A tubular, radially self-expanding stent includes a latticework of interbraided, helically wound resilient structural strands. An axial control member is secured to the tubular latticework at axially spaced apart proximal and distal coupling locations. At the proximal location, the control member is coupled slidably, to permit an adjustment of the axial distance between the coupling locations, thus to selectively adjust the radius profile of the latticework between the two locations. To set a desired radius profile, the control member either is crimped near the proximal location or fixed within a self-locking connector. The control members, preferably monofilament strands, can be elastic or substantially inextensible. Two or more control members can be used if desired. In an alternative embodiment, recovery metal control members are fixed at their opposite ends to the latticework, then plastically deformed by elongation to axially elongate and radially reduce the latticework. Following deployment, the control members are heated sufficiently to cause the control members to return to their shorter, nominal shapes, to axially shorten and radially enlarge the stent. Both versions preferably feature selvaged ends.

The present invention relates to tubular prostheses such as stents insertable into blood vessels and other body lumens, and more particularly to features in such prostheses for controlling the amount or nature of their radial expansion.
A variety of treatment and diagnostic procedures involves devices intraluminally implanted into the body of a patient. Among these devices are stents, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,771 (Wallsten). The Wallsten devices are tubular, braided structures formed of helically wound thread elements. The stents are deployed using a delivery catheter such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,027,377 (Burton, et al.). With the stent positioned at the intended treatment site, an outer tube of the delivery catheter is withdrawn, allowing the stent to radially expand into a substantially conforming surface contact with a blood vessel wall or other lumen-defining tissue.
An alternative stent construction features plastically deformable metallic strands, which also can be helically wound. Such stent does not require an outer tube or other feature to maintain it in a reduced-radius state during delivery. Radial expansion at the treatment site requires a dilatation balloon or other external expansion means.
Regardless of whether stents are self-expanding or plastically deformable, they characteristically have an open mesh or open frame construction, or otherwise are formed with multiple openings to facilitate radial enlargements and reductions, and to allow tissue ingrowth. Such stents typically expand axially or longitudinally as they radially contract, and conversely expand radially as they are axially shortened.
Self-expanding stents frequently are favored, not only because they do not require a balloon or other external expansion device, but also because of the radially outward residual force exerted against the surrounding tissue by a properly sized stent once deployed. A variety of constructions are available, ranging from a single coil (e.g., of a memory metal such as Nitinol) to multiple monofilaments (metalic or polymeric) arranged in sets of oppositely directed helices.
While the advantages of self-expanding stents are widely known, it would be beneficial to provide more positive control over the extent of a stent's radial expansion, once it is released from within a deployment device. Self-expanding stents characteristically have a relaxed (free of external stress) state toward which they expand when released. After delivery and release of a stent at a selected treatment site, it may appear that the relaxed state radius is less than that desired for the application. Corrective action, such as retrieving the stent and replacing it with a larger-diameter device, might be required.
Even in situations where the deployed device is considered satisfactory, it might be desired to increase or decrease, in situ, the amount of radial residual force which the device exerts against surrounding tissue. Conventional stent constructions do not afford this option.
Another consideration arises if unexpected irregularities in vasculature are encountered at the treatment site. While stents can be configured to have diameter gradients or irregular profiles, this capability does not address the desire to reconfigure a stent toward conformity with an unanticipated tissue irregularity at the treatment site.
Implanted devices are subject to vessel constriction or closure if their radially outward acting restoring force is overcome by tissue contractions.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a body insertable prosthesis including a control feature for determining the amount of radial expansion of the prosthesis upon its release from a deployment device.
Another object is to provide a means for controllably varying the amount of radially acting restoring force in a self-expanding stent radially enlarged to a given diameter.
A further object is to provide a tubular self-expanding prosthesis radially expandable over a selected portion of its length, either to the exclusion of or to a greater degree than a remaining portion of the device length.
Yet another object is to provide a body insertable self-expanding tubular prosthesis usable in body lumens having a wider range of diameters.

Radially expanded prostheses with axial diameter control


The invention relates to color toner compositions prepared from a process for the preparation of a dry toner powder from an aqueous pigment concentrate dispersion comprising: blending at least an aqueous-based pigment concentrate dispersion and a resin to produce a paste; charging the paste to an extruder to generate an extruded pigment/resin mixture; dispersing the extruded pigment/resin mixture in a low boiling organic medium to create an organic phase; dispersing the organic phase in an aqueous phase containing a particulate stabilizer and mixing the organic phase and the aqueous phase at elevated temperature and under shear force to form toner particles of a controlled size and shape; removing the organic solvent and particulate stabilizer from the formed particles; and washing, drying, and collecting the particles for use as a dry toner powder.

Present day toners are formulated from a range of potential components. Most toner compositions include at least a polymeric binder material and a colorant. Other commonly used components include black and colored magnetic oxides, charge control agents, internal additives to augment toner properties, such as aiding in deagglomeration and homogeneous distribution of the colorant in the toner composition, and external additives, to aid in the proper function of the toner. The components used in a particular toner formulation are dependent on the requirements of the machine in which the toner is ultimately intended to be used. For instance, the toner formulation must take into account such parameters as image quality, reliability, carrier life, toner shelf life, etc., all of which are intricately involved with the mechanical capability and design of the hardware of the machine. Often, there is more than one component of a toner formulation which performs to eradicate certain undesirable properties of the toner. These same components may however, also contribute to other problems, or the combination of two or more components which affect the same toner properties may result in over-correction of a problematic area in the toner performance. Therefore, the combination of components selected to comprise a given toner composition must be carefully balanced, taking into account the full range of toner performance parameters which may be affected by each component and the interaction of each component with every other component of the toner composition, and the machine and its various components and systems.
Given that each of the foregoing parameters will affect toner performance in some manner, it is unlikely that any one toner will achieve optimum performance in all areas. Therefore, toner producers determine which parameters are most critical to the performance of a toner for a given purpose and which may be compromised, and to what extent.
Toner performance is determined by the combination of components, and by the physical, electrical and chemical properties of each. Such properties include pigment dispersion, particle size, particle size distribution, particle shape, bulk density, mechanical strength, flow properties, triboelectric charge, resistivity, softening point, blocking temperature, melt viscosity, and dispersion. Each of these parameters must be considered for each component in determining what components to combine and how to combine the components to achieve a balanced toner which produces an image having those properties determined to be most important for a specific toner. This choice of components is further influenced by economic and environmental concerns.
The bulk polymeric material of the toner generally functions as the binder for the colorants included in the toner formulation, but also affects many of the other toner functions, such as charging, electrical resistivity, and mechanical integrity, to name a few. Therefore, often times a combination of resins is used to achieve the desired performance. Polymers generally used in toner may be linear, branched or cross linked, and are chosen for their various properties and the manner in which these properties are likely to affect toner performance. For example, certain binder polymer properties affect the thermal performance of the toner. These properties include such binder parameters as glass transition temperature, melt viscosity, blocking temperature, and thermal integrity. In the same manner, the mechanical properties of the binder polymer, including such parameters as impact strength, adhesive/cohesive strength, and surface energy will also affect toner performance. Electrical traits such as triboelectric charge function, resistivity, and dielectric constant, and other miscellaneous features, such as moisture resistivity, % volatility, molecular weight, colorlessness, and pigment compatibility, all have an affect on the ultimate performance level of the toner in which the binder is used.
Among the most popular resins from which the toner resin may be selected are: acrylic resins, epoxy resins, polyamide resins, polyester resins, polyethylene resins, polystyrene resins, styrene-acrylic copolymer resins, and styrene-butadiene resins. As with all toner components, choice of resin is generally determined by the machine parameters and toner performance qualities sought.
Dispersed in the binder resin are the colorants used in the toner formulation. In monocomponent toners, magnetic oxide pigments are used for the purpose of enhancing the magnetic attraction between the toner and the developer roll assembly. Carbon black has historically been the most popular colorant used in black toners, as it strongly influences the triboelectric charging capability of the toner. However, more recent toners employ charge control agents to achieve and control this toner feature, thus allowing the use of more easily dispersed black colorants. The black colorant may also affect the flow characteristics of the toner and, therefore, is sometimes added in incremental amounts to the toner surface.
The charge control agents are also critical in full color printing. The equipment of today allows the reproduction of beautiful, photographic-quality full color images. The printer/copier machines generally employ one or more cartridges which dispense color toner, as well as black toner. The basic color toners used are magenta, cyan and yellow, though any number of other color toners are available. Generally, however, variations in color and tone or shade are produced by the combined printed affect of a basic color set of toners.
Most toner formulations also include any one or more of a number of materials known commonly in the industry as additives. These are generally fine particles which are physically blended with the toner. They may be attached to the toner by electrical means, mechanical means, or by mere physical mixing. These additives may be added to influence flow control, charge control, cleaning, fixing, offset prevention, transfer, conductivity control, humidity sensitivity control, and carrier life stability. Common additive materials include silica, metal oxides, metal stearates, fluoropolymer powders, fine polymer powders, rare earth oxides, waxes, conductive particulates, magnetite, carbon, and titanates. Choice of additives is critical, however, given that many of the additives affect more than a single toner property.
Clearly, given the vast number of components available in the industry for use in toner compositions, and given the propensity for many of the components to enhance some properties and at the same time to deleteriously affect others, choice of components is not a routine matter.
In addition to the content of the toner, toner preparation must address the problem of generating content-uniform particles exhibiting small particle size, in the range of about 2 μm to about 15 μm, preferably from about 5 μm to about 8 μm, and exhibiting a narrow particle size distribution. Shape of the particle can be equally important. The more uniform the shape and the smaller the particle size, the better the printed image. Several patents that disclose a means of controlling the shape and particle size of the toner particles include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,833,060, 6,156,473, 6,294,595, and 6,380,297.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,060 discloses a process for producing powders of a controlled size and shape by dissolving a polymer in a solvent which is immiscible with water, forming a suspension of polymer/solvent droplets in the water, which contains a promoter and silica particles, and then removing the solvent from the polymer/solvent droplets, and drying and collecting the remaining polymer particles. These particles may then be used in toner. U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,469 also discloses a method of controlling particle size. In this patent, a latex copolymer is used as a stabilizer to control the size of the core in the shell-and-core toner particles disclosed. U.S. Pat. No. 6,294,595 teaches a process for preparing irregular-shaped toner particles by dispersing a polymer/organic solvent dispersion in an aqueous phase containing colloidal stabilizer particles with a positive charge and colloidal stabilizer particles with a negative charge. The use of only one or the other generates particles of a spherical nature, which this patent seeks to avoid. U.S. Pat. No. 6,380,297 achieves irregularly shaped particles by first creating spherical particles as taught in the processes just mentioned, and then surface-treating the particles with a surface-active agent to modify the particle shape.
Even if particle size and shape are controlled, uniformity and homogeneity of content remain a critical aspect of toner preparation. It is known, as was set forth earlier, to produce toner compositions which include pigment colorants. Such compositions may use carbon black. Other color toners may use color pigments commercially available from a number of sources. It is critical to the quality of the printed image, however, that the pigment or colorant used be homogeneously dispersed within the toner particles. This can be difficult to achieve given the propensity of pigment particulates to agglomerate, causing void areas in the toner particles which result in uneven color in the printed image. One means of dispersing a pigment in a toner composition is to use the pigment in the wet cake form. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,667,929 and 5,591,552 disclose such a process for toner preparation. In these disclosures, pigment in the wet-cake form was added to a mixture of linear polyester and toluene to form a pre-dispersion. The water was flushed, or displaced, by a resin/toluene solution, and then the toluene removed to generate a crushed powder of resin and pigment. While this method does increase pigment dispersion to some degree, printed images using the toner nonetheless exhibit very average print quality.
Therefore, an aspect of concern, and the one of most importance to this invention, is that of pigment dispersion. In an optimum toner, each toner particle will be consistent with respect to performance, and will exhibit a uniform distribution of colorant, charge control agent, additives, etc. The degree to which this uniform dispersion is achieved affects the resulting triboelectric charge, color, yield, and finally the printed image.
One means to achieve homogeneous or uniform pigment dispersion is set forth in U.S. Ser. No. 10/878,860, filed Jun. 28, 2004, to our common assignee, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In that disclosure, the pigment colorant is added to the toner composition in the form of an aqueous liquid pigment concentrate dispersion.
The current inventors have determined an alternative means by which to achieve uniform pigment dispersion within toner particles exhibiting volume average particle diameter of up to 15 μm. This is accomplished using an aqueous pigment pre-dispersion in combination with the processing steps set forth herein, to produce substantially spherical toner particles which have a uniform dispersion of particle components and are of small particle size and small particle size distribution, suitable for generating a printed image with enhanced brightness of colors, visual density and vividness of color. Each of the foregoing visible attributes is a direct result of the quality of the pigment dispersion incorporated into the toner.

Toner processes and compositions thereof


A method is disclosed to assign network addresses in a storage array disposed in a data storage and retrieval system comprising (P) data storage devices disposed in (N) data storage device assemblies. The method configures the (N) data storage device assemblies to comprise a spare data storage device assembly and a first storage array comprising (N−1) active data storage device assemblies, wherein each data storage device configured in the first storage array is assigned a network address, and wherein one of the spare data storage device disposed in the spare data storage device assembly is assigned a network address. In the event the method detects a failed data storage device disposed in the first storage array, then the method forms a second storage array comprising the first storage array, except the failed data storage device, in combination with the (i)th spare data storage device.

Data storage and retrieval systems are used to store information provided by one or more host computer systems. Such data storage and retrieval systems receive requests to write information to a plurality of data storage devices, and requests to retrieve information from that plurality of data storage devices. Upon receipt of a read request, the system recalls information from the plurality of data storage devices, and optionally moves that information to a data cache. Thus, the system is continuously moving information to and from a plurality of data storage devices, and optionally to and from a data cache.
It is known in the art to configure the plurality of data storage devices to form a storage array. In certain embodiments, such storage array comprises two or more data storage device assemblies, wherein each of those assemblies comprises two or more data storage devices. What is further needed is a method to assign network addresses in a data storage array comprising a plurality of data storage device assemblies upon the failure of a data storage device disposed in one of those data storage device assemblies.

Apparatus and method to assign network addresses in a storage array

International Business Machines Corporation


A method for fabricating an LCD device includes providing a substrate; forming an active pattern having a source region, a drain region and a channel region on the substrate; forming a first insulation film on the substrate; forming a gate electrode, a gate line and a pixel electrode on the substrate; forming a second insulation film on the substrate; forming a contact hole exposing a portion of the source and drain regions by removing a portion of the first and second insulation films; patterning the second insulation film on the pixel electrode at least a size corresponding to a form of the pixel electrode; and forming a source electrode electrically connected to the source region and a drain electrode electrically connected to the drain region through the contact hole.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display (LCD) device and its fabrication method. More particularly, the present invention relates to an LCD device and its fabrication method capable of simplifying a fabrication process and enhancing a yield by reducing the number of masks used for fabrication of a thin film transistor (TFT).
2. Description of the Related Art
As interests in information displays and demands for using a portable (mobile) information medium are increasing, research on and commercialization of a light thin film type flat panel display (FPD), which can substitute the existing display device CRT, are actively ongoing.
Of the FPDs, in particular, an LCD, a device for expressing an image by using an optical anisotropy of liquid crystal, exhibits excellent resolution, color display and picture quality. So, the LCD has been actively applied for notebooks, desktop monitors and the like.
The liquid crystal display panel includes a first substrate, namely, a color filter substrate, a second substrate, namely, an array substrate, and a liquid crystal layer formed between the color filter substrate and the array substrate.
As a switching device of the liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor (TFT) is commonly used, and as a channel layer of the TFT, an amorphous silicon thin film or a polycrystalline silicon thin film is used.
In a process for fabricating the LCD device, a plurality of masking processes (namely, photolithography process) are required for fabricating the LCD device including the TFT. Thus, a method for reducing the number of masking processes is on demand in terms of productivity.
The structure of the related art LCD device will now be described with reference to FIG. 1.
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a portion of an array substrate of the related art LCD device. Although an actual LCD device includes M×N number of pixels as the N number of gate lines and the M number of data lines cross each other, only one pixel is shown in FIG. 1 for the sake of explanation.
As shown, a gate line 16 and a data line 17 are arranged vertically and horizontally on an array substrate 10, defining a pixel region. A TFT as a switching device is formed at the crossing of the gate line 16 and the data line 17. A pixel electrode 18 is formed at each pixel region.
The TFT includes a gate electrode 21 connected to the gate line 16, a source electrode 22 connected to the data line 17 and a drain electrode 23 connected to the pixel electrode 18. The TFT also includes a first insulation film (not shown) and a second insulation film (not shown) for insulating the gate electrode 21 and source and drain electrodes 22 and 23, and an active pattern 24 for forming a conductive channel between the source and drain electrodes 22 and 23 by a gate voltage supplied to the gate electrode 21.
Through the first contact hole 40A formed at the first and second insulation films, the source electrode 22 is electrically connected with a source region of the active pattern 24 and the drain electrode 23 is electrically connected with a drain region of the active pattern 24.
A third insulation film (not shown) having a second contact hole 40B is formed on the drain electrode 23, so that the drain electrode 23 and the pixel electrode 18 are electrically connected through the second contact hole 40B.
FIGS. 2A to 2F are sequential sectional views of the process for fabricating the LCD device of FIG. 1 taken along line I-I′. The illustrated TFT is a polycrystalline silicon TFT which uses polycrystalline silicon as a channel layer.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the active pattern 24 is formed as a polycrystalline silicon thin film on the substrate 10 by using a photolithography process (a first masking process).
Next, as shown in FIG. 2B, a first insulation film 15A and a conductive metal material are sequentially deposited on the entire surface of the substrate 10 with the active pattern 24 formed thereon. Then, the conductive metal material is selectively patterned using a photolithography process (a second masking process) to form the gate electrode 21 over the active pattern 24 with the first insulation film 15A interposed therebetween.
Thereafter, p+ type or n+ type source and drain regions 24A and 24B are formed at certain regions of the active pattern 24 by injecting a high density impurity ion (namely, dopant) using the gate electrode 21 as a mask. The source and drain regions 24A and 24B are formed for ohmic contacting with source and drain electrodes (to be described).
As shown in FIG. 2C, a second insulation film 15B is formed on the entire surface of the substrate 10 with the gate electrode 21 formed thereon. Then, a portion of the first and second insulation films 15A and 15B is removed through photolithography (a third masking process) to form the first contact hole 40A exposing a portion of the source and drain regions 24A and 24B.
Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 2D, a conductive metal material is deposited on the entire surface of the substrate 10 and then patterned using a photolithography process (a fourth making process) to form the source electrode 22 connected with the source region 24A and the drain electrode 23 connected with the drain region 24B through the first contact hole 40A. In this case, a portion of the conductive metal layer constituting the source electrode 22 extends in one direction to form the data line 17.
As shown in FIG. 2E, a third insulation film 15C is deposited on the entire surface of the substrate 10, and then, a second contact hole 40B is formed, exposing a portion of the drain electrode 23 using a photolithography process (a fifth masking process).
Finally, as shown in FIG. 2F, a transparent conductive metal material is deposited on the entire surface of the substrate 10 with the third insulation film 15C formed thereon and then patterned using a photolithography process (a sixth masking process) to form the pixel electrode 18 connected with the drain electrode 23 through the second contact hole 40B.
As mentioned above, in fabricating the LCD device including the polycrystalline silicon TFT, a total of six photolithographic processes are required to pattern the active pattern, the gate electrode, the first contact hole, the source and drain electrodes, the second contact hole and the pixel electrode.
The photolithography process is a process of transferring a pattern formed on a mask onto the thin film-deposited substrate to form a desired pattern, including a plurality of processes such as applying a photosensitive solution, exposing and developing process. As a result, the plurality of photolithography processes reduce a production yield and cause a high possibility that a fabricated TFT is defective.
In particular, the mask designed to form the pattern is expensive, so an increase in the number of masks applied to the process leads to a proportional increase in fabrication costs.

LCD device comprising the drain electrode connected to an upper and a side portion of the pixel electrode and fabrication method thereof


A stair lift for transporting a load includes a longitudinal guide having a first side running surface and a second side running surface opposing the first side running surface; and a carriage which is transportable along the guide and provided with rollers for guiding the carriage along the guide. The rollers include a first roller having a first roller peripheral friction surface which is in frictional engagement with the first side running surface for guiding the carriage along the guide and a second roller having a second roller peripheral friction surface which is in frictional engagement with the second side running surface for guiding the carriage along the guide. The first roller friction surface is provided with a first roller member, and the first side running surface is provided with a longitudinal first side running surface member which fits complementary with the first roller member.

Stair lifts are well known and are particularly used for transporting loads such as persons and/or goods up or down over a stairs by being carried on a chair or a platform. In general a stair lift comprises of a guide or rail to be attached along a staircase and a motorized carriage or trolley which carries and guides the load along the rail.
Stair lifts may be driven by friction drive rollers which are in frictional engagement with the guide. These have proven to be less expensive than form fitted drive means such as sprocket and chains or rack and pinion.
For example, a stair-climbing device is known from patent publication EP-0,881,188-A1. This publication shows a stair-climbing device comprising a guiding rail and a trolley movable on the guiding rail. The stair-climbing device is further provided with a motor that drives a drive roller supported by the trolley, wherein the drive roller is in frictional engagement with the guiding rail. Each longitudinal side of the guiding rail is in frictional engagement with a guiding roller to keep the trolley in a predetermined position with respect to the guided rail. Each drive roller is provided with a means for pressing the drive roller into frictional engagement.
Drawback of these known stair lifts is that they are mechanically complex.


A supervisory diagnostics system and related method for providing vehicle diagnostics for an integrated vehicle stability system that monitors the state of health of sensors, actuators, vehicle sub-system and communication sub-systems that are used in the stability control system. The diagnostics system employs an algorithm to determine whether the various sensors, actuators and sub-systems are operating properly. The algorithm determines whether the components and sub-systems are outputting valid signals at a component level. The algorithm also determines whether a bias of the sensors is below a predetermined limit. The algorithm further determines whether a comparison between the outputs of redundant sensors is below a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period of time. The system also performs a state of health analytical comparison of all the system signals. The system will go in to a fail-safe mode if a fault is detected.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a system and method for diagnostics monitoring of an integrated vehicle stability system and, more particularly, to a system and method for diagnostics monitoring of an integrated vehicle stability system at the supervisory level, including detecting and isolating faults of sensors, actuators and vehicle control sub-systems and communication systems in a fast and reliable manner.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Diagnostics monitoring for vehicle stability systems is an important vehicle design consideration so as to be able to detect system faults quickly, and isolate the faults for maintenance purposes. These stability systems typically employ various types of sensors including yaw rate sensors, lateral acceleration sensors and steering hand wheel angle sensors that are used to provide the stability control of the vehicle. For example, certain vehicle stability systems employ automatic braking in response to an undesired turning or yaw rate of the vehicle. Certain vehicle stability systems also employ active front-wheel or rear-wheel steering that assists the vehicle operator in steering the vehicle in response to detected rotation of the steering wheel. Other vehicle stability systems employ active suspension stability systems that change the vehicle suspension in response to road conditions and vehicle operating conditions.
If any of the sensors and actuators associated with these stability systems fail, it is desirable to quickly detect the fault and activate fail-safe strategies so as to prevent the system from improperly responding to a perceived condition. It is also desirable to isolate the defective sensor or actuator for maintenance and replacement purposes, and also select the proper action for the problem. Thus, it is necessary to monitor the various sensors, actuators and components employed in these stability systems to identify a failure.

Supervisory diagnostics for integrated vehicle stability system


In the preparation of semiconductor structures having multilevel copper conductive features which must be interconnected, it is frequently desired to remove portions of a copper layer deposited over a substrate. In particular, where lines and contacts are created by depositing a copper layer to fill trenches and vias present in a dielectric layer, it is desired to remove the portion of the copper layer which does not form the desired line or contact. The present invention provides a method of etching a copper layer (film) to remove the portion of the film which is not part of the desired conductive interconnect structure, while avoiding over etching of the structure and the formation of corrosive surface contaminants on the surface of the etched copper. The method of etching is referred to as the etchback process, since, in a typical fabrication process, the deposited copper layer is etched back to the upper or "field" surface of a substrate containing trenches and vias which are filled by the copper. The copper layer etchback may be conducted on a substrate surface using a low temperature regime, below about 150.degree. C. Within this low temperature regime, the etchback is preferably conducted using essentially physical bombardment of the copper surface. Or, the etchback may be carried out with the substrate surface at a temperature which falls within a high temperature regime, above about 150.degree. C. Within this high temperature regime, three different etch chemistries may be used. The etch plasma may be formed solely from non-reactive gases; the etch plasma may be formed solely from gases which are produce a reactive species (such as a gas which is a source of chlorine or fluorine), or, the etch plasma may be formed from a combination of non-reactive and reactive gases which are tailored to adjust selectivity and etch rate. When the gas is a source of chlorine or fluorine, it is preferred that the gas be a compound comprising at least one other element in combination with chlorine or fluorine.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to a plasma etch process for the removal of excess copper film deposition, to form copper interconnects (including lines and plugs which reside in trenches and vias, respectively). The process may be carried out in a variety of plasma chamber designs and may be optimized by the selection of particular etch chemistry.
2. Brief Description of the Background Art
In the multi level metallization architecture used in present day semiconductor devices, aluminum is generally used as the material of construction for interconnect lines and contacts. Although aluminum offers a number of advantages in ease of fabrication, as integrated circuit designers focus on transistor gate velocity and interconnect line transmission time, it becomes apparent that copper is the material of choice for the next generation of interconnect lines and contacts. In particular, when the aluminum wire size becomes smaller than 0.5 .mu.m, the electromigration resistance and the stress migration resistance of aluminum becomes a problem area. In addition, when the feature size of an aluminum-based contact requires an aspect ratio of greater than 1:1, it is difficult to obtain planarization of the substrate during the application of the next insulating layer over the contact area of the substrate. Further, the resistivity of copper is about 1.4 .mu..OMEGA.cm, which is only about half of the resistivity of aluminum.
One of the preferred technologies for the formation of copper lines and copperfilled contact vias (plugs) is known as the damascene process. In this technology, a typical process for producing a multilevel structure having feature sizes in the range of 0.5 micron (.mu.m) or less would include: blanket deposition of a dielectric material; patterning of the dielectric material to form line trenches and via openings; deposition of a diffusion barrier layer and, optionally, a wetting layer to line the trenches and/or openings; deposition of a copper layer onto the substrate in sufficient thickness to fill the trenches and openings; and removal of excessive conductive material from the substrate surface. The known art suggests that excess conductive material is to be removed using chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) techniques. The damascene process is described in detail by C. Steinbruchel in "Patterning of copper for multilevel metallization: reactive ion etching and chemical-mechanical polishing", Applied Surface Science 91 (1995) 139-146.
Typically the copper layer deposition in the damascene process is by physical vapor deposition (PVD), by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), or by electroplating.
Regardless of the technique used to deposit copper, when CMP techniques are used to remove excess copper from the dielectric surface after deposition, there are several problems which arise. Copper is a soft material which tends to smear across the underlying surface during polishing. This may cause a variation in the critical dimensions of conductive features. Particles from the slurry used during the chemical mechanical polishing process may become embedded in the surface of the copper and other materials surrounding the location of the copper lines and contacts. The chemicals present in the slurry may corrode the copper, leading to increased resistivity and possibly even corrosion through an entire wire line thickness. Further, the chemical-mechanical polishing is a wet process which provides manufacturing difficulties.
Wet etch processes have been attempted for removal of the excess deposited copper; however, there is difficulty in controlling the etch profile, particularly when the thickness of the film being etched is comparable to the minimum pattern dimension. Over etching at particular locations on the substrate surface due to isotropic etching may make the process impractical. In addition, there is the potential for extreme corrosion of the copper line or plug during the etch process itself.
Plasma etchback techniques have previously been used for the formation of tungsten plugs used in an interconnect system in combination with aluminum. A description of this technology is provided in an article by Lynn R. Allen and John M. Grant, entitled "Tungsten plug etchback and substrate damage measured by atomic force microscopy", J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B 3(3), pp. 918-922, May/June 1995.
In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,315 to Gurtej S. Sandhu, issued Feb. 7, 1995, describes a process for deposition and etchback of copper in multilayered structures. However, this latter technology is limited to a particular system where the copper deposition is by CVD and a decomposition product from the CVD reaction is subsequently used as the etchant for the etchback step.
A major concern in the etchback process is the need for selectivity in etching of the conductive layer over etching of the underlying wetting (adhesion) and barrier layers, as well as over the dielectric field surface underlying the conductive layer. For example, a useful plasma etchback process for copper should preferably be highly selective toward copper over both the tantalum or tantalum/tantalum nitride (which frequently is used as the barrier layer lining trenches or contact vias) and the silicon dioxide (which typically forms the field dielectric).
The etch rate should be rapid, to maximize the throughput rate through the equipment, but the process should avoid over etching of the copper layer in the area of the filled feature, so that the copper line or plug maintains its desired dimensions. In addition selectivity is important, as it is necessary to etch the copper layer without overetching adjacent barrier layers and substrate surfaces. Typically, the barrier layer used with copper is tantalum or tantalum nitride and adjacent substrate surfaces are silicon dioxide or a "low K dielectric" such as BCB (divinylsiloxane bis-benzocyclobutene) or FPI (fluorinated polyimide).
Until very recently copper etch rates obtained by purely physical bombardment were typically about 300 .ANG.-500 .ANG. per minute or less, as described by Schwartz and Schaible, J. Electrochem. Soc., Vol. 130, No. 8, p. 1777 (1983) and by H. Miyazaki et al., J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B 15(2) p.239 (1997), respectively. Recently, in a related development (the subject matter of which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention) copper etch rates were improved using purely physical bombardment. Etch rates as high as 5,000 .ANG. per minute were achieved. Further, using newly-developed technology which employs purely physical bombardment or chemically supplemented physical bombardment, the selectivity between copper and materials commonly used as adhesion layers, barrier layers, and dielectric layers has proved to be more than satisfactory. The physical bombardment technology, including chemical enhancement, is disclosed in detail in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/891,410, filed Jul. 9, 1997, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
In addition to the physical bombardment technology, in another related development (the subject matter of which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention), directional pattern etching of copper was achieved in a manner which prevents the corrosion of adjacent copper surfaces. Corrosion is often a major problem during device fabrication, as copper does not form any self passivating layer like aluminum does. Any residual etchant materials on the etched copper surface continue to corrode the surface after completion of the etch process. Typically, a chlorine-comprising gas is used in the reactive ion etch processing of the copper. Although the chlorine provides acceptable etch rates, it typically causes the copper to corrode rapidly due to the formation of reaction by-products which are not volatile. These byproducts remain on the copper surface, causing corrosion over the entire etched surface. The byproducts can be made volatile subsequent to the etch step by treatment with chemical species which create a volatile reaction product, but by this time the corrosion is already extensive. Further, in the case of copper interconnect lines, the whole wire line may corrode all the way through, resulting in a non-useable device and reducing manufacturing yields.
A process which permits directional copper etching while protecting adjacent surfaces from corrosion is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/911,878, filed Aug. 13, 1997, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. This process provides for the use of an etch chemistry which applies hydrogen to the etched surface to protect the surface from corrosion. Hydrogen is adsorbed on the copper exterior surface and may be absorbed into the interior of the copper, so that it is available to react with species which would otherwise penetrate that exterior surface and react with the copper interior to that surface. Although any plasma feed gas component comprising hydrogen, which is capable of generating sufficient amounts of hydrogen, may be used, the most preferred embodiment of the invention provides for the use of a component which contains both hydrogen and halogen. Preferred examples are hydrogen chloride (HCl) and/or hydrogen bromide (HBr), which are used as the principal source of the reactive species for etching copper. Preferably the HCl and/or HBr accounts for at least 40%, and more preferably at least 50%, of the reactive species feed to the etch process.
In the copper etch back process which is the subject matter of this invention, not only is it important to achieve advantageous etch rates while reducing corrosion of the copper surface of the etched layer, it is also important to selectively etch the copper while leaving the barrier layer structure and substrate adjacent the copper interconnect relatively undisturbed.


Provided is a cosmetic container having an airtight refill case that hermetically keeps a cosmetic such as a moisture-containing compact powder, a moisture-containing cream, and an eye shadow. More particularly, it relates to a cosmetic container having an airtight refill case 20 that is more hermetically sealed in a double airtight structure by coupling a lower main body 21 and an upper lid 25 of the refill case 20 with a butterfly hinge and by fitting an assembly groove part 22 having ring-shaped assembly protrusions 23 to an assembly protrusion part having ring-shaped assembly grooves 27 without a specific packing, in which the upper lid of the refill case is pressed by pressing protrusions 30 on the upper lid, when an outer container lid is closed.

In general, cosmetics such as a compact, a cream, and an eye shadow are kept in cosmetic containers, but cosmetics are accompanied by those cosmetic containers when they are sold, so it is not economical.
Accordingly, there are many refill cases which are filled with a cosmetic and sold separately to be put into cosmetic containers.
However, existing refill cases are not sufficiently hermetically sealed, so they have a problem in that cosmetics especially a moisture-containing compact powder, a moisture-containing cream, and an eye shadow change in quality due to contact with external air or vaporization of the moisture or volatile components therein, and accordingly, they cannot be used for a long period of time.
Various types of cosmetic containers having an airtight refill case have been proposed to solve this problem.
For example, these include: a structure hermetically sealed by pressing a stepped portion of a lower main body with a packing on a coupling protrusion of an upper lid in Korean Utility Model Application Nos. 1998-20882, 1999-6499, and 1999-13511, and a structure hermetically sealed by pressing a packing on a lower main body with an upper lid in Korean Patent Application No. 2007-138275.
According to these structures, they are hermetically sealed by a separate packing, that is, they are hermetically sealed only by a single mechanism that simply presses upon a packing, so it is difficult to maximize airtightness. Further, particularly, when the packings loosen or wear, or they are not correctly assembled, airtightness is deteriorated.

Cosmetic container having airtight refill case


There is provided an image processing apparatus for displaying a region in focus in a refocused image to be output in such a manner that a user can easily recognize this region compared to displaying the refocused image without any arrangement made thereto. The image processing apparatus includes a first generation unit configured to generate an image in which an image region corresponding to an in-focus position in the refocused image is emphasized as a display image, an input unit configured to input a user instruction, which is an image output instruction, input based on a display of the display image, and an output unit configured to output the refocused image according to the user instruction.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a technique for presenting a display for refocusing processing.
Description of the Related Art
There is known a technique for adjusting an in-focus state of an image after capturing the image thereof by combining a plurality of images acquired by imaging an object from a plurality of viewpoints or adding a blur to the image by filter processing based on distance information of the object (refocusing). The refocusing processing allows generation of such an image that an in-focus position, which is a position in focus in the captured image, or a depth of field, which indicates a depth range of a region appearing to be in focus, is changed (a refocused image). United States Patent Publication Application No. 2008/0131019 discusses that a user specifies a position that the user wants to bring into focus by refocusing, by which a refocused image in focus at a desired position is generated and is displayed to the user.
The technique discussed in United States Patent Publication Application No. 2008/0131019 involves such a situation that, in a case where the refocused image is displayed on a screen having low resolution, such as a display mounted on a back surface of a camera, it is difficult for the user to determine which region is brought into focus in the output refocused image.

Image processing apparatus, imaging apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium


Once slot synchronization has been obtained in a first step, during a second step there is acquired, by means of correlation of the received signal (r) with the synchronization codes, the information corresponding to the codegroup and to the fine slot synchronization. The synchronization codes are split into codesets. In a first step, a synchronization code identifying a corresponding codeset (CS) is identified by means of correlation and search for the maximum value of correlation energy. In a second step, the received signal (r) is correlated with the remaining codes belonging to the codeset identified. The information thus obtained, which corresponds to all the synchronization codes comprised in the codeset identified, is used for obtaining frame synchronization and codegroup identification. Preferential application is in mobile communication systems based upon standards, such as UMTS, CDMA2000, IS95 or WBCDMA.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to telecommunication techniques and has been developed with particular attention paid to its possible application to telecommunication systems based upon the standard CDMA/3GPP TDD (acronyms for Code Division Multiple Access/Third Generation Partnership Project and Time Division Duplex) 3.84 Mcps option.
2. Description of the Known Art
In order to enable acquisition of a base station by a mobile terminal included in a telecommunication system based upon the standard 3GPP TDD mode or the like, the corresponding receiver needs means capable of performing the function of frame synchronization and identification of the so-called codegroup. The possibility of executing these functions is essential for performing the subsequent steps in the framework of the cell-search system.
In particular, when a mobile terminal is turned on, it does not have any knowledge of the timing of the transmitting cell on which it is to be assigned. The 3 GPP standard then proposes a procedure of initial cell search to acquire the signal of the cell and synchronize therewith.
In the case in question, this procedure consists basically of 3 steps:                1. acquisition of the synchronization slot (this is a "coarse" slot synchronization, where by the term "coarse" is understood the fact that the presence and the rough position of the synchronization channel, or SCH, is acquired, but it is not yet possible to define the initial instant of the slot of which the SCH forms part; in this connection, see FIG. 1 of the annexed drawings [SCH-slot_position]);        2. (fine) slot synchronization, identification of parity of the frame number and identification of the cell codegroup; and        3. identification of the scrambling code (third step) and of the cell parameter.In the embodiment of the second step described above, it is assumed that the acquisition of the synchronization slot (or SCH slot) has previously been obtained with a first coarse slot synchronization in the course of the first step.
At this point, to obtain fine slot synchronization, define frame parity (i.e., whether the frame number is even or odd), and identify the cell codegroup, to which there is associated the cell offset, in the second step there is used the secondary synchronization channel (SSCH), on which there is transmitted, within each synchronization slot, a set of three codes or words of 256 chips each.
The 3.84 Mcps version of the TDD standard uses a subset of 12 of the 16 secondary synchronization codes already in use for the FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) version.
The sixteen 256-chip complex codes used in the standard are generated on the basis of the following rules:                a first sequence b at a chip-rate with a repetition period equal to 16 (i.e., a repetition every 16 elements) is multiplied by a sequence 16 times slower according to the two formulae given below, to obtain the base sequence z:z=<b,b,b,−b,b,b,−b,−b,b,−b,b,−b,−b,−b,−b,−b,>b=<1,1,1,1,1,1,−1,−1,−1,1,−1,1,−1,1,1,−1,>
The base sequence z is then multiplied, element by element, with a Hadamard code of length 256, which is chosen on the basis of the following rule: defining by m the number identifying the secondary synchronization code (SSC) to be generated, the Hadamard code number by which to multiply the sequence z is equal to 16×(m−1), with m ranging from 1 to 16.
In the solutions known to the art, for example, from the international patent application WO-A-00/74276, used as model for the preambles of Claims 1 and 6, the performance of the second step of the cell search envisages that the secondary synchronization codes SSC, contained in the secondary synchronization channel (SSCH), are extracted by means of a correlation process. The samples of the received signal are correlated with the possible secondary synchronization codes SSC transmitted on the channel SCCH. There is then identified the set of three codes that has the highest correlation energy, and there are then used the steps associated to the codes of said set of three in order to define, according to the standard, the codegroup parameters and other parameters for frame synchronization, such as slot offset and frame number (even or odd frame).
This solution is schematically represented in the diagram of FIG. 2, where the reference number 10 designates a bank of twelve complex finite-impulse-response (FIR) filters, which are coupled to the twelve possible secondary synchronization codes SSC. The samples of the received signal (r) are sent at input to the bank 10 of FIR filters, and at the twelve outputs of the bank 10 there are generated signals indicating the correlation energies corresponding to said codes SSC. These signals are sent to a system for detecting the maximum value designated by 11.
The system for detection of the maximum value 11 identifies a given number (equal to three) of codes SSC provided with highest correlation energy, which are sent to a comparison block designated by 12.
Block 12 executes an operation of comparison with a table that gives—according to the possible combinations of the phases of the set of three codes SSC identified—corresponding codegroups CD, slot offset OS, and frame number FN, which are then supplied at output from said comparison block 12.
The solution according to the known art, represented in FIG. 2, thus requires a huge number of FIR filters, one for each code SSC of which it is necessary to obtain the correlation energy. This entails a considerable expenditure in terms of memory cells. In fact, a correlator based upon a FIR filter requires 256×2 memory cells, it being necessary to operate on 256-chip codes SSC. Furthermore, in order to store the signals indicating the correlation energies, further memory cells are necessary. The utilization of a very high number of memory cells implies the use of a considerable area on the chip designed for identification of the codegroup, as well as a considerable power consumption.
Even though in what follows, for reasons of clarity and simplicity of exposition, practically exclusive reference will be made to this application, it is in any case to be borne in mind that the scope of the invention is more general. The invention is in fact applicable to all telecommunication systems in which there arise conditions of operation of the type of the ones described in what follows. By way of non-exhaustive example, reference may be made to satellite telecommunication systems and mobile cellular systems corresponding to the standards UMTS, CDMA2000, IS95 or WBCDMA.

Method and device for synchronization and identification of the codegroup in cellular communication systems and computer program product therefor


The present invention is a salt sorbet facial and body scrub which has enhanced properties to deep clean skin, exfoliate dead skin cells in an efficient manner, and at the same time not damage sensitive skin, especially on a woman's face. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved facial and body scrub which will provide deep cleaning action to cleanse skin pores in an efficient manner and also to exfoliate skin in an efficient manner. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved exfoliating facial and body scrub which although effective for cleaning and exfoliating skin, is not so abrasive as to create any damage to sensitive skin areas, especially on a woman's face. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cost efficient combination of elements and process for creating an improved facial and body scrub.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to cosmetic cleansing products and in particular, to cosmetics products which are used to both clean and exfoliate dead skin cells from the face and other parts of the body such as the hands, arms, torso, back and legs.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The following prior art references are found to be relevant in the area of the present invention:
1. U.S. Pat. No. 4,776,970 issued to Hayashi on Oct. 11, 1988 for "Lubricant For Use In Parer Coating And Method For Producing The Same" (hereafter the "Hayashi Patent");
2. U.S. Pat. No. 5,534,265 issued to Fowler on Jul. 9, 1996 for "Thickened Nonabrasive Personal Cleansing Compositions" (hereafter the "Fowler Patent");
3. U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,855 issued to Quay on Sep. 24, 1996 for "Phase Shift Colloids As Ultrasound Contrast Agents" (hereafter the "'855 Quay Patent");
4. U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,723 issued to Quay on Jan. 21, 1997 for "Method For Preparing Storage Stable Colloids" (hereafter the "'723 Quay Patent");
5. U.S. Pat. No. 5,658,577 issued to Fowler on Aug. 19, 1997 for "Thickened Nonabrasive Personal Cleansing Compositions" (hereafter the "Fowler Patent");
6. U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,607 issued to Quay on Jan. 13, 1998 for "Phase Shift Colloids As Ultrasound Contrast Agents" (hereafter the "'607 Quay Patent");
7. U.S. Pat. No. 5,876,696 issued to Quay on Mar. 2, 1999 for "Composition Comprising A Fluorine Containing Surfactant And Perfluoropentane For Ultrasound" (hereafter the "'696 Quay Patent");
8. U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,805 B1 issued to Bratescu on Oct. 23, 2001 for "Shampoo And Body Wash Composition Comprising Ternary Surfactant Blends Of Cationic, Anionic, And Bridging Surfactants And methods Of Preparing Same" (hereafter the "Bratescu Patent");
9. U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,855 B1 issued to Albacarys on Jan. 15, 2002 for "Cleansing Articles For Skin And/Or Hair Which Also Deposit Skin Care Actives" (hereafter the "Albacarys Patent");
10. PCT Application No. PCT/US99/10405 filed on May 15, 1999 by Damon Dalrymple for "Clear Personal Care Formulations Containing Quaternary Ammonium Compounds And Other Nitrogen-Containing Compounds" (hereafter the "Dalrymple PCT Application").
11. PCT Application No. PCT/US95/10485 filed on Aug. 15, 1995 by Timothy Fowler for "Personal Cleansing Compositions" (hereafter the "Fowler PCT Application").
12. EPO Application No. 93303880.4 filed on May 19, 1993 by Robert Stanley Lee for "Exfoliant Composition" (hereafter the "Lee European Application").
13. EPO Application No. 87111699.2 filed on Aug. 12, 1987 by Yukio Ozaki for "Scrubbing Agent And Process For Producing The Same" (hereafter the "Ozaki European Application").
The Hayashi Patent discloses a lubricant for use in paper coating and method for producing the same. The purpose of citing the Hayashi Patent is that it discloses a lubricant that contains both sodium polyacrylate and ethylhexyl stearate. However, the purpose and use of this innovation is completely different from the present invention.
The '265 Fowler Patent discloses a non-abrasive thickened aqueous-based personal cleansing composition. The compositions utilize insoluble micronized cleansing particles but do not use ethylhexyl stearate.
The '855 Quay Patent is a phase shift colloidal as ultrasound contrast agent which discloses agents for enhancing the contrast in a diagnostic ultrasound procedure.
The '723 Quay Patent discloses a method for preparing storage stable colloids, again used with ultrasound.
The '607 Quay Patent also discloses a method for preparing storage stable colloids, again used with ultrasound.
The '696 Quay Patent also discloses a method for preparing storage stable colloids, again used with ultrasound.
The '577 Fowler Patent relates to nonabrasive thickened aqueous-based personal cleansing compositions. These compositions utilize insoluble micronized cleansing particles of the fine particle size that are not tactiley perceived by the user during the cleansing process and which provide improved cleansing performance. This patent does not show the use of ethylhexyl stearate.
The Bratescu Patent discloses a shampoo and body wash composition comprising ternary surfactant blends of cationic, anionic, and bridging surfactants and methods of preparing same. This patent does not disclose the use of ethylhexyl stearate.
The Albacarys Patent discloses a substantially dry, disposable, personal cleansing article useful for both cleansing the skin or hair and delivering skin care actives onto the skin or hair. The article comprises a water insoluble substrate, a lathering surfactant, and a skin care active component. This patent does not disclose the use of ethylhexyl stearate.
The PCT Application to Dalrymple discloses a personal care formulation.
The Fowler PCT Application is comparable to the United States case of Fowler.
The Lee European Application discloses an exfoliant composition.
Finally, the Ozaki European Application also discloses a scrubbing agent.
While exfoliating compounds have already been developed in the prior art, many exfoliating compounds either do not provide a sufficiently deep cleansing action or alternatively, may be sufficiently abrasive to damage sensitive skin, especially on a woman's face. Therefore, there is a significant need for an improved facial and body scrub which can deep clean skin tissue and also exfoliate dead skin cells while at the same time not damaging sensitive skin.


A liquid crystal display (200) includes a transparent substrate (25), a light guide plate (28) disposed under the substrate, and a light source (29) disposed above the light guide plate at a thin side of the substrate. The light guide plate includes a top surface (280). An area of the top surface corresponding to the light source defines a light incident area, and another area of the top surface corresponding to the substrate defines a light emitting area.

Liquid crystal displays are commonly used as displays for compact electronic apparatuses. This is because they not only provide good quality images with little power consumption, but also because they are very thin. The liquid crystal in a liquid crystal display does not emit any light itself. The liquid crystal has to be lit by a light source so as to clearly and sharply display text and images. Thus, a backlight module is generally needed for a liquid crystal display.
Referring to FIG. 4, a conventional LCD 100 includes an LCD panel 11, and a backlight module 12 at one side of the LCD panel 11. The backlight module 12 provides a planar light source to illuminate the LCD panel 11.
The LCD panel 11 includes a first polarizer 13, a first substrate 14, a liquid crystal layer 141, a second substrate 15, a second polarizer 16, a flexible printed circuit (FPC) 151, and a printed circuit board (PCB) 152. The first substrate 14 and the second substrate 15 are disposed parallel to each other, and are spaced apart a predetermined distance. The liquid crystal layer 141 is interposed between the first substrate 14 and the second substrate 15. The first polarizer 13 is disposed on an outer surface of the first substrate 14, and the second polarizer 16 is disposed on an outer surface of the second substrate 15. One terminal of the FPC 151 is connected to the PCB 152, and another terminal of the FPC 151 is disposed on an edge portion of the second substrate 15. The second substrate 15 includes a plurality of driver circuits (not shown). The driver circuits are electrically connected to the FPC 151.
The backlight module 12 includes a set of optical films 17, a light guide plate (LGP) 18, a light source 19, and a reflective film 190. The LGP 18 has a generally rectangular shape, and includes a light incident surface 181, a light emitting surface 182 adjoining the light incident surface 181, and a bottom surface 185 adjoining the light incident surface 181. The light source 19 is disposed adjacent to the light incident surface 181 of the LGP 18. The set of optical films 17 is disposed adjacent to the light emitting surface 182 of the LGP 18. The reflective film 190 is disposed adjacent to the bottom surface 185 of the LGP 18. The light source 19 can be a linear light source.
In operation, light beams emitting from the light source 19 enter the LGP 18 through the light incident surface 181 thereof. Some of the light beams subsequently exit the light emitting surface 182 of the LGP 18, pass through the set of optical films 17, and finally reach the LCD panel 11. Other of the light beams subsequently exit the bottom surface 182 of the LGP 18, are reflected by the reflective film 190 back into the LGP 18, exit the light emitting surface 182 of the LGP 18, pass through the set of optical films 17, and finally reach the LCD panel 11. In this way, the backlight module 12 effectively changes the linear light source 19 into a surface light source, which evenly illuminates a whole display screen area of the LCD panel 11.
With innovations in science and technology, the LGP 18 is capable of being made very thin; for example, in the range from 0.7 mm to 0.45 mm. However, light source technology has not kept up with advances in LGP technology. Generally, a corresponding minimum thickness of the light source 19 is about 0.6 mm. Therefore it is common for the light source 19 to be thicker than the LGP 18. In such case, an area of the light incident surface 181 is less than a light emitting area of the light source 19. Thus, the efficiency of utilization of light energy of the light source 19 may be unsatisfactory.
What is needed, therefore, is an LCD that can overcome the above-described deficiencies.

Liquid crystal display with light guide plate and light source disposed above the light guide plate


In a display apparatus, a display panel receives a driving signal from a driving chip through a pad and displays an image in response to the driving signal. The driving chip includes a terminal outputting the driving signal. The driving chip is mounted on the display panel using the anisotropic conductive film and electrically connected to the display panel. A lubricant layer is formed on a surface of the anisotropic conductive film to prevent an electrical defect in the connection between the driving chip and the display panel. Thus, the display apparatus may have improved yield.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a display apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a display apparatus having an improved manufacturing yield.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, a liquid crystal display apparatus includes a display unit that displays an image and a backlight assembly that applies light to the display unit.
The display unit includes a liquid crystal display panel that displays the image in response to a data signal and a gate signal, a data driving integrated circuit ("chip") that outputs the data signal and a gate driving chip that outputs the gate signal.
The display unit includes a tape carrier package (TCP), referred to hereafter as the data TCP, on which the data driving chip is mounted by a chip-on-film (COF) method and a TCP on which the gate driving chip, referred to hereafter as the gate TCP, is mounted by the COF method. The data TCP and the gate TCP are attached to the liquid crystal display panel by an outer lead bonding (OLB) method.
Alternatively, the data and gate driving chips are directly mounted on the liquid crystal display panel by a chip-on-glass (COG) method. The data driving chip connected to a data line is mounted on one side ("data side") of the liquid crystal display panel and a gate driving chip connected to a gate line is mounted on another side ("gate side") of the liquid crystal display panel by the COG method.
In the OLB and COG methods, the data and gate TCPs and the liquid crystal display panel are electrically connected to each other using an anisotropic conductive film, and the gate and data driving chips and the liquid crystal display panel are also electrically connected to each other using the anisotropic conductive film. An electrical defect in the connection between the data and gate TCPs and the liquid crystal display panel or between the gate and data driving chips and the liquid crystal display panel may occur due to a repelling force of an adhesive resin in the anisotropic conductive film. Since the repelling force of the adhesive resin increases with the distance the adhesive resin is spaced apart from a center portion of the driving chips and the TCPs, the electrical defect occurs especially often in large-scaled electric instruments, such as a liquid crystal display apparatus.


A method of manufacturing an electronics assembly includes forming a base layer using an additive manufacturing process, forming a first thermally and electrically conductive intermediate layer onto the base layer using an additive manufacturing process, placing an electronics component onto the first thermally and electrically conductive intermediate layer, the electronics component comprising a plurality of vias, forming a second thermally and electrically conductive intermediate layer over the first thermally and electrically conductive intermediate layer and over at least a portion of the electronics component using an additive manufacturing process, wherein a material of the second thermally and electrically conductive intermediate layer extends through the vias to contact the first thermally and electrically conductive intermediate layer and the vias, thereby forming a bond therebetween, and forming a protective layer over at least a portion of the second thermally and electrically conductive intermediate layer using an additive manufacturing process.

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are used to support and connect electronic components using conductive tracks or members laminated between layers of a non-conductive substrate. Traditional methods of manufacturing PCBs include soldering the electronic components, such as by way of example, processors, diodes, and resistors, for electrical and mechanical connection. These methods can be time consuming and result in PCBs that increase weight in applications such as motor vehicles.
Lightweighting in motor vehicles has become increasingly important in recent years, while the amount of electronics being integrated into motor vehicles is also increasing with the push towards autonomous and "smart" vehicles. An increased number of sensors and electronics are finding their way into motor vehicles, while lightweighting remains an important design consideration. Accordingly, motor vehicle designers are faced with challenges in integrating more electronic components while maintaining a lightweight vehicle.
These issues related to the integration of electronic components in motor vehicles, among other issues related to the manufacturing of electronic components, are addressed by the present disclosure.

Additive manufacturing of electrical circuits


A high-speed I/O trace is part of an I/O package architecture for an integrated circuit package substrate. The integrated circuit package substrate includes an integrated heat spreader footprint on a die-side and the I/O trace to couple with an IC device to be disposed inside the IHS footprint. The I/O trace includes a pin-out terminal outside the IHS footprint to couple to an IC device to be disposed outside the IHS footprint. The high-speed I/O trace can sustain a data flow rate from a processor in a range from 5 gigabits per second (Gb/s) to 40 Gb/s.

As Si technology continues to scale following Moore's law, multi-core and many-core processors are going to be common in high performance server market segments. These processors need increased processor-to-processor (or I/O hub) and processor-to-memory bandwidth to make optimal use of the huge computing power of the multi- or many-cores. The Input/Output (I/O) bandwidth (given by number of I/O pins times data flow rate) can be increased by either increasing the number of pins or data rate or both. Both of these options for increasing bandwidth usually tend to drive up the cost. Increasing number of I/O pins causes Si, package, and socket size growth. A larger socket takes more board space and in certain cases also increases the board layer count. Increasing data rate to improve bandwidth on the other hand is confronted by technological challenges and the corresponding cost impact. Signal integrity (SI) issues due to signal reflections and crosstalk associated with package, socket, and board vertical transitions impose severe constraints on the maximum achievable signaling speed in an interconnect system. Even though various known techniques such as voiding of package planes around plated-through-hole (PTH) vias, decreasing the size of the PTHs (and in some cases eliminating PTHs in package substrate), back-drilling of board vias, and crosstalk reduction by placing sufficient ground pins in the socket/connector exist to mitigate some of the these SI issues, cost and high-volume manufacturing (HVM) reliability limit the extent of applicability of these methods for products.

Input/output package architectures, and methods of using same


A printing apparatus comprises a processor comprising registers, and a memory configured to store image data. The processor is configured to load portions of the image data into the registers and perform toner explosion compensation on the portions of the image data loaded in the registers, excluding image data loaded in boundary positions in the registers.

Color and gray value digital images are both composed of picture elements (pixels), where each pixel is represented by multiple binary bits that define either a color or a gray level. In order to represent such an image on a bi-level printer, the individual color or gray level pixels are typically converted to binary level pixels through use of a digital halftoning process.
In addition to digital halftoning, the images are compensated for toner explosion conditions. Toner explosion is a problem which occurs in laser or light emitting diode (LED) printers. If uncorrected, certain line widths of toner may have parts of the line appear to be exploded and scattered down the page as illustrated in FIG. 1 at 58. The toner explosion problem is related to the amount and placement of toner on the media and the moisture content of the media. Laser printers typically statically attach toner to media and then permanent fuse or melt the toner into the media with a fuser, which heats and presses the media. Moisture in the media attempts to escape when the media is heated and pressured in the fuser of the printer that can cause the toner to relocate (i.e., explode and scatter) down the media. Large areas of toner may have the same toner explosion problem, but with lots of other toner around, the toner typically cannot relocate down the page. Toner explosion can also occur at the bottom edge of any black area.
Template matching is typically performed on 1-bit data to essentially estimate what the original smooth shapes of the image features were in the grayscale image (i.e., prior to halftoning) and to identify toner explosion conditions. Template matching compares a window (e.g., 7×9 pixels) of the 1-bit data with hundreds of templates to identify features in the window and to identify toner explosion conditions. The window is moved around the entire 1-bit image to identify features and toner explosion conditions throughout the entire image. All bits in the image are processed. If a template matches the window, the center bit of the window is replaced. The processed image has jagged edges removed or reduced and toner explosion conditions eliminated or substantially reduced in the printed output. Typically, template matching is performed by dedicated hardware.

Laser print apparatus with toner explosion compensation


A link assembly connectable to a pair of spaced members and adapted for rotary motion and conical deflection relative to each of the connectable members generally consisting of an elongated, rigid member having a pair of spaced head segments interconnected by an intermediate segment, each of the head segments having an opening therethrough for receiving a connectable member therein, the rigid member further including a pair of identically configured, co-extensively disposed sections mated and rigidly secured together, each of the sections including a pair of spaced head portions interconnected by an intermediate portion, each of the head portions having an opening therethrough registered with an opening in an adjoining head portion of the other section to provide the connectable member receiving opening in one of the head segments, and a bushing disposed in each of the connectable member receiving openings in the head segments of the rigid member, being formed of a thermoplastic polyurethane material and having an opening therethrough providing a cylindrical wall therein, the cylindrical wall having a plurality of dimples.

This invention relates to a link assembly and more particularly to a link assembly adapted for use in a wheel suspension system of a vehicle. The invention further contemplates such a link assembly which is capable of both rotary motion and conical deflection relative to a connecting member.
In wheel suspension systems for vehicles, there commonly is provided a number of link assemblies connected to other components in a manner in which the link assemblies are required to be capable of both rotary motion and conical deflection relative to their connected components. Typically, such link assemblies consist of an elongated steel member having a pair of spaced openings therein, rubber bushings disposed in the spaced openings and steel sleeves inserted within the rubber bushings for receiving pins, bolts or studs to connect the link assembly to other components. Because of the low abrasion resistance of rubber, rubber bushings in such applications are required to be bonded to the metallic link assembly. Such bonding, however, creates internal stresses in the rubber bushings during rotary motion of the link assembly relative to the connected components and eventually results in failure of the bushings. Rubber bushings further have the disadvantage of being subject to dry rotting over a period of usage, providing a further cause of failure. It thus has been found to be desirable to provide such a link assembly in which the bushings will not be subjected to internal stresses causing them to tear apart or deterioration over a period of usage.
In addition to the bushing failure problems experienced in such link assemblies, it has been found that the method of forming the rigid member of the assembly consisting of a pair of spaced head segments in which the bushings are mounted and an intermediate connecting segment has been costly. Typically, such members have been formed by stamping or casting the entire member or separately fabricating and welding together the several segments of such members. It thus further has been found to be desirable to provide a method of forming the rigid members of such link assemblies which is more economical than conventional methods used in the prior art.
Accordingly, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide an improved link assembly.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved link assembly adapted to interconnect a pair of other components in a manner whereby the link assembly is capable of rotary motion and conical deflection relative to each of the connected components.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved link assembly adapted to interconnect a pair of other components to permit both rotary motion and conical displacement of the link assembly relative to either of the connected components in which bushings interposed between said link assembly and the connected components will not be subjected to internal stress or deterioration over a period of usage resulting in failure.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a link assembly suitable for use in a wheel suspension system of a vehicle which is simple in design, effective in performance and economical to manufacture.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:


Comfort feature method and apparatus providing fictional resistance to retraction of the static loop of an automotive vehicle emergency inertia responsive shoulder belt retractor system. A light comfortable back tension imposed by shoulder belt engagement contact with the occupant is sufficient to initiate self-energized frictional resistance to arrest relatively heavy tension retraction without preventing belt retraction to an occupant contact or completely retracted condition upon any slack arising from occupant movement belt disengagement.

Automotive vehicles equipped with shoulder belt retractors, particularly in the United States, include "comfort feature" means for relieving uncomfortable retraction belt tension on the occupant. Typically, a shoulder belt retractor includes a coiled spring actuated wind-up reel for the belt webbing which passes through a static loop mounted on the vehicle door pillar above occupant's shoulder from which the belt extends across the chest of the occupant to a buckle latch at an inside anchor point. Upon reaching a sitting position with engagement of the shoulder belt retacted under wind-up belt tension, the comfort feature enables the occupant to manually extract the belt to a loosened condition upon which a latch in the retractor mechanism locks the belt against retraction. Such comfort feature is desirable to relieve the occupant from uncomfortable shoulder belt retraction force which often deters an occupant from using the shoulder belt with its safety advantages.
Extraction of the shoulder belt against the retractor spool wind-up spring is normally permitted in an emergency locking retractor having an inertia responsive locking system against extraction. Accordingly, extraction can be accommodated not only to initially secure the belt buckle, as in a nonpassive manual system, but also permits the occupant to move away from the seat back, as when the driver reaches into the glove compartment or otherwise. This has necessitated a sophisticated comfort feature locking mechanism which will cause release of the comfort feature locking mechanism from an overextended extraction subject to manual resetting upon return to normal sitting position.
Typical functional requirements established by a United States Automotive Vehicle manufacturer are as follows:


A pressure vessel with a protective jacket disposed thereon, wherein the vessel is formed of a metal liner surrounded by a layer of thermoplastic composite filament winding and a protective jacket disposed thereon that facilitates stacking and portability of the vessel, while also providing sufficiently sized openings for visual inspection of the composite layer integrity.

1. Field of the Invention
The subject invention is directed to pressure vessels, and more particularly to a hybrid pressure vessel formed of an inner liner and outer composite layer with a protective jacket disposed thereon.
2. Background of the Related Art
Pressure vessels come in all sizes and shapes, and are made from a variety of materials. The need for light weight pressure vessels has existed and still exists as there have been many attempts to make light weight pressure vessels that are able to store fluids under high pressures for long periods of time, maintain structural integrity, sustain repeated pressurization and depressurization, be substantially impermeable and corrosive free and easy to manufacture, among other things.
Increased use of alternative fuels to fuel vehicles, such as compressed natural gas and hydrogen, and the requirement for ever greater fuel range, has created a need for lightweight, safe tanks with even greater capacity and strength. Increasing the capacity and strength of a pressure vessel can be achieved by increasing the amount or thickness of materials used for structural support. However, this can result in a significant increase in the size and/or weight of the vessel, which, among other things, typically increases the cost of the tank due to increased material costs and the costs associated with transporting the heavier vessels.
Clearly, there is a need in the art for a lightweight pressure vessel that is impermeable, corrosive free and can handle the increasing capacity and pressure demands. Furthermore, there is a need for a method of forming this pressure vessel so it can be sold at a competitive price.

Hybrid pressure vessel with separable jacket


A fuel tank contains a system for the removal of air, which includes an air removal line to connect the interior of the tank with the outside ambient atmosphere, whereby this line forms a siphon, and at the deepest location of the air removal line a connection section is provided with a suction opening connected to a suction source.

A motor vehicle tank has an air venting system, with the assistance of which, pressure compensation is achieved between the interior of the tank and the surrounding ambient atmospheric air. The pressure equalization is created, for example, when, because of operation, fuel is taken from the tank or conversely, when upon refueling, the tank is being filled. The required addition and removal of air, respectively to and from the tank, associated with filling and emptying, results in a flow of air out of or into the tank interior. This air movement is taken care of, in most situations, by one or more devices installed or built into the tanks. The devices include, conventionally, a "roll-over" ball valve or a fuel level controlling valve. Added to these can be a fuel separator and an activated carbon filter to form an interface with the outer environment. These additions are mostly placed externally to the tank.
The individual components of the air vent system are connected among themselves by an air release line system, often in the form of flexible hoses. These lines, because of the complicated tank geometries found in today's motor vehicle tanks, are often supported by bottom hose supports. During a traveling period, that is to say, during a driving time of the vehicle, it is possible that liquid fuel can accumulate in the interconnected lines. This leads, then, to certain locations, wherein the lines form a downward curved, siphon-like shape, subject to gravitational flow of residual fuel. Due to fuel accumulating in the siphon, the necessary cross-section for air movement is reduced, whereby air flow through the passage deteriorates.
As an example of this flow restriction, during a refueling operation, such a high flow-resistant pressure is generated for the air trying to escape from the tank interior that it leads to a premature shutoff at the fuel delivery nozzle, which results in an incomplete filling of the motor vehicle tank.
An expulsion of the accumulated fuel from siphons in the air vent lines is possible only when the vehicle as a whole is somewhat sloped in a specific range of inclination.

Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen und Systemlosungen


The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 53010 nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel carboxylesterase members. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 53010 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 53010 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 53010 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-53010 antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Higher eukaryotes have many distinct esterases. Among the different types of esterases are those that act on carboxylic esters, also known as carboxylesterases. Carboxylesterases have been classified into three categories (A, B and C) on the basis of differential patters of inhibition by organophosphates (Myers et al. (1988) Mol. Biol. Evol. 5(2):113–119). Sequence analysis of a number of type-B carboxylesterase demonstrates their evolutionary interrelatedness. Members of the type B carboxylesterase family include acetylcholincarboxylesterases, mammalian cholincarboxylesterases, thyroglobulin, neuroligins, and mammalian bile salt activated lipases.
The type B family of carboxylesterase also includes vitamin K-dependent carboxylases. Vitamin K-dependent gamma-glutamyl carboxylases catalyze the posttranslational conversion of glutamic acid to gamma-carboxyglutamic acid, an amino acid critical to the function of the vitamin K-dependent blood coagulation proteins (Begley et al. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275:36245–36249). Incomplete gamma carboxylation of blood clotting factors is associated with poor coagulation.
For the gamma carboxylation event to occur, both vitamin K and the presence of a gamma carboxylation recognition site on the substrate are required. Gamma carboxyglutamic acid confers calcium binding ability upon the modified protein. For blood clotting factors, calcium binding results in a conformational change that exposes hydrophobic residues for interactions with membranes.
Although gamma carboxylation was a biochemical event first characterized in the mammalian blood clotting cascade, it has been found to have a more generalized applicability. For example, vitamin K-dependent gamma carboxylation of glutamate residues has also been detected for a variety of other proteins including bone proteins, PRGP1, PRGP2, and neuropeptides (Walker et al. (2000) J. Biol. Chem., December 7 epub ahead of print).

53010, A novel human carboxylesterase family member and uses thereof


A sheet to be used to help turn or position a patient wherein the sheet includes a bottom surface and top surface, the bottom surface including opposing end portions and a central portion which has less frictional drag than the opposing end portions and top surface. The top surface is constructed in a configuration with an area larger than the area of the central portion at the bottom surface. A method of application is also disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to sheets, blankets and other forms of bed coverings which are used with patients. More particularly, the present invention pertains to such bed coverings used with patients requiring assistance in rolling over or turning.
2. Prior Art
Many illnesses tend to immobilize the patient, or at least make movement very difficult and/or painful. For example, patients who have back surgery are generally unable to move or rotate their body for several days, pending initial healing of the sutures. Any attempt by the patient to exert his own muscles to turn his body to a new position would not only be very painful, but could also tear sutures and cause severe damage. Nevertheless, laying in a single position for extended hours results in initial stages of necrosis of tissue due to poor blood supply. Accordingly, the patient feels compelled to rotate to a fresh position to relieve the discomfort.
Prior art techniques for assisting such a patient to turn have usually involved a medical attendant helping to lift the patient and thereby minimize the patient's muscular involvement. Even in the best of circumstances, such manipulations cause pain and often aggravate sensitive tissue. These consequences are further magnified where an attending family member without experience attempts to aid the patient.
In some instances, suspended bars or straps are provided above the patient to allow use of the arms to assist in patient rotation or turning. Hereagain, however, some muscular exertion occurs with its attendant pain and tissue damage. The only means currently provided to a patient to change positions in the bed arises with mechanical adjustments of inclination of the bed, thereby affecting upper and lower body inclination. Unfortunately, side-to-side movement is not facilitated by such repositioning, thereby severely limiting the ability of the patient to be comfortable.
Other prior art methods and devices have been developed for providing lateral displacement to a patient to thereby move the patient along the bed surface; however, this prior art has not offered any suggestion or technique for rotating the patient without muscular effort on the part of the patient. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,829,914 by Treat discloses an elongated, flexible laminated sheet which is approximately the same size in width as the patient. A frictional top surface and a slippery bottom surface are provided to enable an attendant to pull the sheet across the bed without patient movement. This device presumes that the patient will not rotate, because to do so would result in the patient being located off of the sheet, eliminating any further value of the sheet for this patient. The primary purpose of the device is to shift a patient who has slid down the bed to an original position, and not to rotate a patient from side to side.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,051,565 by Berge teaches the use of a tubular member which has an outer surface which develops frictional contact with a patient, and an inner tubular surface which has a low coefficient of friction. This device is also designed to provide lateral displacement of the patient, but without an intention of rotating the patient's body. Rather, the purpose of this tubular member is to allow a patient to remain in a single, flat position while moving sideways by having the tubular member roll along the bed surface. Accordingly, the frictionless surface traverses against itself with the outer frictional surface operating as a conveyor belt as shown in FIG. 4. There appears to be no provision or suggestion for turning the patient within his bed and without requiring lateral movement.
Other patent disclose the use of multiple layers of fabrics and materials to provide protection or mobility to the patient. U.S. Pat. No. 5,123,113 by Smith teaches the use of first, second and third fabrics (two of which are "frictionless") to isolate injured areas of the body such as elbows and knees from adverse frictional contact with bedding. These fabrics are formed in tubular configuration to enclose the arm or leg of the patient. The patent discloses the attachment of these tubular members to a sheet member which facilitates lateral movement of the patient without turning or rolling over.
A second patent by Smith using multiple layers of fabrics is U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,053. This patent teaches the use of first, second, third and fourth fabrics in stacked configuration as part of a narrow positioning pad which is disposed under the hips of the patient. The first fabric is generally draped across a table or bed and extends from side to side. The other fabrics are either coextensive with or longer than the first fabric. The four fabrics comprise two devices or pads which move with respect to each other and provide a sliding medium to allow the patient to roll or turn under their own power. The pair of devices are designed to allow the patient to turn in their "normal fashion".
Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 3,849,813 by Nielson shows a single sheet configuration designed to facilitate a patient turning himself on a top, substantially frictionless material. The bottom side is of conventional bedding material which has a higher frictional surface. The sheet is positioned on the bed with the bottom side down for maintaining the sheet in a non-sliding mode. The top, low friction surface directly supports the patient, allowing the patient to slide at will to turn or roll over.
Accordingly, the prior art has consistently been directed toward devices and methods which enable a patient to turn himself This has generally utilized multiple-layered pads or hardware associated with the bed frame. The present inventor has consciously avoided involvement of the patient for the sake of minimizing injury to sutures and associated pain. Indeed, what is needed is a method and device for enabling the turning of a patient while he is in a totally relaxed state. Rather than being a participant by tensing his muscles to turn himself, the patient should be turned while he is limp and passive.

Slidable hospital sheet for turning patients