electrodes. The electron emission elements are arrayed on a first substrate to form an electron emission device. The first substrate of the electron emission device is disposed to face a second substrate on which a light emission unit having a phosphor layer and an anode electrode are provided. The first and second substrates are sealed together at their peripheries using a sealing member and the inner space between the first and second substrates is exhausted to form an electron emission display having a vacuum envelope.
In addition, a plurality of spacers is disposed in the vacuum envelope to prevent the substrates from being damaged or broken by a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the vacuum envelope.
The spacers are generally formed of a nonconductive material, such as ceramic or glass, and disposed to correspond to non-emission areas between the phosphor layers so as not to interfere with traveling paths of the electrons emitted from the electron emission device toward the phosphor layers.
However, when the electrons emitted from the electron emission device travel toward the corresponding phosphor layers, an electron beam-diffusing phenomenon can occur due to a high electric field caused by the anode electrode. The electron beam-diffusing phenomenon cannot be completely suppressed even when a focusing electrode is provided.
Due to the electron beam-diffusing phenomenon, some of the electrons cannot land on the corresponding phosphor layers but collide with the spacers. The spacers, formed of glass or ceramic, have an electron emission coefficient higher than 1. Therefore, when the electrons collide with the spacers, many secondary electrons are emitted from the spacers and thus, the spacers are positively charged. When the spacers are charged, the electric field around the spacers varies to distort the electron beam path.
The electron beam distortion causes the electrons emitted from the electron emission device to move toward the spacers. In this case, a visible spacer problem can occur where the spacers are observed on a screen by a user, thereby deteriorating the display quality.

Spacer configured to prevent electric charges from being accumulated on the surface thereof and electron emission display including the spacer


The invention provides the image method and apparatus to increase the sharpness of a resized image. The image includes a plurality of pixels with an alpha value and an image data. The method detects the alpha value of neighboring first and second pixels. Weighting values of interpolated pixels between the first and second pixels are determined. The image data of the interpolated pixels are set to be identical to the image data of the first pixel when one of the first pixel or the second pixel is zero.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an apparatus and method for image processing, and more particularly to an image processing method/apparatus capable of increasing sharpness in a scaled image.
2. Description of the Related Art
Interpolation is widely used to find unknown pixel values based on the known pixel values. Common interpolation algorithms can be grouped into two categories, adaptive and non-adaptive. Adaptive methods change depending interpolated pixels, while non-adaptive methods treat all pixels equally. Linear interpolation is the most basic form of interpolation. To find an unknown pixel P3 the factors x and (1−x) are used in a weighted average of two known pixels, P1 and P2 as shown by the following formula:P3=P1 by x+P2 by(1−x).
If more pixels adjacent to the unknown pixel P3 are known and included, interpolation of the unknown pixel P3 is more accurate. With the exception of linear interpolation, bilinear interpolation, bicubic interpolation, or higher order interpolation, such as spline and sinc interpolations are also commonly used interpolations for increasing the accuracy of unknown pixels.
FIG. 1 is schematic diagram of an enlarged image by a conventional resizing mechanism. The enlarged image 12 and the bottom image 11 are in different layers, a widely applied technique in display devices. After the image has been enlarged, a blurred edge 13 occurs around the enlarged image 12. Please refer to the enlargement area 14. The pixels 14a and 14e are known pixels, and the pixels 14b, 14c and 14d are determined based on the known pixels, 14a and 14e, and corresponding weighted values. The blurred edge 13 is caused by the interpolated pixels, such as the pixels 14b, 14c and 14d, thus, a low complexity, adaptive and useful image resizing mechanism capable of increasing the sharpness and reducing blur is desirable.


An electrical cable management device for use in mining and other applications where there are size restrictions on equipment. The device is a round stationary drum, around which travels a carriage for winding, unwinding and storing hot electrical cable. The device is mounted on skids and is portable and can be located away from the mining activity while still being able to manage and control the winding and unwinding of electrical cable in response to movement of the mining equipment. The device does not require electrical split ring connectors, rotating collector rings, brushes or the like, but provides a continuous cable from a power source to the moveable mining equipment. The orbiting carriage is driven by an electric motor for winding cable and automatically becomes free wheeling when cable is unwound from the drum.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a device for the management of electrical cable used in mining operations to power moving mining equipment. The device winds and unwinds cable from a drum upon demand and keeps the cable out of harms way.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Almost all power utilized to operate equipment and machinery in mining operations is electrical. Mining operations require highly specialized equipment that either dump, haul, or bore tunnels into the rock or other earth strata as they move about in mining operation. These vehicles have to be moveable, and they have to have the capability of operating in confined, small locations, like mine tunnels. A typical vehicle would be a miner. A miner is a vehicle which bores into the rock, or other earth strata by the use of tools and other implements on the front of the vehicle. The rock ore that has been excavated at the front end, is conveyed to the rear of the vehicle, and dumped into other vehicles for hauling to other locations for removal to surface. These vehicles are powered by electricity from flexible cables that carry very high voltage. The fact that these vehicles are moveable requires that they be capable of being attached to an electrical cable so that they always have direct power sufficient for their operation. The handling of the cable is a major problem since the vehicles move about freely. The cable must always be handled so as to be kept clear of being run over by mining equipment and yet there must be sufficient cable available to permit travel and movement by the equipment. Typically, most mining vehicles that are electrically driven utilized manual labor, or workers, to manhandle, drag or reel the electrical cable as the machine or vehicle moves, about in the mine tunnels. Such work is dangerous, because of standing water, high voltage, and heavy cable, in addition to damage caused by mining vehicles.
There are, however, numerous known mechanical devices for spooling and/or handling electrical cables of mining vehicles as they move about in mining tunnels. All known devices have inherent defects or problems involved with their use.
The single most serious problem of known devices is the method for managing electrical cable which powers the vehicle. In most known devices, a rotating drum or reel is utilized to spool the cable. In all devices that utilize rotating drums to spool the cable, slip-rings, rotating collector rings, brushes or the like are employed to couple the power line coming and leaving the reel. Two of many examples are Dudley U.S. Pat. No. 3,061,233, and Tschurbanoff U.S. Pat. No. 4,583,700. Others employ the same technology. These slip rings and the like are potentially dangerous in mining operations. Mining regulations (see part 18.43 of 30 CFR ch 1 of Mine Safety and Administration) require that all such slip-rings and the like be contained within explosion proof boxes and even when that is done, those connectors are unreliable and severely wear prone, due to the severe environment conditions of a mine. They are also expensive, complicated, and ineffective. Additionally, the explosion proof enclosures are large and utilize excess amounts of space on the mining vehicle.
A more recent system for storing cables is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,834, issued to Hawley. There, no slip-rings are employed. There, cable is dumped or pulled into or out of a large drum. The cable is fed through a round sleeve in which are disposed frictional devices which engage the cable and pull it into the drum. Hawley unlike the present invention not only can handle round cable, but flat, oblong, etc. The prior art devices make no allowance to handle other than round cable. Further the electrical cable used in Hawley is not continuous from the power source to the mining vehicle but uses slip rings or other dangerous connectors.
The device described in Hawley and other prior art patents describe a stationary drum onto which cable can be loaded by a rotating arm. The cable is supposed to stack systematically, simply by gravity and the weight of the cable. However the cable is pulled into the drum by friction type device which squeeze the cable and pull it through the feeding fair-lead. Once the cable is clamped and squeezed, it restricts twisting of the cable, so when the cable is dumped into the container, it will twist, wrinkle, and not stack in any uniform manner. Such stacking decreases the available space for storage of the cable in the drum, unlike the present invention where the cable is systematically loaded. Space in mining operations is very limited and must be kept to a minimum. Drum stacking cannot be used in mining operations. There is no method presently available to automatically manage power cables for mining operation.
Almost all mining vehicles utilize the rear of the vehicle for mining operations. In Hawley, the container and storage bin is directly behind the vehicle while the drum of the present invention is disposed away from the mining operation and vehicle. A rear stacking device can not be used in most mining vehicle applications, simply because the drum must be located in a space used for work in a mining operation. The miner, for instance, cuts rock from the front and conveyors it to the rear for dumping and hauling. In operation it is also desirable that the power cable be placed on the side of the tunnel. If the cable is positioned or unwound and placed into the middle of the tunnel it interferes with all vehicles that may be moving in or about the tunnel. The present invention permits cable to be laid out at the side of the tunnel.
Lastly, all cables have splices and most are irregular shape. The prior art devices does not provide for the various size or shaped cables while the instant invention can operate with any shape of cable or splice.
There are devices like Dudley, supra, that utilize side mounted rotating reels. However, there is no known device which use a stationary reel for the storage and unwinding and winding of electrical cables, which can be disposed away from the mining operation while permitting the mining equipment to move freely about at will. The device automatically winds or unwinds cable in response to movement and/or demand of the mining equipment.
The other significant prior art is the applicant's own U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,508. That patent has as its salient feature an oblong stationary drum that is mounted on the side of a mining vehicle. That device does use a continuous power cable and orbiting device for winding cable on the fixed drum. The device also contemplates a clutch and pneumatic control system for winding and unwinding as provided in the present invention.
The instant invention contemplates a large cable management device. It can not be disposed on mining equipment and does not utilize an oblong drum. The present device can store large quantities of large cable and need not be disposed near the actual mining operation, where the cable can be damaged and cause serious injury or destruction. The device of the present invention weighs over 5,000 lbs. and is 78 inches in height, and can not be mounted on a mining vehicle, which is a critical element of patent 5,419,508. It is instead mounted on skids.
The stationary drum must be cylindrical in the present invention and cannot be oblong as described in the prior patent. This construction will permit the storage and management of large diameter electrical cable which the prior patent cannot handle.
These and other problems of the prior art devices are resolved by the present invention, which is described hereinafter.

Cable winding device for electrically powered mining vehicles


A magnetic memory device comprises a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) connecting to a bit line to a sense line through an isolation transistor. The MTJ includes a ferromagnetic layer having a magnetic hard axis. An assist current line overlies the bit line and is insulated from the bit line. The MTJ is switchable between a first, relatively high resistance state and a second, relatively low resistance state. The assist current line applies a magnetic field along the magnetic hard axis in the ferromagnetic layer, independently of current flow through the MTJ for assisting switching of the MTJ between the first and second states.

The emergence of magnetic random access memory (MRAM) is a promising step for the development of both long-term and short-term data storage. MRAM has the benefit of being non-volatile, while having a lower energy consumption and faster read and write time than Flash memory. MRAM also has a lower energy consumption than the commonly used volatile memories dynamic RAM (DRAM) and static RAM (SRAM), with a read and write time faster than that of DRAM.
A conventional MRAM cell comprises a magnetic element having a ferromagnetic free layer and a ferromagnetic pinned layer, separated by a non-magnetic layer. The pinned layer has a relatively high coercivity, so that its magnetisation remains fixed upon the application of a writing magnetic field. The free layer has a relatively low coercivity, so that its magnetisation can be changed upon application of the writing magnetic field.
To write to the MRAM cell, the writing magnetic field is applied to switch the magnetisation of the free layer to be either parallel or anti-parallel to the pinned layer. The free layer exhibits magnetic hysteresis, thus its magnetisation remains unchanged when the magnetic field is removed. This results in a non-volatile memory.
To read the state of the MRAM cell, a small current is driven through the magnetic element. The magnetoresistance of the magnetic element will be higher when the magnetisations of the free layer and the pinned layer are antiparallel, than when the magnetisations of the free layer and the pinned layer are parallel. In this way, the state of the magnetic element can be determined by measuring its resistance.
A conventional MRAM is described in "Recent Developments in Magnetic Tunnel Junction MRAM" by S. Tehrani et al., p. 2752-2757, IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, Vol. 36, No. 5 (September 2000).
Such a conventional MRAM suffers from the disadvantage that as the size of the MRAM cell decreases, the magnetic field required to switch the magnetisation of the free layer increases. Therefore, the power consumption of the device increases as the cell size decreases.
Another technique used to write to a magnetic element is spin-transfer-torque (STT) switching. STT switching is described in "Current-driven Excitation of Magnetic Multilayers" by J. C. Slonczewski, p. 9353, Phys. Rev. B, Vol. 54 (1996). To switch the magnetisation of the free layer, instead of applying a magnetic field, a current is driven through the magnetic element perpendicular to the plane of the free and pinned layers. This can result in the injection of spin-polarised electrons into the free layer, either by electrons flowing through the pinned layer, when current is driven from the free layer to the pinned layer, or by electrons scattering from the pinned layer 85, when current is driven from the pinned layer to the free layer.
When spin polarised electrons are injected into the free layer, their spin angular momentum interacts with the magnetic moments in the free layer. The electrons transfer a portion of their angular momentum to the free layer. This results in switching the magnetisation of the free layer when the spin-polarised current is large enough.
An MRAM utilising STT switching is described in "Highly scalable MRAM using field assisted current induced switching" by W. C. Jeong et al., p. 184, 2005 Symposium on VLSI Technology Digest of Technical Papers.
The current required for STT switching decreases as the cell size decreases. Therefore, high density MRAM can be realised with STT switching. For DC current, the threshold current density for STT switching depends on material constants such as the saturation magnetisation, Gilbert's damping constant, and the spin polarisations of both the pinned and free layers. However, the required current for a nano-second pulse is much larger than the DC threshold current. It has been shown that the required current in the nano-second regime is given byI=Ic0(1+C·tp−1)  (1)where C is a constant, and Ic0 is the DC threshold current. According to equation (1) above, the current required to switch the magnetisation for a 1 ns pulse is four times the DC threshold current. Therefore, STT switching MRAMs having a fast write time will have large power consumption.
Another MRAM is described in "A Novel Non-volatile Memory with Spin Torque Transfer Magnetization Switching: Spin-RAM" by M. Hosomi et al., p 19.1, IEEE International Electron Device Meeting 2005 also shows that the current required for STT switching increases significantly in the nano-second regime.
"Magnetization switching by spin torque using subnanosecond current pulses assisted by hard axis magnetic fields" by T. Devolder et al., Appl. Phys. Lett., 88, pp. 152502 (2006) describes an experiment conducted using a pillar-shaped spin valve in which magnetisation switching is induced by spin transfer using nano-second current pulses combined with a fixed hard axis field.
The present invention seeks to provide an improved method of operating a magnetic memory device.

Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique


A new Verbena plant particularly distinguished by large, pink flowers with white centers, an upright plant habit, good tolerance to powdery mildew, and early flowering, is disclosed.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct variety of Verbena, botanically known as Verbena sp., and hereinafter referred to by the variety name 'KLEVP12430'. 'KLEVP12430' originated from a cross-pollination conducted in April 2009 in Sydney, Australia between the proprietary female Verbena variety 'U 9107' (unpatented), and the proprietary male Verbena variety '1F2/V740' (unpatented).
The seeds from the cross were sown and plants were grown for evaluation, where an individual plant designated 'KLEVP12430' was selected from the group of plants in Cobitty, NSW, Australia in September 2010.
In September 2010 'KLEVP12430' was first vegetatively propagated by vegetative cuttings in Cobitty, NSW, Australia. 'KLEVP12430' was found to reproduce true to type in successive generations of asexual propagation via vegetative cuttings.


The invention relates to a method for producing plate-shaped or contoured components from an aqueous suspension containing 20 to 50% by weight of natural fibers, up to 4% by weight of a fixing agent and as the remainder of the suspension, thermoplastic material comprising a powder or fiber-like materials or a combination thereof. The components are made by a process comprising the steps of depositing the suspension on a screen, drying, heating and shaping the component under pressure.

European Patent Publication EP 0 039 292 discloses the production of components from a suspension of glass fibers, polypropylene (PP) powder, bonding fibers and other auxiliary materials, and the shaping of components of this suspension by employing pressure and heat.
German Patent Publication DE 36 36 864 describes the use of a suspension made of glass fibers and thermoplastic bonding materials for the production of shaped bodies by depositing the suspension, drying it, heating it and then pressing it into a contour tool.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,929,038 discloses the use of a suspension of inorganic reinforcement fibers, for example glass fibers, or organic fibers, having high melting points, bonding fibers and thermoplastic powder for producing three-dimensional shaped bodies. The three dimensional bodies are formed by depositing the suspension into a preform in a mold, drying the preform, heating the preform, and then molding the preform under pressure.
Glass fibers and other inorganic reinforcement fibers are unpleasant to handle. They can cause skin irritation or allergies. Furthermore, synthetic reinforcement fibers with high melting points are expensive, and in some cases, these fibers can be difficult to recycle. Elaborate formulas with a multitude of chemicals are employed for producing fiber material suspensions with glass fibers. These formulas are difficult to manage and in some cases, may cause waste water pollution problems.


The arrangement comprises parts coaxially mounted on the shaft, the parts including: a lockplate in rotational engagement with the shaft, the lockplate having a first side and a second side, the first side of the lockplate being in engagement with the component; a nut in threaded engagement with the shaft, the nut having a circumferential outer groove, a side of the nut being in pressing engagement with the second side of the lockplate; a damping element mounted in the groove and partially outwardly protruding therefrom; a lockwasher provided around the nut and in rotational engagement with the lockplate, the lockwasher having an interior surface in interfering engagement with the damping element; and a retaining element connected to the nut and to the lockwasher, the retaining element preventing the lockwasher from moving away from the lockplate.

Components mounted on shafts are oftentimes held on at least one of their sides by nuts coaxially mounted on the shafts. Nuts are oftentimes used with flat washers and spring-type lock washers provided between the component and the corresponding nut. Adhesives and other products can be used between the nut and the treads surrounding the shaft to prevent loosening of the nut. While these arrangements are suitable for many applications, it is not necessarily suitable for applications involving, for instance, high rotational speeds, sudden accelerations and/or decelerations, and/or high levels of vibrations. An example of such environment is present in a gas turbine engine. There is always a need to provide improvements in arrangements and methods of holding components mounted on shafts.

Arrangement for releasably holding a component in a fixed position on a shaft