A method includes predicting measurements or states to be used by a controller to control a process. The predicted measurements or states are generated using a model of the process. The method also includes providing the predicted measurements or states to the controller such that the controller uses the predicted measurements or states at a sampling rate of the controller. In addition, the method includes updating at least some of the predicted measurements or states using measurements associated with a characteristic of an item from a sensor. The model may represent a discrete time model, and the method may also include generating the discrete time model using a continuous time model of the process. The measurements could be received from a plurality of sensors, where at least two of the sensors have different sampling times.

Various systems are available and used to manufacture sheets of paper and other paper products. The sheets of paper being manufactured often have multiple characteristics that are monitored and controlled during the manufacturing process, such as dry weight, moisture, and caliper (thickness). The control of these or other sheet properties in a sheet-making machine is typically concerned with keeping the sheet properties as close as possible to target or desired values.
There are often two different types of actuators that are used to control the sheet properties in a sheet-making machine. First, there are machine direction (MD) actuators that typically affect only the cross direction average of a sheet property. The MD actuators often can have different dynamic responses with respect to a sheet property. Second, there are cross direction (CD) actuators that are typically arrayed across a sheet in the cross direction. Each array of CD actuators can usually affect both the average of a sheet property and the cross direction shape of the sheet property. The CD actuators often can have different dynamic responses and different spatial responses with respect to a sheet property.
The sheet properties are typically measured by a set of sensors scanned across the sheet in the CD direction by a scanner. A sheet property may also be measured by a stationary array of sensors. Many sheet-making machines have multiple scanners at different locations, and each scanner typically has its own set of sensors. The scanners are often not synchronized and can have very different scan times. In conventional CD control systems, synchronization of the sensors was not necessary since each CD controller was only concerned with controlling one sheet property measured by one set of sensors. The conventional CD controllers typically ignored the fact that one CD actuator could have an effect on multiple sheet properties. However, for multivariable CD controllers that implement coordinated control of multiple sheet properties, it is often required that the measurements of the sheet properties be synchronized.

Apparatus and method for controlling a paper machine or other machine using measurement predictions based on asynchronous sensor information


Disclosed is a human VEGF2 polypeptide and DNA (RNA) encoding such VEGF2 polypeptides. Also provided is a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques and antibodies and antagonist against such polypeptide. Also disclosed is a method of using such polypeptide for stimulating wound healing and for vascular tissue repair. Also provided are methods of using the antagonists to inhibit tumor growth, inflammation and to treat diabetic retinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Diagnostic methods for detecting mutations in the VEGF2 coding sequence and alterations in the concentration of VEGF2 protein in a sample derived from a host are also disclosed.

The formation of new blood vessels, or angiogenesis, is essential for embryonic development, subsequent growth, and tissue repair. Angiogenesis, however, is an essential part of certain pathological conditions such as neoplasia, for example, tumors and gliomas, and abnormal angiogenesis is associated with other diseases such as inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and diabetic retinopathy (Folkman, J. and Klagsbrun, M., Science 235:442–447,(1987)).
Both acidic and basic fibroblast growth factor molecules are mitogens for endothelial cells and other cell types. Angiotropin and angiogenin can induce angiogenesis, although their functions are unclear (Folkman, J., 1993, Cancer Medicine pp. 153–170, Lea and Febiger Press). A highly selective mitogen for vascular endothelial cells is vascular endothelial growth factor or VEGF (Ferrara, N., et al., Endocr. Rev. 13:19–32, (1992)), also known as vascular permeability factor (VPF). Vascular endothelial growth factor is a secreted angiogenic mitogen whose target cell specificity appears to be restricted to vascular endothelial cells.
The murine VEGF gene has been characterized and its expression pattern in embryogenesis has been analyzed. A persistent expression of VEGF was observed in epithelial cells adjacent to fenestrated endothelium, e.g., in choroid plexus and kidney glomeruli. The data was consistent with a role of VEGF as a multifunctional regulator of endothelial cell growth and differentiation (Breier, G. et al. Development, 114:521–532 (1992)).
VEGF is structurally related to the and chains of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a mitogen for mesenchymal cells and placenta growth factor (PLGF), an endothelial cell mitogen. These three proteins belong to the same family and share a conserved motif. Eight cysteine residues contributing to disulfide-bond formation are strictly conserved in these proteins. Alternatively spliced mRNAs have been identified for VEGF, PLGF and PDGF and these different splicing products differ in biological activity and in receptor-binding specificity. VEGF and PDGF function as homo-dimers or hetero-dimers and bind to receptors which elicit intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity following receptor dimerization.
VEGF has four different forms of 121, 165, 189 and 206 amino acids due to alternative splicing. VEGF121 and VEGF165 are soluble and are capable of promoting angiogenesis, whereas VEGF189 and VEGF-206 are bound to heparin containing proteoglycans in the cell surface. The temporal and spatial expression of VEGF has been correlated with physiological proliferation of the blood vessels (Gajdusek, C. M., and Carbon, S. J., Cell Physiol., 139:570–579, (1989)); McNeil, P. L., Muthukrishnan, L., Warder, E., D' Amore, P. A., J. Cell. Biol., 109:811–822, (1989)). Its high affinity binding sites are localized only on endothelial cells in tissue sections (Jakeman, L. B., et al., Clin. Invest. 89:244–253, (1989)). The factor can be isolated from pituitary cells and several tumor cell lines, and has been implicated in some human gliomas (Plate, K. H. Nature 359:845–848, (1992)). Interestingly, expression of VEGF121 or VEGF165 confers on Chinese hamster ovary cells the ability to form tumors in nude mice (Ferrara, N., et al., J. Clin. Invest. 91:160–170, (1993)). The inhibition of VEGF function by anti-VEGF monoclonal antibodies was shown to inhibit tumor growth in immune-deficient mice (Kim, K. J., Nature 362:841–844, (1993)). Further, a dominant-negative mutant of the VEGF receptor has been shown to inhibit growth of glioblastomas in mice.
Vascular permeability factor, has also been found to be responsible for persistent microvascular hyperpermeability to plasma proteins even after the cessation of injury, which is a characteristic feature of normal wound healing. This suggests that VPF is an important factor in wound healing. Brown, L. F. et al., J. Exp. Med., 176:1375–9 (1992).
The expression of VEGF is high in vascularized tissues, (e.g., lung, heart, placenta and solid tumors) and correlates with angiogenesis both temporally and spatially. VEGF has also been shown to induce angiogenesis in vivo. Since angiogenesis is essential for the repair of normal tissues, especially vascular tissues, VEGF has been proposed for use in promoting vascular tissue repair (e.g., in atherosclerosis).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,073,492, issued Dec. 17, 1991 to Chen et al., discloses a method for synergistically enhancing endothelial cell growth in an appropriate environment which comprises adding to the environment, VEGF, effectors and serum-derived factor. Also, vascular endothelial cell growth factor. C sub-unit DNA has been prepared by polymerase chain reaction techniques. The DNA encodes a protein that may exist as either a hetero-dimer or homo-dimer. The protein is a mammalian vascular endothelial cell mitogen and, as such, is useful for the promotion of vascular development and repair, as disclosed in European Patent Application No. 92302750.2, published Sep. 30, 1992.
The polypeptides of the present invention have been putatively identified as a novel vascular endothelial growth factor based on amino acid sequence homology to human VEGF.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Polynucleotides encoding human vascular endothelial growth factor 2


A method is provided for producing three-dimensional (3D) models. The invention will take any sculpture, character, or model from artwork, still life models, images of human beings, characters from a computer game, or any other 3D digital image or model that is scanned, and turn the digital image into 3D models. The method is comprised of the following steps: creating a user account in a computer storage area; storing 3D images under the user account; allowing the user to select the 3D image(s) he or she wants to create as 3D models; manufacturing the 3D models; and delivering the models to the user or to a specified third-party. An online storefront and/or auction system may allow each user the opportunity to sell their 3D models or purchase other users' 3D models. The system may also create 3D models for a mobile phone and portable media player while transferring the models to either of these devices.

There are several methods currently available for creating a 3D computer model of an object. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 7,079,114 B1 teaches an interactive method for designing automobiles that aids in creating a 3D computer model. Also, U.S. Publication No. 2006/0232583 A1 teaches a method for capturing a physical model as a 3D computer model. Other systems are available for creating a 3D model from a 2D image. For example, U.S. Publication No. 2005/0190962 A1 demonstrates a method for creating a 3D computer model of a face from standard, two-dimensional (2D) images. However, the above references share the same general modelive of creating a 3D image inside a computer system, instead of providing a user-friendly system for producing a tangible, 3D model or reproduction, or producing other 3D models.
Some inventions have recognized the usefulness of creating a physical reproduction of a 3D computer model. For example, U.S. Publication No. 2004/0243481 discloses the creation of a 3D computer model based on a medical patient's physical characteristics, along with transmission of the model over the internet so that it may be manufactured into a physical manifestation of the 3D model for use in medical procedures.
Several inventions also exist for the creation of 3D animations related to video games, and have recognized the potential value of being able to buy and sell such creations. For example U.S. Publication No. 2004/0053690 A1 pertains to customizing digital, 3D characters and then buying and selling them over the internet.
However, no invention currently exists for a secured network-based system designed for use over the internet, in a retail store, or third-party location, which allows users with no experience in creating 3D models to have 3D models manufactured from their 3D images, and to collect, buy, sell, and ship the models while optionally employing an automated system to register the models for copyright protection. Also, none of the above-cited inventions allows computer aided production of animated film clips, video games, and mobile phone models incorporating the user's 3D images, nor do they allow the certification of the 3D models so that it may be bought and sold as unique models.

Method for creating, manufacturing, and distributing three-dimensional models


A peak sample circuit for AC voltage, including: a rectifier coupled to receive an AC voltage and to rectify the AC voltage to generate a rectified signal; a delay circuit coupled to receive the rectified signal and to delay the rectified signal to generate a delayed rectified signal; a comparison circuit coupled to receive the delayed rectified signal and to generate a square signal based on the comparison of the rectified signal and the delayed rectified signal; and a sample output circuit coupled to receive the rectified signal, wherein the sample output circuit samples the rectified signal under the control of the square signal and provides a peak sample signal representative of the peak value of the AC voltage.

Peak sampling of an AC voltage is usually implemented in digital way, which requires memories for data storage and digital processors for signal processing. If there is no digital element in the system, peak sampling is usually implemented by a diode and a capacitor. However, this simple solution is not accurate especially when the peak value of the AC voltage varies cycle by cycle.

Peak sample circuit for AC voltage and method thereof

CHENGDU MONOLITHIC POWER SYSTEMS CO., LTD.


A bearing block for use in providing the bearinged relationship between the carriage and reciprocal moving driving ram of a post driver. The carriage includes a pair of channel forming bearing surfaces between these two operating components so as to disseminate the impacting forces exerted through the bearings while the driving ram continuously pounds a fence or other post into the ground.

This invention relates to post drivers, and in particular, pertains improvements in the bearing relationship of the various operating components incorporated within the post driver to sustain its useful and effective life.
Post drivers typically include a base which is mounted to a tractor, normally by means of a three-point hitch. The post driver and its associated drive means, whether it be a hydraulically operated driver, pneumatically functioned, or mechanically actuated, generally include a base or carriage means that connects through a three-point hitch means to the tractor, and incorporates a driving ram thereon that reciprocates during functioning to provide repeat ramming of the post into ground, during its usage and application.
In the normally constructed post driver, the relationship between the driving ram, and its mounting upon the carriage, normally is provided through a bearinged relationship, and usually incorporating roller bearings, or a plurality of the same, are secured to the driving ram, and ride within channels formed to either side of the carriage means, so as to provide near frictionless shifting of the ram, during its reciprocal vertical movements while pounding upon the post, when driving it into the ground. As can be readily understood, the bearing contact between each roller, or a plurality of them, and the internal surfaces of the flanges forming the shaped channels provided integrally to either side of the carriage means, is just a line contact. It has been known, through many years of usage, that providing a bearing relationship between these operating components for a post driver, when tremendous forces and impacting pressures are exerted upon the bearings, during performance of the ramming function, generally leads towards deterioration at this interconnection between the carriage and its ram. Usually, the flanges of the carriage eventually become distorted, or bent out of shape, which leads towards looseness between the ram, and the carriage, during functioning, which cannot only lead to inaccuracy in driving of the post, but can also eventually cause a breakdown in the components, which may be hazardous, eventually, to the operator, and anyone in the vicinity nearby. Thus, the line-to-line contact on the channel flanges, through the bearing rollers of the prior art, is just too great of a concentration of the full load of impact exerted by the post driver on its operating components during sustained usage. Hence, the current invention is designed to alleviate this problem, by providing substantially sized bearing blocks as the means for providing a form of sliding engagement between the driving ram, and its carriage means, so as to spread out or disseminate that transfer of force between these components, while driving of a post, and eliminate that full load concentration as previously experienced during usage of the prior art type of post drivers.


Systems and methods for processing text-based electronic documents are provided. Briefly described, one embodiment of a method for processing a text-based electronic document comprises the steps of: comparing at least one word in a text-based electronic document to a native language dictionary to determine whether the at least one word conforms to a predefined rule; for each of the at least one word that does not conform to the predefined rule, fragmenting the at least one word into word fragments; combining at least two consecutive word fragments; and comparing the combination of the word fragments to the native language dictionary.

Optical character recognition (OCR) systems are typically used to capture text from a document (e.g., a machine-printed document, handwritten document, etc.) by optically scanning the document and creating a two-dimensional digital representation of the document (e.g., a pixel representation, a bit-map, etc.). Most OCR systems are configured to convert the two-dimensional digital representation into a series of characters that may be manipulated by a computer. For example, OCR systems typically convert the text portions into code, such as code formatted according to the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) or the Unicode standard, by performing any of a variety of character recognition processes on the two-dimensional digital representation. Many OCR systems are configured to provide the character-encoded representation in a form compatible with common software applications, such as word processing, etc. OCR systems perform a variety of heuristic and template-driven tasks on the two-dimensional digital representation to produce the character-encoded representation, which may be imported into another software application to be displayed, printed, and/or modified.
The accuracy of the output of current OCR systems, however, may be very limited. For example, because of the similarity between individual symbols, characters, and/or other annotations, as well as combinations of characters (glyphs), current OCR systems may be unable to eliminate errors that occur in the process of recognizing characters in the two-dimensional digital representation of the document. Typically, OCR systems have a tendency to produce glyph (one or more characters) mistakes, substitutions, insertions, deletions, etc. In addition, the output of current OCR systems is highly-dependent on the quality of the original document and the quality of the two-dimensional digital representation that has been scanned.
Furthermore, in order to reduce character recognition errors, current OCR systems may have to implement more complex character recognition techniques. Complex character recognition techniques, however, are more expensive and require more processing time. For instance, a current OCR system may implement a very complex character recognition technique that is designed to produce a very accurate output. However, these systems may be problematic where large amounts of text are being converted because of the increased processing time required.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A method, system, and computer-usable medium are disclosed for providing a multi-access interface for network traffic, comprising: receiving information regarding topology of a virtual private network and storing the topology in the form of a routing table. A method, system, and computer-usable medium are disclosed for providing an interface for network traffic, comprising: in a virtual private network comprising a plurality of tunnels delivering only information associated with Open Systems Interconnect stack Level 3, receiving a network communication and performing multicast forwarding among the plurality of tunnels using multicast forwarding from Open Systems Interconnect stack Level 2. A method, system, and computer-usable medium are disclosed for providing an interface for network traffic, comprising, in a virtual private network: establishing a connection between a first node of the virtual private network and a second node serving as a virtual private network broker and fetching, by the first node from the virtual private network broker, information regarding one or more other nodes of the virtual private network.

Many existing network firewalls and gateways are capable of implementing multilink topologies and Virtual Private Network (VPN) technologies, thus allowing for secure connectivity between two endpoints. Security between two endpoints may be provided by Internet Protocol Security (IPsec), a network protocol suite that authenticates and encrypts the packets of data transmitted over a network. IPsec includes protocols for establishing mutual authentication between agents at the beginning of the session and negotiation of cryptographic keys to use during the session. IPsec can protect data flows between a pair of hosts (host-to-host), between a pair of security gateways (network-to-network), or between a security gateway and a host (network-to-host). IPsec uses cryptographic security services to protect communications over Internet Protocol (IP) networks. IPsec supports network-level peer authentication, data-origin authentication, data integrity, data confidentiality (encryption), and replay protection.
IPsec is an end-to-end security scheme operating in the Internet Layer of the Internet Protocol Suite (analogous to Layer 3 or the network layer in the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) protocol stack), while some other Internet security systems in widespread use, such as Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Shell (SSH), operate in the upper layers at the Transport Layer (TLS) and the Application layer (SSH). IPsec can automatically secure applications at the IP layer.
As discussed in Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Request for Comments (RFC) 7018, which is incorporated herein by reference, it is known that existing approaches to network implementations suffer from a problem of enabling a large number of systems to communicate directly using IPsec to protect traffic communicated between them.

Multi-access interface for internet protocol security


In an electrostatic driving structure for a MEMS device or other electrostatically-driven device, non-insulating material is disposed on or adjacent a gap on the surface of a dielectric between adjacent electrodes and is electrically coupled to a source of potential, so as to form an electrostatic shield which reduces the effect of mobile charges in the dielectric gap on the forces generated by the electrostatic driving structure. The shield is made of non-insulating material and may, for example, be formed by plating of metal or epitaxial deposition of silicon onto the electrode.

This invention relates to charge dissipation in electrostatically driven devices, such as micro-electro-mechanical systems ("MEMS") devices.
In a typical MEMS device, a movable structure that includes a conductive member is resiliently mounted to a substrate. Resilient mounting may be effected by, e.g., one or more micromachined springs, a membrane, a cantilever, or a torsional plate. The substrate includes a dielectric material having a surface upon which a plurality of electrodes are disposed. The electrodes disposed on the dielectric surface are spaced apart from each other, so that a gap of dielectric material exists on the surface. Applying a potential difference between the movable conductive member and one or more of the electrodes on the substrate surface produces an attractive electrostatic force urging the movable structure toward the electrodes. The substrate with its electrodes forms an electrostatic structure adapted to drive the movable structure electrostatically. The resilient mounting of the movable structure provides a restoring force.
In certain applications, the deflection of a MEMS device's movable structure ideally would be a unique function of the potentials of each of the fixed electrodes on the substrate surface and the movable conductive member. If it were, the device could be operated in an open-loop manner; application of predetermined constant voltages to the fixed electrodes with respect to the movable conductive member would produce forces on the movable structure causing it to assume a well-defined position and then remain at that position for as long as the predetermined constant voltages continued to be applied.
Real dielectrics are imperfect, and when voltages are applied to the fixed electrodes of a MEMS device, charges may move in or on the dielectric gap that separates the electrodes. Charges can move within the dielectric due to filling or emptying of charge traps in the dielectric, and mobile ions can migrate along the surface of the dielectric. The changing charge distribution resulting from such moving charges causes a time-dependent electrostatic force on the movable structure, whose position thus changes with time ("drifts") in response to the changing force, even if the voltages applied to the electrodes are held constant. Drift can be a problem in electrostatically driven devices.
One solution to drift problems would be to provide sensors responsive to the position of the movable structure and feedback electronics, and to adjust the voltages applied to the electrodes so as to maintain the movable structure in a desired position. However, such sensors and feedback electronics can be costly and bulky, and can dissipate far more power than the MEMS device.
Another solution to drift problems arising from mobile charges in the dielectric of certain electrostatically driven devices has been to deposit or grow a thin conductive layer, referred to as a charge-dissipation layer, on top of the dielectric to bleed off surface charge from the dielectric. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,949,944 describes such a charge dissipation layer for LiNbO3 modulators, which like MEMS devices are electrostatically driven and may experience problems due to accumulation of surface charges. Forming a charge dissipation layer may require processing steps that might preferably be avoided; moreover, the electrical properties of charge dissipation layers may be difficult to control, and may change due to oxidation or corrosion.

Charge screening in electrostatically driven devices


The invention provides methods, uses and compositions for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The invention describes methods and uses for treating ankylosing spondylitis, wherein a TNFα inhibitor, such as a human TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is used to reduce signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis in a subject. Also described are methods for determining the efficacy of a TNFα inhibitor for treatment of ankylosing spondylitis in a subject.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory disease with considerable impact on patient functioning, well-being, and disability. The prevalence of AS has traditionally been estimated in the range of 0.1-1.9%, with more males affected than females (Sieper et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2001; 60:3-18; Silman & Hochberg Rheum Dis Clin North Am 1996; 22:737-49; Gran & Husby, Semin Arthritis Rheum 1993; 22(5):319-34). Millions of people are affected by ankylosing spondylitis (AS). As a chronic disease of the axial skeleton and large peripheral joints, AS causes inflammatory back pain and stiffness and it is associated with other inflammatory diseases of the skin, eyes and intestines. AS is difficult to diagnose in its early stages and is often an overlooked cause of persistent back pain in young adults.
As the disease progresses, patients with AS experience pain, joint stiffness, and the eventual loss of spinal mobility. These clinical symptoms and subsequent disease progression result in functional limitations, as well as impairment in health-related quality of life (Dagfinrud et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2004:63:1605-10; Bostan et al. Rheumatol Int 2003; 23:121-6; Zink et al., J Rheumatol 2000; 27:613-22; Ward 1998, Rheum Dis Clin North Am 1998; 24:815-27). In severe cases, AS may result in complete spinal fusion, causing extreme physical limitation.
No cure exists for AS. Traditionally, there were only a limited number of treatments available for ankylosing spondylitis (AS), including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physiotherapy. NSAIDs and physiotherapy provide symptomatic relief but do not affect disease activity or progression in AS. Traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate and sulfasalazine, have demonstrated only limited effectiveness. Generally, treatment includes trying to relieve pain and stiffness using medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). In recent years, biologic response modifiers that inhibit TNF activity have become additional therapies for treating AS, as tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) is present in increased concentrations in joints.

Methods for treatment of ankylosing spondylitis using TNF alpha antibodies


A system and method for regulating access to a proxy cache server residing on an institutional intranet or local network provides a directory for storing user names that are appended to client requests for remote web site information. The proxy cache server reads the appended requests and either accepts or denies access to the requested information based upon predetermined access control guidelines relative to the specific user name. The access control guidelines can be stored on the directory, and down-loaded to the proxy cache server's memory as needed. The proxy cache server stores and retrieves requested site information via the Internet, but only retrieves and delivers requested site information to clients if authorization is approved.

It is increasingly common for users or "clients" having individual microcomputers interconnected by an institutional intranet or local area network to gain access to various remote sites (such as those on the "World Wide Web") via the well known Internet Communications Network. Clients, using stand-alone microcomputers with a user interface and a resident web browser application, receive and manipulate data from various web sites as desired. In a basic network communication arrangement, all clients are free to access any remote web sites for which Uniform Resource Locator (URL) addresses are available.
Additionally, it is increasingly common in network applications to provide the local network or intranet with a so-called proxy cache server that links the local network with the wider external Internet. The purpose of the proxy cache server is to store and distribute to clients information received from external web sites. The information, which can consist of a web page or associated data, can be accessed by local network clients without making a further connection to the external Internet. The proxy cache server accesses stored web pages based upon addresses provided by clients. These addresses are typically provided in Transmission Control Protocol/internet Protocol (TCP/IP) format, which is commonly recognized by the Internet. The local network, itself, can communicate using an IP protocol or the commercially available IPX protocol by Novell, Inc. of Provo, Utah. In an unregulated proxy cache server environment, request for new web site information cause the proxy cache server to communicate with the Internet, receive and download the newly requested information and store it for further use. Various parameters are used to regulate the length of time for which web site information is stored within the proxy cache server and for when information is deleted. In general, a proxy cache server reduces the number of times Internet connections must be made, particularly for popular, often-visited web sites.
In many institutional settings, unlimited access to web sites is undesirable. Similarly, it may be desirable to limit access to web site information to certain specified users and/or limit specified users to only certain types or categories of web sites. Applications resident in web servers are currently employed to restrict access to specified sites.
In general, however, proxy cache servers are not provided with applications for limiting access by certain users. Hence, all users on the network typically have access to any web site information stored within a proxy cache server. It is therefore, an object of this invention to provide a system and method for limiting access to web site information stored on a proxy cache server within a local area network or intranet. The arrangement should automatically restrict access by unauthorized users to specified web information stored in the proxy cache server and should prevent the proxy cache server from retrieving web site information via the Internet for such unauthorized users.

User name authentication for gateway clients accessing a proxy cache server


A waterproof garden shoe has a plurality of passageways located in the shoe upper. One or more tubes located on the upper are in fluid communication with these passageways. The tubes have an opening which allows ambient air to enter the tubes and pass into the shoes through the passageways to cool the user's feet. The openings in each tube are located below the passageways that communicate with that tube to prevent water entering the tube from entering the shoe through the passageway.

Shoes specifically designed for working in the garden need to be waterproof. This often is accomplished by molding them as an integral unit from rubber or a soft plastic material which is impervious to water. However, shoes of this type do not breathe like leather or fabric shoes do so the user's feet get hot when the shoes are worn in warm weather. As a result, it has become common to provide ventilation openings in the shoes to allow ambient air to enter them and cool the wearer's feet. While placing ventilation openings in garden shoes prevents the wearer's feet from becoming too warm, it also essentially prevents the shoes from being waterproof regardless of the material they are made from. While many attempts have been made to prevent water from entering ventilation openings in shoes, they have been unsuccessful in doing so.


An apparatus (100) for detecting rotational angle of a rotational element (110), includes a light emitting element (1) and an image detecting element (3). The light emitting element is disposed on the rotational element to emit light. The image detecting element has a plurality of reception zones (31, 32 . . . N) for receiving the light emitted. Each of the reception zones corresponds to an angular section of the rotational element.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a detecting apparatus and, more particularly, to an apparatus for detecting rotational angle or position of a rotational and/or cylindrical element and a detecting method thereof.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
In the process of manufacturing cylindrical products, apparatuses for detecting rotational angle are generally used to detect the rotational angle or position of the cylindrical products so that cylindrical products can be effectively manufactured to a required shape. One such apparatus for detecting rotational angle typically includes a signal emitter disposed on the cylindrical product, a signal receiver disposed on a stage facing the signal emitter and perpendicular to an axis of the cylindrical product, and a display. To detect the rotational angle of the cylindrical product, the signal emitter transmits an electrical signal from the cylindrical product to the signal receiver, this signal is then converted into a visible readout such as a graph or a number that can be identified by a user. By reading the graph or number displayed on the display, the user can know the rotational angle of the cylindrical product.
It can be seen that, the electrical signal of the rotational angle of the cylindrical product has to be converted into a visible readout on a display before it can be identified by the user, therefore, the signal receiver needs to be connected with a decoding translator to convert the electrical signal into the visible readout. The decoding translator generally includes complex circuitry, thus, the decoding translator increases the complexity of the apparatus for detecting rotational angle. In addition, the electrical signal experiences a time-lapse. Therefore, the apparatus for detecting rotational angle cannot achieve high accuracy and efficiency.
What is needed, therefore, is an apparatus for detecting rotational angle which is simple, and can achieve high accuracy efficiency.

Apparatus for detecting rotational angle of rotational element and detecting method thereof


An electromagnetic relay includes a fixed contact holder, a moving contact holder, an electromagnetic device, and a magnet. The fixed contact holder extends in a predetermined direction and is provided with a fixed contact. The moving contact holder also extends in the predetermined direction, and is provided with a moving contact. The magnet is arranged perpendicularly to an opening/closing direction of the fixed contact and the moving contact. A stretch space in which an arc generated between the fixed contact and the moving contact is stretched is provided, in the predetermined direction, beyond respective tips of the fixed contact holder and the moving contact holder. The stretch space also faces a surface of the fixed contact holder and a surface of the moving contact holder.

An electromagnetic relay with the ability to cut off a direct current with high voltage has been known in the art (see, for example, Patent Literature 1). The electromagnetic relay described in Patent Literature 1 is designed to extinguish an arc, generated between a fixed contact and a moving contact, by stretching the arc along the width of (i.e., laterally with respect to) a contact spring.
According to Patent Literature 1, the arc generated between the fixed contact and the moving contact is stretched laterally along the width of the contact spring. At this time, stretching the arc along the width of the contact spring requires providing an arc path space in the gap between an end of the contact spring along its width and a case. When such an electromagnetic relay is used in a DC circuit with high voltage, however, sometimes the arc could not be cut off with stability, thus possibly affecting the stability of operation of the electromagnetic relay.

PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.


Embodiments disclosed herein enable network simulation including a range of networking technologies to be scaled to include large numbers of devices under test (DUTs) even though computing resources, such as a total number of simulation hosts or IP addresses, may be limited. By enabling a network simulator to scale with limited computing resources, developers may be enabled to reduce the requirements for physical space, power, cost, and maintenance for network simulation. For example, developers may be able to determine capacity, such as a total number of DUTs that a network management system (NMS) is capable of managing, even though few simulation hosts or IP addresses may be available for simulation of the DUTs.

A typical network simulator may include a range of networking technologies and may enable a developer to build and test complex networks using basic building blocks, such as a variety of nodes and links. A hierarchical network may be simulated using various types of nodes, such computers, hubs, bridges, routers, switches, links, mobile units, etc. Various types of Wide Area Network (WAN) technologies, such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Internet Protocol (IP), as well as Local Area Network (LAN) technologies, such as Ethernet, token rings etc., can all be simulated with a typical simulator, enabling developers to test and analyze results in a controlled and reproducible environment. Network simulators enable developers to test scenarios that might be particularly difficult or expensive to emulate using real hardware. Compared to the cost and time involved in setting up an entire test bed to mirror a deployed network or portion of a deployed network, network simulators are relatively fast and inexpensive.
Similar to a deployed network, a network simulator may include a network management system (NMS) to manage network elements (e.g., managed devices). NMS device management may include configuration, accounting, performance, and fault monitoring. Similar to an NMS in a deployed network, the NMS of a network simulator may discover network inventory, monitor device health and status, provide alerts to conditions that impact system performance, and identify problems. Similar to an NMS in a deployed network, an NMS of the network simulator may employ various protocols to accomplish its variety of management tasks. For example, the NMS may use Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) for configuring and gathering information from devices in the network hierarchy.

Method and apparatus for scaling network simulation


A light source device includes: a semiconductor light-emitting element that emits, according to an input value, light having first wavelength; a wavelength converting element that converts, with a nonlinear optical effect, the light having the first wavelength emitted by the semiconductor light-emitting element into light having second wavelength; a light-amount measuring unit that measures a light amount of the light having the second wavelength emitted from the wavelength converting element; an equivalent-light-amount calculating unit that calculates, on the basis of the measured light amount measured by the light-amount measuring unit, an equivalent light amount equivalent to a light amount of the light having the first wavelength; and a light-amount correcting unit that corrects an emitted light amount of the semiconductor light-emitting element using the input value and the equivalent light amount.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a light source device, an image display apparatus, and a light amount correcting method.
2. Related Art
In recent years, as a form of an image display device, a laser scan display that raster-scans beam-like light such as a laser beam on a projection surface and displays an image attracts attention. Such a laser scan display has characteristics that, for example, contrast is extremely high compared with, for example, a projector employing a liquid crystal light valve because complete black can be represented by stopping supply of the laser beam, color purity is high because the laser beam has single wavelength, and a beam can be easily shaped (narrowed) because coherence is high. Therefore, the laser scan display is promising as a high-quality display that realizes high contrast, high color reproducibility, and high resolution.
As a laser beam source for the laser scan display, a semiconductor laser element such as a laser diode is mainly used. However, a laser characteristic of such a semiconductor laser element changes because of a temperature change, aged deterioration, and the like. Therefore, it is necessary to correct a laser beam amount such that desired image luminance can be obtained.
For example, JP-A-7-147446 discloses a technique for changing a bias current value of a semiconductor laser element by two or more points, detecting light emission power of the semiconductor laser element with light-reception-power detecting means, and detecting, for example, a change in quantum efficiency between the bias current value and a threshold current value of the semiconductor laser element to set a DC bias current of the semiconductor laser element in bias-current controlling means and set a pulse current corresponding to the change in the quantum efficiency and the like in pulse-current controlling means to maintain a level of a laser output constant. JP-A-2003-91853 discloses a technique for automatically calculating a relational expression between a detected light amount of a laser beam source and a set value of a light output, setting data of this relational expression in a light recording media driving device, and adjusting an output level of the laser beam source.
When a laser beam amount is corrected according to a change in the laser characteristic due to a temperature change or aged deterioration as explained above, in order to further improve correction accuracy, it is desirable to perform light amount correction corresponding to the change in the laser characteristic on a real time basis while actually actuating an apparatus. However, means for the light amount correction is not presented in the techniques in the past.

Light source device and light amount correcting method to perform light amount corection corresponding to a change in a light source characteristic


A delay locked loop includes a forward path for receiving an input signal to provide an output signal, a feedback path for providing a feedback signal based on the output signal, and a controller responsive to a timing relationship between the feedback signal and the input signal for adjusting a timing of the output signal. The feedback path includes an adjustable delay circuit for adjusting a timing of the feedback signal.

Delay circuits delay an input signal to generate an output signal which is a delayed version of the input signal. Most delay circuits have a specified delay between the input and output signals. In some applications, some delay circuits cause the actual delay between the input and output signals to be different from the specified delay because of changes in operating conditions such as operating voltage and temperature. Therefore, some of these delay circuits are unsuitable for some applications when the operating condition changes.
For these and other reasons stated below, and which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need for an improved delay circuit.


A structure for semiconductors having a crystalline layer includes a first silicon-containing dielectric film formed on a semiconductor substrate. A crystalline layer is formed on the first dielectric film by hydrogen annealing the surface of the first dielectric layer to form a layer of silicon atoms. The silicon atoms are reacted with a gas containing nitrogen or annealed in the presence of an inert gas to form either a crystalline layer of silicon nitride or a crystalline layer of silicon, respectively. A second dielectric film can be formed on the crystalline layer. In particularly useful embodiments, the crystalline layer of silicon or silicon nitride is three to twenty monolayers. The silicon nitride structure described herein forms an improved dielectric structure reducing the thickness of dielectric layer and improving resistance to electrical breakdown. The silicon structure described herein forms a semiconductor layer on a dielectric layer.

1. Field of the Invention
This disclosure relates to semiconductor devices that include a crystalline layer of silicon or silicon nitride formed between dielectric layers and methods of forming such devices.
2. Description of Related Art
Thin deposited dielectric films are often used to isolate conductors and semiconductors in many different applications. These dielectric films are subjected to breakdown due to diffusion, electromigration or other phenomena. A need exists to create an improved dielectric barrier between conductors or layers in semiconductor components, such as integrated circuits.
Application of high electric fields across insulating films can sometimes lead to local destruction of the material, a phenomenon known as dielectric breakdown. Dielectric materials such as silicon oxides are widely used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices. These materials find use not only as final passivation coatings for completed devices but also as intermediate insulating layers for multi-layer devices.
The continuing trend of scaling down integrated circuits has forced the semiconductor industry to adopt new and improved techniques for fabricating precise dielectric components. One area of concern relates to dielectric layers in the creation of cell capacitors. The expansion of the memory capacity is dependent on the ability to fabricate smaller cells having increased capacities. As such, the thinner a dielectric layer can be manufactured having an equivalent or increased dielectric constant, the smaller the cell. Smaller cells allow an increased density, thereby increasing chip capacity.
Recent improvements in the creation of dielectric films has resulted in higher deposition rates, improved thickness uniformity, better step coverage, lower particle density and fewer pinhole defects which can cause catastrophic failures in semiconductor devices. However, the need to further reduce chip size and improve reliability still exists.
Silicon dioxide is known to have a high defect density especially in thinner dielectric films. Silicon dioxide also exhibits poor characteristics as a diffusion barrier against impurities. Further, silicon dioxide has a relatively low dielectric constant.
In light of silicon dioxide's limitations for dielectric layers, several alternatives have been developed. One such alternative is the use of silicon nitride (Si.sub.3 N.sub.4) as a dielectric layer. This layer can be formed on a substrate's surface through a process which includes Rapid Thermal Nitridation (RTN). Under RTN, the silicon substrate is exposed to either pure ammonia (NH.sub.3) or an ammonia plasma at temperatures approximately between 850 degrees C and 1200 degrees C to form a silicon nitride film.
Dielectric layers fabricated employing RTN, however, have several shortcomings. Conventional RTN-type dielectrics sometimes lack uniformity in their overall composition. Further, conventional RTN-type dielectrics may have questionable reliability in part because of their susceptibility to high electrical leakage, as well as electrical and thermal breakdown. Hence the overall cell capacitance is limited. Therefore, a need exists for an improved dielectric layer less susceptible to current leakage and dielectric breakdown failures. A need also exists for reducing the thickness of the dielectric layer for capacitors. This would result in smaller memory chips, for example.
In addition to seeking out improved dielectric layers, the semiconductor industry has sought out techniques for forming a semiconductor layer on top of a dielectric layer. There are advantages in having this capability. One example is the widespread interest for thin film transistor devices. If possible, an additional layer of transistors could be placed on a chip, providing a more efficient use of space.

Method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure having a crystalline layer


The invention is a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device having an electronic test key fabricated on board and is a method for testing the DRAM. The electronic test key generates a signal which effects a variation in a period of an internal control signal to stress the DRAM during a test mode.

A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) consists of an arrangement of individual memory cells. Each memory cell comprises a capacitor capable of holding a charge and a field effect transistor, hereinafter referred to as an access transistor, for accessing the capacitor charge. The charge is referred to as a data bit and can be either a high voltage or a low voltage. Therefore, the memory has two states; often thought of as the true logic state and the complementary logic state. An arrangement of memory cells is called an array. There are two options available in a DRAM memory: a bit of data may be stored in a specific cell in the write mode, or a bit of data may be retrieved from a specific cell in the read mode. The data is transmitted on signal lines, also called digit lines, to and from the Input/Output lines, hereinafter known as I/O lines, through field effect transistors used as switching devices and called decode transistors. For each bit of data stored, its true logic state is available at the I/O lines and its complementary logic state is available at lines designated I/O*. Each cell has two digit lines referred to as digit line pairs.
In order to read from or write to a cell, the particular cell in question must be selected, also called addressed. Typically, the cells are arranged in the array in a configuration of intersecting rows and columns. In previous generations of DRAMs to select a cell an active output from a row decoder selects a wordline appropriate to the given address in response to an active external row address strobe (RAS) signal. In most applications the active RAS signal is low. The active wordline then turns on the cell's access transistor. Next the column decoder activates and selects the desired digit line pair in response to a column address strobe (CAS) signal. For a write operation the active column decoder output activates the decode transistors to pass the data to be written from the I/O lines to the digit line pair. The data is coupled through the access transistor to the memory cells which store the data.
More recent generations of DRAMS have lockout circuits on board that "catch" pulses that are too short and lock out the premature transitions of external signals to the DRAM. For example if the tRAS functional specification, the minimum time that RAS must be active for the DRAM to function normally, is violated the lockout circuit will ignore a transition of the external RAS signal to the inactive state until the DRAM has had time to sense and restore the memory properly. Thus the lockout circuit generates an internal RAS signal having a greater pulse width than the pulse width of the corresponding external RAS signal when the external RAS signal doesn't meet the tRAS functional specification. A similar circuit exists for tRP, the minimum time that RAS must be inactive during precharge. In both cases lockout circuits have made testing of the DRAM more difficult.
The tRAS functional specification as defined above and the tRAS specification typically defined in the DRAM data book should not be confused. In order to meet the data book tRAS specification the DRAM must function normally if the external RAS signal is active for a length of time equal to or greater than the data book tRAS specification.
Before the internal lockout circuits were incorporated into the DRAM circuit the pulse width of the external control signal could be decreased or increased, as the case may be, to stress the DRAM while testing the device. With the advent of internal lockout circuits this is no longer possible since the lockout circuit automatically decreases or increases the pulse width of the external control signal when it fails to meet the functional specification. Thus testing becomes more difficult, especially on encapsulated DRAMs. Instead of failing for a simple test, such as would be the case where the pulse width of an external control signal can be varied, the part fails more complicated tests later in the test flow process.
There exists a need to be able to test, with better guardband, DRAMs having lockout circuitry. The guardband is a region in which the part is capable of operating which lies outside of a region defined by the specifications of the part.
For DRAMS having self-refresh, the internal refresh rate is variable due to process variation, temperature effects, voltage levels, and in some cases elective trimming to attain a particular refresh rate or standby current level. Since the refresh is done internally, it can be estimated but not measured. This makes it impossible to detect whether the part is right on the edge of failing or not.
In order to ensure that you have guardband for the self-refresh mode, there exits a need to find a way to increase the period of the refresh cycle during a test mode. Parts which pass tests when the period of the refresh cycle is increased are not on the edge of failing.

Circuit and method for varying a period of an internal control signal during a test mode


A new and distinct Nemesia cultivar named ‘SUNJON 008’ is disclosed, characterized by cherry pink flowers and terminal bracts, uniform inflorescence and very compact plant form. The new variety is a Nemesia, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

The new Nemesia cultivar is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the inventor, Jimmy Jones, at a commercial greenhouse in Magor Wales, United Kingdom. The objective of the breeding program was to produce new Nemesia varieties for ornamental commercial applications. Selection of this new variety was made during June of 2013.
The seed parent is the unpatented proprietary seedling Nemesia denticulata '509'. The pollen parent is the unpatented proprietary variety Nemesia caerulea '2523'. The cross pollination resulting in this new variety was made during April 2012.
Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar was performed by vegetative terminal cuttings. This was first performed at a commercial greenhouse in Magor Wales, United Kingdom in October of 2013 and has shown that the unique features of this cultivar are stable and reproduced true to type in multiple successive generations.


An electronic device includes a casing, a centrifugal blower and sidewall received in the casing. The casing is adapted for accommodating electronic components therein, and includes a bottom cover and an opposite top cover. The centrifugal blower is surrounded by the sidewall and includes a sleeve directly mounted to the bottom cover, a bearing member mounted in the sleeve, a stator mounted to the sleeve and an impeller rotatably supported by the bearing member. The bottom cover of the electronic device functions as a bottom plate of the centrifugal blower.

1. Technical Field
The disclosure generally relates to electronic devices, and particularly to an electronic device incorporating a centrifugal blower.
2. Description of Related Art
With the continuing development of electronic technology, processors of electronic devices such as notebook computers or Digital Video Disc (DVD) players have become very fast and powerful. Such processors generate considerably more heat than previously. Centrifugal blowers are traditionally disposed in electronic devices to transfer heat generated by the processor to the outside environment, and thus help maintain the stability and normal operation of the electronic device.
The centrifugal blower commonly includes a housing, and an impeller rotatably received in the housing. The housing includes a top plate, a bottom plate parallel to the top plate, and a sidewall interconnecting the top plate and the bottom plate. An air inlet/inlets is defined in the top plate or/and the bottom plate corresponding to the impeller, and an air outlet is defined in the sidewall. A gap is defined between a casing of the electronic device and the top plate/bottom plate of the centrifugal blower, for allowing air to flow into the centrifugal blower smoothly. However, the gaps between the casing and top plate/bottom plate of the centrifugal fan decreases a height of an inner space of the electronic device available for mounting the centrifugal blower. This typically means that a thickness of the electronic device needs to be increased, in order to enlarge the inner space. In addition, the bottom plate of the centrifugal blower further adds to the thickness of the electronic device needing to accommodate the centrifugal blower. Such increases in the thickness of the electronic device conflict with the general requirement that portable electronic devices be lightweight, thin, compact and miniaturized.
What is needed, therefore, is an electronic device with a centrifugal blower which overcomes the described limitations.

Electronic device incorporating centrifugal blower

Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd.


An enzyme substrate is disclosed which comprises a phosphoric ester and an organic acid or a salt thereof having a zinc chelating stability factor constant (log K) of from 8 to 14 in an aqueous solution having an ionic strength of 0.1 at 20 to 25.degree. C. A reagent kit for an enzyme activity assay, a reagent kit for an immunoassay, a method for stabilizing a phosphoric ester, a method for producing a stabilized phosphoric ester.

In recent years, amounts of trace protein and the like contained in biological samples, such as sera, urine and the like, can be measured by an enzyme immunoassay, such as so-called sandwich immunoassay, competitive immunoassay and the like, using antibodies and antigens. For example, in the sandwich immunoassay, a sandwich complex (immobilized antibody--antigen--labeled antibody) in correlation with the amount of an antigen to be measured (referred to as an "analyte") is formed from an immobilized monoclonal antibody (immobilized antibody) specific for the analyte and an enzyme-linked monoclonal antibody which is different from the above monoclonal antibody but specific for the analyte (labeled antibody), a labeled antibody remained after the sandwich complex formation is separated, and then the amount of the enzyme in the sandwich complex is measured based on its activity to finally estimate the amount of the analyte.
Enzyme substrates for use in respective enzyme reactions are provided generally in the form of solution or freeze-dried powder. When an enzyme reaction is carried out, the substrate solution is used directly or after dilution or the freeze-dried powder is used after making it into a solution by adding water or the like. However, when the enzyme substrate is deteriorated, it causes bad influences upon the results of enzyme activity measurement, such as poor reproducibility and the like. In consequence, for manufacturers who produce and provide enzyme substrates, it is necessary to provide enzyme substrates which are stable for a prolonged period of time so that their reactivity with enzymes does not change.
In the enzyme immunoassay described above, enzymes are used as labels for measuring analytes. In addition, other techniques are frequently used such as a method in which an enzyme amount in a body fluid is determined by measuring its enzyme activity.
For example, JP-A-2-188578 (the term "JP-A" as used herein means an "unexamined published Japanese patent application") discloses that enzyme substrates are stabilized under alkaline conditions. However, since each enzyme has its own optimum pH range for generating its activity, the use of an enzyme substrate stabilized under alkaline conditions in this manner directly in the measurement of enzyme activity will reduce the enzyme activity itself when the alkaline pH does not coincide with the optimum pH of the enzyme to be measured, thereby causing a problem of decreased measuring accuracy. It is possible as a matter of course to adjust the pH value of a substrate solution stabilized under alkaline conditions to the optimum pH of the target enzyme, but it requires an additional step for adjusting a pH value prior to the measurement of enzyme activity.
In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,825 discloses a method for stabilizing an enzyme solution, which comprises adding a metal chelating agent, such as EDTA, EGTA or the like, to an enzyme substrate solution. In this method, 4-methylumbelliferone phosphoric acid or a salt thereof is stabilized by capturing metal ions which non-enzymatically hydrolyze the substrate. However, when 4-methylumbelliferone phosphoric acid or a salt thereof is used in this method as the substrate of alkaline phosphatase or the like which is frequently used in immunoassays but requires magnesium and zinc ions for generating its activity, these ions are also captured by the chelating agent to inhibit the enzyme activity, so that it is necessary to carry out an additional step such as removal of the chelating agent prior to use of the substrate solution.
In this connection, it is possible to improve stability of an enzyme substrate by freeze-drying or the like as compared with storage as a solution. However, even in the freeze-drying treatment, it would be convenient for users if an enzyme substrate capable of maintaining its quality more stably for more prolonged period of time could be provided. That is, this is because, since the freeze-dried enzyme substrate is dissolved in an appropriate solution prior to use, a large amount of stock solution can be prepared and stored by improving the storage stability of the substrate after dissolving even if the substrate is freeze-dried.


Disclosed herein is a method for quantifying a pigmented lesion using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). The method includes (a) irradiating light and receiving an interference signal produced by reflection of the light from first and second boundary layers of a pigmented lesion; and (b) calculating size information of the pigmented lesion using phase information of the interference signal. According to embodiments of the present invention, there is an advantage of allowing calculation of size information of a pigmented lesion using OCT, by increasing a measurement range in the axial direction to which beams are irradiated.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a system and method for quantifying a pigmented lesion using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and, more particularly, to a system and method for quantifying the extent of decomposition of a pigmented lesion, which is difficult to observe with the naked eye, to allow monitoring of skin treatments.
2. Description of the Related Art
As well known to those skilled in the art, there are various forms of pigmented lesions appearing on the skin, such as moles, freckles, blemishes, warts, blotches, OTA nevus, tattoos, etc. Pigmented legions generally develop when prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation causes the skin to produce excessive pigment melanin or aggregate nevus cells that produce the pigment melanin. Tattooing is the practice of creating wounds in the skin and intentionally inserting color pigments into the wounds.
In a medical context, tattoos may be defined as a condition in which color pigments are injected to the inside of the skin, which is the tough membrane on the inside of the skin. A photo laser may be selectively absorbed by particular pigment cells where a pigmented lesion exists. This absorption property of the photo laser has proven effective in surgery and cosmetic treatments during which minute rays of high-energy radiation induce localized heating and unwanted destruction of tissues. In this case, the duration and intensity of an optical pulse may influence the extent to which laser energy spreads to neighboring tissues and causes localized vaporization during the pulse.
A nanosecond pulsed laser, in the existing treatment process of pigmented lesions, may cause severe thermal damage to the skin due to its deep heat penetration. Thus, laser therapy controls the pulse length of a laser taking into account the size and position of the pigmented tissue, and irradiates optical energy only to the pigmented lesion according to selective photothermolysis. According to the photothermal effects, target nevus cells absorb laser energy to produce heat, which then spreads to neighboring tissues and induces thermal decomposition of the pigmented lesion.
However, since the common thermal relaxation time of the pigmented lesion is about 30 ns, which is shorter than the pulse length of a Q-switched laser, heat may penetrate into neighboring tissues. This may cause thermal damage and complications, making it difficult to remove perfectly a pigmented lesion. To overcome this problem, a pulse that is shorter than the thermal relaxation time of a pigmented lesion should be used to induce both photomechanical and photothermal effects. As for the theoretical stress relaxation time of the pigmented lesion, it falls within 30 to 200 picoseconds (ps), requiring very short time as compared to the nanosecond laser. Simultaneous photomechanical and photothermal effects corresponding to the stress relaxation time of the pigmented lesion may decompose the pigments into further smaller pieces by mechanical force while minimizing damage to the neighboring tissues.
As the pigmented lesion is decomposed into smaller pieces, macrophages in the body are easily removed or released through lymphatic vessels, i.e., the removal efficiency of the pigmented lesion becomes prominent. Recently, with advanced optical laser treatment technology, optical lasers are being developed by using a picosecond technology to transfer laser energy at a rate of up to a trillionth of a second. In this regard, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,586,957 and 7,929,579 may be referenced.
However, there is no existing diagnostic system that can be coordinated with the laser treatment technology, making it impossible to monitor a change of the lesion under treatment in real time. General pigmented lesions under treatment have thus far been checked for a change in the outermost layer of the skin with the naked eye, to determine the development of the treatment. In order to verify the efficiency and reliability of removing the pigmented lesion, the pigmented lesion being removed needs to be quantitatively estimated. To optimize skin treatment monitoring and the treatment process, a technology is now required to measure an amount of decomposition of remaining pigment after a laser treatment and quantify the pigmented lesion.
In the meantime, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) uses the principle of interference of ripples to implement images of a living tissue. Specifically, OCT involves a light source to irradiate light to a tissue and a photo detector for detecting beams reflected from the tissue. The irradiated beam reflects off a layer of every depth inside the tissue, and the intensity of beams interfered on the photo detector is determined depending on a path difference between the reflected beams. OCT obtains information about a subject by measuring the intensity of the beams. Since beams used by OCT cannot typically penetrate deeply into the skin (deeper than around 2 mm), OCT has mainly been used in e.g., studies on the cell membrane or the retina. To obtain information about a pigmented lesion in the skin, it is beneficial to increase a measurement range in the axial direction in which rays are irradiated, and signals reflected and interfered from a tissue of a few to tens of nanometer (nm) size can be interpreted.

System and method for quantifying pigmented lesion using OCT


The disclosure relates to charge-coupled devices taking the form of shift registers and, more specifically, to those working in the MPP (Multi-Pinned Phase) mode, i.e. with high negative polarisation of the electrodes during the phases of waiting or of integration of integration of the photosensitive charges. These registers use a potential barrier created by a P type compensating implantation in a zone 16 located beneath a first electrode of each stage of the register. This barrier separates the stages from one another. To increase the charge storage capacity during the storage phase and the charge transfer capacity during the transfer, it is provided that the compensating implantation of the zone 16 will extend beneath only one part (and not the totality) of the first electrode of each stage of the register. Application to photosensitive image sensors, analog delay lines, charge-coupled analog memories, working in MPP mode during the waiting phases to limit losses of information due to the dark current. FIG. 4.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to CCD type devices and especially to those taking the form of shift registers and working in two modes, namely a waiting mode and a charge transfer mode.
Several examples may be given of such devices, especially image sensors, analog delay lines constituted as shift registers and charge-coupled analog memories.
Hereinafter, the invention will be explained above all with reference to image sensors whose operation takes place in two periods: a waiting period which is a period for the integration of charges generated by light in a charge-coupled register with several stages, and a period for the transfer of these charges from one stage to another along the register.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A CCD type photosensitive device of this kind conventionally has the following:
a P type semiconductor substrate on whose surface there is implanted an N type layer known as a "bulk transfer layer" or "volume transfer layer" in which the charges generated by light during the integration period are collected and into which these charges are then transferred during the transfer period; the bulk transfer layer or volume transfer layer is generally covered with a thin insulating layer; PA1 and electrodes placed above the insulating layer, these electrodes enabling the creation of the potential wells in the N type layer, as a function of the potential that is applied to them; these electrodes are juxtaposed in such a way that the successive combinations of potential applied to the electrodes enable firstly the storage of electrical charges beneath certain electrodes and, secondly, the transfer of these charges from one electrode to the next one or from one group of electrodes to the next one.
In a particular mode of operation known as the multi-pinned phase or MPP mode, it is provided that all the electrodes will be taken to a highly negative potential during the charge integration phase. A layer of accumulation of positive mobile carriers is then set up on the surface of the bulk transfer layer. This accumulation layer is actually connected to the P substrate by various P type deep implanted zones present in the substrate. It is therefore taken to the potential of the substrate and it keeps the surface of the semiconductor at a reference potential which is the potential of the substrate. This has the effect of reducing the dark current of the device by neutralizing the charge carriers generated at the interface between the semiconductor and the insulating layer.
The surface potential of the semiconductor then tends to be the same beneath all the electrodes taken to this negative potential. There is a problem of the absence of confinement of the charges between the stages of the register during the integration period: the charges generated by light in one stage of the register are not naturally confined to the underside of this stage during the integration period. This is of course incompatible with the principle of the preparation of an image which, on the contrary, requires that the charges generated in a stage should remain well confined to this stage. This is why provision is made to prevent communication between two adjacent stages by setting up a potential barrier, formed by a P type implantation in the bulk transfer layer beneath one of the electrodes of a stage of the register. This implantation locally raises the potential in the bulk transfer layer, thus forming a barrier against the passage of the charges from one stage of the register to another during the integration period.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a CCD type device of this kind. It has a P type semiconductor substrate 10, an N type bulk transfer layer 12 on the upper part of the substrate, a thin insulating layer 14 on the layer 12 and electrodes above the insulating layer.
The photosensitive register has several stages and each stage has several electrodes. The register shown is a three-phase register in which each stage has three electrodes: E1a, E1b, E1c for one stage, E2a, E2b, E2c for the next stage, etc.
Beneath the first electrode of each stage, namely beneath the electrodes E1a, E2a, etc., a P type compensation impurity (for example boron) is implanted. This impurity locally modifies the doping of the bulk transfer layer. The compensation in principle is not sufficient for the type of conductivity to be reversed. The zones 16 beneath the electrodes E1a, E2a are therefore always zones with an N type conductivity but their equivalent N type doping is lower than that of the rest of the bulk transfer layer 12. The reference N.sup.- is used to symbolize this weaker N type conductivity in the zones 16.
The potentials applied to the three electrodes in MPP mode are identical during the integration period (about -8 volts conventionally). Owing to the reduced N conductivity in the zone 16, the depth of the potential wells created beneath the first electrode is smaller than the depth of the wells created beneath the second and third electrodes of each stage during the integration period. The result thereof is a potential barrier that prevents the passage of charges from one stage to the other of the register during this period. The charges generated by light remain confined beneath the second and third electrodes.
FIG. 2 shows the potentials in the bulk transfer layer during this period. The maximum charge that can be stored is limited, firstly, by the surface of the second and third electrodes and, secondly, by the height (which is relatively small since it comes only from the difference in doping between the zones 16 and the rest of the bulk transfer layer) of the potential barrier thus created.
During the period of the transfer of charges from one stage to another in the register, the electrodes are no longer taken to highly negative potentials. They are taken to positive or zero potentials in three successive phases so as to bring the charges together beneath only one electrode at a time and transfer them from one electrode to the next one and then from one stage to the next one.
During this phase, it is perceived that the shallowness of the potential well created in the implanted zone 16 limits the quantity of charges that can be transferred by the register. Indeed, during one of the transfer phases, all the charges are stored beneath the first electrode of each register. However, the greater the height of the potential barrier due to P type implantation, the shallower is the potential well created beneath this electrode (by a positive potential applied to this electrode).
FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the potential wells during a phase of this kind of the transfer operation.
If the register were to be a four-phase register (with four electrodes per stage), the charges would be assembled under two adjacent electrodes at a time during the transfer phases but the general principle of operation is the same.
For the three-phase registers, the most critical factor is the limitation of storage capacity during the transfer phase. For a four-phase register, the most critical factor is the limitation during the integration phase.
In general, we therefore come up against the need for a compromise between a compensating implantation that is high enough to increase the quantity of charges stored during the integration period or waiting period and small enough not to reduce the possibility of storage of charges beneath the first electrode during the transfer period.
The same problems arise for structures that are not photosensitive. This is the case for example for an analog delay line in which the information elements, prepared in the form of packets of charges, are kept in the line in MPP type waiting mode to reduce the dark current and are then transferred along the register. This is also the case for a linear or matrix-type analog memory in which the information is stored in the form of charge packets and kept waiting in MPP mode before use. For these devices, it is also necessary to find a compromise between the storage capacities of the compartments of the register in waiting mode and in transfer mode.
The present invention proposes an approach to improving the conditions of this compromise.
According to the invention, it is proposed that the P type compensating implantation should be made beneath only one part of the first electrode of each stage of the register, i.e. that this first electrode should cover both an N type non-compensated zone of the bulk transfer layer and a zone compensated by means of a P type impurity. Beneath the other electrodes, there is no such localized compensating implantation.
In the prior art, the P type compensating implantation was made throughout the uncovered zone between the last electrode of a stage and the second electrode of the next stage, by an implantation that is self-aligned with respect to these electrodes, before the deposition of the layer constituting the first electrode. Here, an additional implantation mask will be used, preserving the self-alignment of the zone compensated for on one side with the third electrode but masking a part of the N type layer on the second electrode side.
The invention can be applied to registers with three electrodes or more per stage, especially registers with three or four phases.


A two-cycle engine for boosting intake pressure for higher performance per displacement. The two-cycle engine includes a crankcase having a blower housing and a crankshaft therein extending through the blower housing. The blower housing has an intake opening and a discharge opening. An impeller is disposed around the crankshaft. At least one cylinder is provided with a corresponding piston therein. The cylinder has an exhaust port located on a side wall of the cylinder. An intake conduit extends along the side wall of the cylinder in a spiral rising towards the top of the cylinder and passing beneath the exhaust port to terminate at a pair of intake ports in the side wall of the cylinder. A boost plenum has an intake tube fluidly connecting the discharge opening of the blower housing to the boost plenum. The boost plenum also has a discharge tube fluidly connecting the boost plenum to the intake conduit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to two-cycle engines and more particularly pertains to a new two-cycle engine for boosting intake pressure for higher performance per displacement.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of two-cycle engines is known in the prior art. More specifically, two-cycle engines heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
Known prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,903 to Takahashi; U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,520 to Pasquin; U.S. Pat. No. 4,408,579 to Kusche; U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,380 to Kusche; U.S. Pat. No. 4,345,551 to Bloemers; and U.S. Pat. No. Des. 250,026 to Herenius.
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a new two-cycle engine. The inventive device includes a crankcase having a blower housing and a crankshaft therein extending through the blower housing. The blower housing has an intake opening and a discharge opening. An impeller is disposed around the crankshaft. At least one cylinder is provided with a corresponding piston therein. The cylinder has an exhaust port located on a side wall of the cylinder. An intake conduit extends along the side wall of the cylinder in a spiral rising towards the top of the cylinder and passing beneath the exhaust port to terminate at a pair of intake ports in the side wall of the cylinder. A boost plenum has an intake tube fluidly connecting the discharge opening of the blower housing to the boost plenum. The boost plenum also has a discharge tube fluidly connecting the boost plenum to the intake conduit.
In these respects, the two-cycle engine according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of boosting intake pressure for higher performance per displacement.