A frequency-selective surface structure for narrow-band filtering of electromagnetic waves, comprising a fully wave-reflective surface perforated by H-shaped slot elements each consisting of end limiting bars and a connecting bar extending transversely with respect to the limiting bars. The end limiting bars of the individual slot elements each have essentially the same length as the connecting bar and have a bar length of approximately one fourth of the operating wave length.

This invention relates to a frequency-selective surface structure for filtering electromagnetic waves.
For such frequency-selective surface structures which have a fully reflective surface penetrated by slot elements in a repetitive pattern, slot configurations in numerous embodiments are known from the state of the art, starting with simple longitudinal or transverse slots (U.S. Pat. No. 4,314,255), continuing with Jerusalem cross slots and H-shaped slot elements (German Patent Document DE-OS 3 726 309) and ranging to geometrically complex tripolar or multipolar slot elements (U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,975,738 and 4,126,866). However, none of the known slot elements meets the requirement for qualitatively high-value band pass characteristics to an unlimited extent. Either the resulting surface structure has a filter action that is too broad-banded or has excessive transmission losses and/or the resonance frequency is highly dependent on the wave angle or on the polarization.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a frequency-selective surface structure provided with a slot pattern in the case of which a narrow-band filter action with low transmission losses can be achieved that is largely independent of the wave angle and of the polarization.
This object is achieved according to the invention by means of the special geometrical design of an H-shaped slot structure to keep the mutual distance from center to center of the slot elements (and thus the transmission losses and the dependence on the wave angle) very small, without resulting in interfering coupling effects between the individual slot elements, which adversely affect the narrow-band resonance behavior of the surface structure. In addition, the slot elements according to the invention, because of their orthogonal-symmetrical surface geometry which has essentially the same length in the X-direction and in the Y-direction, which for the purpose of polarization-independent band-pass characteristics, can easily be arranged in a slot pattern that is identical in the H-plane and in the E-plane.
In a first preferred embodiment, the polarization-independent filter action is achieved by arranging adjacent slot elements at right angles with respect to one another in each case.
In order to further improve the degree of transmission and stability with respect to wave angle changes by a slot density of the surface structure that is as high as possible without any adversely affecting on the filter band width, the slot elements in a second preferred embodiment, are each positioned with a center distance in both the horizontal and vertical directions of approximately a third of a wave length of the wave frequency to be selected.
The slot width of the individual slot elements is selected according to the desired filter band width and, with a view to a narrow-band filter action, preferably amounts to approximately 1% of the operating wave length in the area of the connecting bars, while the limiting bars are approximately half as wide as the connecting bars.
Another embodiment of the invention, which is particularly preferred because of a high edge steepness of the filter, consists of the fact that the surface structure is constructed as a sandwich component, with two outer cover layers, each penetrated by H-shaped slot elements and an intermediate layer arranged between them which is constructed of a low-loss dielectric, having an effective electrical layer thickness which corresponds to one fourth of the operating wave length. With a view to a favorable transmission action, it was found to be expedient to arrange the H-shaped slot elements in alignment with one another in the two outer cover layers.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Frequency-selective surface structure having H-shaped slots


A system for the in situ destruction of compressible refrigerant from a refrigerant containing apparatus includes a refrigerant recovery apparatus (30) for receiving refrigerant from the refrigerant containing apparatus (20) and a refrigerant disposal apparatus (100) for destroying refrigerant received from the recovery apparatus. The disposal apparatus (100) includes a storage tank (110) for collecting refrigerant received from the recovery apparatus (30) and a reactor device (130) for receiving refrigerant collected in said storage tank and destroying the refrigerant received from the storage tank. The reactor device includes a reaction chamber (135) housing a replaceable reactor core (140) containing a reagent functional to chemically react with the received refrigerant. A heater device (138) is provided in operative association with the reaction chamber for heating the reactor core (140) to a desired temperature at which the reagent will most effectively react with the refrigerant.

The present invention relates generally to refrigerant recovery systems and, more specifically, to a refrigerant disposal system useful in connection with a refrigerant recovery system for the on-site destruction of recovered refrigerants. The refrigerant disposal system is suitable for use with conventional refrigerant recovery systems whether the refrigerant is recovered as a vapor or a liquid.
A wide variety of mechanical refrigeration systems are currently in use in a wide variety of applications, such as, for example, domestic refrigeration, commercial refrigeration, air conditioning, dehumidifying, food freezing, cooling and manufacturing processes, and numerous other applications. The vast majority of mechanical refrigeration systems operate according to similar, well known principals, employing a closed-loop fluid circuit through which a refrigerant flows. Those familiar with mechanical refrigeration systems will recognize that such systems periodically require service. Such service may include removal, of, and replacement or repair of, a component of the system. Further during normal system operation the refrigerant can become contaminated by foreign matter within the refrigeration circuit, or by excess moisture in the system. The presence of excess moisture can cause ice formation in the expansion valves and capillary tubes, corrosion of metal, copper plating and chemical damage to insulation in hermetic compressors. Acid can be present due to motor burn out which is caused by overheating of the refrigerant. Such burn outs can be temporary or localized in nature as in the case of a friction producing chip which produces a local hot spot which overheats the refrigerant. The main acids of concern are HCl and HF, but other acids and contaminants can be produced as the decomposition products of oil, insulation, varnish, gaskets and adhesives. Such contamination may lead to component failure or it may be desirable to change the refrigerant to improve the operating efficiency of the system.
When servicing a refrigeration system it is necessary to vent the refrigerant from the system before the components of the system are serviced and repaired. However, older refrigeration systems typically use chlorofluorocarbon compounds (CFCs), such as R-11 and R-12, which are believed to have an adverse impact on stratospheric ozone. More recently, refrigeration systems are being marketed that use hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), such as R-22 and R-123, and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) which, although considered to have little or no impact on stratospheric ozone, are believed to contribute to possible global warming, owing to their relatively long atmospheric lifetimes. Thus, it is no longer considered environmentally acceptable to vent any type of refrigerant to the atmosphere from refrigeration systems containing such conventional refrigerants.
Accordingly, systems have been provided that are designed to recover the refrigerant from refrigeration systems. Representative examples of conventional refrigerant recovery systems are shown in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,441,330 to Lower et al for "Refrigerant Recovery And Recharging System"; 4,476,688 to Goddard for "Refrigerant Recovery And Purification System"; 4,766,733 to Scuderi for "Refrigerant Reclamation And Charging Unit"; 4,809,520 to Manz et al for "Refrigerant Recovery And Purification System"; 4,862,699 to Lounis for "Method And Apparatus For Recovering, Purifying and Separating Refrigerant From Its Lubricant"; 4,903,499 to Merritt for "Refrigerant Recovery System"; 4,942,741 to Hancock et al for "Refrigerant Recovery Device"; 5,127,232 to Paige et al for "Method And Apparatus For Recovering And Purifying Refrigeranf"; 5,146,760 to Paige for "Method And Apparatus For Compressor Protection In A Refrigerant Recovery System"; 5,146,761 to Cavanaugh et al for "Method And Apparatus For Recovering Refrigerant"; 5,174,124 to Paige et al for "Apparatus For Sampling The Purity Of Refrigerant Flowing Through A Refrigeration Circuit"; 5,181,390 to Cavanaugh et al for "Manually Operated Refrigerant Recovery Apparatus"; 5,243,828 to Paige et al for "Control System For Compressor Protection In A Manually Operated Refrigerant Recovery Apparatus"; 5,247,804 to Paige et al for "Method And Apparatus For Recovering And Purifying Refrigerant Including Liquid Recovery"; and 5,255,527 to Paige for "Method Of Testing The Purity Of Refrigerant Flowing Through A Refrigeration System".
In conventional refrigerant recovery systems such as for example the systems disclosed in the aforementioned patents, the refrigerant vented from the refrigeration system is condensed and collected in a storage tank. If the particular refrigerant collected is of the class of refrigerants now considered environmentally unacceptable, the refrigerant storage tank is sealed, removed from the recovery system and sent to a processing center for destruction. At the processing center, the refrigerant is treated, for example by incineration, high temperature oxidative reactions, catalyzed chemical reduction, reaction/reduction with solvated electrons, or biodegradation in either anaerobic or aerobic environments, to decompose the refrigerant into environmentally benign products. While suitable for large batch treatment of refrigerants at large processing centers, such treatment strategies are not optimum for use for small batch processing of recovered refrigerants on-site at the location of the refrigeration system from which the refrigerant was recovered. On-site disposal of recovered refrigerant would avoid the transportation and handling costs associated with removal of the recovered refrigerant to an off-site processing center. On-site disposal of recovered refrigerant in an environmentally acceptable manner would also be particularly advantageous for use in connection with mobile air conditioning units, transportation refrigeration units, residential air conditioners and smaller commercial air conditioning or refrigeration installations.


An assembly for selectively etching an inkjet printhead includes a substrate and printhead layers formed on the substrate. A bonding region can provide a location on the printhead layers for an electrical bond. An ink channeling region can be defined at least in part by the printhead layers. A mask layer can partially cover the printhead layers and include a first opening positioned over the bonding region and a second opening positioned over the ink channeling region. The assembly can also include a via at the first opening and a trench at the second opening having greater depth than the via.

An inkjet printer typically includes one or more cartridges that contain ink. In some designs, the cartridge has discrete reservoirs of more than one color of ink. Each reservoir is connected via a conduit to a printhead that is mounted to the body of the cartridge. The reservoir may be carried by the cartridge or mounted in the printer and connected by a flexible conduit to the cartridge. The printhead is controlled for ejecting minute drops of ink from the printhead to a printing medium, such as paper, that is advanced through the printer.
The mechanism for expelling ink drops from each ink chamber (known as a "drop generator") includes a heat transducer, which typically comprises a thin-film resistor. The resistor is carried on an insulated substrate, such as a silicon die. The resistor material layer is covered with suitable passivation and cavitation-protection layers. The resistor has conductive traces attached thereto so that the resistor can be driven (heated) with pulses of electrical current. The heat from the resistor can form a vapor bubble in each ink chamber. Rapid expansion of the bubble propels an ink drop through the nozzle that is adjacent to the ink chamber.
Many of the components of the drop generators are fabricated or processed in ways that include photoimaging and other etch processing techniques similar to those used in semiconductor device manufacturing. The components are typically incorporated into and carried on a front surface of a rigid silicon substrate. The front surface of the substrate can also be shaped by etching to form a trench in that surface. The trench is later connected with a slot that is cut through the back of the substrate so that liquid ink may flow from the reservoir, through the connected slot and trench, and to the individual drop generators.
The trench that is etched in the substrate surface is located adjacent to the drop generator components. Also, the silicon etching that forms the trenches typically takes place after some or all of the drop generator components have been added to the substrate. Care may be taken when etching the trenches so as to not damage drop generator components. For example, the portion of the silicon substrate that is etched may be carefully defined on the substrate by masking the area to be etched with material that resists the effects of the etchant that is used for etching the trenches in the silicon. Despite efforts to efficiently form the trench and the drop generator components on the substrate, greater efficiencies can lead to additional cost and time savings.

Assembly to selectively etch at inkjet printhead

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A method for reducing the amount of formation water in oil recovered from an oil well. Firstly, place a cyclone separator downhole in a producing oil well. The cyclone separator includes a separation chamber wherein liquids of differing densities are separated, a mixed liquids inlet through which liquids pass into the separation chamber, a first outlet for liquids of a first density to pass from the separation chamber, and a second outlet for liquids of a second density to pass from the separation chamber. Secondly, connect the first outlet to a recovery conduit extending to surface whereby a stream of mainly oil is separated in the separation chamber from the oil/water stream flowing through the mixed liquids inlet. The stream of mainly oil flowing out the first outlet and along the recovery conduit to surface. Thirdly, connect the second outlet to a disposal conduit extending to a selected disposal site whereby a stream of mainly water is separated in the separation chamber from the oil/water stream passing through the mixed liquids inlet. The stream of mainly water flowing out the second outlet and along the disposal conduit to a selected disposal site.

In an oil well a quantity of water is mixed with the oil which flows to surface tanks from underground formations. This water is separated from the oil and then injected back into the underground formations. A high percentage of water can make the production of oil uneconomical, due to the expense of circulating the water through a "water loop" which begins and ends in the underground formation.
The industry is currently experimenting with methods for reducing the amount of formation water in oil production. One method involves the creation of a "water sink" which alters the shape of the oil/water contact. Another method involves using biological or chemical agents as "blockers" to block off water channels in the reservoir.
An example of the "water sink" method is described in a paper by A. K. Wojtanowicz of Conoco Inc. and H. Xu of Louisiana State University in an article entitled "A New Method to Minimize Oilwell Production Watercut Using a Downhole Water Loop" published by the Petroleum Society of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum as paper No. CIM 92-13. According to this method a pump is placed downhole and used to drain formation water from around the well creating the water sink. This reduces formation water produced into the well with the oil and, consequently, the water content in oil that flows to surface. The water which is pumped to create the water sink is preferably pumped a relatively short distance from one underground formation into another underground formation.
The "water sink" method proposed by Wojtanowicz and Xu relies upon having a highly porous and permeable reservoir with a single relatively stable oil/water interface. A very detailed understanding of the characteristics of the reservoir rock is required; information which is often not available. Even when the information is available, conditions favourable to the water sink method are often not present. Porosity and permeability of the rock vary considerably in some reservoirs causing a breakthrough of the water high in the producing zone. Other reservoirs have multiple oil/water contacts, making control of formation water through the water sink method impractical.
The "blocking" method, using biological or chemical agents to block off water channels in the reservoir, also has its drawbacks. It is difficult to control the blocking agents when they are injected. The treatments are expensive and often must be repeated in order to achieve the desired effect.

Method and apparatus for reducing the amount of formation water in oil recovered from an oil well


Disclosed are a coordinate input system and a method of controlling the coordinate input system, which can notify a user of a state of having come into a drag lock mode in an easily discernable manner, and hence can keep the user from being embarrassed as far as possible. When the user operates a coordinate detecting device (PD) such as a pad, the operating action is sent to a coordinate outputting device (PC) such as a personal computer. If the user makes a predetermined drag lock action, this action is detected by a measuring unit (13), causing a mode converter (14) to effect shift to a drag lock mode. The coordinate outputting device (PC) is thereby held in a similar state as allowing continuous dragging of an icon or window indicated on the screen of a display (16). At this time, a controller (15) replaces the cursor indicated on the screen by other one having a different shape specific to the drag lock mode. After that, if the user makes an action to release the drag lock mode, the mode converter (14) effects shift to a drag mode and the controller (15) restores the cursor on the screen to the original one having the shape before the shift to the drag lock mode.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a coordinate input system for use in operating a cursor or window on the screen, and a method of controlling the coordinate input system.
2. Description of the Related Art
Heretofore, mouses and track balls have been generally used as pointing devices connected to computers. However, other types of pointing devices called pads, touch pads, track pads, etc. have also been employed recently. In practical use, those pads are built in portable personal computers or externally connected to desk top computers, and do not require to be moved in themselves unlike mouses. Thus, those pads have a feature that they can be operated without problems even in a limited space on a desk or the like.
To move a cursor (or also called a pointer) on the display screen of a computer by using such a pad, it is only required for a user to put a finger on a flat operating surface several centimeters square provided on the pad and then slide the finger while keeping contact with the operating surface. Similarly to a mouse, a pad includes a left button and a right button. In addition, as with the case of clicking the left button, various operations such as selecting and moving an object displayed on the screen, for example, an icon (i.e., a symbol pattern representing the function of an application program) or a window (i.e., any of multiple independent screens indicated on a display), can also be performed by softly tapping the operating surface with a finger. An action of carrying out those operations in such a manner is especially called "tap (action)" or "tapping".
By utilizing the above tap function, a pad makes it possible with one finger to perform not only the above-stated operation equivalent to clicking of the left button, but also other operations equivalent to double clicking of the left button (used to, e.g., start up an application program), in which the left button is clicked twice successively, and dragging. Here, the operation called dragging means an action to move an object displayed on the screen, such as an icon or window, from one position to another desired position on the screen.
The dragging can be realized with a pad by first putting a cursor upon an object displayed on the screen, such as an icon or window, then tapping the operating surface once, placing a finger on the operating surface immediately after the tapping, and sliding the finger on the operating surface from there while keeping contact therebetween (slide action), causing the cursor to move on the screen. Alternatively, as with the case of using a mouse, the dragging can also be realized by keeping the left button depressed by one finger with the cursor put on an object such as an icon, and simultaneously sliding another finger on the operating surface. When the finger is lifted off from the operating surface during the slide action of the finger on the operating surface, a drag mode is released and the object is moved to the position on the screen to which the cursor has moved.
Meanwhile, some pads are designed such that if a finger is moved a predetermined distance on the operating surface after coming into a drag mode, the drag mode can be held continuously even after the finger is lifted off from the operating surface. This function is called "drag lock" because the drag action is held in a locked state in spite of the finger being lifted off from the operating surface. Once brought into a drag lock state, even if the finger is lifted off from the operating surface during the slide action, it is possible to freely move the icon or window, upon which the cursor has been first put, on the screen under continuation of the drag mode by sliding the finger on the operating surface again.
Usually, an effective area on the operating surface of a pad is smaller than that on the display screen of a computer. Thus, a region on the operating surface of a pad where the user can move a finger has a different size in many cases from a region on the display screen of a computer where a cursor is movable. Assume now that dragging is to be performed by moving a cursor along a diagonal line from the lower left corner to the upper right corner of the display screen of a computer under environment devoid of the drag lock function. In this case, even when the user slides a finger along a diagonal line on the operating surface of the pad from the lower left corner to the upper right corner, the cursor on the screen is moved just to a position midway the diagonal line of the screen.
Accordingly, to complete the dragging on the display screen of the computer, the drag action must be repeated several times on the operating surface of the pad and this is very troublesome for users. On the contrary, in pads having the drag lock function, once the drag action is performed on the operating surface of the pad, it is only required thereafter to simply slide a finger on the operating surface of the pad in a like manner as required when the cursor is usually moved. Thus, a burden imposed on users can be alleviated to a substantial extent.
As described above, providing the drag lock function makes it possible to considerably simplify the pad operation necessary for the dragging. But it can be said that the drag lock state is fairly anomalous, considering from the standpoint of usual pad operation. Accordingly, users may be embarrassed because they can not understand what has happened, in the case that (1) the users are not familiar with the pad operation, or (2) the drag lock state has been brought unintentionally by false operation of the pad even when the users are skilled in the pad operation.

Apparatus and method regarding drag locking with notification


An image transformation method for translating a non-linear 2D geometrical transformation into two separable 1D geometrical transformations first determines the inverse of the 2D geometrical transformation to form an inverse 2D geometrical transformation. Then the method converts the inverse 2D geometrical transformation into an analytical inverted 2D geometrical transformation and separates the analytical inverse 2D geometrical transformation into first and second 1D geometrical transformations. The method then represents said inverse 2D geometrical transformation and first and second 1D geometrical transformations as tensor spline surfaces and then compares an evaluation of said first and second 1D geometrical transformations at each pixel with an evaluation of the analytical inverse 2D geometrical transformation at each pixel. If the error evaluation does not meet a predetermined level of performance then the separation and transformation steps are repeated. Since the method involves one-dimensional spatial transform processing it results in reduced calculations, efficient memory access, and ability to process data in a real-time environment. In-addition, since the method provides a compact representation of the spatial transforms, it can be scaled for a particular level of precision.

Geometric or spatial transformations are operations that redefine spatial relationships between points in an image. Generally, a spatial transformation is defined as a mapping function that establishes a spatial correspondence between all points in the input and output images. Given a spatial transformation, each point in the output assumes the value of its corresponding point in the input image. Common applications for applying a geometric transformation include image distortion correction, compensation of geometrically distorted image projected on non-flat or perpendicular surfaces, and compensation of optical distortions.
Geometric transformation algorithms use simplifications in processing or modeling of the problem in order to simplify implementation. These compromises result in limitations on the complexity of the transformation and/or introduce results that do not match the transformation exactly. One such simplification method is called the two-pass method. This method decomposes a 2D map into a series of 1D maps. Processing geometric transforms in 1D is much simpler than in 2D and allows high optimization of the hardware. A general discussion of image warping, including some prior art techniques mentioned below, can be found in the IEEE Computer Society Press Monograph entitled Digital Image Warping, George Wolberg, 1998, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Much of the current state of the art in image warping is based on techniques used in texture mapping for 3D computer graphics, as well as other specialized methods developed specifically for special effects video. Texture mapping as used in 3D graphics is typically implemented as a non-separable 2D geometric operation. The non-separable methods typically approximate the geometric distortion as a collection of piecewise linear distortions, or focus on perspective mappings. A perspective mapping is useful in 3D graphics as this mapping defines how to render a 3D object to a 2D viewing area, however distortions such as pin/barrel effect and lens aberration present in optical systems cannot be modeled as a perspective mapping. Using piecewise linear representations for the geometric distortions can significantly increase memory requirements.
Due to the complexity of implementing non-separable methods most prior art designs simplify the filtering/interpolation methods used, for example MIP ("multum in parvo") mapping which uses a hierarchy of filtered images is often substituted for complex filtering. The image artifacts created using this simplified filtering are unacceptable for video processing. Other texture mapping methods exploit the fact that in 3D graphics it is often required to warp a single static texture (image) for many different distortions, while in optical processing it is important to be able to warp dynamic images using a single geometric distortion.
Methods specifically developed for video warping are discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,175,808 to Sayre and 5,204,944 Wolberg et al. These methods are based on a pixel-by-pixel (i.e. look-up tables) representation of the geometric transformation. However, a pixel-by-pixel representation requires a large amount of data storage and does not allow for a simple method of performing manipulations of the geometric transformation (example rotation, scaling translation of an image in addition to the geometric transformation). Other separable methods for geometric transformations are limited to affine or perspective transformations that cannot perform "non-linear" transformations, for example see U.S. Pat. No. 4,835,532 to Fant, U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,976 to Kimata et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,808,623 to Hamburg, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,097,855 to Levien. Methods that use mathematical models of the spatial transformation and allow the user to adjust the parameters of the model are often limited to affine and perspective warps. As has already been discussed, affine or perspective warps cannot adequately model distortions required for optical systems.

Method and system for processing a non-linear two dimensional spatial transformation


A smart external antenna module is proposed for wireless systems. The module allows the advantages of smart antennas to be easily added to existing wireless systems without any modification to the transceiver. Specifically, the smart antenna module weights and combines the signals received by multiple antennas to improve the received signal quality, and then when it detects that there is a signal to be transmitted by the transceiver, it turns off the receiver, turns on the transmitter and uses the receive weights to transmit the signal out of the multiple antennas to improve signal reception at the desired user. Such a module can be added to the external antenna port of an existing transceiver with no change to that transceiver.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing a smart antenna system in which an antenna array can attach to an external port of a transceiver without any modification of the transceiver.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the past, companies had turned to wireless local area networks (WLANs) only to support low data intensive applications such as inventory management in warehouses and retail price marking in stores. For these applications, even though wireless network interface cards (NIC) are very costly, the improved efficiency derived from going wireless was worth the investment. The high price and low data rates, however, limited the usefulness and penetration of WLANs for general applications.
With the introduction of inexpensive, high-performance 11 M bit/sec products based on the IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi) standard, acceptance of WLANs for home, Small Office Home Office (SOHO) and enterprise applications has been increasing significantly. Home-based LANs have accounted for most of the initial market growth. The use of broadband connections and multiple PCs in the home has spurred home users to employ easy to install WLANs to share the broadband connection and network their computers. Wi-Fi adoption is quickly reaching mainstream levels as a communications technology across the enterprise, service providers and home.
Growth in enterprise WLAN deployments has also begun to accelerate. It has been found that wireless networks contribute to a better working environment and higher productivity for employees while bringing down the costs of networking.
Recently, WLANs have begun to get support from traditional wireless and wireline service providers. Public telecom carriers view Wi-Fi 802.11 connectivity as a new type of "data subscription" service that eventually will give users access to different types of wireless networks, either local or wide area, depending on what is available in a given location. Companies such Sprint, Verizon Wireless and SBC Communications have unveiled their Wi-Fi rollout plans. SBC also announced it was rolling out Wi-Fi in public hot spots to support its bundled DSL broadband offering. Traditional wireless carriers are adding Wi-Fi to their product offerings.
WLAN technology is also becoming standard equipment in portable computers. Notebook computer manufacturers such as IBM, Dell, HP/Compaq and Toshiba are building Wi-Fi into their systems, as notebook computers become the systems of choice for corporate users.
This explosion in growth comes despite the fact that today's Wi-Fi semiconductor chips have many shortcomings. The key limitation is that end-users do not experience the same quality of service. End-users can be too far away from an access point, behind a wall, in a "dead spot", or working off a laptop. In addition, WLANs fall short of expected range when actually deployed. Even though a vendor's specifications may state that the wireless has a range of 300 feet, for example, obstacles such as walls, desks and filing cabinets can significantly decrease the range and coverage uniformity in some directions.
Smart antennas can significantly improve the performance of wireless systems by adaptively weighting and combining the signals received by multiple antennas. These antennas can increase receive signal gain, mitigate multipath fading, suppress interference, and increase throughput. Using smart antennas on transmission can also improve performance at the desired user as well. Conventional implementation of smart antennas typically required major modification to the RF, baseband, and MAC portions of the transceiver, which is a time consuming and costly process. Many wireless systems have an external antenna port for the transceiver. However, this port is generally used to attach a fixed, higher gain antenna.
The three physical layer standards for 802.11 are 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a. 802.11b uses a single carrier with data rates of 1, 2, 5.5, and 11 Mbps, and operates in the 2.4 GHz unlicensed band. At the beginning of each data packet, there is a preamble, the first 20 microseconds of which are available for antenna selection purposes (as used by many 802.11 receivers). 802.11g and 802.11a use OFDM modulation, with data rates of 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 54 Mbps, operating in the 2.4 and 5.5 GHz unlicensed bands, respectively. At the beginning of each data packet, the preamble only contains about 2 microseconds for antenna selection purposes. All three techniques use time-division-duplexing (TDD), that is, the same frequency is used for transmission as for reception.
In consideration of the incorporation of smart antennas into 802.11 systems, one method is to completely redesign the 802.11 transceiver with smart antenna processing as an integral part. This method allows for the optimal performance improvement with M antennas, as well as for design optimization. However, it has the following significant disadvantages. First, it requires a substantial redesign effort by every chip manufacturer without the gains being completely verified until the chip is completed. Second, it results in an across the board increase in the cost of the 802.11 chipset for smart antenna gains that may not be appreciated by all users. Given that the current market is very price sensitive, any undervalued increase in cost will definitely result in lost sales by consumers who may not understand or know if they need the gains of smart antennas, and purchase on price alone. One way for chip vendors to avoid this risk is to create two versions of their chips: one with and one without smart antenna functionality. However, if the chip manufacturers make two versions of their chips without at least a doubling of volume, they risk the price advantage that comes through volume. Finally, consumers that purchased WLANs without smart antennas, and then found that they needed them, would have to completely replace their access points, client cards or both.
It is desirable to provide a smart external antenna module that provides an antenna array that can attach to an external port of a transceiver without any modification of the transceiver to provide improved performance with low manufacturing costs.

System and method for providing a smart antenna


The present invention relates generally to tabs that activate shredder safety interlock switches. Specifically, this invention discloses a break-resistant tab which can readily activate a shredder safety interlock switch. The disclosed tab is comprised of a tab extension with at least one flexing member or spring which allows for limited flexibility.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to tabs that activate shredder safety interlock switches. Specifically, this invention discloses a break-resistant tab which can readily activate a shredder safety interlock switch.
2. Background Information
With increased privacy concerns, shredders have become an integral part in both homes and businesses. Though originally used to destroy paper products, shredders are now used to shred other forms of media that hold information, such as compact discs. In addition, credit cards and other plastic products are commonly shredded.
Conventional shredder housings sit on top of a waste receptacle or base. The housing has a safety interlock switch which is activated when it is placed on the waste receptacle or base. The safety interlock switch is engaged by a safety interlock switch activation appendage or tab located in the base. Activation of the safety interlock switch is necessary to turn on the shredder and only occurs when the shredder housing is placed properly on the base such that the tab in the base engages the safety interlock switch through a narrow slot in the housing. The purpose of the safety interlock switch is to prevent the shredder from being turned on when the shredder housing is not on the receptacle or base. The safety interlock switch thus prevents a user from accessing the shredder blades from underneath while the shredder is on.
Conventional tabs are inflexible and made of a rigid material such as plastic or metal. They are thus prone to break when the shredder housing is not placed precisely on the base. In such cases the tab fails to go through the narrow slot in the housing and engage the safety interlock switch, instead, hitting the housing itself. This impact often results in the tab breaking.
Accordingly, the present invention seeks to employ various shredder safety interlock switch tabs which are resistant to breaking.
The preferred embodiments provide this by incorporating a tab with limited flexibility. Such a tab is resistant to breaking as it is capable of giving when pressure is exerted on it. In addition, the limited flexibility facilitates the tab passing through the housing narrow slot and ultimately activating the safety interlock switch.
From the preceding descriptions, it is apparent that the devices currently being used have significant disadvantages and/or limitations. Thus, important aspects of the technology used in the field of invention remain amenable to useful refinement.

Shredder safety interlock switch activation tab


To provide an electrostatic chuck, including: a ceramic dielectric substrate having a first major surface on which an object to be processed is mounted, and a second major surface on a side opposite the first major surface, the ceramic dielectric substrate being a polycrystalline ceramic sintered body; and an electrode layer interposed between the first major surface and the second major surface of the ceramic dielectric substrate, the electrode layer being integrally sintered with the ceramic dielectric substrate, and the electrode layer includes a first portion having conductivity, and a second portion that bonds the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer, and the mean grain size of crystals included in the second portion is smaller than the mean grain size of crystals included in the ceramic dielectric substrate.

Electrostatic chucks are used as means to adhere and hold an object to be processed (such as a semiconductor wafer or a glass substrate) in a plasma processing chamber that performs etching, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), sputtering, ion implantation, ashing, and the like.
Methods of fabricating the electrostatic chuck include sintering a plate-like ceramic dielectric substrate, and forming an electrode on one side of the substrate by CVD, sputtering, or the like (single plate structure), or fabricating ceramic green sheets by the sheet forming method, and laminating a plurality of layers of green sheet on the top and bottom of a green sheet on which an electrode is printed (internal electrode structure). In the electrostatic chuck, an internal electrode structure is suitable, from the point of view of ensuring sufficient adhesion force and high withstand voltage.
However, after plasma processing, residues or matter generated from the semiconductor wafer or applied films adhere to the inner faces of the chamber. When plasma processing is repeatedly carried out, the residues and generated matter are gradually deposited, and eventually they peel from the inner faces of the chamber and adhere to the surface of the object to be processed such as a semiconductor wafer, a glass substrate, or the like, which causes a reduction in manufacturing yield.
Therefore, conventionally, periodically, the inside of the chamber is cleaned by plasma, and the residues and adhering matter adhering to the inner faces of the chamber are removed. In this case, in some cases, so-called waferless plasma cleaning is carried out, by processing without covering the surface of the electrostatic chuck with a dummy wafer. In waferless plasma cleaning, the surface of the electrostatic chuck is directly exposed to cleaning plasma such as O2 gas, CF4 gas, or the like during cleaning.
When waferless plasma cleaning is carried out for electrostatic chuck, particles are separated from the ceramic surface and erosion occurs at the grain boundaries, so the surface roughness increases. As a result, problems such as reduction in the electrostatic adhesion force, increase in the quantity of leakage of sealing gas, lowering in the heat transfer coefficient of the solid contact interface with the semiconductor wafer, and the like occur, and after a short period of time, it is necessary to replace the electrostatic chuck.
Therefore, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H10-279349 discloses a method of manufacturing an electrostatic chuck with an internal electrode structure that uses high purity alumina as the dielectric body, as a method of suppressing the change in surface roughness due to plasma irradiation by halogen gas or the like.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H10-279349 discloses using a green sheet that uses alumina powder with 99.5% purity as a conductor by applying a paste including powders such as W, Mo, WC, TiC, TiN or the like.
Also, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H08-119720 discloses the structure of an electrostatic chuck in which a conductor made from Pd on its own or Pd including Ag of not more than 40% by weight is applied to a green sheet that uses alumina powder with purity of not less than 99.9% as the internal electrode.
However, when fabricating an electrostatic chuck with an internal electrode structure using high purity alumina green sheets, the bond between the internal electrode layer and the high purity alumina layers on the top and bottom of the internal electrode layer is weak, and separation at the boundary between the high purity alumina layer and the internal electrode layer can easily occur during processing. Therefore, in order to strengthen the bond, there is the method of adding alumina to the internal electrode layer as a common material, but in this case, the problem that the conductivity of the internal electrode is reduced by adding the alumina occurs.


A method for aligning a substrate in a lithographic apparatus includes determining from a geometric reference of the substrate a position of a window on the substrate. The window indicates an area in which an alignment mark of the substrate may be expected. Then, a position of the alignment mark is measured in the window. A relationship between the measured position of the alignment mark and the position of the window is determined. The relationship is stored in a database and the substrate is aligned making use of the measured position of the alignment mark.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to methods for aligning a substrate in a lithographic apparatus, a method for diagnosing a manufacturing device, computer programs to perform the methods and a data processing device.
2. Description of the Related Art
A lithographic apparatus is a machine that applies a desired pattern onto a substrate, usually onto a target portion of the substrate. A lithographic apparatus can be used, for example, in the manufacture of integrated circuits (ICs). In such a case, a patterning device, which is alternatively referred to as a mask or a reticle, may be used to generate a circuit pattern to be formed on an individual layer of the IC. This pattern can be transferred onto a target portion (e.g., including part of, one, or several dies) on a substrate (e.g., a silicon wafer). Transfer of the pattern is typically via imaging onto a layer of radiation-sensitive material (resist) provided on the substrate. In general, a single substrate will contain a network of adjacent target portions that are successively patterned. Conventional lithographic apparatus include so-called steppers, in which each target portion is irradiated by exposing an entire pattern onto the target portion at once, and so-called scanners, in which each target portion is irradiated by scanning the pattern through a radiation beam in a given direction (the "scanning"-direction) while synchronously scanning the substrate parallel or anti-parallel to this direction. It is also possible to transfer the pattern from the patterning device to the substrate by imprinting the pattern onto the substrate.
When a substrate is processed by a lithographic apparatus, an accurate positioning of the substrate is desirable to enable an accurate processing (e.g., applying a pattern onto the substrate) by the lithographic apparatus. Commonly, such an aligning is performed in steps. In a first step a geometric reference of the substrate is detected, which might, e.g., comprise markings at an edge of the substrate, the edge of the substrate itself, some points at the edge of the substrate etc. Starting from these points, an area (or a plurality of areas) are determined in which alignment marks of the substrate are expected. Such area is referred to in this document as a window. The term window is thus in this document to be understood as an area on the substrate in which the alignment mark is expected. Also, the term window may be understood in this document as a capture range of a sensor to detect the alignment mark. In a well-dimensioned system, the capture range of the sensor to detect the alignment mark may at least equal the area or window in which the alignment mark is expected. To avoid any misunderstanding, it is remarked that the window is commonly not marked or outlined on the substrate itself, thus may be considered an imaginary window. Once the area(s) or window(s) has/have been determined, in the window(s), the position of the alignment mark(s) is measured. Thus, first a coarse approximation of the position of the alignment mark is determined, by determining a position of the window, and then in the window a more accurate position measurement is performed.
Thus, when aligning, a stepwise approach is followed: first, using the wafer edge, a pre-alignment is performed. The pre-alignment provides for an area in which the alignment mark may be expected, in other words a position of the window on the substrate. Then, in a second step the position of the alignment mark in the window is detected, which step is commonly considered part of the alignment. Commonly, to be able to accurately align the substrate, a plurality of alignment marks are applied, e.g., four alignment marks for a 1 dimensional measurement, or two alignment marks for a 2 dimensional measurement. To further improve accuracy, positions of additional alignment marks can be taken into consideration.
An implication of this method of alignment is that it is desirable to have a measurement system which meets high specifications to measure the position of the alignment mark in the window. On the one hand, a size of the window is desired to be large, as the expected position of the alignment mark might show fluctuations due to an inaccuracy in a determination of the position of the window, and inaccuracy in the geometric references used for the determination of the window, etc. On the other hand, accuracy requirements on a lithographic apparatus are high and in particular a positioning accuracy or alignment accuracy of the lithographic apparatus is in general high to allow an accurate positioning of a following layer, e.g., on top of a previous layer. The higher the accuracy requirements for the aligning of the substrate, the higher in general an accuracy of the position measurement of the alignment mark is to be. Therefore, requirements on a measurement system to measure the position of the alignment mark in the window, increase: on the one hand, a large size of the window is required to cope with tolerances of a varying origin, while on the other hand a highly accurate position measurement of the reference mark is required.
A further aspect is that in a manufacturing environment where lithographic apparatuses may be used (e.g., a manufacturing of electronic semiconductor circuits), it is not uncommon to make use of lithographic apparatuses and other equipment from a multiplicity of vendors. It is in such an environment not unimaginable that a particular substrate is first processed by a lithographic apparatus, and then (e.g., for applying a following layer) processed by a different lithographic apparatus. Lithographic apparatuses of different types or different manufacturers may make use of different alignment methods. Therefore, a tolerance at the position of the alignment mark may be high: as an example, a substrate may be processed by a first lithographic apparatus, the processing by the first lithographic apparatus, e.g., comprising an application of one or more alignment marks on the substrate. Then, after suitable developing steps, the substrate may be processed by a second lithographic apparatus, the processing comprising an aligning of the substrate to the second lithographic apparatus. As the reference marks have been applied by the first lithographic apparatus, additional tolerances may come into existence due to differences between the lithographic apparatuses due to, e.g., a different method for determining the position of the window on the substrate, different geometric references applied for the determining of the position of the window on the substrate, different accuracies and errors of each of the lithographic apparatus, etc. Due to all these sources of errors, the area in which the alignment mark is to be looked for will increase, thus bringing forward a desire to increase the size of the window.
A still further aspect is that a high throughput of the lithographic apparatus is desired, which translates into a fast detection of a position of the alignment mark, which translates into a simple position measurement of the reference mark in the window. Current measurement techniques, however, have a limited dynamic range, i.e., a limited range between the accuracy, which is to be achieved, and the maximum range over which the measurement can be performed. Thus, given a certain required accuracy, the size of the window cannot be increased above a limit with which the measurement system is able to cope.

Lithographic apparatus substrate alignment

Abstract: The above may be repeated for a following aligning of the substrate, prior however to the measuring of the position of the alignment mark in the window, the position of the window is amended making use of the relationship between the measured position of the alignment mark and the position of the window as stored in the database for one or more preceding alignings.


The present invention comprises an angularly adjustable coupler. The first and second ends are in an angularly adjustable mating engagement. The first end has a longitudinal axis and a base with an optionally concave and serrated surface, and can comprise a collared clamp for connecting to a pylon. The second end has a longitudinal axis and a base with an optionally convex and serrated surface, and can comprise a receiver for connecting to a pyramidal adapter. The concave portion of the first end and the convex portion of the second end are complementary to each other. A connector is provided to connect the first and second ends in a selected angular alignment about a fixed axis of rotation. The range of angular alignment of the first and second components spans approximately 50 degrees about the fixed axis of rotation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device used to couple prosthetic components, and more particularly to adjustably couple prosthetic components in a selected angular relationship.
2. Description of the Related Art
Sometimes, due to accidents, health problems, birth defects, etc., people 5 need to have a limb 6 amputated. The amputated limb 6 terminates in a stump 7. In general, a socket 10 can be formed for a particular stump 7. Those sockets 10 are well known in the art, and each socket 10 has a central axis 11.
Fortunately for people requiring a prosthetic limb, much advancement has been made in the field of prosthetic limbs. Patients now have many choices, including endoskeletal and exoskeletal prosthetic limbs. The present invention relates to endoskeletal prosthetic limbs. That is, limbs comprised of structural components and an optional aesthetic outer shell.
Many prosthetic components are available for use in endoskeletal prosthetic limbs. One of the most common types of prosthetic components is a pylon, which can comprise an aluminum or titanium alloy tube of predetermined length. A clamp can be used to connect to a pylon. Some connectors have two opposed clamps for coupling two pylons. These types of connectors are effective at coupling pylons in a fixed manner. For example, some connectors of this type couple two pylons in a linear manner, where the two pylons are parallel to each other. Other connectors of this type are angled. For example, Otto Bock manufactures a part, having part number 4R56, that provides a fixed and angled connector for two pylons. There is no internal adjustability provided by these types of connectors. Hence, these connectors are incapable of making angular adjustments between two prosthetic components being coupled without additional components.
Another type of existing prosthetic component is a pyramidal adapter, which is adapted to be received within a receiver that has four screws that clamp onto the sides of the pyramid. Using a pyramidal adapter in combination with a receiver is useful in making angular adjustments in both the lateral-medial directions, 15 and 16 respectively, and anterior-posterior directions, 17 and 18 respectively. Yet, the combination of the pyramidal adapter and receiver is only useful for making angular adjustments within a limited range. This limitation is demonstrated in FIG. 1, where the socket 10 has an end 12 that is not perpendicular to the socket central axis 11. Thus, a three prong adapter 20 that is connected to the end 12 of the socket has a central axis 21 that is not parallel with the socket central axis 11. Rather, the three prong adapter central axis 21 is offset from the socket central axis 11 by an angle α. Angle α can have both a lateral-medial component and an anterior-posterior component. Further, the angle α is greater than the angular adjustability possible by using a pyramidal adapter 30 and receiver 45 combination, which is shown as angle β. It is demonstrated that because angle α is greater that the maximum angular adjustability between the pyramidal adapter 30 and fixed receiver 45, angle β, the pylon longitudinal axis 46 is not parallel to the socket central axis 11. This may seriously interfere with a person's ability to walk. Thus, existing pyramidal adapters 30 and receiver 45 combinations may fail to meet the needs of some people.
This type of pyramidal adapter and receiver combination is further illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,659,294. This patent shows an adjustable link for a prosthetic limb. Two parts are shown. One part has a frustopyramidal male end. The second part is a female socket. The socket connects to the frustopyramidal male end in an angular configuration. The link shown in this patent may work well for its intended purpose. However, as discussed above, there is a limit to the adjustability of the link, which can be smaller than necessary depending on a particular patient's needs. Also, the device shown in this patent has no preset adjustments. Further, the device shown in this patent is not adjustable about a fixed axis of rotation.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,232 to Taylor discloses an adjusting connector having a pylon or an adapter with a convexly hemispherical protruding portion. A female contact surface with a concavely hemispherical seat is necessary for use with the convexly hemispherical protruding portion of the adapter and pylon. These components are not interchangeable with existing prosthetic components. Further, these components do not rotate about a fixed axis of rotation.
Thus, there exists a need for an angularly variable coupler that solves these and other problems.

Device for angularly coupling prosthetic components


A foam organizer for a golf bag includes a removable receptacle structure which has a plurality of lengthwise holes, each of which receives only one golf club. The receptacle structure is made of hard, light weight, extruded foam material having a waterproof property in the form of closed cells.

1. Field Of the Invention
The present invention relates to a foam organizer bag, namely, a golf bag, and more particularly to a foam organizer bag providing an improved golf club receptacle structure for storing a plurality of golf clubs therein which are separated from one another to prevent the golf clubs from clashing against each other. This suppresses noise and, more importantly, protects the golf clubs, particularly graphite shaft clubs.
2. Background Discussion
A conventional golf bag, as shown in FIG. 1, provides a predetermined number of partition walls 30 arranged at the upper portion of a body 10 in a criss-crossing configuration to form a plurality of receptacles 20, each of which receives a few golf clubs, as one desires. But this golf club receptacle structure has difficulties in managing the golf bag. In general, the golf bag has ten golf clubs, or more, which are properly classified in each of receptacles 20, for example, thirteen clubs in a woman's case and fourteen clubs in a man's case. During carrying of the golf bag, the clapping between the grouped golf clubs stored therein causes noise and also damages them at the lower portion rather than at the upper portion. Furthermore, when the golf bag is mistakenly dropped and turned over, the golf club grip is cracked or otherwise damaged.
The present invention is devised to resolve these problems, and its main objective is to provide a foam organizer bag with an improved golf club receptacle structure for removing the cause of the noise by the clashes between grouped golf clubs stored therein as well as for assuring the reliable protection and maintenance of the golf clubs, particularly golf clubs with graphite shafts.


A sandwich immunoassay is disclosed that provides simple to perform yet sensitive identification of analytes in samples. All assay constituents needed (except analyte to be detected) for one assay are dried. Upon reconstitution with sample, a 10 to 15 minute incubation gives a rapid and convenient detection assay capability. The method incorporates the capture of antigen to an immobilized capture antibody. A labeled reporter antibody with the molecule, binds to the antigen to form an immunocomplex capable of generating a detectable signal.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to novel immunoassay methods and devices or kits that utilize a sandwich assay for detection of an antigen or hapten in a sample, particularly a biological sample. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a simple one-step electrochemiluminescent (ECL) assay approach that requires approximately 15 minutes for identification and/or quantification of an antigen or analyte. The present invention also relates to reagents and kits useful for carrying our such immunoassays.
2. Discussion of the Background
In the medical, environmental, and food safety communities, immunodiagnostic testing has become the means to provide simplistic assessment and rapid identification of diseases and contaminants that are harmful to society. To prevent the occurrence of protracted illness and/or endemic disease, there is a need for simplistic confirmatory assays that provide qualitative and semi-quantitative assessment for the detection of antigen in a clinical specimen, soil or water sample, or food. In addition, in recent years due to the realization of the threat of national terrorism, many diagnostic tests are designed to be performed at satellite sites other than established laboratories. This scenario presents a critical need to provide very simple, reliable, and easy to use diagnostic assays that may be performed confidently by non-technical or lay personnel. Moreover, in this respect, most sophisticated bioassay platforms are useful as long as they do not require extensive operator manipulations that lead to the rapid and facile determination of the presence or absence of analyte in a clinical, environmental, or food sample.
Currently, immunoassay-based detection systems rely upon an antibody-antigen inter-action that requires the addition of multiple assay components in a sequential manner to produce a detectable event. Although reliable for positive identification, present assay procedures and reagent preparation are involved and time consuming. The major drawback associated with present procedures is the sequential addition and transfer of multiple reagents to produce an assay. Each additional step for a detection assay increases the degree of difficulty for execution by the operator and is prone to misuse, thereby, resulting in a higher margin for error.
Thus, there remains a need for immunoassays which overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks. There also remains a need for reagents and kits useful for carrying out such immunoassays.

Immunoassay and reagents and kits for performing the same


A liquid supply device includes a tank, an electric heating element, a dispenser to dispense liquid from the tank, and a controller configured to initiate a user-responsive heating operation. The user-responsive heating operation includes recording data regarding dispensed liquid amount and temperature, developing an expected heating pattern for the electric heating element, detecting a user, and directing the electric heating element accordingly.

In home, restaurant, and office settings, it is common for multiple individual users to enjoy a wide variety of beverages. Such beverages may be hot or cold, flat or carbonated, flavored or unflavored, etc. For instance, coffee, tea, soft-drinks, vitamin/electrolyte drinks, purified chilled water, or hot water may all be desirable at various points in time. Currently, each type of beverage must be obtained from a different machine. At most, existing appliances permit one or two similar beverages (e.g., coffee and tea) to be generated at the same machine. Moreover, typical existing appliances must be hard plumbed such that water is supplied from a connected water source, such as a municipal water system or well.
Such existing appliances present a number of drawbacks. For one, a user may request hot or heated liquid at scheduled, habitual times. Existing appliances require a period of time to heat the liquid to the desired temperature before dispensing, causing a user to have to wait before consuming a desired heated beverage. For another, some existing appliances maintain liquid at a heated temperature. However, this may increase operating costs and waste energy. Moreover, multiple users may request liquid at different temperatures. Accordingly, when the liquid is stored at a first temperature, another user would have to wait for the liquid to reach a second temperature.
As a result, it would be useful to provide an appliance having features for addressing one or more of the above-mentioned issues. In particular, it may be advantageous to provide an improved appliance for predicting desired temperatures or preheating liquid for improved dispensing.

Free-standing beverage dispensing appliance and method for operating a beverage dispensing appliance


In a two station machining vise having a stationary, center jaw and movable opposing jaws, the interior of the vise body is totally enclosed to protect the working components from machining byproducts. The vise has a brake mechanism and an offset mechanism associated with one slide so that workpieces can be engaged and released sequentially. If the brake mechanism is not activated, the two movable jaws are moved simultaneously. With the brake mechanism engaged, one movable jaw is moved to position first and then the movable jaw having the brake and offset mechanisms connected therewith is subsequently moved into position. When the workpieces are to be released, the second movable jaw is first retracted the offset distance and then the first movable jaw must be completely retracted prior to any subsequent movement by the first movable jaw.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an enclosed vise having a stationary jaw and two movable jaws for use in the precision machining of work pieces.
2. Description of the Related Art
Two station machining vices are known in the art. Examples of such two station vises are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,966,350 to Chick, U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,183 to Krason et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,674 to Bernstein, U.S. Pat. No. 5,022,636 to Swann, U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,073 to Lenz and U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,663 to Jorgensen.
Further, a number of U.S. patents, in particular U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,529,183; 4,098,500; 4,685,663 and 5,024,427 disclose various methods of mounting jaw blocks to the vise slides.
However, all of these known vises suffer the problem that they have at least an open channel accommodating the vise slides into which machine chips and machining fluid may be introduced. As a result, the operation of the vise is degraded due to the build up of these materials. Further, it is necessary to clean the vise in order to avoid any significant degradation in vise operation. Such a requirement results in down time for the vise thereby incurring maintenance expenses while losing production.
Further, vises of this type generally fixedly mount the stationary, center jaw by bolting the jaw to the shoulders, or rails, of the vise. As a result, replacement of the stationary, center jaw is relatively time consuming, again incurring labor costs while reducing production efficiency.
U.S. patent applications Ser. Nos. 08/113,048 and 08/229,806, having the inventor in common with this application, are also drawn to two station machining vises. They disclose offset mechanisms and latching means for attaching jaws to the movable slides. They also disclose a brake mechanism for restricting movement of one movable slide until the other movable slide has had its movement impeded. The disclosures of both applications are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

Enclosed two station machining vise with removable and off-settable jaws


The present technology relates generally to devices and methods for preserving the integrity of folders that are placed into ringed binders or notebooks, preferably folders that are made of paper or other like material, and which are used for example for the transport and storage of papers by students or other types of users.

Folders are widely used by students to carry, transport and preserve their school papers. For example, school students may have one or more folders for each of their various classes or subjects in schools. The folders may be subjected to significant physical activity over the course of their use, for example when they are used, when they are placed into or taken out of school bags, when they are placed into and/or removed from larger binders that have rings that the folders are attached to, when they transported, and so on.
The present technology relates to devices and methods for preserving or extending the integrity and useful life of such folders and notebooks.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A method and apparatus for cleaning sod being transported on a perforate conveyor belt which includes at least one vibratory position and a powered brush position for removing the earth from the sod. This method and apparatus may be attached to a farm vehicle at the sod harvesting site or free-standing at a remote location. This present invention removes the earth in a substantially dry condition so that the earth may be returned directly to the harvest site or conveyed to another location. A subsequent water bath stage is disclosed for the removal of unwanted dust on the sod.

1. Field of the Invention
With regard to the classification of art, this invention is believed to be found in the general class entitled "Plant Husbandry" and more particularly to the subclasses pertaining to the cleaning of dirt from an elongated mat of grass or sod.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The cleaning of dirt from sod is known. As early as 1960, sod was washed at the site of installation to remove the dirt from the mat of grass. Subsequently U.S. Pat. No. 4,063,384, issued to Warren et al on Dec. 20, 1977 also disclosed the cleaning of sod by washing. It can easily be recognized that methods and apparatus which wash the sod by spraying, consume a large amount of water. Another problem associated with cleaning sod by washing is that the resultant washed dirt or mud must be dried before further processing or handling is practical.
It has been determined that an alternate system for cleaning sod is needed. This alternate system should provide a length of sod which is substantially soil or dirt free. The alternate system should also keep the removed dirt in a substantially dry state. This alternate system should also be capable of being used at the sod harvesting site as well as at a processing facility remote from the harvesting site.
The present invention solves the need to provide such an alternate system for cleaning of the sod. The present invention also provides an apparatus which may be used in a processing facility or it may be mounted to or trailed by a farm vehicle such as a tractor.


The invention relates to a method for teaching the basic motions for sports, performances or other behaviors. A preferred teaching method includes the steps of taking pictures of trainees playing sports and performing actions with a video camera, giving guidance to them on the spot while analyzing the video image screens, sometimes in comparison with the gestures made by a trainer playing sports, and allowing the trainee to understand the correct forms and timings of the gestures or movements of the body and body members.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates a method for teaching the basic gestures for sports, performances or behaviors.
2. Discussion of the Background
In a conventional method for teaching the basic gestures for sports, performances or behaviors, the trainer typically makes an exemplary performance and then has the trainee conduct his or her performance, and points out their differences orally or physically to the trainee. Various kinds of media are getting popular where the trainer's performances or gestures are recorded with guidance orally or on paper. U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,295 issuing Feb. 2, 1993 and herein incorporated by reference, discloses a method including having an exemplary performances or gestures recorded in a video image and overlying the video image over trainee's ones by electronic computation to produce a three-dimensional image for helping teaching performances. The disclosed method involving prerecorded images of exemplary performances did not permit specially effective teaching for trainees of particular ages or body strengths, nor stepwise teaching for the individual trainees with various steps of achievements. The present inventor, Mr. Katayama, also helped make an invention where a trainee's performance is taken as a video image and then is regenerated on a CRT screen in a still picture on which the optimal range of movement of the body or its members and the basic lines or references for the optimal form can be shown, as previously filed and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,061 incorporated herein by reference.
In the teaching situation where the trainer makes an exemplary action or performance under the presence of the trainee who then tries to make a performance as guided, a method for showing or U.S. Pat. No. 5,33,061 incorporated herein by reference. In the trainer's and trainee's performances are pictured in 6 to 8 frames in a time sequence with a camera with a plurality of lenses and instantly processable film such as POLAROID (registered trademark) film for making comparative analysis. Although this method permits a picture of the performances to be immediately made because of the characteristics of the photosensitive material, it turned out to be difficult to make the pictures of two persons's actions on separate films in synchronism with each other. The method has mostly not been used for making a comparative analysis between the trainer's and trainee's forms or gestures. No teaching method has been known which permits a comparison of the person's actions and gestures on the spot, thus enabling effectively explaining and questioning thereon.


A method, system and computer program product for ensuring a biometric template is associated with a live entity comprising an intelligent biometric scanner in processing communications with a computer system and a security token. The intelligent biometric scanner applies a data transformation to an inputted entity biometric sample and a biometric challenge supplied by a security token. The transformed biometric sample is processed by a computer system using the transformed biometric challenge resulting in an transformed entity biometric template which will not match an enrollment template stored inside the security token until the transformation is reversed by the intelligent biometric scanner. Embodiment of the invention are also disclosed which does not require the use of a challenge.

Performing a biometric comparison rather than using a personal identification number (PIN) with a smart card is desirable since it provides a stronger binding of the card to a user. Due to computation and memory constraints of smart cards in the relevant art, only a small portion of the biometric processing, generally the final match can reasonably be performed on the card. Moreover, an integrated device which incorporates the features of a smart card reader and a biometric sensor capable of performing all of the biometric processing would be prohibitively expensive for most purposes, since it would require the computational capability and memory capacity of at least a modern desktop computer system.
This requires that a local computer system in communication with the integrated device be involved in certain aspects of biometric processing such as image enhancement, biometric feature extraction, template creation and template alignment. For identification or authentication purposes, local computer systems are not trusted due to their generally being situated in locales which facilitates unrestricted physical and/or logical access to the computer.
The generally unrestricted access to the local computer system could allow an unauthorized entity to provide information other than that derived from a "live" source in order to deceive the integrated device and associated smart card into falsely identifying and/or authenticating the unauthorized entity. The most likely example of this is the inclusion of malicious software on the local computer system which supplies biometric templates either obtained from a hacked database, or a replay of a previously generated biometric template to the integrated device without detection of the fraudulent transaction. Since the integrated device lacks the processing capabilities to internally generate the biometric template, it cannot determine whether the biometric template supplied by the local computer system is derived from a "live" source or is a fraudulent presentation.
Efforts to improve security of inputs are known in the relevant art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,202 to Veil, et al. discloses a secure method and system which provides a trusted security processor between a smart card and a computer system. This arrangement may be effective but requires a reasonably powerful microprocessor and difficult to maintain embedded algorithms to extract biometric information for use with the smart card.
In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,439 to Burger discloses a portable standalone biometric scanner having a smart card interface. The invention provides a secure mechanism to prevent online capture of biometric data but also requires a reasonably powerful microprocessor and difficult to maintain embedded algorithms to extract biometric information for use with the smart card.
In a final example, US patent application 2002/003581 to Janiak, et al. discloses another integrated biometric scanner and smart card reader device. The device provides much of the processing for matching by the smart card, but as before, requires a reasonably powerful microprocessor and difficult to maintain embedded algorithms to extract biometric information for use with the smart card.


A microfluidic test carrier having a substrate, covering layer, and capillary structure formed in the substrate is provided. The capillary structure is enclosed by the substrate and covering layer and comprises a receiving chamber, sample chamber and connection channel between the receiving and sample chambers. The receiving chamber has two boundary surfaces and a side wall, wherein one boundary surface forms the bottom and the other forms the cover. The receiving chamber has a surrounding venting channel and dam between the receiving chamber and venting channel. The dam and venting channel form a capillary stop configured as a geometric valve, through which air from the receiving chamber can escape into the venting channel. The connecting channel between the venting channel outflow and sample chamber inflow controls fluid transport from the receiving chamber into the sample chamber. The capillary stop is configured to prevent autonomous fluid transport from the receiving chamber.

The present disclosure relates to microfluidic test carriers for apportioning a quantity of fluid into sub-quantities.
Microfluidic elements for the analysis of a fluid sample are employed in diagnostic tests for in vitro diagnostics. In such tests, samples of body fluids are tested for one or more analytes contained therein, for medicinal purposes. An important component in the analysis is the test carrier, on which microfluidic channel structures are present for receiving and transporting a fluid sample in order to make it possible to carry out complex, multi-step tests (test protocols).
Test carriers, which are often referred to as a "Lab on a CD" or "Lab on a chip", are made up of a carrier material, which is usually a substrate formed from a plastic. Examples of suitable materials are COC (cyclo-olefin-copolymer) or plastics such as PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), polycarbonate or polystyrene. The test carriers have a channel structure that is formed in the substrate and is closed by a lid or a covering layer. The channel structure frequently consists of several channels and channel sections as well as interposed chambers that are broadened compared with the channels and channel sections. The structures and dimensions of the channel structures are defined by the structuring of the plastic parts of the substrates and may, for example, be produced by injection molding techniques or other appropriate methods. These also include methods that remove material, such as milling or the like.
Microfluidic test carriers are used, inter alia, for immunochemical analyses with a multi-step test procedure, for example enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in which, for example, bound or free reaction components are separated. This requires controlled fluid transport. The procedure may be controlled by internal means (inside the fluid element) or external means (outside the fluid element). Control may be based on the use of pressure differences or changes in forces. Frequently, the test carrier is rotated in order to exploit centrifugal forces that are used to obtain control by changing the rotational speed, the direction of turning or the acceleration. Often, a combination of capillary and centrifugal forces are used to control the fluidics.
Analytical systems with rotary test carriers are known from the following publications, for example: European Pat. No. 0 626 071 B1; Int. Pat. Appln. Pub. No. WO 2007/042219 A1; Int. Pat. Appln. Pub. No. WO 01/46465 A2; Int. Pat. Appln. Pub. No. WO 95/33986; U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,702; and Int. Pat. Appln. Pub. No. WO 93/19827
An overview of microfluidic test elements and methods, control thereof, as well as microfluidic test elements as rotating disks, for example in the form of a compact disc (CD), is known from Marc Madou et al., Lab on a CD, 8 Annu. Rev. Biomed. Eng. 601-28 (2006) (online at bioeng.annualreviews.org).
Microfluidic test carriers often have a plurality of parallel sub-structures on one test carrier so that different analyses can be carried out in one process sequence. Distributing structures are provided in the test carriers to apportion the fluid into a plurality of identical or differently sized sub-volumes so that users are not obliged to apply small quantities of one sample fluid a number of times. These distributing structures also ensure that the significance of the results is not deleteriously affected by sample application or sampling effects. The same sample material is used for all analyses, which increases the significance, for example when carrying out multiple assays.
The prior art discloses, for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,919,058 B2, distributing structures in which a fluid is accommodated in an elongated channel in the shape of a plurality of V-shaped structures arranged one behind the other in series. The distributing structure is positioned in a ring on a centrifuging platform. Venting capillaries are provided on the radially inward end of the leg of the V-shaped structure. Outlet capillaries are positioned at the radially outward part of the V-shaped structure, which are provided with a hydrophobic valve. Thus, the fluid is pre-distributed into the individual V-shaped structures on the principle of capillary forces. However, distribution of this type is very slow. After taking the fluid into the V-shaped distributing structure, the test carrier is rotated with acceleration so that the fluid breaks through the hydrophobic stop at a certain frequency and is drained off through the radially outwardly extending outlet capillaries at the base of the V-shaped structure. The fluid is partitioned at the moment of the valve breakthrough. Separation of the pre-distributed fluid portions occurs. Because of the architecture of the radially inwardly located part of the structure in particular, a predetermined volume is drained off. If the structures are the same size, then the volumes that are drained off are identical.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,154,793 discloses a rotary test carrier with a central receiving orifice in the lid. Below the orifice in the lid is a receiving chamber in which fluid is stored. Around the receiving zone are a plurality of peripheral sample chambers which are each connected to the receiving zone via a connecting channel. The inlet orifice for allowing fluid into the sample chamber is at a radially outwardly located position. In order to vent the sample chamber, an outlet orifice is provided that is positioned radially further inwardly than the inlet orifice and which connects the sample chamber to the receiving zone. Rotation of the test carrier empties the fluid contained in the receiving zone into the individual sample chambers, whereupon air flows out of the sample chambers into the receiving zone radially inwards and finally escapes through the central orifice in the lid.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,125,711 B2 discloses a test carrier with elongated distribution channel to which a plurality of metering chambers are connected, which latter are filled by capillary force. Each metering chamber comprises a sub-quantity and has an outlet with a geometric valve. Rotation of the test carrier causes the sub-quantities to empty out of the metering chambers into a sample analysis chamber.
The microfluidic distributing structures known from the prior art for apportioning a quantity of fluid into sub-volumes are particularly suitable for small volumes of up to approximately 10 μL, since the structures are filled entirely "passively" by capillary forces. This also makes the system highly dependent on the fluid properties of the sample, which compromises robustness. With larger volumes, distributing through extensive distributing structures results in significant time delays. This is because as the volumes become larger, the surface area-to-volume ratio of the capillaries becomes less and less favorable, which also results in a reduction in capillary force. In some cases, filling of the capillaries provided for the sub-quantities and the sub-quantity chambers may even come to a stop. Furthermore, with larger volumes, there is a risk that air will flow into the capillaries, which introduces errors into the apportioning and results in volume variations. In general, with distributing systems that function primarily by capillary action, trapped air and foam formation have a major influence on the precision of the sub-volumes that are drained off. This sensitivity of distributing systems that function by capillary action reduces the robustness of the processes (for example analytical processes). The lack of robustness has to be compensated for by external factors, for example by using automatic aliquoting robots. Thus, such known test carriers are only suitable for automatic pipetting of the fluids. Manual pipetting by different users, who are often pressed for time, has an increased tendency to result in (trapped) air bubbles and foam formation when pipetting. The known test carriers are not suitable for manual use. Since, in addition, with the capillary effects discussed here the surface properties of the process are dominant, manufacturing conditions and surface treatment conditions (for example activation, hydrophilization) play a major role. The tight tolerances increase the manufacturing and inspection costs for the test carrier during mass production and can also result in a high rejection rate.
Thus, there is still a great need in the art for the provision of a test carrier with which a quantity of fluid can be apportioned in a reliable manner into predetermined sub-quantities. Such a test carrier should not only be suitable for automatic pipetting and addition of the quantity of fluid, but should also be suitable for manual addition by different users and thus should exhibit enhanced robustness.

Microfluidic test carrier for apportioning a liquid quantity into subquantities