Vaccine preparations in stable particulate form are disclosed. An immediate-release preparation comprises an immunogen adsorbed to an aluminum adjuvant. A controlled- or delayed-release preparation comprises microspherical particles comprising a continuous matrix of biodegradable polymer containing discrete, immunogen-containing regions.

Delivery of a full course of vaccine in a single dose has held attraction in both human and veterinary medicine and a number of patents and other publications (e.g. U.K. Patent No. 1,567,503) have addressed this possibility. For veterinary applications, the advantages include:
(i) reduced time--animals need be handled only once, PA1 (ii) reduced cost--single veterinary visit and reduced handling costs, PA1 (iii) guaranteed compliance with recommended dose schedule (number of doses, time interval between doses). PA1 (i) exposure of biological materials to denaturing chemical and physical conditions, and PA1 (ii) difficulty of scale-up, PA1 (iii) low efficiency of incorporation of hydrophilic compounds (e.g. proteins). PA1 (i) the immunogen is held in a selected configuration during the drying process, PA1 (ii) adjuvant is available to stimulate the immune system at every pulsed release, PA1 (iii) during in vivo residence time, whilst delayed-release polymer is undergoing biodegradation, the immunogen is protected from thermal and perhaps enzymic denaturation by attachment to a solid support.
In human medicine, the above three advantages are also important with compliance being extremely important in developing countries where repeated access to infants is often not possible. In addition, the pain and suffering associated with vaccination, especially of infants, is an additional reason to favour a single-dose vaccine in human medicine.
Early studies of vaccination using inactivated vaccines (generally tetanus or diphtheria toxoids), have demonstrated the importance of two or more discrete doses of vaccine with an interval of at least 4 weeks, and preferably longer, between doses. A third dose is sometimes necessary to induce an adequate immune response, especially in young animals or infants where transfer of maternal antibodies could interfere with the preliminary immune response.
Recent studies in theoretical immunology have supported these findings and introduced the phrase "affinity maturation". Affinity maturation describes the process whereby plasma cells secreting high affinity antibodies to the desired immunogen are preferentially selected whilst plasma cells secreting antibody of lower affinity are lost. The process involves competition between follicular dendritic cells and plasma cells for antigen binding and thus can only occur effectively in the presence of limiting amounts of antigen. The process of affinity maturation may not commence until 2 to 3 weeks after a primary vaccine dose and it is important that the second dose of antigen not be given until the process is effectively complete. This is readily achievable in a multidose vaccination schedule provided the first dose does not contain too much antigen. However, for this process to be achieved in a single dose delayed-release vaccine, it is important that the second and subsequent doses do not release their antigen payload prematurely. To achieve this, the antigen must be contained within a matrix which has a defined time of degradation. This matrix should be biodegradable, although biocompatible matrixes have been proposed as acceptable. A number of options have been reviewed by Cox & Coulter, 1992.
The major effort to develop delayed release vaccines has centred round the studies of Eldridge et al., 1990; 1991, who used the biodegradable copolymer--polylactide coglycolide to produce antigen-containing microspheres and observed a delayed-release of the antigen contents in vivo (see also Australian Patent Specifications Nos. 79929/87 and 33433/89). Similar observations have been reported by Kreuter, 1990 using nanoparticles produced from acrylate polymers. Although the above workers were able to show that the concept of delayed-release vaccines was possible, the process they used in the preparation of the vaccines suffered from a number of deficiencies making it unsuitable for the routine manufacture of a vaccine. The major problems were:
In European patent publication No. 0486959, in the name of Vectorpharma International SpA, there are disclosed controlled release, particulate pharmaceutical compositions containing pharmacologically active substances, the compositions comprising a biodegradable polymer such as polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid and copolymers thereof and/or other polymers including a polysaccharide gellifying and/or bioadhesive polymer, an amphiphilic polymer, an agent modifying the interface properties of the particles and the pharmacologically active substance. In the preparation of the pharmaceutical composition, the polymeric substituents are co-solubilised with the agent modifying the interface properties either in the absence of any solvent or in the minimum necessary amount of solvent, and the pharmacologically active substances then dissolved or dispersed in the polymer solution prior to formation of the final particles, for example by emulsion, extrusion, spray drying or spray-congealing techniques. As previously described, this technique suffers from a major disadvantage in that the pharmacologically active substance is directly exposed to the mixture of polymeric compounds together with any solvents therein, which results in the denaturing of biological materials used as the pharmacologically active substance.
It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a vaccine preparation and method for the production thereof wherein the immunogenic material is not exposed to an organic solvent or other organic phase when in soluble form, so as to ensure that there are no conformational changes in the immunogen, in other words to maintain the native structure of the immunogen.

Spray dried vaccine preparation comprising aluminium adsorbed immunogens


The semiconductor device includes a pre-internal refresh signal generator and an internal refresh signal generator. The pre-internal refresh signal generator receives a first periodic signal during a refresh operation to generate a pre-internal refresh signal including pulses which are periodically created. The internal refresh signal generator receives a second periodic signal during the refresh operation to generate first and second internal refresh signals sequentially enabled by the pulses of the pre-internal refresh signal.

1. Technical Field
Embodiments of the disclosure relate to semiconductor devices.
2. Related Art
Recently, low power dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices have been increasingly in demand with the development of mobile products. In particular, the DRAM devices employed in the mobile products have been developed to reduce a current that flows during a refresh operation.
The DRAM devices among semiconductor memory devices may lose data stored in their memory cells as the time elapses even while their power supplies are applied thereto in contrast to static random access memory (SRAM) devices or flash memory devices.
To stably and continuously retain data in DRAM cells, DRAM devices are basically accompanied with operations for periodically rewriting the data in the DRAM cells. Such operations are often called "refresh" operations.


Systems and methods enabling marketing and distribution of motion pictures and other media content by content creators and other content providers are described herein. A platform is provided by which a plurality of content providers can market and distribute media content to users. Information about activity of the users on the platform is obtained in relation to the item of media content or in relation to media content related to the item of media content. A request is received for an activity report comprising information related to a user demographic or a media content characteristic. Responsive to the activity report request, the activity report is provided to the content provider.

Content creators (e.g., filmmakers, television producers, recording artists, online game developers, etc.) are significantly limited in their ability to develop and execute content-related strategies such as processing, marketing, promotion, management, packaging, merchandising, fulfillment, delivery, distribution, licensing, and enforcement of their own content and content-related data. Effective mastering of such efforts is typically beyond the capabilities of content creators because such efforts typically require marketing and distribution resources that are unavailable to the content creators. Because of this limitation, content creators often seek to enter into content-related agreements in which the content creators relinquish control with respect to some or all rights in the content (e.g., a licensing agreement with a film distributor granting various territory or media rights).
One drawback with traditional content-related agreements (e.g., in the entertainment industry) is that they are rarely available to content creators (e.g., independent filmmakers, television producers, or game developers). In other words, often only the most well-known content creators are able to secure a content-related agreement (e.g., a distribution agreement, assignment, or license) with a third party content provider (e.g., a distributor, subdistributor, sales agent, buyer, aggregator, publisher, network, broadcaster, syndicator, assignee, or licensee). Moreover, even when a content creator is able to secure a content-related agreement, the terms are often very one-sided favoring the content provider. Thus, these content-related agreements are often unfairly restrictive to the content creator, limiting additional marketing or distribution of content for a set amount of time (e.g., until costs advanced or expended pursuant to the agreement are fully recouped).
Additionally, often such agreements (i) do not contain any provisions that impose a duty on the content provider to actively market or promote the content creator's content, and/or (ii) the content creator does not have sufficient leverage over the content provider to enforce a provision requiring active marketing and/or promotion of the content. As a result, these agreements can be highly disadvantageous to a content creator for many reasons. For example, over the term of such an agreement, the value of the content is often diminished while the content creator awaits the expiration of the agreement. Moreover, any failure of the content provider to actively market or promote the content can postpone or preclude any potential revenue that may be derived from the content. This can prolong the time it takes for the content creator to recoup the costs associated with creating the content, and in some instances, preclude such recoupment altogether. This can create a cash flow burden on the content creator. Additionally, the terms of such agreements rarely require the content distributor, subdistributor, assignee, or licensee to keep the content creator informed of the success or progress of any content-related strategies.
Thus, what is needed in the art are systems and methods for empowering content creators to market and distribute their own content without entering into onerous one-sided agreements with content providers, such as distributors, subdistributors, assignees, or licensees.

Systems and methods for controlling media content access parameters


A charge control agent of the present invention comprises aggregate particles of an azo-type iron complex salt represented by the following chemical formula [I]

This invention relates to a negative charge control agent including azo-type iron complexes which is used for a toner for an electrostatic image development or a powder paint and the toner for an electrostatic image development including the agent.
An electro photography system applied to a copy machine, printer or facsimile performs to develop an electrostatic latent image on photosensitive frame by toner having frictional electrification and the imaged toner to transfer and then fix onto a paper.
A charge control agent is added to the toner beforehand so as for the toner to quicken a rise speed of the electrification, electrify sufficiently, control a proper quantity of the electrification stably, improve electrification property, rise up a speed for developing the electrostatic latent image, and form the vivid images. For instance, as the negative charge control agent, metallic complex salts are mentioned in Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 61-155464.
In recent year, a copy machine or printer causes high efficiency with improving resolution and so on. The electro photography system is used with not only a high speed development but also a low speed development in widespread purposes. Therefore, it is required that the charge control agent causes faster rise speed of the electrification of the toner, more excellent electrification property, the agent is able to form the vivid images of high resolution, and the agent is able to be manufactured simply. And it is required that the charge control agent is able to be used of a powder paint for a electrostatic powder printing method which attracts and bakes the powder paint onto a surface of a frame work having charge.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Charge control agent and toner for electrostatic image development

Abstract: in the chemical formula [I], R1—, R2—, R3—, R4—, R5— and R6— are same or different to each other, n is 0.7 to 0.99,the aggregate particles have an average particle size of 1 to 4 microns and an average particle size of a primary particulate crystalline, that is fined the aggregate particles with ultrasonic irradiation, is at most 3 microns. A toner for developing an electrostatic image comprises a resin for the toner and the charge control agent.


A hand-held device for extracting a base of a light bulb from a socket, including a body portion, circular in cross-section, and of a diameter which is easily grasped by the human hand; and constructed of rubber or the like material which does not convey electrical current; a rubber jacket over the body portion having protrusions to allow the user to have a firm, non-slip grip on the device when in use; each end being conically shaped end; the first end being of an increasing conical diameter, so as to allow the end to be inserted into a typically sized light bulb base, and the second end being of a slightly less conical diameter to allow the end to be inserted into smaller bulbs, such as Christmas tree or chandelier sized bulbs. Each of the two conical ends would be hollowed out to a certain extent. Further the surface of each conically shaped end would comprise a plurality of parallel ridges which would provide a firmer grip between the device and the bulb base. In use, one end of the device would be inserted into the hollow base of the spent bulb, until the conical surface makes frictional engagement with the interior of the bulb base. At this point, the device is rotated and imparts rotation to the base, which unscrews from the light socket. Even if the power to the fixture is on, the device would not transmit electrical current to the use because of its material makeup.

1. Field of the Invention
The apparatus of the present invention relates to light bulbs. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for extracting the base of a light bulb which has exploded or fractured by inserting a portion of the device into the base of the bulk, and rotating the device to unscrew the base from the light bulb socket.
2. General Background
The most common type of light fixture is the type wherein a light bulb, having a metal base, which is treaded into a threaded socket for transmitting the electrical current from the fixture into the bulb to illuminate the bulb. In most cases when the bulb needs to be changed, because of it having expired, the bulk is simply grasped, and rotated, so that it threadedly disengages from the fixture. However, it is quite often the case where the light bulb may have exploded for many reasons, or the bulb portion loses its contact with the base, so that rotating the bulb would not impart rotation to the base. In either case, the problem arises of having to remove the base from the fixture socket, which is somewhat difficult. In some cases, one would attempt to utilize pliers or the like to engage the edge of the metal base and rotate the base out of the socket. This can be sometimes a futile effort, the result being the base crumpled and torn and in some instances, almost impossible to unscrew from the socket because of it being deformed. An additional problem may arise in that if the fixture is still plugged in, one may inadvertently try to remove the base, and in doing so, subject oneself to electrical shock, which is dangerous and painful.
Therefore, there is a need for a device which has the ability to extract the base from a light fixture socket in an easy and safe manner, without deforming the base and without subjecting oneself to electrical shock.


The manufacturing yield of an A/D converter semiconductor chip is significantly increased by utilizing a number of A/D converter circuits that include a group of redundant A/D converter circuits. As a result, the semiconductor chip can be wired to form a “good” A/D converter semiconductor chip as long as the number of “bad” A/D converter circuits does not exceed the number of redundant A/D converter circuits.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to A/D converters, and more particularly, to a semiconductor chip with a number of A/D converters that include a group of redundant A/D converters.
2. Description of the Related Art
Medical ultrasound devices commonly utilize a processing unit, a head that is passed over a region to be imaged, and a cable that connects the head to the processing unit. The head, in turn, typically includes a row of piezoelectric transducing elements that send ultrasonic vibrations into the region to be imaged, and receive ultrasonic vibrations back from the region after the vibrations have bounced off of internal structures within the region.
The clarity of an ultrasonic image is proportional to the number of piezoelectric transducing elements that are used in a row of transducing elements. As a result, the industry is moving to increase the number of piezoelectric transducing elements that are used in a row, along with increasing the number of rows of piezoelectric transducing elements that are used in a head.
One of the difficulties of increasing the number of piezoelectric transducing elements is that each piezoelectric transducing element has a corresponding signal processing path. Conventionally, the signal processing path includes a low noise amplifier (LNA), a variable gain amplifier (VGA), and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter.
Thus, if an ultrasonic device includes 256 piezoelectric transducing elements in one or more rows, then the ultrasonic device also includes 256 LNAs, 256 VGAs, and 256 A/D converters that form 256 individual signal processing paths. 256 A/D converters, however, is a large number of A/D converters.
Current-generation devices aggregate eight A/D converters onto one semiconductor chip. However, one problem with aggregating A/D converters onto a single chip is that the manufacturing yield goes down as the number of A/D converters on a single chip goes up. This is because each A/D converter has a large number of parameters, such as signal-to-noise ratio, that must meet the requirements of a specification.
Thus, if any one of these parameters on any one of the A/D converters is out of range (fails to meet specification), then the entire chip must be discarded. For example, if a semiconductor chip has eight A/D converters that each has 10 specification parameters that must be met, then a failure in any one of the 80 parameters will cause the entire chip to be discarded. If 16 A/D converters were aggregated onto a single chip, then a failure in any one of the 160 parameters will cause the entire chip to be discarded.
Thus, as the number of aggregated A/D converters increases, the number of parameters increases which, in turn, increases the likelihood that one of the parameters will be out of range (fail to meet specification). As noted above, failure to meet one of the specification requirements causes the entire chip to be discarded, thereby reducing the manufacturing yield.
As a result, there is a need for an approach to aggregating a large number of A/D converters onto a single chip that substantially increases the manufacturing yield.

Semiconductor chip with a number of A/D converters that include a group of redundant A/D converters


Techniques for vision-based sensing of structural displacement of an object, are disclosed. An example system includes digital video cameras adapted to generate digital image information corresponding to features of the object, an input to receive the digital image information corresponding to the one or more features, a converter configured to convert the digital image information into templates, and a comparator to compare the templates in sequence and to subtract displacement of stationary reference features.

Civil engineering structures can be exposed to various loads such as traffic, earthquakes and wind. Monitoring structural response, such as displacement or deflections, to such dynamic loads can play an important role in assessing the ongoing structural health of the structures and preventing structural failure.
Contact-type sensors, such as linear variable differential transformers, can be employed for measuring structural displacements. However, this can necessitate installation and cabling between the measurement point of the structure and a stationary platform, which can be difficult, and/or impracticable, for a large-size structure in the field. Accelerometers, which do not require a stationary reference point, can also be used to measure displacements through double integration of acceleration, but numerical errors can arise as a concern, and sensor installation and cabling can also be problematic for such systems.
Displacement monitoring by video image processing with so-called vision-based displacement sensors can be used as an alternative. Such systems can employ a digital camcorder and a personal computer to remotely monitor structural displacement. Certain systems, however, have required installation of a target on the structure of interest having a high contrast black-and-white pattern. Such installation can be costly and burdensome, and the targets typically require weather protection for long-term monitoring.
Likewise, certain vision-based displacement sensors are also susceptible to measurement error caused by ambient or environmental displacement of the camera system due, for example, to ground vibrations caused by traffic or weather conditions. These concerns increase with increasing distance of the vision-based displacement sensor from the structure being monitored and the corresponding magnification of the image of the structure being monitored.
Accordingly, a need exists for an accurate low-cost vision displacement sensor that is easily installed and which tracks the displacement of existing features of a structure.

Displacement monitoring system having vibration cancellation capabilities

THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK


An OLED display is disclosed. The display includes a rear substrate, a front substrate facing the rear substrate, a cell seal provided between the rear and front substrates to adhere the two substrates to each other, and a reinforcement member provided between the rear and front substrates adjacent to the cell seal to adhere the two substrates to each other.

1. Field
The field relates to an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. More particularly, the field relates to an OLED display that reinforces adhesive force of a cell seal adhering adjacent substrates.
2. Description of the Related Technology
An OLED display includes a plurality of OLEDs each of which includes a hole injection electrode, an organic emission layer, and an electron injection electrode, and light is emitted by energy that is generated when an exciton that is generated by recombination of electrons and holes falling from an excited state to a ground state within the organic emission layer.
The OLED display has sub-pixels in a matrix format in a display area, and the sub-pixels each include an OLED and a driving circuit unit. The driving circuit unit includes a switching transistor, a driving transistor, and a storage capacitor.
The OLED display may be individually manufactured, or a plurality of OLED displays may be manufactured for productivity improvement. A base substrate (or, an array substrate, hereinafter referred to as a base substrate) has a plurality of unit cells between front and rear substrates. Herein, one OLED display is a unit cell, and hereinafter will be referred to as such.
A cell seal is provided between front substrate and the rear substrate to adhere the two substrates. As one example, the cell seal may be formed of a glass frit. The glass frit is applied to a top light emitting type of OLED display that realizes high resolution, and effectively prevents transmission of external moisture or oxygen into the unit cell.
Although a cell seal formed of the glass fit can block external moisture or oxygen extremely well, it also generates thermal shock or stress due to mismatch in thermal conformity with the main glass (i.e., a front substrate or a rear substrate). Accordingly, mechanical strength of the base substrate or the OLED display is weakened.
The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.


Disclosed embodiments are directed to distributed hydraulic systems, and power machines such as excavators including distributed hydraulic systems. In the distributed hydraulic systems, electronically controlled distributor blocks are located throughout the machine, particularly along the lift arm, to locally distribute hydraulic power to actuators of the various machine and implement functions. Distributing control of hydraulics in multiple locations reduces the number of hoses that must be routed from a main control valve to the various actuators on the machine.

This disclosure is directed toward power machines. More particularly, this disclosure is directed to power machines with hydraulic systems, such as excavators.
Power machines, for the purposes of this disclosure, include any type of machine that generates power for the purpose of accomplishing a particular task or a variety of tasks. One type of power machine is a work vehicle. Work vehicles are generally self-propelled vehicles that have a work device, such as a lift arm (although some work vehicles can have other work devices) that can be manipulated to perform a work function. Work vehicles include excavators, loaders, utility vehicles, tractors, and trenchers, to name a few examples.
In work vehicles such as excavators, to power the various movements of the vehicle, or have functionality of powered implements, a hydraulic system must provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the actuator of each function. Typically, in the construction equipment industry, the hydraulic system of the work vehicle includes a control valve that is centrally located in an upper structure of the vehicle, and the hydraulic power is distributed from the control valve through pairs of hoses each dedicated to a different function and routed to the actuator that provides the function. For power machines having lift arms, this can require multiple pairs of hoses routed along the length of the lift arm to control functions such as lift, tilt and auxiliary functions, including those functions performed by an actuator on an attached implement. For multi-function implements, it is possible to mount a separate control valve on the implement itself to aid in reducing the routing of hoses. However, mounting control valves on multiple implements can significantly increase the overall costs to an owner of the implements. Further, control compatibility between various implement suppliers is not guaranteed as the electric signals and connections can vary between suppliers, which may require that control units and wiring be replaced to achieve compatibility.
In some excavators, the lift arm structure is mounted to the upper structure, sometimes referred to as a "house", using a swing mount to allow the lift arm structure to pivot or swing laterally relative to the upper structure under the control of a swing actuator. In such excavators, the multiple pairs of hydraulic hoses must typically be routed through the limited space available in the swing mount. With growing requirements of today's multifunction implements and accessories that can require up to five hydraulic circuits to power the various functions, combined with the existing hoses required for conventional lift arm and implement movements, existing routings of hoses are getting ever the more crowded and complicated.
The discussion above is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.


A fishing lure and trolling flasher having front and back ends, top and bottom sides, and a beveled edge bordering the entire lure that tapers downwardly from the top to the bottom side and from the front to the back end. A front stabilizing fin parallel with the longitudinal axis includes an eyelet for connection to the end of a fishing line. A diagonal rear fin is set proximate the back end. The back end of the lure includes at least one eyelet for attachment to a tail leader. The body and fin design induce an infundibular rotational motion and whipping effect even at slow trolling speeds. Water distortion created by the lure motion produces sounds particularly attractive to predatory fish.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to fishing lures, and more particularly to a new and improved fishing lure and trolling flasher that induces movements and visual effects to attract fish to a fishing line.
2. Discussion of Related Art
The field of fishing lures is crowded with countless creative solutions to the numerous problems anglers have encountered in the field. The general philosophy underlying lure design is to provide a device that closely mimics the most attractive prey for the sought-after predatory species of fish. To that end, lures have been designed to mimic both the movements and the appearance of bait fish. In some instances, successful lures, while not imitating food in the field, have mysteriously attracted fish for reasons that cannot be ascertained and evidently have nothing to do with technology imitating nature. One such lure is the spinning lure, of which there are countless iterations. Illustrative of the spinning lures is U.S. Pat. No. 6,108,961 to Milawski , et al, issued Aug. 29, 2000. This patent discloses a twisted, spinning fishing lure and counterweight that comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a counterbalance arm, and a rotatable helical body element having a lumen passing entirely through the body and a wire extending through the lumen. The wire includes a proximal portion having a eyelet for attaching to a fishing line and a counterbalance arm extending distally from the eyelet. Bearings reduce rotational forces from being transmitted from the rotatable helical body element to the wire extending through the body lumen. Any rotation forces transmitted to the wire are purportedly opposed by the counterbalance arm. The design provides for a pure spinning motion of the helical spinner body when dragged underwater.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,450 to Studanski, issued Sep. 5, 2000, discloses a zigzag aquatic device tethered by a single line that provides an accentuated zigzag or oscillating movement when the device has a relative speed with respect to water.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,115,957 to Bocach, issued Sep. 12, 2000, teaches a fishing lure including a body member having a wing member coupled to the body member with one of the ends of the wing member outwardly extending from one of the sides of the body member and the other end of the wing member outwardly extending from the other side of the body member. The second end of an elongate front flexible member is coupled to the front of the body member while the second end of an elongate rear member is detachably attached to the back of the body member.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,243,982 to Halterman, Jr. Jun. 12, 2001, discloses a spinner for spinning lures formed to resemble a small bait fish which rotates in moving air or water as a result of action against the broad surfaces of the tail fin plates and the internal broad surfaces of the spinner bodies.
Conspicuously missing from the prior art, including those patents cited above, are any fishing lures that induce an asymmetrical spinning motion having a differential range of rotation from one end of the lure to the other. The present inventor has compelling data that demonstrate the effectiveness of this fundamental design principle when the lure is used with appropriate and complementary line assemblies.
The fishing lure and trolling flasher of the present invention has a geometry that produces a differential radius of rotation in the front and back ends during trolling at any speeds. The lure comprises a front end, a back end, a top side, a bottom side, and a beveled edge bordering the entire lure that tapers downwardly from the top to the bottom side and from the front to the back end. A front stabilizing fin is substantially parallel with the longest dimension (longitudinal axis) of the lure and has an eyelet for connection to the end of a fishing line having a spinner. A rear fin is set diagonally at substantially a 35 degree angle from the longitudinal axis. The rear fin includes at least one eyelet that may be fastened to a tail leader. The fin design induces a infundibular rotational motion and whipping effect of the lure even at slow trolling speeds. Water distortion induced by the lure motion produces sounds particularly attractive to predatory fish.
Positioning multiple rear end eyelets offers the fisherman distinct actions or variations on the lure motion to give the lure versatility for use when fishing for multiple species of fish.
The lure is preferably fabricated from a hard plastic or polymeric material, more preferably from a transparent or semi-transparent material. A holographic tape may be applied to one or more of the top and bottom surfaces or positioned between layers of a laminated lure body.


The wall fastener for a wireless transmission module includes a supporting frame and a case. The supporting frame has a front face, a rear face, a first engagement portion and a slot. The case has a rear plate which has an outer face, an inner face, a second engagement portion and a stopper. The stopper partially projects out of the outer face. The first and second engagement portions mate and the stopper is received by the slot. The wireless transmission module and the supporting frame are tightly engaged and easily disengaged by a tool.

1. Field of the Invention
The instant disclosure relates to a wall fastener; in particular, to a wall fastener for a wireless transmission module.
2. Description of Related Art
Because of the development of network associated hardware, its wide use has been rooted in our daily life. A single device for network connection cannot satisfy the ever increasing demand for information from the Internet. The price of associated hardware is decreasing and it has become common for a single user to have more than one device being connected to a network. The trend of heavy signal trafficking is inevitable. The associated hardware for establishing a smaller network domain is available in the market. Wireless transmission is more favorable compared to the other transmission methods and it can be distributed to multiple devices simultaneously.
The conventional wireless transmission module or related hardware is secured on the wall by a fixed rack. This arrangement avoids cumbersome routing and saves space. Also, the signal transmission maintains its stable quality in the distribution.
However, the conventional rack is metallic and locked to the wall. The wireless transmission module is mounted on the rack and typically screws are used to enhance the engagement. For easier disengagement, press fit system may be adapted. In the case of screw fastening, the wireless transmission module cannot be easily removed whereas the press fit system may leave the wireless transmission module being snatched or accidentally taken away by a child.

Wall fastener for wireless transmission module


A heat-resistant H1N1 subtype influenza virus mutant strain rPR8-HA-N5 has been preserved at China Center for Type Culture Collection, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China with the preservation number of CCTCC No. V202043.

Influenza is a respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus and mainly infringes the respiratory system. It is widespread worldwide and seriously threatens the safety of public health and the healthy development of aquaculture. The influenza virus is a member of the genus Influenza virus of the Orthomyxoviridae family, which is a segmented negative-strand RNA, enveloped virus. The virus genome contains 8 gene segments: PB2, PB1, PA, HA, NP, NA, M and NS. Influenza viruses can be divided into four types: A, B, C and D according to the serotype. According to the structure and sequence characteristics of Hemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA), influenza A viruses can be divided into 18 HA subtypes and 11 NA subtypes. Because the RNA polymerase protein of influenza virus has a weaker ability to correct during the RNA synthesis process, the mutation frequency of the genome is higher, resulting in antigenic drift. In addition, the influenza genome is segmented. When influenza viruses of different subtypes infect the same cell, gene fragments will be recombined, triggering antigenic changes. The occurrence of these two conditions increases the difficulty of influenza prevention and control.
At present, there is no specific medicine for the influenza virus. There are several anti-influenza drugs that have the ability to inhibit the virus, but all have a certain degree of toxic side effects. Influenza vaccination is considered to be the most economical and effective way to prevent and control influenza epidemics. The World Health Organization (WHO) established an influenza surveillance system as early as 1947, through epidemiological investigations and monitoring data analysis, to predict the virus strains that will be circulating in the next influenza season, and make full preparations for development as early as possible. Commonly used influenza vaccines at home and abroad at this stage include: whole virus inactivated vaccines, split vaccines, subunit vaccines, and live attenuated vaccines. Vaccines under development include: DNA vaccines, mRNA vaccines, recombinant vector vaccines, virus-like particle vaccines, general vaccines, etc. Among them, the most widely used are whole virus inactivated vaccines and live attenuated vaccines. Inactivated vaccines are highly immunogenic, have a long immune protection period, and are less affected by maternal antibodies. Live attenuated vaccines can trigger better cellular immunity and produce faster immune responses. These vaccines have played an important role in influenza prevention and control.
The effective antigen component of the vaccine is the key to ensuring its immune effect. However, the thermal stability of existing vaccine strains is generally poor. Such vaccines require strict cryopreservation and cold chain transportation, and a large amount of additional costs are spent on vaccine storage and transportation every year. Even so, due to problems such as improper use and storage, the vaccine's immune efficacy is reduced, and even failures still occur. According to incomplete statistics, some types of vaccines were eventually abandoned due to poor thermal stability; nearly 50% of them will eventually be discarded. Therefore, improving the thermal stability of vaccine strains and developing heat-resistant vaccines is one of the important directions for the development of new vaccines.
Most reports on improving the thermal stability of influenza vaccines are by adding heat-resistant protective agents. For example, the patent application "An influenza virus subunit vaccine protective agent and application thereof" with the application number CN201510583080.2 discloses a vaccine protective agent with sucrose, arginine, sodium glutamate and genetically recombinant human albumin as the main components. The patent application "Avian influenza hemagglutinin antigen protective agent and method for improving the stability of avian influenza hemagglutinin in embryo fluid" with application number CN201210489259.8 discloses a vaccine protective agent composed of glycine, isoleucine, lactose and the like. The rapid development of reverse genetic manipulation technology makes it possible to perform genetic manipulations such as point mutation modification, insertion of foreign genes, and gene fragment exchange on influenza viruses. There are many literatures on the reverse genetic manipulation of influenza virus, but there are very few reports concerning the method of point mutation heat-resistant transformation of influenza virus.

Heat-resistant H1N1 subtype influenza virus mutant strain, preparation method and application thereof

INSTITUTE OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND VETERINARY SCIENCES, HUBEI ACADEMY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES


A gas flow rate control device disposed between a gas burner and a combustible gas source and a burning-supporting gas source connected to the gas burner has gas flow rate setting means for setting a flow rate of the combustible gas to be supplied to the gas burner, gas ratio setting means for setting a gas ratio between the flow rate of the combustible gas and a flow rate of the burning-supporting gas to be supplied to the gas burner, a first control valve for controlling the amount of combustible gas supplied to the gas burner, a second control valve for controlling the amount of burning-supporting gas supplied to the gas burner, and control means for controlling the first and second control valves on the basis of the set flow rate of the combustible gas and the set gas ratio so that the amounts of the combustible gas and the burning-supporting gas supplied to the gas burner correspond to the flow rates set.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to gas flow rate control devices and brazing devices, and more particularly to an automatic brazing device for brazing, soldering, and the like, to join metal materials, ceramics, etc. using brazing wire having a melting point lower than that of the joined metals.
2. Description of the Background Art
As is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 63-84761, a conventional automatic brazing device has a structure for brazing while moving a brazed material fixed in a certain position. Since it controls the amount of heating by the valve switching system, the control is made in steps even if the number of valves is increased. Furthermore, the ratio between combustible gas and burning-supporting gas is liable to become unstable due to variation in pressure of gas sources.
An automatic brazing device which takes in positional information and performs image processing for robotization is proposed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 61-126968.
Also, an automatic brazing device which image-processes the temperature of a brazed part for robotization is proposed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 7-88639.
In the above-described conventional system in which the heating amount is controlled by switching several passages with previously adjusted flow rates, it is necessary that an expert should repeatedly adjust the flow rate using a test piece in order to heat an object to the most suitable brazing temperature. Even after the flow rate is properly adjusted, a variation of the initial pressure of a gas source causes a change in state of flames of a burner and then the most suitable brazing temperature can not be obtained, which causes inferior brazing.
While the flow rate is controlled with a mass-flow valve in recent years, ideal reducing flame is not obtained if the flow rate ratio between combustible gas and burning-supporting gas changes, which also causes inferior finish of brazing.
Although the robotization for improving precision by image-processing positional information and temperature information does improve the brazing precision, it is so expensive that it is not suitable for automation of brazing of such mass-production parts as are positioned with jigs.
However, there have been strong demands for production of many types of conventional automatic brazing machines which achieve positioning with jigs, where it is necessary that experts set the heating amount and timing of supply of brazing wire by repeating tests on the basis of their brazing experiences. Accordingly, setting the conditions not only requires test pieces but also requires stopping operation of the automatic brazing machine in a long time.
Furthermore, there is also a social problem that such skilled workers as have experiences and ability enough to judge heating conditions and set timing for supply of brazing wire are chronically lacking due to the facts that such skilled workers are becoming older and that young workers are not willing to succeed to this technique.

Gas flow rate control device and brazing device with flow rate of frist gas and flow rate of second gas controlled on the basis of set ratio


Various embodiments directed to modifying and enhancing visual perception are disclosed. One embodiment is directed to a camera which includes a lens system for capturing images and a lighting system providing key light above the lens system and providing fill light below the lens system. A processor controls one or more operations of the camera, including automatically enhancing the captured images and presenting the enhanced images on a display. The system and method for modifying visual perception may also be directed to a video camera mirror system, a seating system, a cosmetic package, a lipstick packaging, a polarized mirror, an illuminated cosmetic brush, a personal portrait photography management system and an illumination system for modifying visual perception.

Over the years, various techniques and methods have been implemented to aid in a person's quest to look and feel beautiful. For example, cosmetics, fashion and even surgical procedures have been used to increase the beautification process and improve people's perception of beauty. However, there remains a need for a system and method for enhancing the perceived visual perception of a person.

Mirror with operation for modifying visual perception


A vision system and method for calibrating motion of a robot disposed in a processing system is provided. In one embodiment, a vision system for a processing system includes a camera and a calibration wafer that are positioned in a processing system. The camera is positioned on the robot and is adapted to obtain image data of the calibration wafer disposed in a predefined location within the processing system. The image data is utilized to calibrate the robots motion.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a vision system, a method for inspecting a processing system and a method for determining the position of an object within a processing system.
2. Background of the Invention
The use of robots in automated processing systems has become increasingly popular. Robots can often perform repeated tasks with the precision and efficiency generally not achievable through the use of human labor. Moreover, robots can be used in locations where the proximity to moving components or sensitive environments makes the use of human labor in such locations undesirable.
This is particularly important in semiconductor processing systems where misplaced or out-of-position substrates result in costly damage or/and unscheduled system maintenance. Misaligned substrates are often damaged, damage other substrates or equipment, or are poorly processed due to misalignment and may be discarded. For example, a substrate disposed on an end effector of a robot of a semiconductor processing system may come into contact with a misaligned substrate during movement of the substrate that is secured to the robot. If the substrates contact one another, one or both of the substrates may become damaged. Moreover, if one or both of the substrates become dislodged, the system must be shut down for the removal of the substrate before further processing can occur. If retrieval of the dislodged substrate requires accessing interior portions of the system operating under vacuum, hours of production time will be lost for decontamination and reestablishment of a vacuum environment within the affected chambers.
In order to ensure precise positioning of substrates moved by the robot, reference points or coordinates for a desired or predetermined position of the robot's end effector is typically entered into a memory of a robot controller as part of a calibration procedure. Acquiring the reference coordinates generally involves jogging the end effector to the predetermined position, typically through a manual or an automated sequence. Arrival of the robot's end effector at the predetermined position may be confirmed by manually observing the end effector position, or by having the end effector (or other component of the robot) trigger a sensor, such as a limit switch. This sequence is typically repeated until all the reference coordinates for each critical position within the robot's range of motion throughout the system has been established (i.e., entered into the robot's or robot controller's memory). Once the reference coordinates have been established, the robot can move the end effector with precision and accuracy into critical positions by returning to the reference coordinates.
In many semiconductor processing systems, jogging of the robot's end effector and the confirmation of the end effector's arrival at the reference coordinate is done manually. An operator must observe the location of the end effector relative to an object or target within the processing system to visually estimate the position of the end effector. In order to adequately view the end effector when performing this task, the processing system is typically opened to the surrounding environmental. This undesirably places the operator in a position exposed to the range of motion of the robot where personal injury or system damage may occur. Thus, to prevent possible injury to the operator, the processing system is normally shut down so that the robot does not inadvertently make contact with the operator, possibly damaging product, tooling or the operator. As the system is exposed to the surrounding environment, decontamination procedures must be performed prior to processing. Moreover, lengthy pump-downs must be performed to return the system to operation pressures. During periods when the system is shut down, no wafers are processed and valuable production time is lost. This all results in undesirable loss of production capacity, with further capacity lost whenever recalibration is needed.
Therefore, a need exists for an improved calibration and method for determining the position of an object.


A set top terminal of the present invention includes: a tuner unit for receiving a signal from an external input terminal and selecting a signal of a predetermined frequency; a signal processing unit for decoding the selected signal; a modulation unit for outputting a signal obtained by decoding the selected signal from an external output terminal; a control unit for controlling the tuner unit, the signal processing unit and the modulation unit; a power source unit for supplying power to the tuner unit, the signal processing unit, the modulation unit and the control unit, respectively; and a main board on which the tuner unit, the signal processing unit, the modulation unit and the control unit are placed, wherein the tuner unit, the signal processing unit, the modulation unit, the control unit and the power source unit are separate individual bodies.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a set top terminal used for a television receiver and the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
A conventional set top terminal will be described with reference to FIG. 11. The conventional set top terminal includes: an input terminal 1; a tuner part 2 connected to the input terminal 1; a signal processing part 3; a modulation part 4; an output terminal 5 connected to an output of the modulation part 4; a control part 6 for controlling the entire set top terminal; a display part 7; a common part 8; and a key operation part 9.
The signal processing part 3, which consists of, for example, a video detection circuit or a descrambler, is connected to an output of the tuner part 2. The modulation part 4, which consists of an RF converter and the like, is connected to an output of the signal processing part 3. The control part 6 has a micro computer and is connected to both the tuner part 2 and the signal processing part 3. The display part 7 is constituted by light emitting diodes (hereinafter, referred to as LEDs) capable of displaying two digit or four digit numbers. The common part 8 receives a signal transmitted from a remote control transmitter (not shown). Inside a body of the set top terminal, a power source part 10 is provided.
The set top terminal is such that its body is constituted by a chassis 11 and a cover made of resin (not shown) covering the upper part of the chassis 11. A main board 12 is attached inside the chassis 11. In approximately the center of one lateral side 13 of the chassis 11, the tuner part 2, to which the input terminal 1 is fixed, is provided. Furthermore, in the vicinity of one longitudinal side 14a, the output terminal 5 is fixed on the lateral side 13.
The modulation part 4 and the signal processing part 3 are mounted onto the main board 12 in the vicinity of the output terminal 5. The control part 6 is mounted onto the main board 12 in the rear of the signal processing part 3. In the vicinity of the other lateral side 14 facing the lateral side 13, the key operation part 9 and the display part 7 consisting of LEDs are placed so as to be attached onto the main board 12. The power source part 10 is provided in the vicinity of the other longitudinal side 14b.
The set top terminal is capable of receiving channels of about one hundred cable television services. Therefore, various specifications can be selected depending on the demand of a user. In the conventional configuration, however, it is necessary to prepare the main boards corresponding to the number of specifications for satisfying these various specifications. Therefore, it is necessary to control a great number of main boards.

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A battery safety identifying method is provided. The method includes the following steps. A voltage drop and a voltage drop rate are detected when a battery is abnormal. A duration time of the voltage drop and a voltage recovery ratio are detected when the battery is abnormal. A surface temperature or a temperature rise rate is detected when the battery is abnormal. A plurality of hazard levels of battery abnormality and at least one protection mechanism are set according to the voltage drop, the voltage drop rate, the voltage recovery ratio and the surface temperature or the temperature rise rate.

Internal short circuit (ISC) is the main reason to trigger thermal runaway in the lithium-ion battery. After internal short circuit occurs, the current flows into the internal short circuit points and generates a large amount of heat, which causes high temperature of the localized area of battery and may even trigger thermal runaway. Nowadays, battery internal short circuit mainly is detected by performing a penetration experiment by a stainless-steel nail. The penetration experiment is usually adopted as a simulation of real battery's internal short circuit and also a model used to determine whether the battery is going to thermal runaway. Conventional nail penetration will cause severe damage to the battery and generate a large amount of energy at short circuit at once. However, in many cases, the thermal runaway caused by the battery's internal short circuit is triggered by continuous accumulation of many abnormal minor short circuits. It is failed to accurately quantify the released energy at internal short circuit of battery and verify the hazard level by the conventional method which can merely result in either "pass" or "fail" binary condition, representing "safe" or "dangerous" respectively.
Therefore, there is a necessity to improve the conventional penetration experiment and make it closer to real internal short situation. Moreover, the levels of battery internal short circuit are needed to be graded to achieve battery safety identification and classification.

Battery safety identifying method and method for setting hazard levels of battery internal short circuit and warning system using the same

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE


A hypodermic syringe and a plurality of single use cartridges able to be successively loaded into said syringe for providing rapid dispensing of a medicant to numerous users without contamination. The cartridges are continuously fed through the syringe to inoculate patients quickly and efficiently. An operator inserts a needle into a patient by pushing a trigger. Prior to insertion, a disinfectant is dispersed from the cartridge to maintain sterility. An operator then pushes in a plunger forcing the medication through the needle into the patient. The needle is pulled back with the plunger out of the patient's skin and back into the cartridge. A new cartridge on a clip is then advanced into the syringe to inoculate the next patient. The syringe and cartridge dispenser further maintains a sterile environment during successive vaccinations reducing the transmission of any disease from patient to patient.

Presently, medical caregivers may dispense liquids or vaccines to patients via hypodermic syringes. After each dosage is administered, the medical caregiver must re-load a different syringe with a new dosage for administration to the next patient. However, it is believed that these methods are inefficient when a large population must be inoculated in a short amount of time.
One patent disclosing a pre-filled syringe and syringe tip assembly is U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,405 issued to Futagawa et al. Futagawa et al. disclose a pre-filled syringe, a sealing member, and a tip member. However, a noted drawback associated with Futagawa et al. is that the there is no continuous feed. A new pre-filled syringe must be prepared for each patient, which takes time and is inefficient.
Another patent disclosing a cartridge for an injection device is U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,662 issued to Olive et al. Olive et al. describe an assembly for automatically injecting a fluid into the body. Similar to Futagawa et al., the Olive et al. assembly requires preparation of a new syringe for each patient, which takes time and is inefficient.
While these devices may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described.

Continuous feed hypodermic syringe with self contained cartridge dispenser


A method and apparatus for digital quadrature lock-in detection capable of receiving magnetic resonance signals or electron spin resonance signals at high sensitivity. The method starts with digitizing a signal wave consisting of a magnetic resonance or electron spin resonance signal. The digitized signal wave is multiplied by digitized reference waves of sine and cosine functions to obtain signals of real and imaginary parts which are 90° out of phase (multiplying step). The frequencies of the sine and cosine functions are varied according to the observation width. The multiplying step is repeated.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for digital quadrature lock-in detection in magnetic resonance.
2. Description of Related Art
Analog Quadrature Detection
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectrometer. The spectrometer has a pulse sequencer 1 producing RF (Radio Frequency) pulses that enter a direct digital synthesizer (DDS) daughter card 2, where given processing is performed. The daughter card 2 consists of a digital direct synthesizer (DDS) 2a, a D/A (digital to analog) converter (DAC) 2b, and a low-pass filter 2c. The DDS daughter card 2 produces pulses of 9 to 12 MHz.
The RF pulse then enters a following transmitter 3. The transmitter 3 includes a mixer 3a and an attenuator (ATT) 3c for attenuating the output from the mixer 3a, which mixes the output from the DDS daughter card 2 and the output from a distributor 3b. The output from the attenuator 3c is amplified by a following power amplifier 4 and applied to a probe 6. An NMR signal detected by the probe 6 is passed to an OBS receiver 10 via a duplexer (DPLX) 5 and a preamplifier 7.
In the OBS receiver 10, the NMR signal is mixed with a locally generated (LO) signal from a frequency synthesizer (FSY) 20 by an image reject mixer (IRM) 11. The signal from the synthesizer 20 is selected by an FSY selector 12 and applied to the image reject mixer 11, where the signal is mixed with the signal from the preamplifier 7. The output signal from the mixer 11 has an intermediate frequency (IF). The output from the image reject mixer 11 is passed through a bandpass filter 13 that passes only frequencies of 9 to 12 MHz. The output signal from the filter 13 is split into two by a splitter 14.
An intermediate frequency (IF) is generated by a digital direct synthesizer (DDS) 15 and passed to mixers 17a and 17b through D/A (Digital to Analog) converters (DACs) 16a and 16b, respectively. The two signals from the splitter 14 are mixed with intermediate-frequency (IF) signals which are 90° out of phase at the mixers 17a and 17b, respectively. The output signals from the mixers 17a and 17b are passed through AF (audio frequency) filters 18a and 18b, respectively, to remove unwanted RF components. The output signals from the filters 18a and 18b are converted into digital signals by A/D (Analog to digital) converters (ADCs) 31a and 31b, respectively. The resulting data are temporarily held in a signal processing portion 32. One of the two digital signals is herein referred to as a real part, while the other is referred to as an imaginary part. In this case, any one of them may be a real part.
Digital Quadrature Detection
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a second example of the configuration of an NMR spectrometer. Like components are indicated by like reference numerals in both FIGS. 7 and 8. In analog quadrature detection shown in FIG. 7, two signals, which originate from the digital direct synthesizer (DDS) 15 and are applied as IF signals to the mixers, are out of phase. In contrast, in the configuration shown in FIG. 8, one phase signal is converted into an analog signal by a DAC 16b and then mixed with an NMR signal at a mixer 17b. However, when the signal is accepted into the ADC 31b, it is necessary that the signal be oversampled at a frequency more than twice as high as the required spectral width SW.
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating digital quadrature detection underlying the concept of the present invention, and depicts subsequent processing on digital data obtained by the signal processing portion 32. Time domain data stored in a data buffer 40 are copied as two data sets. One data set is multiplied by sin Ωt, while the other is multiplied by cos Ωt. The products are passed through digital low-pass filters (D-LPFs) 42a and 42b, respectively, and stored in data buffers 2R and 2I, respectively. The stored data sets are taken as real and imaginary data, respectively. The data buffers 2R and 2I are indicated by 43a and 43b, respectively.
Summary and Principle of Lock-In Amplifier
Summary and principle of a lock-in amplifier are next described. FIG. 2 illustrates lock-in detection and the principle of a lock-in amplifier. It is assumed that an observed signal consists of a single frequency. The observed signal can be given by sin (ωt+α). A case is discussed in which a reference signal is prepared and brought into coincidence with the observed signal in terms of frequency or the frequency is swept for coincidence.
If the coincidence is achieved, the reference signal can be given by sin (ωt+β). If the product of the reference signal sin (ωt+β) and observed signal sin (ωt+α) is calculated by a multiplier 45, formulas of products and sums of trigonometric functions state that the output from the multiplier 45 is given bycos(2ωt+α+β)−cos(α−β)Of this formula, the former term is an AC component varying with time. The latter term is a DC component not varying with time.
Only the DC component −cos (α−β) can be obtained by cutting off RF components by a low-pass filter (LPF) 46 having a cutoff frequency lower than 2ω and passing only low-frequency components. Generally, noise can be blocked by cutting off the region other than a band of interest by a filter. In the case of this lock-in amplifier, noise components located outside a band of reference signal ±about cutoff frequency can be blocked because the cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter 46 can be set to a very low frequency. As a result, low-noise detection is enabled. Hence, this lock-in amplifier is often used for high-sensitivity measurements. This detection system is referred to as the lock-in amplifier.
Quadrature Lock-In Detection
Quadrature lock-in detection is next described. The reference signal shown in FIG. 2 is sin (ωt+β). The phase is not definite. The signal cannot be observed depending on the value of β and thus the phase of the observed signal cannot be known. (Usually, the phase is to be optimized.) To avoid this, a quadrature lock-in amplifier is available.
FIG. 3 illustrates quadrature lock-in detection. Like components are indicated by like reference numerals in both FIGS. 2 and 3. In this quadrature lock-in amplifier, an observed signal is multiplied by reference signals by means of multipliers 45 and 45a, respectively. The observed signal is split into two parts which are multiplied by reference signals which are 90° out of phase (e.g., sine wave and cosine wave, respectively). The products are passed through low-pass filters 46 and 46a, respectively, in the same way as in the above-described example. They are observed as two out of phase signals. Where the reference signal is sin (ωt+β), the DC output signal from the low-pass filter 46 is −cos (α−β). Where the reference signal is cos (ωt+β), the DC output signal from the low-pass filter 46a is sin (α−β).
Thus, signals can be received with at least one of the two channels without depending on the phases of the observed signal α and reference signal β. Furthermore, the phase of the observed signal relative to the reference signal can be known. Note that symbols and coefficient ½ are omitted in FIGS. 2 and 3.
Digital Lock-In Detection
Digital lock-in detection is next described. The above-described lock-in amplifier can be digitized. FIG. 4 illustrates digital lock-in detection. An analog observed signal sin (ωt+α) is entered. An A/D converter 47 converts the observed signal into a sequence of digital numerical values varying with time. The converted observed signal is input to one input terminal of a multiplier 48. A digital reference signal sin (ωt+α) is input to the other input terminal of the multiplier 48.
The reference signal is multiplied by a sequence of numerical values corresponding to a sine wave. The obtained sequence of numerical values is passed through a digital low-pass filter 49. In this way, a sequence of digital numerical values −cos (α−β) corresponding to a DC signal can be obtained. A lock-in amplifier that has been digitized in this way can also be available. In addition, a digital quadrature lock-in amplifier can also be achieved by combination with the circuit shown in FIG. 3.
An apparatus of this kind is known as disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. H10-99293 (paragraphs 0008-0012; FIGS. 1 and 2). In this technique, real and imaginary part data are obtained by DPSD complex detection based on a 4-fold oversampling technique, and the difference in amplitude between the real and imaginary part data is reduced. Furthermore, a technique regarding improvement of a quadrature phase detection technique for performing quadrature phase detection of a signal from the receiver coil of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is known (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. H5-317285 (paragraphs 0016-0034; FIGS. 1 and 3).
Another technique for reconstructing a magnetic resonance signal is also known as disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. H4-357937 (paragraphs 0015-0022; FIG. 6). The magnetic resonance signal is separated into two signals by detection using two reference waves having resonance frequencies that are 90° out of phase. The detected signals are Fourier transformed and corrected in the Fourier space, thus removing noise. Then, the signal is reconstructed.
In the case of the aforementioned analog quadrature detection, two different A/D converters (ADCs) are used. Therefore, it is difficult to make uniform the converters in gain and DC offset. Accordingly, there is the problem that image artifacts and center glitch (artifacts caused by frequency offset) tend to be produced. Furthermore, generally, in magnetic resonance phenomena (especially, nuclear magnetic resonance phenomena such as NMR and MRI), quite weak energies are treated. Therefore, the sensitivity is low in principle. Accordingly, improving the sensitivity is quite important in developing magnetic resonance apparatus.

Method and apparatus for digital quadrature lock-in detection in magnetic resonance


A guide catheter shaft is formed from an inner tube structure and a multilayer sheath around the inner tube structure. The multilayer sheath includes an intermediate sheath and a shrink tube layer. The intermediate sheath is disposed around the inner tube and realized from a melt-processible first polyether-block amide material. The shrink tube layer is disposed around the intermediate sheath and realized from a different second polyether-block amide (e.g. a cross-linked polyether-block amide material) having a shrink temperature range greater than a melt temperature range of the first polyether-block amide material. The resulting structure is heated at a temperature within the shrink temperature range such that the outer shrink tube layer shrinks and the intermediate layer melts to thereby bond the multilayer sheath to the inner tube.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates broadly to catheters. More particularly, this invention relates to guide catheters for introducing medical devices and/or therapeutic agents into a body of a patient.
2. State of the Art
Guide catheters are used in surgical applications to provide a passageway through which medical devices and/or therapeutic agents may be introduced within the body of a patient. In intravascular and coronary applications, such medical devices typically include balloon dilation catheters, guide wires or other therapeutic devices and the therapeutic agents typically include contrast media or other therapeutic fluids.
A guide catheter includes a follow shaft defining an inner channel through which the medical devices or agents are delivered once the shaft has been inserted into the body. The inner channel typically comprises a lubricous material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as TEFLON®, together with a metal braid surround and a flexible durable outer sheath. The outer sheath is typically formed from a polyether-block amide material marketed under the trademark PEBAX® which is commercially available from Atofina Chemicals Inc. of King of Prussia, Pa.
The shaft is typically manufactured by placing fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP) shrink tubing over an assembly that includes a mandrel with the PTFE inner channel, the metal braid surround, and the PEBAX® outer sheath. The assembly is heated to activate the FEP shrink tubing and melt the PEBAX® outer sheath. The FEP shrink tubing is then removed and discarded, and the mandrel is removed leaving the elongate shaft. The use of such FEP shrink tubing adds significant material costs to the guide catheter. Moreover, the labor and tooling required to remove the FEP shrink tubing adds significant manufacturing costs to the guide catheter.
Thus, there remains a need in the art to provide a guide catheter with lower material and manufacturing costs. The present invention fulfills these and other needs, and addresses other deficiencies of the prior art implementations and techniques.


An organic electroluminescent display includes a substrate having an array portion with pixels, and a pad portion coupled to an external power supply. A semiconductor structure is formed on the substrate with a source electrode, a drain electrode and a pad. A passivation layer is formed on the semiconductor structure with via holes exposing regions of the source and the drain electrodes at the array portion and the pad at the pad portion. Portions of the passivation layer contacting the via holes between the array portion and the pad portion have the same thickness. A conductive layer fills the via holes. A pixel defining layer is formed over the entire surface of a flattening layer and the conductive layer with pixel regions exposing regions of the conductive layer at the array portion. An organic electroluminescent film is formed at each pixel region.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an organic electroluminescent display, and in particular, to an organic electroluminescent display that prevents pad electrodes from being over-etched by removing the thickness difference of a passivation layer including via holes between an array portion and a pad portion.
2. Description of Related Art
Generally, an electroluminescent (EL) display is a display device that utilizes the principle that electrons from a cathode and holes from an anode are injected into a light emission layer while being combined to form excitons, and the light emission layer emits light when the excitons go down from the excited state to the ground state.
In contrast to a conventional thin film transistor liquid crystal display, an organic EL display does not need a separate light source and uses a lightweight structure having a reduced volume. In an organic EL display, organic material films, which emit light under the application of electric current, are arranged at respective pixels in a matrix form, and the amount of electric current applied to the organic material films is varied to display desired images. The organic EL display has numerous advantages, such as low-driving voltage, lightweight, flatness, wide viewing angle, and fast response time. Furthermore, organic EL displays are expected to be a next-generation display device.
The organic EL display includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix form, and many thin film patterns formed at each pixel region, such as a thin film transistor for a switching and driving element, a pixel electrode, and an organic EL film.
Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an organic EL display 15 configured in accordance with the prior art. As shown in FIG. 1, the organic EL display 15 has a panel with an array portion A for forming pixels, and a circuit pad portion P placed at the periphery thereof to be connected to an external power supply (not shown). A blocking layer 2 made of SiO2 is formed on an insulating substrate layer 1, and a polycrystalline silicon layer 3 is formed on the blocking layer 2 having a predetermined width.
Source and drain regions 3c and 3a, respectively, doped with a high concentration of impurities are formed at the polycrystalline silicon layer 3, and a channel region 3b is formed between the source region 3c and the drain region 3a.
A gate insulating layer 4 of SiO2 or Si3N4 is formed over the entire surfaces of the blocking layer 2 and the polycrystalline silicon layer 3. Gate electrodes 5a and 5b made of Al are formed on the gate insulating layer 4 having a predetermined width, and an inter-layered insulating layer 6 is formed on the gate insulating layer 4 and the gate electrodes 5a and 5b.
Source electrode 7a and drain electrode 7b, respectively, made of Al are formed on the inter-layered insulating layer 6 so that the source electrode 7a and the drain electrode 7b are connected to the source region 3c and the drain region 3a, respectively. First and second insulating passivation layers 8 and 9, respectively, are formed on the source electrode 7a and the drain electrode 7b, forming a flat top surface thereof.
The first and second insulating passivation layers 8 and 9, respectively, are selectively etched such that they expose the source electrode 7a and the drain electrode 7b. A conductive layer 10 fills the etched portion of the first insulating passivation layer 8 and the second insulating passivation layer 9 and a pixel defining layer 11 is formed on the conductive layer 10. The pixel defining layer 11 is selectively etched to form pixel regions 12.
During the process of forming the first insulating and second insulating passivation layers 8, 9, the first insulating passivation layer 8 having a thin thickness is first formed, and the second insulating passivation layer 9 having a thick thickness is then formed thereon having a flat top surface to make a uniform topology. The first insulating passivation layer 8 exhibits the topology of the underlying structure as it is formed on that structure with a uniform thickness, similar to the insulating substrate layer 1. The second insulating passivation layer 9 removes the surface stepped differences in the underlying structure and forms a flat top surface over the entire area of the wafer.
The first and second insulating passivation layers 8, 9 must have a flat top surface over the entire area of the insulating substrate 1 in order to conduct a photolithography process for forming via holes 20 subsequently. The via holes 20 exposing the source and drain electrodes 7a and 7b, respectively, are formed after the formation of the first and second insulating passivation layers 8, 9. By means of the via holes 20, metallic element or conductive layer 10 at the array portion A is connected to the underlying drain electrode 7b, while the pad electrode 19 at the pad portion P is connected to the underlying pad 7c.
However, the first and second insulating passivation layers 8, 9 have different thickness depending upon the surface step differences of the underlying structure. More specifically, the source and drain electrodes 7a, 7b alone, or the source and drain electrodes 7a, 7b plus the gate electrode 5b, or the source and drain electrodes 7a, 7b plus the gate electrodes 5a, 5b plus the polycrystalline silicon layer 3 may be under the first and second insulating passivation layers 8,9.
The difference in thicknesses of the first and second insulating passivation layers 8, 9 is formed between the array portion A and the pad portion P. Due to the thickness difference of the first and second insulating passivation layers 8, 9, the etching depth for forming the via holes 20 is different between the array portion A and the pad portion P.
As shown in FIG. 1, the thickness of the second insulating passivation layer 9 to be etched at the pad portion P is indicated by T1, and the thickness of the second insulating passivation layer 9 to be etched at the array portion A is indicated by T2. T1 is clearly shown as being smaller than T2. Except for the first insulating passivation layer 8 which has a uniform thickness, the etching depth for forming the via holes 20 is different between the array portion A and the pad portion P by the value of T2 subtracted by T1.
As the difference in the etching depth for forming the via holes 20 becomes greater, the thicker portions of the first and second insulating passivation layers 8,9 at the array portion A are etched until the underlying source and drain electrodes 7a, 7b are exposed, while the thinner portions of the first and second insulating passivation layers 8,9 at the pad portion P, as well as the underlying pad 7c, are etched continuously. This results in over-etching of the pad 7c.
The over-etching of the pad 7c at the pad portion P becomes more severe when the difference in the etching depth of the first and second insulating passivation layers 8, 9 for forming the via holes is 3000Å or more. Then electrode over-etching causes contact failures.
Accordingly, there is a need to prevent pad electrodes from being over-etched during the via hole formation process due to differences in thickness of the passivation layer.


A sports projectile training device may include a frame having a frame aperture. A base sheet may be coupled to the frame and may extend across portions of the frame aperture. The base sheet may include a plurality of base apertures which may be sized and shaped so that the sports projectile may pass through the base apertures. A cover sheet having an exterior surface may be positioned over the base sheet so that the exterior surface and base sheet are positioned on opposing sides of the cover sheet. A sports projectile may be motivated towards the device so that the sports projectile impacts the exterior surface. This impact may cause the sports projectile to press a portion of the cover sheet into a base aperture to arrest the sports projectile within the base aperture so that the sports projectile is cradled in the base aperture by the exterior surface.

Many sports utilize projectiles which sports players must interact with. Success in these sports are often determined by the players' ability to motivate the projectile in a desired path or to a desired destination. For example, baseball players, such as pitchers, are required to throw a baseball towards another player's glove. As another example, American football quarterbacks are required to throw a football at a specific receiver. As a further example, a golfer must be able to hit a golf ball with a precise and practiced swing. In order to consistently motivate a projectile, these sports players must practice or perform countless projectile motivating repetitions. While it may be convenient to practice by motivating a sports projectile between two individuals, many sports players are limited for various reasons to practicing alone. Although some solo practice devices exist, they are essentially back-stops and are unable to provide the individual with a visual record of their past projectile flight paths or impacts.
Therefore, a need exists for novel devices for helping a sports player ascertain the path or impact of a sports projectile. A further need exists for novel devices for helping a sports player ascertain the path or impact of a sports projectile to improve their projectile aiming ability. There is also a need for novel sports projectile training devices which provide the individual with a visual record of their past projectile flight paths or impacts.


The present invention provides carboxymethylcellulose or a salt thereof that can prevent defects such as streaks and pinholes from occurring in the obtained electrode when it is used as a binder for an electrode of a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery. The present invention provides carboxymethylcellulose or a salt thereof of which ratio of a dry mass A to a dry mass B is less than 50 ppm when 2 liters of a 0.3 mass % aqueous solution of the dry mass B of the carboxymethylcellulose or a salt thereof is prepared, the entire amount of the aqueous solution is filtrated through a 250-mesh filter under a reduced pressure of −200 mmHg, and the dry mass A of a residue on the filter is measured after filtration. The applications of the carboxymethylcellulose or a salt thereof are also provided.

In recent years, electronic devices, particularly portable devices such as mobile phones PDAs (personal digital assistants), and notebook personal computers, are being reduced in size, weight, and thickness and are becoming more powerful, and such portable devices are becoming widespread. As the range of use of these portable devices expands, batteries for driving the portable devices are becoming very important components. Among the batteries, nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, typified by lithium ion secondary batteries, having high energy density and high capacity are widely used.
Generally, such nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries are produced as follows. A negative electrode containing a negative electrode active material composed of a carbon material and the like that can store and release lithium ions and a positive electrode containing a positive electrode active material composed of a lithium-containing transition metal composite oxide (such as LiCoO2, LiNiO2, or LiMn2O4) are formed into sheets on the surfaces of metal foils serving as collecting substrates (collectors). A sheet-shaped positive electrode and a sheet-shaped negative electrode are thereby obtained. The sheet-shaped positive electrode and the sheet-shaped negative electrode are wound or laminated through separators formed also into sheets and are stored in a case. Each of the sheet-shaped positive electrodes and the sheet-shaped negative electrodes has a structure comprising metal foil serving as a collecting substrate (collector) and a mixture layer containing an active material and formed on the surface of the metal foil. Such an electrode can be formed by coating a collector material with a negative electrode active material slurry (or paste) or positive electrode active material slurry (or paste) and drying it.
The negative electrode active material slurry (paste) contains a binder in addition to a negative electrode active material composed of a carbon material and the like that can store and release lithium ions. A binder for a negative electrode including styrene/butadiene latex (SBR) as a main component is disclosed in Patent document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-74461) as a binder.
In Patent document 1, carboxymethylcellulose used as a water-soluble thickener is dissolved in water to prepare an aqueous solution, and SBR and a negative electrode active material are mixed into the aqueous solution to produce a slurry. The slurry used as a coating solution is applied to a substrate and dried to form a sheet-shaped negative electrode.
To produce the positive electrode of a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, an organic solvent such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) is conventionally used as a solvent. However, water is recently being used as the solvent to reduce handling cost and take into account the influence on the environmental load of the solvent discharged.
The positive electrode active material slurry (paste) contains a binder in addition to a conducive material such as carbon and a lithium-containing transition metal composite oxide (such as LiCoO2, LiNiO2, or LiMn2O4) serving as the positive electrode active material. Patent document 2 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-157847) describes cellulose of which 1% aqueous solution has a viscosity of 4,000 mPa·s or more, such as carboxymethylcellulose, as a binder. Patent document 2 describes that an active material paste is prepared by adding the carboxymethylcellulose together with a conductive material, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and other materials to pure water.
In a method for coating a collecting substrate with the negative electrode active material slurry (paste) or positive electrode active material slurry (paste), a doctor blade spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the surface of the collecting substrate to be coated is used to draw a layer of slurry in an amount corresponding to the gap between the doctor blade and the collecting substrate, and a sheet-shaped electrode plate is thereby formed (for example, as disclosed in Patent document 3 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 4-242071)).
In another proposed method, a coating solution of an electrode material is discharged and applied onto a running collecting substrate wound around a back-up roll using an extrusion-type injector with a slot nozzle (for example, as disclosed in Patent document 4 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-65816)).

Carboxymethylcellulose or salt thereof for electrodes of nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery and aqueous solution thereof


The present invention provides a dibutylfluorenyl derivative, an application of same as a photoinitiator, and a preparation method therefor. The present invention provides a photocuring composition including the compound and a photocuring method using the composition.

Radiation curing technology refers to a new technology that performs irradiation with emitted light such as ultraviolet (UV) light and Electron Beams (EBs), infrared light, visible light, laser light, and chemical fluorescence to cure a polymer, has the characteristics of high efficiency, economy, energy saving, and environmental friendliness, and is a new energy-saving and environmental-protection technology.
Photoinitiators are widely used in domestic coating and ink industries. With improvements of standards of living, people pay more attention to environmental and food safety issues. In the packaging industry, especially color printing in the food and cosmetics packaging industry, there are increasingly strict limits on harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, carbon tetrachloride, and chloroform. For example, it is strictly stipulated in the printing of food packages that the maximum limit of a benzene emission is 3 mg/m2, and that of tobacco packaging supplies is 0.01 mg/m2. The relevant standards in American and European countries are stricter. China is a large industrial manufacturing country, and the quantity of products from the packaging industry exported to the American and European countries is increasing. The limit of detection of harmful VOCs in packaging products must satisfy the standards of the American and European countries.
Now commonly used photoinitiators, such as benzophenone and diphenylethanedione, would produce VOCs due to photoinitiation during use, and currently cannot satisfy detection standard requirements in the field of food and cosmetics packaging. Existing certain carbazole and dibenzofuran compound photoinitiators have poor stability during storage and use. In addition, due to high costs of used raw materials, such as carbazole and dibenzofuran, the costs of photoinitiators are high, and there is no special advantage in performance.
The photoinitiators in the prior art also have a disadvantage of low photoinitiation efficiency, in particular, low photoinitiation efficiency in certain wavelength ranges due to a certain limitation on wavelength requirements for an excitation light source.
Therefore, in the technical field of photopolymerization, there is also a need for a photoinitiator is more environmentally friendly, has higher activity, is easy to prepare, and is easy to handle, and a photocuring method.

Dibutylfluorene derivative and application thereof as photoinitiator


There is provided a switching circuit including, a semiconductor switching circuit comprising, a transistor, a first electrode of the transistor being connected to an electrical source via a load, a second electrode of the transistor being connected to a standard potential, a driving circuit outputting a signal to a control electrode of the transistor on a basis of a potential in the first electrode of the transistor so as to turn on and off the transistor, the driving circuit turning on when an input voltage applied from an input terminal being a first voltage higher than a threshold voltage of the transistor, the driving circuit turning off when the input voltage being a second voltage lower than the threshold voltage of the transistor.

A driving circuit having a function of precisely turning on and off a MOS transistor in a ground potential difference has been well known and is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Publication (Kokai) No. H10-22803.
The driving circuit disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication (Kokai) No. H10-22803 is constituted with an npn-transistor and a resistor. The driving circuit turns on and off the MOS transistor corresponding to a voltage of an input terminal grounded and opened by a switching element located in a control circuit side.
The voltage of the input terminal for turning on the MOS transistor is set on high by changing a resistance. Accordingly, the MOS transistor is precisely turned even when the ground potential in the control circuit side becomes higher than ground potential in the driving circuit side.
However, the driving circuit disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication (Kokai) No. H10-22803 merely has the same input voltage at both turning on and turning off of the MOS transistor and fails to disclose hysteresis characteristics.

Semiconductor switching circuit with hysteresis


A portable back scrubbing and massaging device is provided that can be used in and out of the shower for effectively cleaning and massaging a back of an individual. The portable device has brushes that can be removed and replaced with other brushes or massage accessories. This permits an individual to select from a wide variety of brushes and massage accessories that have varying amounts of thickness, softness, firmness and/or length. The brushes can also be reconfigured into different arrangements or patterns that allows a person to get a cleaning or massage that matches the contours of that person's back.

Using brushes to clean a person's back is well known in the prior art. There are multiple prior art designs and brush configurations to accomplish cleaning a back in a shower. For example, a motorized back scrubber is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,345,640 which includes a number of rotating brushes powered by an electric motor to clean the back of an individual. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,996,861, another shower back cleansing and massaging device is disclosed. It hangs from the shower head and is adjustable to match the height of the individual taking a shower. The device has three separate sections of rotating brushes that cleans different areas of the back. Another back massaging and cleaning device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,120,947 where the brushes are affixed to the device and do not move. Liquid soap and water is dispensed between the brushes to clean a person's back.
Previous back scrubbing devices were specifically designed to work solely in the shower. They lacked the ability to be used outside the shower as a massager or a cleaner. There is a need for a portable back scrubbing and massaging device that can be used safely in the shower and outside the shower, on a person's bed for example.
Previous brush configurations were unchangeable, meaning that the brushes could not be repositioned to suit the personal preferences of an individual. Predetermined brush configurations may not be suitable for all individuals, since each person may have a personal preference about what area or section of the back they want to clean. Thus, there is a need to have the brushes be configurable and removable, so that a person can rearrange the brushes into a configuration that suits their personal preference.
In previous back scrubbing devices, the brush heads were permanent and unalterable. This meant that an individual was unable to select a different brush other than those brushes provided. Also if the brush wore out, the complete back scrubbing device would have to be replaced. Since each person has varying sensitivities to different types of brushes, there then is a need for a back scrubbing and massaging device that lets a person choose from a variety of brushes and massage accessories with varying amounts of thickness, softness, or length to suit the person's personal preference.


A window covering including first and second sheer fabrics interconnected by a plurality of transversely extending vanes is disclosed. The sheer fabrics are connected to circumferentially spaced apart fixing elements on a wind up roll which is mounted with its longitudinal axis extending generally horizontally to one side of a frame of a skylight. Associated with the wind up roll at each end are cord reels and a control pulley at one end of a respective cord reel. Rotation of the wind up roll is effected by operation of a cord wrapped around the control pulley. Wrapped around the cord reels are tension cords which pass around fixed pulleys and are connected to opposite ends of an end rail having in its interior a tension spring to the end of which are attached the ends of the tension cords. Two parallel tracks extending generally perpendicular to the wind up roll is provided for guiding the end rail.

The present invention relates to a window covering assembly. Thee are many known forms of window covering assembly including curtains, roller blinds, venetian blinds and the like. Recently there has been proposed a window covering assembly which includes first and second generally parallel spaced apart longitudinally extending sheer fabrics having a plurality of longitudinally spaced generally parallel transversely extending vanes fixedly secured to the first and second sheer fabrics to extend therebetween.
The sheer fabrics are often constructed of a translucent or transparent material and may be in the form of actual fabrics or non-woven fabrics or indeed may simply sheets of plastics material. The vanes are usually opaque or semi-opaque and by adjusting the relative positions of the sheer fabrics, the vanes can be caused to tilt relative to one another rather in the manner of the slats of a venetian blind. Conventionally such assemblies have a bottom rail and the vanes extend horizontally, the sheer fabrics being supported on a tilt roll which can also be used as a wind up roll.
The use of such window covering assemblies is, however, somewhat limited.