An image reader is provided that includes an image reading unit, a display unit configured to display selection buttons for selecting an intended destination of image data, and a controller configured to, before a selection button corresponding to the intended destination is selected, control the display unit to display selectable selection buttons corresponding to accessible devices in a first display manner, the controller configured to, after the selection button corresponding to the intended destination is selected, control the display unit to display the selected selection button corresponding to the intended destination in a second display manner, control the display unit to display selectable selection buttons, other than the selected selection button, in the first display manner, and control the image reading unit to start an image reading operation.

1. Technical Field
The following description relates to one or more techniques for an image reader configured to acquire image data and transmit the acquired image data to an intended destination.
2. Related Art
An image reader has been known that is configured to acquire image data and transmit the acquired image data to an intended destination. The image reader is further configured to connect with a plurality of devices in wired and wireless manners. In addition, the image reader is provided with selection buttons for selecting the intended destination of the image data. When the intended destination is selected from among the plurality of devices via an operation of the selection buttons, the image data is transmitted to the selected device (the intended destination).

Image reader with button display control, and method and computer readable medium for the same


A method of transferring a plurality of toner images formed on a plurality of image carriers of different colors onto a sheet-type recording medium includes forming a mark image for adjusting a transfer position on each of the image carriers as a toner image; transferring the mark images to a common transfer medium; detecting optically a mutual positional relationship between the mark images; and controlling linear velocities of the image carriers based on a result of detecting the mutual positional relationship between the mark images, to transfer the toner images onto the sheet-type recording medium with a reduced misalignment between the toner images.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for transferring multiple toner images and an image forming apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Image forming apparatus that uses an optical writing, in which a principle of electrophotography is used, has been known so far as a digital copier, an optical printer, an optical plotter, and a facsimile apparatus etc. In these image forming apparatuses, colorization of an image formed has been advancing and there has been a strong demand for speeding up the image formation. Realization of a so called tandem image forming apparatus that enables color image formation at a speed similar to that of monochrome image formation has been intended.
In the tandem image forming apparatus, an electrostatic latent image is formed by optical writing on a plurality of latent image carriers and each electrostatic latent image is developed by a toner of a different color. A toner image of a different color is formed for each latent image carrier. The plurality of toner images is transferred to a common recording medium in the form of a sheet so that they are superimposed mutually, thereby forming a color image or a multicolor image.
Therefore, in the tandem image forming apparatus, a quality of superimposing on one another the plurality of toner images that are transferred to the same recording medium in the form of a sheet ultimately determines a quality of image that is formed. To superimpose accurately the toner images in this manner, as to how to perform with accuracy a so called registering, i.e. matching mutually front tip portions of the toner images becomes an issue of great importance.
In the tandem image forming apparatus, since an optical system that performs optical writing, the latent image carrier, and a transferring section that transfers the toner image are mutually independent, there are many factors such as an amount of distortion of a lens in the optical system and a distance from a writing position to a transfer position that causes a shift of the toner images. Such a shift of the plurality of toner images is called as misalignment.
Moreover, even if it is presumed that the misalignment could be eliminated by adjusting the apparatus perfectly, change in optical characteristics of a resin lens due to a change in temperature, and an expansion and contraction of the latent image carrier etc. is inevitable, and the misalignment of the toner images occurs due to these factors.
As a method to reduce the misalignment, so far, a mark for registration is written as an electrostatic latent image on each latent image carrier and toner images upon visualizing these electrostatic latent images are transferred to a transfer belt. A mutual positional relationship of the mark images is read optically, and based on a result of optical reading, start-timing of the optical writing has been controlled (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. H8-248721).
In this case, an optical writing unit that performs deflection of a light beam by a rotating polygon mirror is provided for each latent image carrier. A method of performing with high accuracy the registration by controlling with high accuracy the start-timing of the optical writing for each latent image carrier by controlling a phase of rotation of the rotating polygon mirror corresponding to each latent image carrier, has been proposed (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. H10-138556). However, since the rotation of the rotating polygon mirror being extremely high-speed rotation, it is not easy to control the phase of rotation and necessitates an expensive controlling unit, thereby leading to a rise in cost.
On the other hand, a tandem image forming apparatus in which the rotating polygon mirror is used commonly for the light beams that perform optical scanning of the plurality of latent image carriers has been proposed (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. Hei 10-3048. However, in this case, it is not possible to control by corresponding the phase of rotation of the rotating polygon mirror with each latent image carrier and an effect of decreasing the registration has limitations.
Moreover, a method in which a scale is formed on an intermediate transfer belt or a sheet conveying belt to detect a linear velocity, and based on this linear velocity that is detected by detecting this scale by a scale detecting unit, a rotational drive of the intermediate transfer belt or the sheet conveying belt is controlled, has been known (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. H8-10371).

Method and apparatus for transferring multiple toner images and image forming apparatus


A method is provided for planarizing the surface of an integrated circuit over a metal interconnect layer. Metal interconnect lines and surrounding regions of a partially fabricated integrated circuit are first coated with a thin layer of dielectric substantially free of voids and then coated with a polysilicon layer. The polysilicon layer is planarized back to the level of the dielectric layer on top of the interconnects, providing a substantially planar surface for subsequent fabrication steps including deposition of a second dielectric layer and an overlying metal layer.

The present invention lies in the field of semiconductor devices and methods for fabricating semiconductor devices, especially MOS and bipolar devices. More particularly, the present invention lies in the field of methods for forming a planarized surface over a metal interconnect layer.
In modern integrated circuits, multiple metal layers are used for wiring (or "interconnecting") the active transistors to form useful functional circuits. Metal layers are deposited by physical or chemical vapor deposition (PVD or CVD) methods and then etched using a photolithographic mask to form patterns of metal strips which act as wires. In a typical circuit, these strips may be as narrow as the metal layer is thick (e.g., less than 1 .mu.m), and the gaps between metal strips may be equally narrow. After the metal layer has been etched, the surface of the integrated circuit is not planar, and, in fact, contains many steps as high as the metal thickness and separated by comparable distances.
In order to continue the fabrication process, the surface containing the metal strips must be covered by a layer of suitable dielectric material to insulate the metal interconnect strips from the next layer of metal. Holes or vias are then cut in the dielectric layer where vertical interconnections are desired between the metal layers. Unfortunately, present dielectric deposition techniques, such as CVD or plasma enhanced CVD (PECVD), have difficulty covering steps conformally and often do not adequately fill the narrow slots between closely spaced metal lines. Thus, undesirable voids may be left in these slots. Further, even if no voids are left, the upper surface of the deposited dielectric will have steps of height comparable to that of the metal interconnect runners. These height variations will make it difficult to obtain consistent focus and complete exposure in subsequent photolithography steps. In addition, the ridges and valleys on the dielectric surface are difficult to cover with metal for the next interconnect layer.
To address these problems, the current art has developed several planarization techniques to smooth the surface of dielectric layers over patterned metal layers. For example, spin-on-glass (SOG) or (sol-gel technology) is one widely-used method used to fill narrow gaps without leaving voids. In this method, a thin dielectric layer is deposited by CVD and then a liquid material (which forms the glass) is spun on the surface. This liquid fills the narrow gaps and converts sharp steps to more gently sloping ones. After it hardens, the SOG is often partially etched back to minimize the amount of SOG left on the wafer, and then covered by a second CVD glass layer. Unfortunately, SOG materials are porous and tend to absorb water. In addition, they do not produce a planar wafer surface, having height variations as great as the thickness of the underlying metal layer. This height differential builds up as each metal layer is added, causing increasing difficulty in lithography.
Another previous method involves steps of first depositing a dielectric layer over the metal lines followed by steps of spinning an organic layer such as photoresist over the rough dielectric layer and etching back the composite layer using an etch process which attacks the dielectric and the organic at the same rate. This method requires a dielectric deposition method capable of filling the gaps between metal lines, as no organic can be left on the wafer. Unfortunately, this method also leaves steps on the surface similar to those left by a SOG process.
Still another method uses chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) to planarize the dielectric layer over metal strips. This technique is discussed in detail in the following U.S. patent applications which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes: U.S. Ser. No. 07/874,675 and U.S. Ser. No. 07/874,493. CMP is particularly desirable because it provides "global planarization." In other words, the leveling lengths provided by CMP are so great that even widely spaced steps (i.e. steps that are approximately 1 mm apart) on typical integrated circuits are eliminated. However, applying CMP to a dielectric layer over metal strips has certain disadvantages. First, polishing dielectrics such as silicon dioxide used as insulators in integrated circuits is relatively slow and expensive. Second, in cases where the underlying metal lines are made of a soft metal such as aluminum, CMP can damage the metal. This second problem could be alleviated if effective polish stopping materials capable of protecting the metal lines from attack were known. A thin layer of such materials could be used to coat the interconnect lines before the main dielectric layer was formed. Unfortunately, no such materials are known that also offer high resistance to a dielectric CVD process and are otherwise compatible with integrated circuit processing. Thus, the CMP step must be carefully controlled to ensure that the metal interconnects are not exposed. This requires that sufficient margin must be built into the fabrication process to accommodate this lack of control. In some instances, this can be accomplished by increasing the thickness of the dielectric layer.
Thus, it is seen that improvements are still needed in the fabrication procedures for interconnect layers in various integrated circuit devices.

Method for planarizing the surface of an integrated circuit over a metal interconnect layer


An electron beam lithography system has an electron gun including at least one laser that is operable in a first mode to generate electrons for lithography. The electron beam lithography system is operable in a second mode to regenerate the photocathode of the electron gun by application of the laser. The photocathode includes a layer of cesium telluride.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electron beam lithography and, in particular, an electron beam lithography system having an improved electron gun.
2. Description of the Related Art
The greatest limitation on electron beam lithography systems has been their speed of operation, or throughput. Multiple electron beam technology holds the potential for greatly improving throughput in the next generation (sub 100 nm) of lithography. In this approach, multiple electron beams are formed by focusing an array of independently modulated light (laser) beams onto a photocathode in transmission mode. Electron beams are emitted if the energy of the photon beam is greater than the work function of the photocathode material. Once created, the electron beams are accelerated, focused and scanned across the wafer or mask using an electron-optical column. In such systems, the selection of the photocathode material is an important performance-limiting factor.
For an electron gun employing a photocathode source, the total current that can be delivered to the wafer of substrate is limited by the quantum efficiency (QE) of the photocathode and the transmission of the electron column. The QE is the ratio of the number of emitted electrons to the number of incident photons and is largely an intrinsic property of the material. The column transmission is related to the energy distribution of the emitted electrons, such that a wider energy distribution results in a lower column transmission.
Many photocathode materials have been used. These include metallic films such as gold; semiconductor materials such as gallium arsenide; and semiconductor materials whose surfaces have been treated with cesium and oxygen, referred to as negative electron affinity (NEA) photocathodes.
Generally, the highest quantum efficiencies are produced with NEA photocathodes (as large as 30% with an energy of 100 meV). However, the QE of NEA photocathodes is very sensitive to vacuum contaminants (e.g., a vacuum of 10−11 Torr is generally required to maintain a high QE). Further, the QE of NEA photocathodes degrades with time as current is emitted from the surface. This degradation is caused by a loss of cesium from the surface due to desorption.
Gold photocathodes, on the other hand, are much less sensitive to vacuum conditions and can operate under high vacuum conditions. However, gold photocathodes typically exhibit low QE, which ultimately would result in low throughput.
There is therefore a need for an electron gun having a photocathode with relatively high quantum efficiency and that can operate at relatively high vacuum. There is a further need for an electron beam lithography system having such an electron gun.

Electron beam lithography system having improved electron gun


A tissue processor is described that comprises a retort for processing histological samples using various reagents, a plurality of exchangeable reagent supply containers that each comprise at least one container opening, a system of conduits, a control device for conveying reagents out of the reagent supply containers through at least one reagent conduit into the retort, and system bottles. The reagent supply containers and the system bottles are connected via the pertinent reagent conduits to at least one valve. The valve is electrically connected to the control device such that at least one of filling and emptying of the system bottles with reagents from the reagent supply containers is controlled. This design allows differently dimensioned reagent supply containers while at the same time minimizing the space requirement for the reagent containers.

The invention relates to a tissue processor having a retort for processing histological samples using different reagents, wherein said tissue processor comprises multiple exchangeable reagent supply containers that each comprise at least one container opening, and a system of conduits and a control device for conveying reagents out of the reagent supply containers through at least one reagent conduit into the retort.
Tissue processors are used for automatic processing of histological samples for subsequent preparation with a microtome, followed by microscopic investigation. The tissue of the sample must firstly, in multiple stages, be fixed, dewatered, cleaned, hardened, and then stabilized with paraffin. This is accomplished using various reagents to which the samples are exposed. The samples are also treated with identical reagents at different concentrations, so that a large number of process steps and a large number of reagent changes are necessary.
A tissue processor that permits largely automatic processing of samples is known from DE 10 2005 057 191 A1 and DE 10 2005 057 201 A1.
The tissue processor comprises a retort as a processing station for the sample. The retort is connected via a tubing system to multiple commercially usual reagent supply containers, having different dimensions, for the various reagents. The respective reagents can be pumped automatically, by way of a pump system and an electronic controller, from the supply containers into the retort and back again.
The reagent supply containers arranged in the tissue processor must from time to time be emptied and replaced with unexhausted reagents. A closure system having a conically shaped closure plug that is of internally hollow configuration is provided for this purpose in order to close off the container opening.
The reagent conduit is guided into the reagent supply container through the cavity in the closure plug. For adaptation to different overall reagent supply container heights, the closure system is equipped with a flexible bellows that comprises in the interior the reagent conduit and a connector, guided outward, for a gas conduit. The gas conduit serves for aeration and venting of the reagent supply containers during emptying and filling.
With the conically shaped closure plugs, reagent supply containers having different opening diameters can be connected with no need for additional adapters or other modifications to the tissue processor. Thanks to the conical configuration of the closure plug, differently dimensioned reagent supply containers can also be easily exchanged for others.
These directly exchangeable reagent supply containers have proven successful in practical use. It has been found, however, that the large dimensions and large number of reagents required create a large space requirement for the reagent supply containers.


The invention provides processes of preparing 3-substituted 1-(chloromethyl)- 1,2-dihydro-3H-[ring fused indol-5-yl(amine-derived)] compounds of formula (I) and its analogues, or a physiologically functional derivative thereof, (I), wherein A and B together may represent a fused optionally substituted benezene, naphthalene, pyridine, furan or a pyrrole ring, where the optional substituents are represented by Y; X is halogen or OSO2R, and W is selected from NO2, NHOH, N(R3)2NHR3, NHCO2R3, N(phthaloyl) or NH2, or W is further selected from the group (a), wherein J is selected from OH or H, and P is a group which is a substrate suitable for a nitroreductase or carboxypeptidase enzyme. The invention is also directed to the use of compounds of formula (I) prepared by the processes of the invention as cytotoxins for cancer therapy and as prodrugs for gene-directed enzyme-prodrug therapy (GDEPT) and antibody-directed enzyme-prodrug theraphy (ADEPT).

5-hydroxy and 5-amino-1,2-dihydro-3H-benzo[e]indoles are known to be very potent cytotoxins. Examples of these compounds are illustrated below as the 5-hydroxy compound A; (Boger & Johnson, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl., 1996, 35, 1438) and the 5-amino compound B; (Atwell et al., J. Org Chem., 1998, 63, 9414).

These compounds have IC50s in cell culture in the low nM range. It has also been shown that both the 5-hydroxy-(Boger et al., Tetrahedion, 1991, 47, 2661) and the 5-amino (Gieseg et al., AntiCancer Drug Design, 1999, 14, 77) compounds bind in the minor groove of DNA and alkylate at the N3 of adenine in a highly regio- and sequence-selective manner. A number of analogues of the 5-hydroxy compounds have been reported in the literature, where the 5-hydroxy group has been protected as a carbamate. For potency to be expressed the carbamate is cleaved by rapid and non-specific specific enzymatic hydrolysis releasing the corresponding phenol. These compounds include carzelesin (C; Li et al., Cancer Res., 1992, 52, 4904)
and KW-2189 (D; Kobayashi et al., Cancer Res., 1994, 54, 2404).

The lability of these carbamates in plasma would be desirable for systemic release of a drug. However, in contrast to the rapid and non-specific cleavage of these carbamates, the corresponding carbamates of the 5-amino chloromethyl benzoindoles (CBIs) such as for example compound E; (Hay et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 1999, 15; 2237)
have been found to be stable and relatively non-toxic until the nitro group is reduced by a localized enzymatic-activated step that causes the fragmentation of the cytotoxic 5-aminoCBI. The minor aerobic nitroreductase (NTR) from E. coli (Parkinson et al., J. Med. Chem., 2000, 43, 3624) might for example be used for the enzymatic-activated step. The 5-amino compounds are thus of interest as potent cytotoxins (Atwell et al., J. Med. Chem., 1999, 42, 3400), and also for the formation of prodrugs for GDEPT (Hay et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 1999, 15, 2237).
The reported (Atwell et al., J Org Chem., 1998, 63, 9414) 15-step synthesis of the 5-amino compounds is from 1-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid, employing a nitro group as a protecting group for the eventual 5-amino group and gives the 5-amino compound B in only a 3% overall yield. The synthetic scheme is not straightforward and includes some difficult synthetic steps.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a synthetic method that provides better yields for these 5-aminoCBI compounds, or to at least provide the public with a useful alternative.

Processes for preparing 3-substituted 1-(chloromethyl)-1,2-dihydro-3


Methods and apparatus for measuring permittivity having a meander-line ring resonator, which may be disposed on a substrate proximate to and separated from an input coupler and an output coupler thereon, the resonator ring further including a continuous conductive material having at least two turns to form a single congruent pattern, symmetrical along at least one axis.

It is critical that military personnel timely identify enemy objects and combatants, and even more so as modern warfare occurs more frequently in urban areas. The urban environment presents situations where it becomes increasingly necessary to identify objects hidden behind walls and underfoot. In recent years, ground penetrating radar (GPR) has been crucial in the identification of subterranean objects such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
In order for the aforementioned radar to operate properly, modeling of the radar environment needs to accurately represent the materials encountered in-theater. Electromagnetic properties of materials in the environment determine the depth at which objects can be detected by the radar. One such property is permittivity (∈), which indicates the transmission, reflection, and absorption of EM radiation by a dielectric material. Since permittivity is an intrinsic material property that depends on temperature and water content, the ∈ for sand, soil, and vegetation varies by location and time-of-day. Thus, to accurately model the behavior of radar pulses in a test environment, permittivity must be measured as near to the radar test area as possible.
Several techniques exist for measuring the permittivity of dielectric samples. At radio frequencies (RF), two popular techniques are reflectometry and scatterometry. Reflectometry disadvantageously requires disturbing the sample by inserting probes. Also, a reflectometer, such as a pulse generator and oscilloscope, must be brought to the radar experiment site. Scatterometry disadvantageously requires that the measurement must be taken in the far-field, at a distance of at least several wavelengths from the sample. At this far-field distance, the sample must be several wavelengths in length and width for the measurement to be valid. An alternative method is to use ring resonators, which requires that a scalar network analyzer (or equivalent circuit) and a microstrip ring are brought to the experiment site. The ring-resonator measurement can be taken without disturbing the dielectric sample.
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a traditional circular ring resonator. The traditional ring resonator 125 is used in the measurement of permittivity of a dielectric sample 130 at frequencies above 1 GHz. The ring resonator 125 comprises an input feed line 100, a resonating ring 120, and an output feed line 115 disposed on a substrate (not shown). For measurement, a dielectric sample 130 is placed against the ring resonator 125. At the resonant frequency of the ring and multiples thereof, RF energy couples from the input feed line 100 to the ring 120 over a first gap 105, and from the ring 120 over a second gap 110 to the output via a second feed line 115. Permittivity is measured by comparing the resonance of the ring without a dielectric sample present to the resonance of the ring when a dielectric sample 130 is applied.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of applying a sample to a traditional circular ring resonator. The cutaway illustration of applies a sample material 205 flush onto the ring resonator 230 that is disposed on a dielectric substrate 235 and a ground plane 200. At resonance, a signal passes from the input feed line 210, couples over a first gap 220 to the ring 230, travels around the ring, and couples over a second gap 225 to the output feed line 215.
Given that the test sample 205 must be flush against the ring surface 230, it is increasingly difficult to ensure a flush fit at relatively low (e.g. below GHz) frequencies as the corresponding area of the ring and sample size increases. Thus, a traditional circular ring resonator is impractical for measuring permittivity below 1 GHz as the ring becomes prohibitively large (e.g. several feet across). These lower frequencies are used by GPR, though, because they offer deeper ground penetration using relatively low transmit power. Since accurate radar modeling must account for frequencies under 1 GHz, the permittivity of materials in the radar environment must be measured at such frequencies; thus, improved techniques are needed to measure permittivity.
A portable system may be useful to measure permittivity quickly in the field, with minimal disturbance of the dielectric sample, at ground penetrating frequencies.

Method and apparatus for the measurement of radio-frequency electric permittivity by a meander-line ring resonator

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army


A compact integrated thermal management and fuel reformation system and method includes a thermally insulated wall forming an envelope having an interior chamber housing, a solid oxide fuel cell stack and a mixed mode heat exchanger. A recuperator having interior walls that are color graded to provide temperature zones effecting a positive temperature gradient in the direction of the solid oxide fuel cell stack is disposed within the chamber and close coupled to the fuel cell stack for absorbing radiation therefrom. The recuperator further heats the partially preheated oxidant gas and partially or fully reforms incoming fuel gas. Manifolds having oxidant and fuel channels for conducting reformed fuel and heated oxidant from the recuperator to fuel cell oxidant and fuel inlets are arranged to maximize fuel flow at the portions of each fuel cell adjacent the recuperator and to maximize oxidant flow near central portions of each fuel cell. A method for providing a tailored anode fuel stream is also provided.

The invention relates generally to solid oxide fuel cell systems and particularly to a compact thermal management and fuel reformation system for solid oxide fuel cell systems suitable for use in numerous applications including transportation applications.
Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert chemical potential energy into usable electricity and heat without combustion as an intermediate step. Fuel cells are similar to batteries in that both produce a DC current by using an electrochemical process. Two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, are separated by an electrolyte. Like batteries, fuel cells are combined into groups, called stacks, to obtain a usable voltage and power output. Unlike batteries, however, fuel cells do not release energy stored in the cell, running down when battery energy is gone. Instead, they convert the energy typically in a hydrogen-rich fuel directly into electricity and operate as long as they are supplied with fuel and oxidant. Fuel cells emit almost none of the sulfur and nitrogen compounds released by conventional combustion of gasoline or diesel fuel, and can utilize a wide variety of fuels: natural gas, coal-derived gas, landfill gas, biogas, alcohols, gasoline, or diesel fuel oil.
In transportation applications, SOFC power generation systems are expected to provide a higher level of efficiency than conventional power generators which employ heat engines such as gas turbines and diesel engines that are subject to Carnot cycle efficiency limits. Therefore, use of SOFC systems as power generators in vehicle applications is expected to contribute to efficient utilization of resources and to a relative decrease in the level of CO2 emissions and an extremely low level of NOx emissions. However, SOFC systems suitable for use in transportation applications require a very compact size as well as efficient thermal management. Thermal management must be accomplished whereby the outer surface of the fuel cell envelope is typically maintained below 45xc2x0 C. while the temperature inside the stack is about 700xc2x0 C. to about 950xc2x0 C.
As with fuel cells generally, very hot solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) having high electrical conductivity, are used to convert chemical potential energy in reactant gases into electrical energy. In the SOFC, two porous electrodes (anode and cathode) are bonded to an oxide ceramic electrolyte (typically, yttria stabilized zirconia, ZrO2xe2x80x94Y2O3) disposed between them to form a selectively ionic permeable barrier. Molecular reactants cannot pass through the barrier, but oxygen ions (O2xe2x88x92) diffuse through the solid oxide lattice. The electrodes are typically formed of electrically conductive metallic or semiconducting ceramic powders, plates or sheets that are porous to fuel and oxygen molecules. Manifolds are employed to supply fuel (typically hydrogen, carbon monoxide, or simple hydrocarbon) to the anode and oxygen-containing gas to the cathode. The fuel at the anode catalyst/electrolyte interface forms cations that react with oxygen ions diffusing through the solid oxide electrolyte to the anode. The oxygen-containing gas (typically air) supplied to the cathode layer converts oxygen molecules into oxygen ions at the cathode/electrolyte interface. The oxygen ions formed at the cathode diffuse, combining with the cations to generate a usable electric current and a reaction product that must be removed from the cell (i.e., fuel cell waste stream). Typical reactions taking place at the anode (fuel electrode) triple points are:
H2+xc2xdO2xe2x88x92xe2x86x92H2O+2exe2x88x92
CO+xc2xdO2xe2x88x92xe2x86x92CO2+2exe2x88x92
The reaction occurring at the cathode (oxygen electrode) triple points is:
xe2x80x83xc2xdO2+2exe2x88x92xe2x86x92O2xe2x88x92
The overall system reactions in the cell are:
xc2xdO2+H2xe2x86x92H2O
xc2xdO2+COxe2x86x92CO2
The consumption of the fuel/oxidant ions produces electrical power where the electromotive force is defined by the Nernst equation:   E  =      Exc2x0    +                            R                                xe2x80x83                              T                          2                    F                                  xe2x80x83                  ln                    xe2x80x83                          (                              P                          H              2                                                                    P                              O                2                                            1                /                2                                      /                          P                                                H                  2                                                O                                                    )
SOFC fuel stacks typically operate in the relatively high temperature range of about 700xc2x0 C. to about 950xc2x0 C. Reactant gases are preheated, typically by heat exchangers, to prevent the gases from cooling the stack below the optimum operating temperature. The heat exchangers, whether discrete or part of the total SOFC furnace, can be quite bulky, complex and expensive. In a traditional heat exchanger design, hot exhaust gas from the electrolyte plate is fed to the heat exchanger, and preheated reactant gas is received from the heat exchanger via costly insulated alloy piping. The heat exchanger and piping also require considerable installation and maintenance expense. High temperature piping and heat exchangers are costly from the standpoint of heat loss as well. The piping and heat exchanger have considerable surface area where heat may be exchanged with the atmosphere. This heat is thus unavailable to preheat incoming gases.
A similar situation exists for the fuel processing system in a SOFC. Partially reformed fuel gas (i.e., vaporized gasoline at a near stoichiometric fuel/air ratio) is typically reprocessed or reformed to convert some of the reaction products into usable hydrocarbon feedstock. Reformation of hydrocarbons often is endothermic and often requires temperatures in excess of about 750xc2x0 C. to achieve complete conversion of the hydrocarbon feed. Most SOFC systems must burn a portion of the fuel for the purpose of supplying the heat of reaction for the reformation process. The high temperature reformer unit and associated piping also have considerable surface area subject to heat loss. Such designs are very bulky, expensive and have limited ability for passive thermal feedback control.
Simple laminate SOFC stack enclosures of stainless steel and ceramic insulation fibers with internal and/or external heat exchangers for fuel and oxidant streams have been developed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,664 to Hartvigsen discloses an insulative enclosure housing an SOFC system and heat exchangers used to capture and remove thermal energy from the fuel cell system. The heat exchangers include a screw culvert heat exchanger and a plate fin heat exchanger.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,819 to Hartvigsen et al. discloses a reformer located inside a fuel cell stack furnace for breaking down hydrocarbon feedstock into fuel for the fuel cells. Heat recuperated from the oxidation process in the fuel cell stack is used to support the endothermic reformation reaction in the reactor beds of the reformer. Heat transfers to incrementally shielded packed beds of the reformer by radiation from the stack and furnace wall and by forced convection from the exhausting airflow exiting the stack furnace. Temperature gradients in the reformer are controlled by incremented radiation shielding apparatus and by counterflow heat exchange. The counterflow heat exchanger forms the inner wall of the stack furnace and comprises a corrugated fin type heat exchanger captured between two layers or walls of high temperature sheet metal.
What is needed in the art is a compact, efficient SOFC thermal management and fuel reformation system. What is further needed in the art is a compact, efficient SOFC thermal management and fuel reformation system suitable for transportation applications. What is further needed in the art is a compact, thermally efficient fuel reformation system that can be adjusted in accordance with the SOFC stack design and reaction requirements of different fuel feedstock.
The present invention provides a compact integrated thermal management and fuel reformation system for SOFC systems and is particularly advantageous for SOFC systems used in transportation applications. In the present system, a SOFC stack comprising a plurality of solid oxide bicells is disposed within an interior chamber of an envelope structure formed by a thermally insulative wall.
A recuperator having dual function as a radiation-dominant heat exchanger and fuel reformer is disposed within the envelope in fluid and thermal communication with and close-coupled to the SOFC stack. The recuperator has interior walls that are color graded to effect a plurality of temperature zones forming a positive temperature gradient in the direction of said solid oxide fuel cell stack.
A mixed mode heat exchanger is disposed between the recuperator and the insulative wall in fluid communication with an oxidant source and the recuperator. Together, the insulative wall, the mixed mode heat exchanger, and the recuperator form an xe2x80x9cadiabatic wallxe2x80x9d such that the system functions substantially without loss or gain of heat to the dictates of the power loads.
During operation of the system, oxidant (typically air) enters the mixed mode heat exchanger through an oxidant inlet and is partially preheated therein. The partially preheated oxidant flows through a passage to the recuperator where it is further heated. Fuel gas is supplied to a selected recuperator zone and partially or fully reformed therein to provide a tailored anode fuel stream for the SOFC.
Manifolds comprising oxidant and fuel channels for passing preheated oxidant and reformed fuel from the recuperator to the SOFC oxidant and fuel inlets are arranged so as to effect increased fuel flow in peripheral portions of each fuel cell adjacent the recuperator. The channels are further arranged so as to effect increased oxidant flow toward the center of each fuel cell for cooling the SOFC stack.
The present system provides conversion of fuel (such as gasoline) to electricity at high efficiency using a compact envelope whose components have dual roles. The present system simplifies heat management by utilizing passive thermal feedback and ameliorates differential heat distribution within the fuel cell stack. Further, the present system provides a vastly superior and compact device as compared with discrete component SOFC systems or integrated screw culvert or fin-type heat exchangers disposed within an SOFC furnace.
The smaller volume of the present SOFC system is particularly useful for transportation applications. For example, the present system is particularly advantageous for use in power generation systems comprising hybrid electric powertrains such as those disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,230,494 entitled xe2x80x9cPower Generation System and Methodxe2x80x9d and in commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/241,239 entitled xe2x80x9cPower Generation System and Method With Exhaust Side Solid Oxide Fuel Cellxe2x80x9d, and commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/294,679 entitled xe2x80x9cPower Generation System and Methodxe2x80x9d, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
The present tailored anode fuel stream results in less stress on stack components from fast, large thermal excursions and balances thermal management across the face of each anode. Reformation is selectively endothermic or exothermic based upon the power demand to the SOFC stack, thus controlling heat flow into and out of the SOFC stack and inhibiting heat flow from within the system to the outside.
Further, the reformer may be employed as a pyrolysis unit to quickly bring the SOFC stack up to operational temperatures (about 700 to about 950xc2x0 C.) from start-up (about 550xc2x0 C.) by thermally catalyzing the cracking of gasoline, producing a nearly pure hydrogen fuel stream.
In a preferred embodiment, the present system and method provide the further advantage of eliminating vertical temperature gradient in the SOFC stack by utilizing segregated specialized anode fuel streams for selected SOFC stack sections. In a more preferred embodiment, segregated specialized anode fuel streams are employed in combination with reflective surfaces disposed upon selected interior portions of the chamber wall and radiant energy absorbing surfaces of the SOFC stack end sections. Such reflective and absorbent surfaces are arranged so as to reflect radiant energy emitted from warmer, center stack portions to cooler end stack sections. In combination, the present features effect thermal management via passive feedback control of photons. The system may be tailored for particular SOFC stack design and fuel requirements.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following brief description of the drawings, description of the preferred embodiment, and appended claims and drawings.

Integrated fuel reformation and thermal management system for solid oxide fuel cell systems


Molded surface fasteners are provided which include a fenestrated base structure with sets of at least three undercut segments extending laterally over at least one window, thereby allowing fastening elements of diverse designs to be precisely molded by a set of biparting dies, either as independent attachable products or as an integral part of a product component. Embodiments include fastener portions comprising singular fastening “buttons”, portions with recessed fastening zones, unitary double-sided fasteners, products incorporating multiple fastener types in different locations, and unique self-engaging fasteners. Methods for attaching and assembling various components, utilizing the present fastener types are also provided.

The field of surface fasteners, including hook-and-loop and self engaging types, is well established, as evidenced by numerous US and international patents for fasteners and methods of manufacturing since at least the mid 20th century. Improvements in the field have largely focused on developing diverse hook and mushroom designs, arraying fastening elements on a surface, increasing hook density, and methods of manufacturing such fasteners in continuous batches by molding or extrusion techniques. In general, these systems include a plurality of hook-like or mushroom-like fastening elements which extend from a generally contiguous sheet form base, with the individual hooks or mushrooms having undersides spaced away from the base.
Molded hookstrips are now often manufactured in a continuous strip on a rotating mold from which individual hooks are stripped by elastically pulling the undercut ends from the mold (for example Jens et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,311). Mushroom fasteners as well as some hook fasteners are typically manufactured by first continuously molding a sheet form base with post forms, then heat forming the post ends into a bulbous shape (for example Provost et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,526,633, Parellada et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,378 B2).
Typically, both hook-and-loop and self-engaging mushroom fasteners are manufactured as subsidiary products to be attached to a primary product. Fabric like hookstrips are generally contiguous with a woven base and are typically sewn to clothing or flexible materials. Molded hookstrips, as well as self-engaging mushroom systems, are typically molded integrally with a sheet form base which is then attached to a relatively rigid primary product structure by adhesive, welding, or mechanical means. These attachment methods can be problematical in that adhesives may fail, edge peeling often occurs, and they generally result in a relatively thick assembly. Even recently developed "low profile" systems generally have significant thickness which prevents adjoining components from being joined in a flush juxtaposition and are therefore not suitable for many assembly applications. In addition, attached fasteners can be relatively costly for an end product manufacturer in terms of inventory, assembly time, and potential returns. Other factors such as color matching, material compatibility, durability, and material efficiency of the fastener are drawbacks of attached fasteners for many applications. Applications for such attached fasteners are limited by the necessity of attaching the fastener, assuring adhesion, cost, and the relative thickness of the resultant assembly. Therefore, particularly in assembly processes, other methods of attachment are frequently chosen.
In recent years several patents have been issued regarding methods of integrally molding hook-and-loop type hookstrips as part of a primary product (McVicker U.S. Pat. No. 5,656,226, Harvey U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,364 B1, Murasaki et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,678,924 B2). In many instances such integrally molded surface fasteners would appear to be advantageous to industry. However, because these techniques are based upon forcibly removing hook-shaped elements with "blind" undersides from a mold, they appear to be limiting: necessitating complex manufacturing methods; resulting in compromised hook designs of relative weakness; limiting choice of plastic materials; and requiring relatively long dwell times. All of these factors would appear to increase relative cost as well as limit functionality and potential applications.
A few patents and applications have disclosed double-sided surface fasteners (i.e. Kennedy et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,737,147B2, Shepard et al US 2001/0022012 A1, Dudek et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,449,816 B1) Generally these disclosures include means for attaching independently manufactured hookstrip and loop fastener portions in a back to back configuration, resulting in a relatively thick overall assembly when connected.
In pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/015,087, the present applicant has disclosed a method and apparatuses for producing surface fasteners of the slidingly engaging type by utilizing a set of bypassing/biparting dies. This method, among other attributes, allows fastening elements with effectively "blind" undersides to be precisely and economically manufactured with a relatively simple reciprocating molding machine as an integral part of a primary product, or by a continuous molding machine incorporating a rotating die set.
Several examples of prior art include surface fasteners having undercut fastening elements which extend from a fenestrated base structure. Kayaki U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,210 discloses a device having rows of two directional hook sets formed between contiguous structural rows, so as to have a fenestrated base with hook undersides opposite windows in the base. Pacione U.S. Pat. No. 5,384,462 discloses a carpet tape with a fenestrated base structure and hook like elements which do not appear to be related to individual fenestrations. Allan U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,608 discloses (FIG. 19) a somewhat similar structure having individual hooks arrayed in rows of alternating orientation projecting between rows of contiguous structure. In his U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,744, Allan also discloses a fenestrated fastening portion with rib like fastening elements of a similar profile which appears to be double sided. Akeno U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,170 discloses a "mushroom type" fastener wherein individual undersides of each multi-sided fastening element is configured opposite an opening in the fenestrated base structure. Although these examples disclose surface fasteners which appear to be moldable with a byparting die set, their utility seems limited. In each case, the "window" through the base structure is relatively small in relationship to the size of the undercut or "hook" element, which is generally equal to or only slightly larger than the corresponding undercut area. Therefore, hook (or mushroom) density is limited by the number of mold cavities which can reasonably be arrayed in a unit of area because projecting (male) die elements of relatively small dimension would be expected to result in limited mold life. Of the prior art known, only Kayaki provides a system having more than one (two) undercut elements associated with each window, and his invention is further limited in terms of potential hook density and hook orientation by a geometry incorporating singular width rows and columns.
Thus it can be seen by examination of the prior art that there is room for significant improvement in the field. Integrally molded fasteners of both the hook-and-loop and mushroom types which can be manufactured by an improved method would be useful. Inexpensive surface fasteners with greater material efficiency would be beneficial. Fastening elements of diverse designs with precise details which can be economically manufactured without limitation by mold removal requirements is desirable. Fasteners with minimal profile thickness would have great utility. Double-sided fasteners and fastener strips with multiple fastening zones have many potential applications. Improved methods for economically assembling products and components are needed. Other applications for improved surface fasteners will be seen throughout this disclosure.

Molded surface fasteners and attachment methods


Disclosed herein is a method for centralizing a downhole component. The method includes, delivering a tubular member with a plurality of lines of weakness therein to a site requiring a centralizer, and actuating the tubular member by causing a portion of the tubular member to deform radially from an unactuated position. The actuated portion contacting a downhole tubular structure, while maintaining at least two separate fluid passages. A first fluid passage between the portion of the tubular member and an outside surface of the tubular member in the unactuated position and a second fluid passage at a dimension smaller than that of the outside surface of the tubular member in the unactuated position.

Some downhole operations, such as cutting a tubular structure, for example, can be improved by centering a tool within the tubular structure that carries out the operation. Cutters often have a plurality of knives, typically from two to five, that extend radially outwardly (or inwardly depending upon the specific application being cut) to engage the tubular structure being cut. The cutter rotates relative to the tubular structure being cut while the knives extend radially outwardly to thereby engage and cut through the wall of the tubular structure. If the cutter is not centered within the tubular structure the knives can contact and cut through a first portion of the tubular structure sooner than a second portion of the tubular structure that is, for example, diametrically opposite of the first portion. Such a cutting condition can cause excessive vibration, tool damage and an interrupted cut.
Consequently, centralizers are used to center the cutter relative to the tubular structure and thereby provide even engagement of the knives with walls of the tubular structures, which in turn results in a more even cut through the walls with less vibration. Centralizers often employ a plurality of flexible metal springs that engage the inside surface of the tubular structure to center the tool within the tubular structure. Such flexible metal springs however may have inadequate force to center a tool, for example when used in a nonvertically oriented tubular structure resulting in inadequate centering of the tool. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a centralizer that can center tools regardless of biasing forces acting to urge the tools off center.

Centralizer tool, a centralizing method and a method of making a centralizer tool


A driver, an electro-optical device, and an electronic device are provided with which a rise in a ground line voltage due to a discharge can be suppressed. The driver includes a voltage generating circuit 100 that generates a first voltage VA1 and a second voltage VA2 for driving a display panel, outputs the first voltage VA1 to a first node NA1, and outputs the second voltage VA2 to a second node NA2, and a discharge circuit 140 that performs a discharge operation if the voltage generating circuit 100 is deactivated. The discharge circuit 140 performs a first discharge operation of discharging the first node NA1, and thereafter performs a second discharge operation of discharging the second node NA2.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a driver, an electro-optical device, an electronic device, and the like.
2. Related Art
In a passive matrix liquid crystal display (LCD) (or segment LCD), a phenomenon called "momentary lighting" occurs, i.e., undesired light is displayed when the power is turned off. Voltage for driving a liquid crystal display panel is in general held by a stabilizing capacitor. The momentary lighting is caused by the driving voltage held by this stabilizing capacitor being applied to the liquid crystal display panel when the system power is turned off.
In order to avoid the aforementioned momentary lighting, a method is available in which the charge of a stabilizing capacitor is discharged when the power is turned off (e.g., JP-A-2005-094574). When the driving voltage is generated within a driver, a discharge current thereof flows to a ground line within the driver. At this time, a problem arises in that ground line voltage rises due to parasitic resistance of the ground line.
For example, when power for a low voltage circuit (e.g., logic circuit) is generated within the driver, the power is generated with the ground line voltage within the driver as a reference. For this reason, if the ground line voltage rises, the power supply voltage also rises and may possibly exceed breakdown voltage of the low voltage circuit.

Driver, electro-optical device, and electronic device


A hydrocarbon stream containing sulfur and sulfur compounds is contacted with a water suspension of dolomitic lime and dibasic acid catalyst in a reaction vessel in order to transfer the sulfur and sulfur compounds from the petroleum vapor to the water phase. During sulfur removal, naphthenic acid present in the hot petroleum vapor is converted to a high quality naphtha fraction. In the water phase, the sulfur compounds react with the available alkalinity from the dolomitic lime and dibasic acid. The insoluble calcium or magnesium based reaction products can then be removed from the water phase through conventional solids concentrating and separating equipment.

This invention relates to a desulfurization process for removing sulfur from hydrocarbon streams. More particularly as applied in a petroleum refinery, the invention relates to the desulfurization of sour crude oil while improving the quality and commercial value of the hydrocarbon products.
The modern petroleum refinery processes complex crude oils to yield a variety of useful fuels and desirable petroleum products. Such fuels and products range from gasoline, to middle distillate fuels such as kerosine and diesel oil, to fuel oil for heating, and to waxes and heavy oils such as lubricating oil and asphalt products. The crude oil itself is a complex mixture of paraffin and naphthene type hydrocarbon compounds. The desirable refinery products may be achieved by distilling or separating a product fraction from the crude, by cracking or breaking up large hydrocarbons into more valuable smaller compounds, or by creating through chemical reaction the desired products.
Sulfur compounds in petroleum can amount to several percent, as much as five percent in Venezuelan crudes, and are particularly insidious impurities which must be removed from crude oil and petroleum products. Sulfur compounds are objectable because of disagreeable odors and because they oxidize to sulfur dioxide or hydrogen sulfide which are very corrosive materials. This highly corrosive nature of sulfur compounds contribute significantly to the construction, operation and maintenance of a petroleum refinery. If present in hydrocarbon products, then sulfur compounds cause problems in gasoline engines and play a substantial role in environmental pollution.
The sulfur compounds typically problematic to the industry include hydrogen sulfide, mercaptans, sulfides, disulfides and thiophenes. A variety of processes have heretofore been known to sweeten, or desulfurize, gasolines and other petroleum stocks depending upon the particular type of sulfur compound to be removed.
Hydrotreating is a popular catalytic desulfurization process to convert sulfur compounds in a hydrogen atmosphere to hydrogen sulfide. Mercaptans may be oxidized to less undesirable disulfides or removed with known regenerative solution processes.
Many techniques are known for treating sour natural gases and petroleum vapors for hydrogen sulfide removal with a regenerative solution process. These methods deal with acid gas (hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide) treatment by solutions of monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), hot carbonate (K2CO3), and Sulfinol (40-45% tetrahydrothiophene dioxide, 40-45% diisopropanolamine and 10-20% water).
For conversion of hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur, the Claus process and subsequent improvements thereof have long been known. In 1833, Carl Friedrich Claus invented the process to burn hydrogen sulfide in a furnace to form sulfur and water. In later modifications of the original Claus process, some of the hydrogen sulfide is burnt in air to convert it to sulfur dioxide which is then mixed with additional hydrogen sulfide and passed over a catalyst to form sulfur.
As can be appreciated, the presence of sulfur compounds in both petroleum and natural gas processing requires added plant and treatment equipment, use of specialized plant construction materials more resistant to corrosion, and further process steps with specialty chemicals, all of which represents significant additional expense directed to the removal of sulfur. The need remains in the industry for an economical and highly effective desulfurization method adapted for natural gas and petroleum processing techniques. The primary goal of this invention is to meet this need, and to overcome the many drawbacks previously experienced in desulfurization processes.

Desulfurization and hydrocarbon quality enhancement process

InterGlobal Desulfuruzations Systems, Inc.


A single crystalline dielectric layer is provided on an insulator layer including an amorphous dielectric material. The single crystalline dielectric layer can be patterned into various crystalline dielectric portions including dielectric fins, dielectric nanowires, and a dielectric fin-plate assembly. A semiconductor material can be deposited on the single crystalline surfaces of the various crystalline dielectric portions by a selective epitaxial deposition process while not growing on the surfaces of the insulator layer. Single crystalline semiconductor material portions can be formed on the surfaces of the dielectric fins, around the dielectric nanowires, and on horizontal and vertical surfaces of the dielectric fin-plate assembly. Source and drain regions can be formed in the single crystalline semiconductor material portions, and gate electrodes can be formed to provide various field effect transistors.

The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor structure, and particularly to field effect transistors including a channel region formed on a crystalline insulator structure and a method of manufacturing the same.
The degree of control of electronic transport in the channel region of a field effect transistor depends on the thickness of the channel region. In general, the thicker the channel region, the more difficult it is to control the electronic transport of charge carriers in the channel region.
Formation of thin fins, however, poses a challenge in semiconductor manufacturing because of inherent structural weakness in thin structures. The problem of manufacturing thin channel regions becomes even more challenging when multiple types of field effect transistors need to be provided. For example, a combination of fin filed effect transistors and semiconductor nanowire field effect transistors may be desirable to provide a variety of field effect transistors for various applications in a semiconductor chip. For this reason, a method is desired for forming field effect transistors having thin channel regions without structural instability of fragility issues.

Field effect transistors employing a thin channel region on a crystalline insulator structure

International Business Machines Corporation


A method for the dissolving and rapid hydrolyzing of the lignocellulose biomass and the device thereof are disclosed. The lignocellulose biomass is put in the pure water and rapidly heated to 330˜403° C., and then 89˜99% of the lignocellulose biomass is dissolved and rapidly hydrolyzed to saccharide in 3.38˜21.79 s. The following hydrolysis reaction can be carried out under the homogeneous phase condition for the dissolving of the lignocellulose biomass. At the same time, the solvated biomass could be easily used in the high pressure flow reactor to continuously pretreat the biomass and hydrolyze for producing saccharide, other biofuel and product. The present invention doesn't need any catalyst and doesn't pollute the environment, furthermore the process is simple and the cost is low, and it belongs to green, continuable industry encouraged by the state, and a good prospect of market application could be taken on.

Lignocellulose biomass in the natural world, such as wood and grasses, is roughly composed of 50% cellulose, 25% hemicellulose and 20% lignin. Cellulose is mainly used for papermaking. Meanwhile, cellulose and hemicellulose can be degraded by hydrolysis to saccharides which are then used for producing ethanol. The existing methods for dissolving lignocellulose biomass mainly use a batch or semi-flow percolating reactor to carry out the dissolution reaction at a temperature of 200˜300° C. for 15 minutes. Only approximately 40˜60% of wood or grasses can be dissolved and hydrolyzed to hydrosoluble substances by using such methods. Thus, the methods are not only very low in production efficiency, but also too long in reaction time, which easily results in secondary decomposition of the saccharide products. The latest researches show that high-pressure hot water is a weakly polar solvent exhibiting both acidic and basic properties, and therefore can dissolve biomass and enables the hydrolysis reaction to occur in homogeneous phase. Sasaki et al. found that cellulose can be completely dissolved in water at 320° C. and at a water density of more than 1000 kg/m3 (Sasaki, M.; Fang, Z.; Fukushima, Y.; Adschiri, T. & Arai, K. "Dissolution and hydrolysis of cellulose in subcritical and supercritical water", Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 39, 2883-2890, 2000). Later, Ogihara et al. further found that, over a range of water densities of 550˜1000 kg/m3, for the temperatures at which cellulose is completely dissolved, there is a minimum of 320° C. at water density of 850 kg/m3 (Ogihara Y.; Smith Jr., R. L.; Inomata H. & Kunio A., "Direct observation of cellulose dissolution in subcritical and supercritical water over a wide range of water densities (550˜1000 kg/m3), Cellulose, 12, 595-606, 2005). However, the above findings are all directed to pure cellulose, and thus are hard to be applied in industry because natural wood or grasses only contain about 50% cellulose and the process for separating cellulose is complicated and costly. Therefore, the technical problem that needs to be solved urgently in the art is how to realize the dissolution and rapid hydrolysis of natural lignocellulose biomass. On this basis, the present inventor found by study that the addition of a alkaline solution in pure water enables lignocellulose biomass such as wood flour to be completely dissolved and homogeneously hydrolyzed at 329° C.˜367° C. A Chinese Patent Application was then filed accordingly (No. 200710141265.3). The addition of an acidic or an alkaline solution also enables cellulose to be completely dissolved and homogeneously hydrolyzed at a relatively low temperature (for example, 261˜352° C.) (No. 201010104133.5). In the above methods, however, after adding an acidic or an alkaline catalyst solution, the production cost will be increased, the catalyst will not be recovered so easily and the environment will be polluted easily.

Method for the dissolving and rapid hydrolyzing of lignocellulose biomass, device thereof and use of the same

XISHUANGBANNA TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES


A system described herein includes a receiver component that receives an indication that a user has selected a first selectable buttontab in a toolbar installed in a client application. The system further includes a display component that causes a dashboard to be displayed on a display device in response to receipt of the indication that the user has selected the buttontab. The dashboard includes a content window that displays content and the buttontab, wherein the dashboard is a seamless visual combination of the buttontab and the content window.

Modern personal computers can be equipped with a multitude of applications that facilitate performance of a variety of tasks including but not limited to word processing tasks, generation of one or more spreadsheets, photo editing, instant messaging, Internet browsing, amongst others. In many of these applications, specialized toolbars can be installed. Pursuant to an example, a toolbar can be downloaded by way of the Internet and installed in an Internet browser. Once installed, the toolbar can allow a user to quickly obtain access to one or more web sites or services. For instance, the toolbar may be displayed in a framespace of the Internet browser and may include a plurality of selectable buttons.
Typically, selection of one of the buttons in the toolbar causes a new browser window or tab to be opened, wherein the browser window or tab is directed to a certain site corresponding to the selected toolbar button. In some instances, however, it may be inconvenient for the user to have a new browser window presented over an existing browser window and/or to have the browser navigate away from a web page that is currently being perused by the user.
In addition, some toolbars may be configured with one or more selectable buttons that when selected, direct the user to a web page that requests user credentials (e.g., user name and password). Once the user has provided such credentials and the credentials have been verified, the toolbar can be customized in accordance with predefined preferences of the user. Thus, type of buttons and arrangement of buttons may be displayed in the toolbar in accordance with predefined user preferences. Again, however, requiring the user to navigate to a new page to provide sign-in credentials may be inconvenient to the user. Furthermore, requesting user credentials in such a manner may leave the user susceptible to a phishing attack. For instance, a sophisticated hacker may create a graphical user interface that looks substantially similar to a graphical user interface used by the intended recipient of the user credentials. Thus, a user may unknowingly provide their credentials to malicious source.


The presently disclosed embodiments are directed to a system and method for obtaining spectra of highly scattering pigmented layers and providing a spectral reflection ratio, which can be correlated to photoreceptor electrical performance. The present embodiments employ the use of dark field microscopy in combination with a noise reducing normalization technique to provide real-time production adjustments to optimize photoreceptor characteristics and/or performance.

The presently disclosed embodiments relate generally to layers that are useful in imaging apparatus members and components, for use in electrostatographic, including digital, apparatuses. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to a system and method for providing measurements of photoreceptor layer thicknesses. The present embodiments employ the use of dark field microscopy in combination with a noise reducing normalization technique to provide representative spectral responses for highly scattering pigmented layers that are generally difficult to obtain with conventional methods and require more equipment. As it was discovered that such spectral measurements can be correlated to photoreceptor electrical characteristics, the present embodiments are also used to provide real-time production adjustments to optimize photoreceptor characteristics and/or performance.
An electrophotographic imaging member may be provided in a number of forms. For example, the imaging member may be a homogeneous layer of a single material such as vitreous selenium or it may be a composite layer containing a photoconductor and another material. In addition, the imaging member may be layered. These layers can be in any order, and sometimes can be combined in a single or mixed layer.
Multilayered photoreceptors or imaging members can have at least two layers, and may include a substrate, a conductive layer, an optional charge blocking layer (sometimes referred to as an "undercoat layer"), an optional adhesive layer, a photogenerating layer (sometimes referred to as a "charge generation layer," "charge generating layer," or "charge generator layer"), a charge transport layer, an optional overcoating layer and, in some belt embodiments, an anticurl backing layer. In the multilayer configuration, the active layers of the photoreceptor are the charge generation layer (CGL) and the charge transport layer (CTL). Enhancement of charge transport across these layers provides better photoreceptor performance. Overcoat layers are commonly included to increase mechanical wear and scratch resistance.
The term "photoreceptor" or "photoconductor" is generally used interchangeably with the terms "imaging member." The term "electrostatographic" includes "electrophotographic" and "xerographic." The terms "charge transport molecule" are generally used interchangeably with the terms "hole transport molecule."
The charge generation layer film is pigmented, and thus, conventional interference optics cannot be used to measure its thickness because a clear or translucent film would be needed to provide the required interference fringes. In addition, contact measurement devices do not provide the resolution needed to measure these sub-micron thick films. Because of this "gap" in measurement technology, current manufacturing processes of photoreceptor layers may result in inconsistent product performance. For example, some photoreceptors can exhibit high Vlow, reduced photosensitivity, and print defects. It was observed that these abnormal parameters can be correlated to the spectral reflection ratio of the films representative spectra. Conventional methods, however, require the coating of a full device, determining or checking the Vlow of the device, and subsequently feeding of the information back to the production line. As used herein, Vlow refers to the surface voltages of photoreceptor after light exposure, and "photosensitivity" refers to the surface voltage change rate to the exposure energy.
Thus, new and effective means to provide accurate and fast measurement of photoreceptor layers, especially those layers that are pigmented, are important to future enhancement of photoreceptor production and overall xerographic performance. In this regard, a measurement system that can provide real-time measurement and feedback of critical xerographic control parameters or variables during production will be highly desirable.

System and method for correlating photoreceptor pigmented film layer to electrical performance


The invention is directed to a clock module and method for distributing a time reference to at least one clock in a packet-switched network. The clock module includes a slave port, a master port and a local clock. The method comprises the steps of receiving a first synchronization packet at the slave port, the first synchronization packet comprising a first master clock timestamp and generating at least one internal signal comprising the first master clock timestamp. The method also includes the steps of transmitting the at least one internal signal to the master port and receiving the at least one internal signal at the master port. Then a method includes determining the internal propagation time of the signal through the clock module and generating a second synchronization packet at the master port comprising a second master clock timestamp, the second master clock timestamp comprising the sum of the first master clock timestamp and the internal propagation time. Finally, the second synchronization packet is sent to at least one other clock in the packet-switched network.

The present invention relates to the field of clock synchronisation in packet-switched telecommunications networks. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel clock module for use with the IEEE 1588-2008 protocol standard.
Several synchronisation sensitive applications in packet-switched networks require methods and related devices for distributing a reference time and/or a reference frequency to several nodes across a network. Moreover, several standards have been developed in order to arrive at interoperable solutions.
One such standard is the IEEE 1588-2008, also known as 1588V2, which presents a hierarchical architecture of clocks organised in successive pairs of master and slave across a network. The 1588V2 standard introduces and defines the concepts of a Boundary Clock (BC) and a Transparent Clock (TC). These concepts consist of 1588V2 features which are added onto a network node, the latter being any network element such as an IP router or an Ethernet switch. For the remainder of the present description, a 1588V2 module (e.g. BC) points specifically to the aforementioned features, but globally also include the supporting network elements (e.g. the IP router) which participate in communicating 1588V2 messages to other distant 1588V2 modules.
As both BC and TC are implemented on a network node which consists of multiple communication ports, they should offer multiple PTP (Precision Time Protocol—another name given to the 1588 protocol) ports. The 1588V2 standard does not impose any specific mapping (e.g. one-to-one mapping) between PTP ports and the supporting network node communication ports. This detail is implementation-specific.
Functionally, a BC does not forward a synchronisation signal (e.g. 1588V2 Event messages). Instead, it recovers the time reference (i.e. timescale of the Grand Master clock) locally and then redistributes this reference down the clock hierarchy. Typically, a BC receives, from its peer master clock, a number of synchronisation messages, typically called PTP messages, and uses those messages to synchronise its own clock. In order to distribute the recovered time reference, it then produces new PTP messages, which are transmitted to its slave(s).
One advantage of BCs is that they are involved in what is known as the Best Master Clock Algorithm (BMCA) in order to determine the best candidate master clock, which is elected as the Grand Master (GM) clock and is positioned at the top of the hierarchical clock architecture. This allows for greater flexibility and for automatic reconfiguration of the clock hierarchical. Conversely, the main disadvantage of using BCs is that they are complex in terms of implementation. Moreover, their related noise accumulation effect is a complex process and is still under study in terms of attainable performance.
A TC, on the other hand, simply receives a PTP message from its master, and forwards it on to its slave. Before forwarding the PTP message to its slave however, the TC modifies a correction field of the PTP message to reflect the time it took for the PTP message, encapsulated within a packet, to transit the TC.
There are several advantages to using TCs. For example, TCs are relatively simple and efficient when compared to BCs (e.g. generally lower noise). On the other hand, TCs do provide some disadvantages as well. One important example of this is that the use of TCs can lead to the infringement of protocol specifications and/or protocol layer separation principles. This is because a TC modifies the header of a PTP message within packet payload, and this, despite the fact that it is not recognized as the destination node of the packet. This is known as "layer violation".
Whilst the 1588V2 standard has initially specified both types of clock, these technologies are increasingly being perceived as rivals and competing pressures are being put on industrial and research entities to try and promote one or the other.
WO 2008/051123 A1 discloses a method for clock synchronization, wherein the timestamp is updated within a packet.
US 2008/075217 A1 teaches to modify the timestamp in an original synchronization packet on the fly when it passes through either one of the standard interface converters (SIC).
US 2004/258097 A1 discloses passing on a received synchronization telegram to the next node in a cascade structure, wherein each node adds a measure of delay times occurred in the transmission to and processing at that node into the existing signal.

Method, apparatus and system for time distribution in a telecommunications network


A method for drawing a surface model performs modelling for plural primitive surface models, each primitive surface model being a part of the surface model, and applies drawing priority to each primitive surface model. Then, the method draws the primitive surface model with hidden surface removal based on depth values when the primitive surface model has the same drawing priority as the drawing priority of another primitive surface model, and draws the primitive surface model without hidden surface removal when the primitive surface model has a higher drawing priority.

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for drawing a surface model, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for drawing a surface model through modelling of a target object.
In the field of computer aided design using computer graphics, it is required that a surface model be drawn three dimensionally so as to display the appearance of a target object. The surface model is a model which is formed with polygons as two dimensional elements and/or curved planes as three dimensional elements. The surface model does not have information indicative of which side thereof is inside of the target object. Taking that fact into consideration, the target object is displayed three dimensionally by generating not only plane coordinate values but also plane depth values to be displayed on a pixel basis, and by applying hidden surface removal based on the depth values.
Ordinarily, a surface model has a fairly complicated form and includes plural curved lines and curved planes. To explain concretely, when the surface model illustrated in FIG. 13-A is to be drawn, first modelling to the target object is performed as a combination of plural convex polygons as illustrated with broken lines in FIG. 13-A, second the surface model is drawn by performing hidden surface removal for each convex polygon. The surface model is accordingly drawn with realistically after the modelling is performed. But the disadvantage of remarkably lengthening the time period necessary for modelling, arises because of a remarkable increase of the number of convex polygons. In the application of computer aided design, the primitive shape of the target object is previously determined, and it is strongly demanded that the design effect be checked through changing only a partial face shape. When the conventional method is employed to satisfy the demand, modelling to the entire target object is needed even when only a partial face shape thereof is changed as illustrated in FIGS. 13-A and 13-B. Operability of modelling is remarkably lowered, accordingly.
Also, it is strongly demanded that characters, figures and the like be displayed on the outer face of the target object. When a method for defining characters, figures and the like as polygons having depth values, and for displaying the characters, figures and the like with hidden surface removal, is employed to satisfy the demand, the disadvantage arises that the characters, figures and the like are not displayed partially when depth values of the characters, figures and the like are slightly different from the depth values of the surface of the target object. To overcome the disadvantage, it is necessary to employ a method which first writes characters, figures and the like to be displayed into a mapping memory, second map the characters, figures and the like on a surface model using a texture mapping method. When a texture mapping method is employed, the disadvantage arises wherein the necessary operations become complex, because reading addresses from the mapping memory should be re-established even when only the locations of the characters, figures and the like to be displayed on the target object, are changed.
A method for simply drawing a target object having a complicated shape through performing a logical operation between primitives, a so called set operation or Boolean operation, is known as a method for drawing a solid model. For example, a target object illustrated in FIG. 14-C is obtained through a union operation based on rectangular parallelepipedons as illustrated in FIGS. 14-A and 14-B. A target object illustrated in FIG. 14-D is Obtained through a difference operation based on rectangular parallelepipedons as illustrated in FIGS. 14-A and 14-B. A target object illustrated in FIG. 14-E is obtained through an intersection operation based on rectangular parallelepipedons as illustrated in FIGS. 14-A and 14-B. However, the method cannot be applied to a surface model because a surface model has no information indicative of which side of a plane is inside of the target object.

Method and apparatus for drawing a surface model by assigning a drawing priority to each primitive surface model which provides a portion of the surface model


A baby bottle comprising a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment comprised a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is comprised of at least one substantially open bore. The distal end is comprised of at least one partially closed port and a stabilization coupling mechanism first portion. The second compartment is comprised of a first end and a second end. The first end of one embodiment comprises a partially closed cavity and a stabilization coupling mechanism second portion. The stabilization coupling mechanism second portion may be adapted to mate with the stabilization coupling mechanism first portion. Furthermore, the first end may be adapted to couple to the first compartment distal end. The second end of one embodiment may have a substantially open bore and a removably coupled end cap.

Infants require a specific amount of nutrients each day. These nutrients are often provided through a mother's milk. However, there are times when the mother is not available to provide milk or is unable or unwilling to provide milk to her newborn. In order to provide the baby the nutrients that are required, babies are often fed a mixture called "formula". Formula is a powdered substance often mixed with water to create a liquid solution that the baby can intake into his or her body to receive the nutrients.
Feeding a child liquid formula created from a powdered mixture using prior art mixing devices and baby bottles can be complicated, costly, and/or messy. For example, prior art formula may be premixed. In this instance, the formula mixture is created before the baby is hungry, so it is ready as soon as the baby needs it. However, pre-making a formula mixture is not always an available method of providing an infant his or her required nutrients as it is typically recommended that premixed formula be consumed within one hour of creation as it may spoil if it is not consumed within that timeframe.
Extending the consumption period for a pre-mixed batch of formula may be accomplished through cooling the pre-mixed formula—potentially with a cold pack or ice. However, the formula mixture must usually be heated prior to giving the mixture to the baby. Cooling and heating takes extra time and/or equipment, so it is not always conducive to undertake these steps—when traveling, for example. Therefore, premixed formula often spoils prior to consumption, wasting the formula and in the process increasing costs.
Prior art devices which are adapted to keep the powdered formula separate from the mixing liquid until the time the two are to be mixed are deficient in many respects. For example, current devices do not operate appropriately—they become clogged during the mixing process, for example, or they may be difficult to clean. Furthermore, many systems are comprised of internal liners, which are difficult to use and may introduce foreign material into the formula once the liner is torn. Many of these prior art devices are further deficient because they require the use of two or more devices to keep the powder separate from the liquid. Furthermore, the device may require a complicated movement to mix the powder with the liquid, which is difficult to perform. Other devices may not allow for the device to be reusable or may not allow for the purchase of bulk formula powder.

Baby bottle and method of creating infant formula


A connector comprises a cage and a light pipe. The cage has a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of side walls between the top wall and the bottom wall. The light pipe is mounted on an outer surface of at least one of the pair of side walls.

A connector generally comprises a metal cage, such as a steel cage, and a contact module disposed in the metal cage. The contact module generally comprises a contact adapted to electrically contact a mating connector inserted into the connector. As transmission speeds of connectors increase, a heat generated by the connector increases. As a result, it is necessary to install a radiator on the top wall of the metal cage of the connector to improve the heat dissipation performance of the connector.
In order to make it easy for a user to observe the working state of the connector, it is often necessary to provide light pipes on the connector, which transmit a light from an indicator on a circuit board to the front side of the connector. The user may thus judge the working state of the connector according to the light of the indicator. Due to the limited space of the connector, these light pipes are usually disposed in a gap between fins of the radiators, which affects the ventilation performance of the radiators and greatly reduces the heat dissipation performance of the connector.


A system and method for converting medical images of a particular patient into high resolution, 3D dynamic and interactive images interacting with medical tools including medical devices by coupling a model of tissue dynamics and tool characteristics to the patient specific imagery for simulating a medical procedure in an accurate and dynamic manner. The method includes a tool to add and/or to adjust the dynamic image of tissues and ability to draw and add geometric shapes on the dynamic image of tissues. The system imports the 3D surgery plan (craniotomy, head position, approach etc.). The surgeon establishes multiple views, rotates and interacts with the navigation image to see behind pathology and vital structures. The surgeon can make structures such as tumors, vessels and tissue transparent to improve visualization and to be able to see behind the pathology. The System can warn on proximity of tools to specific anatomical structure.

This application relates generally to a system and method for displaying surgical procedures in a surgical environment to aid in the surgery. More specifically, this application relates to a system and method for converting static/still medical images of an actual surgical patient into dynamic and interactive images interacting with medical tools (such as, e.g., surgical tools, probes, and/or implantable medical devices) by coupling a model of tissue dynamics to patient specific imagery during a surgical procedure. The interacting with the medical tools come to fruition with the proximity warning, proximity warning is a mechanism for providing continues indication and warning for proximity of tools to specific anatomical structure.
Surgeons lack a surgical tool that would provide them with a realistic visual images of a surgical patient where realistic physical tissue properties are displayed together with the medical tools (such as, e.g., surgical tools, probes, and/or implantable medical devices) in a 3d display. A surgical tool that encompasses: (i) realistic "life-like" 2D and/or 3D display of the patient-specific area of surgery (for example—aneurysm); (ii) modeling of the local patient-specific area of surgery geometry and physical properties; (iii) interface enabling manipulation of the patient-specific area of surgery model and display surgical actions such as cutting, shifting and clamping; and (iv) interface to provide feedback cues to the surgeon: and give 3d navigation in a real-time that provide warning for proximity of tools to specific anatomical structure.

Dynamic and interactive navigation in a surgical environment


A system monitors electrical equipment and provides predictive diagnostics therefor. The system includes sensors located at or about the electrical equipment. The sensors sense information pertaining to operation of the electrical equipment. A first processor is located at or about the electrical equipment and receives the sensed information from the sensors as first information. A first transceiver cooperates with the first processor to transmit the first information as transmitted information. A second processor is located remote from the electrical equipment. A second transceiver cooperates with the first transceiver to receive the transmitted information as second information and communicate the same to the second processor. The second processor provides a notification pertaining to an immediate inspection and/or maintenance of the electrical equipment, and set points operatively associated with the sensed information. The set points pertain to a number of potential alarms regarding operation of the electrical equipment.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains generally to systems for electrical equipment and, more particularly, to such systems that monitor and provide predictive diagnostics for electrical equipment. The invention also pertains to systems that monitor and provide predictive diagnostics for electrical or rotating electrical equipment.
2. Background Information
Today, electrical equipment users are being stretched to do more with less. This translates into lower maintenance budgets and an operating mode of "outages are no longer an option". Electrical equipment is conventionally maintained on a periodic basis. Known predictive technology for electrical equipment includes thermographic, ultrasonic and partial discharge detection and inspections.
Thermographic and ultrasonic detection are applied at all voltage levels, while partial discharge detection is applied to medium voltage systems. Ultrasonic and partial discharge inspections detect the presence of low-level arcing or corona, which can increase in some cases and result in electrical insulation damage. Thermographic inspections identify "overheated" electrical connections or electrical components within electrical equipment. Loose or deteriorated electrical connections or electrical components will operate at higher temperatures and can be detected when viewing the infrared spectrum of light, visible via thermograph cameras. The temperature of electrical conductors, including electrical connections and electrical components is directly related to the amount of load current that is being transmitted. Therefore, these inspections must be performed while the electrical equipment is energized and loaded. At the same time, varying electrical loads will result in varying operating temperatures for electrical connections; hence, the level of current loading needs to be factored into the analysis.
Thermographic inspections require the opening of front and rear doors while the electrical equipment is energized. The opening of such doors must be accomplished with extreme care, and in some cases should not be performed due to potential safety risks to personnel. For example, a person removing a panel cannot be certain of the distance between a grounded metal door and an energized bus within an electrical equipment enclosure. If an accidental slip of the door occurs, then a faulted condition could result in extremely close proximity to the individual.
There has been a recent proposal in the sensing of overheated electrical connections or other electrical components. One such proposal allows for remote viewing of the infrared spectrum remotely by a permanently mounted camera. The emphasis on personal safety, and newly proposed arc flash standards, has resulted in greater use of "infrared-windows" which allows viewing of infrared radiation through pre-installed infrared-ports. For example, a known thermographic camera provides a "UL recognized latched-port" (⅝ in.) opening to allow an infrared camera's relatively wide-angle to view the inside of the electrical equipment without opening the outer doors.
Another proposal applies permanent temperature sensors to electrical connections or other energized locations and wirelessly transmits the measured temperature to a receiver, which is then connected to a computer for trending, alarming and analysis. Such permanent temperature sensors may operate from internal batteries and, therefore, require that the batteries be changed, which is only possible by a complete shutdown of the electrical equipment. These additional shutdowns to maintain the integrity of the temperature monitoring system is not preferred by end users, which need to operate for relatively longer periods of time at greater levels of reliability. These known systems also do not correlate measured temperatures to other parameters and, thus, do not provide indications of required maintenance based on temperatures or other factors such as dust, smoke and humidity, which appear normal in absolute values, but are actually high, based on historical trended levels, or high for the level of current flow through such electrical connections or other electrical components.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,485,491 discloses an online system for diagnosing operating conditions of a motor, in order to determine when motor maintenance is required. Motor sensors monitor various physical parameters (e.g., non-electrical or insulation-related conditions) and produce corresponding electrical signals. Signal converters transform the electrical signals to corresponding digital values. These values are collected by a processor which compares the values, or a trend of the values, with predetermined baseline values, or trends, associated with a newly manufactured or refurbished motor. The processor then makes recommendations for a motor maintenance interval, in order to provide optimum motor performance and availability at minimum cost and downtime. The motor maintenance interval is a specific time or, alternatively, a more general time, such as the time of the next scheduled refueling outage. In the case of a reactor coolant pump (RCP) motor within a nuclear containment vessel, an intermediate data storage device collects the digital values corresponding to the electrical signals and communicates the digital values to a processor which is remotely located (e.g., beyond a biological barrier, beyond the containment vessel, at an off-site location, etc.) from the RCP motor.
There is room for improvement in systems for electrical equipment.
There is also room for improvement in systems for electrical or rotating electrical equipment.

System for monitoring electrical equipment and providing predictive diagnostics therefor