An apparatus and a method for reducing a lead-in time of a disc, on which data is always recorded, and detecting exactly a tilt of the disc. The apparatus includes a pickup, and a system controller. Even if the disc is a blank disc which is devoid of user data, control data is recorded on the disc. The pickup can record data on the disc or reproduce data from the disc. If a seek command is received, the system controller detects the tilt of the disc once in each of a plurality of zones while the pickup is moving.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for detecting tilt of a disc, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for detecting tilt of a disc on which data is recorded.
2. Description of the Related Art
A digital versatile disc-recordable/rewritable (DVD-R/RW), is one example of a disc type on which data is recorded. Even if a DVD-R/RW is a blank disc that is devoid of user data, the DVD-R/RW records data in a control data zone.
Conventional tilt detection for a disc, such as the DVD-R/RW, is performed in 3 steps during a lead-in operation of the disc. First, a rough tilt at an inner area of the disc is detected using a difference between signals where low-pass filtering of focus driving (focus of drive: FOD) signals detected from the inner area of the disc has been performed. Second, while tilt of the disc is being corrected using the rough tilt detected in the first step, a position where a jitter is minimum is detected using an RF signal of the control data zone, and a tilt at the position where the jitter is minimum is detected as a fine tilt at the inner area of the disc. Third, the total area of the disc is divided into five zones, and a tilt of each zone is detected using a difference between signals where low-pass filtering of the FOD signals has been performed as in the first step, while a pickup is moved through each of the zones. Since the tilt of the disc is detected in three steps during a lead-in operation of a disc, the lead-in operation of the disc is very time consuming.

Apparatus and method for detecting tilt of disc


A defocus adjustment method includes a step of storing in a memory a range of defocus values for smooth operation of an optical disc apparatus, a step of measuring the defocus value of the optical disc loaded in the optical disc apparatus, a step of comparing the defocus value and the range of defocus values, a step of determining the optimal defocus value, and a step of using the optimal defocus value as a focusing bias value. This helps easily and quickly perform defocus adjustment that suits the loaded optical disc. Using as a focus bias value the defocus value determined through the defocus adjustment helps enhance the quality with which data is read from and data is written to the optical disc.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical disc apparatus that can record data to and read data from an optical disc by irradiating it with laser light.
2. Description of Related Art
Optical discs are widely used as a recording medium for recording information such as video and audio. Optical discs permit information to be recorded thereto and read therefrom by being irradiated with laser light. Examples of widely used optical discs include, among others, CDs (compact discs) and DVD (digital versatile discs). Optical disc apparatuses that use such optical discs as a recording medium to record data thereto and read data therefrom are provided with an optical head that irradiates the recording surface of an optical disc with laser light to record data thereto and that detects the light reflected from the recording surface of an optical disc to read data therefrom.
FIG. 1 shows an arrangement of an optical disc apparatus. The optical disc apparatus PL shown in FIG. 1 includes: a spindle motor Sp that rotates an optical disc Ds; an optical head 1 that irradiates the optical disc Ds with laser light and detects the reflected light; a front end 3 that controls the spindle motor Sp and the optical head 1; a back end 4 that processes video, audio, and other source signals; a main controller Mc that controls the front end 3 and the back end 4; and a memory Me that stores various kinds of data. The optical head 1 includes an actuator 2 that changes the focus position (laser spot). In FIG. 1, solid lines represent paths along which video, audio, and other source signals pass, and dash-and-dot lines represent paths along which control signals or drive signals pass.
The front end 3 includes: an optical head servo controller 31 that controls the actuator 2 of the optical head 1; a spindle motor controller 32 that controls the rotation of the spindle motor Sp; a laser light controller 33 that controls the laser light from the optical head 1; and a signal processor 34 that modulates a signal for receiving a photoelectric conversion signal photoelectrically converted by the optical head 1 and that extracts an RF signal and a tracking error signal.
The back end 4 includes: a decoder 41 that decodes the signal fed from the front end 3; an encoder 42 that encrypts the data to be recorded to the optical disc Ds; and an input/output section 43 that outputs the data processed by the decoder 41 to an external device or inputs data fed from an external device to the encoder 42.
The focal length of the laser light emitted from the optical head 1 is constant within each individual optical head. To permit the optical disc Ds to be irradiated with laser light with an optimal laser spot formed at a predetermined position on the optical disc Ds, defocus adjustment is performed whereby the actuator 2 is so driven that the focus position is moved in the direction of the optical axis so as to optimize the position where the laser light is focused (laser spot). The actuator 2 is a coil arranged in a magnetic field, and can be moved in the axial direction when a current is passed therethrough. The defocus value is expressed in terms of the value of the bias current passed through the actuator 2. Defocus adjustment is performed every time an optical disc is loaded.
When a pre-recorded optical disc Ds is played back, the front end of the optical disc apparatus determines the defocus value so that the jitter value is optimal (minimal) and the error rate value is optimal (minimal). Specifically, the defocus value is so determined that the amplitude of the RF signal received by the signal processor 34 is maximal. The defocus value is measured by the following procedure.
The optical head servo controller 31 transmits a focus servo control signal to the actuator 2 of the optical head 1 to change the position irradiated with the focus of the laser light (laser spot). In this state, the optical disc Ds is rotated and is irradiated with the laser light, and the light reflected therefrom is measured with the optical head 1. At this time, the reflected light is photoelectrically converted by the optical head 1, and the resulting photoelectric conversion signal is fed to the signal processor 34.
The signal processor 34 extracts the RF signal from the photoelectric conversion signal fed thereto, and feeds the value of the amplitude of the RF signal to the main controller Mc. The main controller Mc stores in the memory Me, as the maximal defocus value, the defocus value outputted from the optical head servo controller 31 to the actuator 2 when the amplitude of the RF signal is maximal.
When the information on the optical disc Ds is read, the main controller Mc reads the optimal defocus value from the main controller Mc, and feeds it, as a focusing bias value, to the optical head servo controller 31. Using the focusing bias value thus fed from the main controller Mc, the optical head servo controller 31 controls the actuator 2 of the optical head 1.
When information is recorded to an optical disc on which no information has been recorded, no RF signal can be detected, and therefore the TE (tracking error) signal is used instead to determine the defocus value. The optical head servo controller 31 transmits a focus servo control signal to the actuator 2 of the optical head 1 to change the position irradiated with the focus of the laser light (laser spot). In this state, the optical disc Ds is rotated and is irradiated with the laser light, and the light reflected therefrom is measured with the optical head 1. At this time, the reflected light is photoelectrically converted by the optical head 1, and the resulting photoelectric conversion signal is fed to the signal processor 34.
The signal processor 34 extracts the TE signal from the photoelectric conversion signal fed thereto, and feeds the value of the amplitude of the TE signal to the main controller Mc. The main controller Mc stores in the memory Me, as the maximal defocus value, the defocus value outputted from the optical head servo controller 31 to the actuator 2 when the amplitude of the TE signal is maximal.
When information is recorded to the optical disc Ds, the main controller Mc reads the optimal defocus value from the main controller Mc, and feeds it, as a focusing bias value, to the optical head servo controller 31. Using the focusing bias value thus fed from the main controller Mc, the optical head servo controller 31 controls the actuator 2 of the optical head 1.
In reality, however, because of manufacturing, assembly, and other errors in its components, the optical head 1 does not always provide the optimal jitter value and the optimal error rate when the amplitude of the RF signal is maximal or when the amplitude of the TE signal is maximal. In a case where, as the defocus value for reading data from a recorded optical disc, the defocus value obtained when the amplitude of the RF signal is maximal is used, or in a case where, as the defocus value for recording data to an unrecorded optical disc, the defocus value obtained when the amplitude of the TE signal is maximal is used, the defocus value so used is not always the optimal defocus value.
Specifically, in cases where the above-mentioned defocus value obtained when the amplitude of the RF signal is maximal or when the amplitude of the TE signal is maximal is used, a large number of read errors may occur when data is red from a recorded optical disc, and a large number of write errors may occur when data is written to an unrecorded optical disc. This diminishes the operation stability or reliability of the optical disc apparatus.

Optical disc apparatus and defocus control method


An apparatus and associated method for spinning staple fibers on a ring spindle machine includes a ring spindle disposed downstream of a drawing frame outlet. A thread guiding device is disposed between the drawing frame outlet and the ring spindle and includes a twisting apparatus that is magnetically coupled with the ring spindle so as to rotate at the same speed as the ring spindle. The twisting apparatus has a thread braking device configured along a path of the thread through the twisting apparatus. An attachment configured at a top of the ring spindle has a plurality of circumferential grooves configured to catch the thread coming from the twisting apparatus and being wound onto the ring spindle.

It is a well known fact that most of the time, threads in a ring-spinning machine break between the drawing device and the thread guide in the so-called spinning zone, where the slubbing coming out of the drawing device has not hardened so much that it can withstand every thread tension tip. In addition, the conventional thread guide—the so-called thread-guiding eyelet—allows only the partial twisting propagation of the traveler device in the spinning zone.
For several decades, textile engineers have made many suggestions for solving this problem: For example, it has been suggested to place so-called crowns on the ring spindle in order to make the twisting that originates in the traveler circling around the ring and moving towards the spinning triangle more effective and to achieve a better hardening of the slubbing coming out of the drawing frame in the critical zone (DE 1 116 584). In these spindle attachments, the thread places itself on the teeth of the crown and is taken along with them, but the yarn on the crown must make the same backward movement as the traveler on the spinning ring, which—correspondingly to the winding up motion and the winding up speed—remains back in the circumferential speed of the spindle. The thread is kept back in the crown tooth until the tension becomes so great that the thread jumps to the next tooth. Thus, the thread jumps backwards from tooth to tooth as the traveler remains behind. The resulting friction leads to undesired yarn damage and napping. Furthermore, each jump causes a tension jolt, which leads to an uneven twisting and integration of the fibers as they emerge from the drawing frame. Therefore, the aim is to use the fewest teeth possible. In the so-called spindle finger that is attached to the ring spindle, for example, there is only one tooth left. The smooth spindle finger causes less napping on the yarn, but it works virtually like a one-tooth crown through which the yarn is taken. This means that the jump is considerably greater, almost one turn, and this spindle finger solution causes considerable thread jolts, which in turn lead to thread breaks and an uneven yarn.
DE 196 29 787 A1 describes a rotating thread guide that has been placed as twisting apparatus between the usual thread guide above the spindle and the ring traveler directly above the ring spindle. Here, a turning body is taken from the spindle by means of a magnetic coupling.
The fiber composite is centrically introduced and led sideways out of the turning body, from which the fiber composite extends towards the ring traveler in one balloon. Alternatively, the turning body is supposed to have a helically-shaped channel and move slower or faster than the spindle independently from it. As a result of this, less false twist can be temporarily superimposed on the fiber composite.
The thread guide connected upstream, however, interferes with the generated twisting movement as it propagates towards the drawing frame. It has not been possible to introduce this known device in practice too because no defined twisting is imparted and the external impulse is too time-consuming.
To avoid these disadvantages, WO 2004/072339 has suggested placing a thread-guiding device with a twisting element at a certain distance above the upper end of the ring spindle and to couple this twisting element with the ring spindle via a magnetic force field. The twisting element has a thread-braking device that consists of a core—extending coaxially towards the twisting axis so the thread running through the thread-guiding device can wind around the core—and a catching edge arranged on the core. This design of the thread-guiding device can catch the thread and make it pass through the twisting element in a defined way so that the thread is imparted with a defined twist in the critical section between thread-guiding device and drawing frame. The winding up movement is done continuously and smoothly. This thread-guiding device has given outstanding results. In the critical section between drawing frame and thread-guiding device more than 100% of the twist is achieved in the thread F′ before the spinning triangle relative to the desired twisting in the finished yarn. A jumping over crown teeth or something similar and the imponderable nature of a twisting caused by friction are no longer needed.
It was thus possible to increase the spinning revolutions significantly. The reduction in size of the spinning triangle and the improved binding of the threads achieved a significant quality improvement of the thread in addition to increased productivity. Even though the balloon diameter was reduced so much that balloon-constricting rings could be largely dispensed with, the higher spinning revolutions achieved with this design led to higher energy requirements. Furthermore, the coupling element placed on the spindle head for taking up the twisting element made the balloon larger and this caused higher balloon resistance and input.
The task of this invention is to lower the energy requirement in a thread-guiding device of this known type so higher production outputs can be achieved economically.

Method and apparatus for spinning staple fibres on ring-spinning machines

Deutsche Institut fur Textil-und Faserforschung Denkendorf


Disclosed is a method for improving the calibration of multiple projector systems in Spatial Augmented Reality systems where multiple projectors are used to project images directly onto objects of interest. The methods and system described herein improve the calibration of multiple projector systems in order to improve the alignment and clarity of projected images by reducing ghosting that can occur with poorly aligned projectors. The system uses a planar photodiode and the projector is used to project a plurality of projection regions, such as scan lines, across the planar photodetector and calculating the position based on weighting measurements by the measured light intensity and projected images in SAR.

Augmented Reality (AR) is the addition of digital imagery and other information to the real world by a computer system. AR enhances a user's view or perception of the world by adding computer generated information to their view. Spatial Augmented Reality is a branch of AR research that employs projected light to present perspective corrected computer graphics that directly illuminate physical objects to enhance their appearance. In addition to using multiple projectors to projects information directly onto objects of interest, SAR systems can also use tracking systems and sensors to build up a three dimensional (3D) model of the SAR environment, and can track movement of real world objects. Such movements or changes are integrated into the 3D model so that updates can be made to projections as objects are moved around.
One application of SAR is for developing and evaluating user interfaces for workstations, as well as the layout of workstations in a control room. In these applications a simple substrate, or physical prototype, can be constructed with the desired shape for each workstation, or piece of a workstation. SAR can be used to visualize different control features on each physical prototype and different physical placements of the workstations. Users can directly interact with the augmented substrate without having to wear or hold a display device, and the projected information can be viewed by multiple people at the same time. Multiple projectors are often used to reduce shadows while users interact with the workstation, or to provide complex or extended displays.
In such systems where multiple projectors are used, calibration must be performed to ensure alignment of projected images. A calibration process is required to calculate both the intrinsic parameters of the projector, such as the horizontal and vertical field of view, and the extrinsic parameters, such as the projector's position and orientation relative to the world. This is commonly accomplished by matching projector pixels with known 3D points in the world, such as features on a physical object.
These correspondences can be found manually with a projected crosshair visually displayed on the physical object using a keyboard or mouse for adjustment, as used with Shader Lamps. This process can be automated. One approach to projector calibration is to employ a calibrated camera. These projector-camera systems allow for real-time image adjustment that allows images to be displayed onto surfaces that are not traditionally designed for projections, such as non-planar geometry and textured surfaces.
A second method of projector calibration employs photo detectors to find projector alignment. Several research projects have proposed projector based position detection employing photo detectors in a projection volume. These photo detector based measurements allow a direct mapping between the real environments and projection information without consideration of a camera coordinate system. These have included structured light approaches known as Gray-coding which uses a sequence of images to find the pixel locations of the photo detectors, on the basis that a portion of a display surface illuminated by multiple projectors will be brighter. Once the projector-world correspondences are found, the calibration parameters for the projector can be calculated. An algorithm for calculating these parameters is described in detail by O. Bimber and R. Raskar, Spatial Augmented Reality: Merging Real and Virtual Worlds. A K Peters, Wellesley, 2005[1].
However, despite the extensive research, there are still a number of limitations that prevent the flexibility and performance required for multi-projector SAR systems. Current point based photo detectors can only locate positions with pixel accuracy, and thus images can appear ghosted and mis-aligned.
There is thus a need to provide improved methods and apparatus for estimating locations with sub-pixel accuracy to allow calibration and alignment of multiple projectors in SAR systems, or to at least provide users with a useful alternative.

Method and apparatus for calibration of multiple projector systems


A variable speed helicopter rotor system and method for operating such a system are provided which allow the helicopter rotor to be operated at an optimal angular velocity in revolutions per minute (RPM) minimizing the power required to turn the rotor and thereby resulting in helicopter performance efficiency improvements, reduction in noise, and improvements in rotor, helicopter transmission and engine life. The system and method provide for an increase in helicopter endurance and. The system and method also provide a substantial improvement in helicopter performance during take-off, hover and maneuver.

The efficiency of an aircraft, whether fixed wing or rotorcraft, as expressed by the fuel consumption required to achieve a specific performance as for example, cruise, climb, or maximum speed, is directly proportional to the power required to achieve such performance. The power required is inversely proportional to the ratio of the aircraft lift to the drag (L/D). In order to increase an aircraft efficiency designers strive to increase the lift to drag ratio by minimizing the aircraft drag at lift levels required to counter the aircraft weight and to allow for aircraft maneuvering.
The lift and drag of an aircraft are determined by the following formulas, respectively: EQU L=1/2.rho.V.sup.2 SC.sub.L (1) EQU D=1/2.rho.V.sup.2 SC.sub.D (2)
Where .rho. is the air density, V is the air velocity (airspeed), S is the reference area of the lifting surface (wing or rotor blade), C.sub.L and C.sub.D are non-dimensional lift and drag coefficients. The lift to drag ratio L/D is equal to coefficient of lift to the coefficient of drag ratio, C.sub.L /C.sub.D. Thus, the ratio of the coefficient of lift to the coefficient of drag, C.sub.L /C.sub.D, has a direct effect on performance. The C.sub.L /C.sub.D is a function of C.sub.L as can be seen by the C.sub.L v. C.sub.L /C.sub.D graph depicted in FIG. 1 for a typical airfoil. For best cruise efficiency, the coefficient of lift of the lifting airfoil should be maintained at levels of maximum C.sub.L /C.sub.D.
In a helicopter the lift and drag of the rotor blades conform to the same lift formula L=1/2.rho.V.sup.2 SC.sub.L where V is the local airspeed on the blade which, in a hovering helicopter is a result of the blade angular velocity in revolutions per minute (RPM). For convenience, "RPM" as used herein refers to rotor angular velocity. Moreover, the term "helicopter" as used herein encompasses all types of rotorcraft.
In a hovering helicopter, the speed of the rotor blade increases radially outward. At any given radial distance from the rotor center, the speed of the blade is given by the equation: ##EQU1## where, v.sub.t is the rotational speed and r is the radial distance measured from the rotor center.
A helicopter in a substantial forward speed (e.g., 100-200 mph) experiences problems of control, vibration and limitations in performance resulting from the asymmetry in the speeds of the advancing and retreating blades. When traveling in a forward direction 8, the advancing blade 10 has a speed equal the rotational speed of the blade plus the forward speed of the helicopter, whereas the retreating blade 12 has a speed equal the rotational speed of the blade minus the forward speed of the helicopter. The speeds along the length of the blades when traveling forward are shown in FIG. 2. As a result, the advancing blade has more lift than the retreating blade. To avoid helicopter roll over due the airspeed asymmetry, the lift on the retreating blade has to be increased while the speed on the advancing blade has to be decreased. Because, lift is inversely proportional to the velocity (i.e., speed) of the blade squared (V.sup.2) a substantial increase in the coefficient of lift (C.sub.L) of the retreating blade is required. The available lift coefficient for a given blade is limited as shown FIG. 1. Consequently, the asymmetry in speeds between the advancing and retreating blades has to be limited thereby limiting the forward speed of the helicopter.
Increasing the RPM of the rotor reduces the relative asymmetry of the airspeed distribution, thus reducing the effects of forward speed on roll control limits. But such RPM increase is constrained by the maximum allowable rotor tip speed. The maximum allowable tip speed is typically lower than the speed of sound (i.e., Mach 1) so as to avoid the substantial increases in drag, vibration and noise encountered when the tip speed approaches Mach 1.
Current helicopter rotors turn at a constant RPM throughout the flight because of the complex and severe rotor dynamics problems. Generally, helicopter designers are content if they succeed in the development of a single speed rotor, which can go from zero to design RPM when not loaded on the ground during start and stop without encountering vibration loads which overstress the helicopter and rotor structure. When the blades of a conventional rotor are producing lift, a significant change of the rotor blade RPM from the design RPM may yield catastrophic results.
Conventional helicopter rotors are designed to achieve blade flap, lag and torsional natural oscillation frequencies, at the operating RPM, which are adequately separated from the rotor excitation frequencies occurring at the rates of 1 per revolution, 2 per revolution, 3 per revolution and so forth. For example, for a rotor operating at 360 RPM, the frequency corresponding to the occurrence of a rotor excitation frequency of 1 per revolution is 6 Hz (360 RPM is 6 cycles per second), 2 per revolution is 12 Hz, and so forth. As the rotor RPM is changed so are the excitation frequencies. For convenience, the frequencies which give rise to these excitation frequencies are referred to herein by the excitation frequency occurrence rates. For example a frequency that gives rise to an excitation frequency that occurs at a rate of 2 per revolution is referred to herein as the "2 per revolution" frequency. For good dynamic behavior, considering both blade loads and helicopter vibration, conventional rotors with any number of blades are designed to avoid the frequencies of 1 per revolution, 2 per revolution, 3 per revolution and so forth. Conventional rotor blades are designed to operate at 100% of design RPM with the fundamental flap mode at a frequency above the 1 per revolution frequency, the fundamental lag mode usually below the 1 per revolution frequency and sometimes between the 1 per revolution and the 2 per revolution frequencies, and the blade dynamics tuned so that higher flap, lag torsion modes avoid the 1, 2, 3, 4, . . . n per revolution frequencies. The conventional blade design modes (i.e., modal frequencies) must be kept separated from the 1, 2, 3, 4, . . . n per revolution frequencies to avoid the generation of vibration loads which may be catastrophic. As a minimum, such vibration loads will make the helicopter unacceptable for the pilot and passengers and detrimental to the reliability of its mechanisms and equipment. To avoid such vibration loads, the rotor angular velocity is limited to a narrow range around 100% of design RPM, except for start-up and shut-down at low or no rotor load and low wind speed.
The RPM of helicopter rotors is normally set for a maximum forward speed at a maximum weight at a certain critical altitude. The RPM of the rotor is such that at maximum forward speed, the tip of the advancing blade is traveling at speeds near but below Mach 1, to avoid the substantial increases in drag, vibration and noise encountered at speeds approaching Mach 1. At any other flight conditions, the rotor RPM and thus, the power required to turn the rotor are substantially higher than that required for efficient operation.
Some research helicopters such as the Lockheed XH-51A compound helicopter have experimented with rotor RPM reduction at certain flight conditions by incorporating a wing for producing most of the required lift and a jet or a propeller driving engine for producing the required forward thrust. The use of the wings and engine relieve the rotor of its duty to produce lift and thrust, thus allowing the unloaded rotor to operate at reduced RPM. In this regard, a helicopter can fly at higher speeds before the tip of the advancing blade approaches the speed of sound and encounters the increased levels of vibration and noise as well as drag.
Another aircraft, the V-22 Osprey incorporates 2-speed tilt rotors. The V-22 Osprey aircraft has wings for generating lift. The rotors are typically "tilted" from a first position where their axis of rotation is vertical and where the rotor acts as a regular helicopter rotor to a second position where their axis of rotation is relatively horizontal and the rotor acts as a propeller producing forward thrust. When at their first position these rotors operate only to create lift for vertical take-off and landing and for hovering. When the needing to go forward, the rotors are "tilted" to provide the forward thrust. When in a "tilted" position providing forward thrust, the RPM of the rotor can be varied much like a variable speed propeller.
Other attempts have been made in improving helicopter maximum forward speeds and/or reducing noise at maximum speed by using 2-speed gearboxes. These gearboxes allow the rotor to rotate at two RPM values while maintaining a constant engine RPM. The rotor is set to rotate at a lower RPM when at high forward speed so as to reduce the rotor tip speed. In all other conditions, the rotor is set to rotate at the higher RPM. However, these attempts do not substantially improve the efficiency of the helicopter by reducing fuel consumption.
Another helicopter uses 10% reduction in rotor RPM during takeoff and landing in order to conform to very strict noise limitations. Because of this reduction in rotor RPM, the helicopter performance is compromised during take-off and landing.
While these aforementioned endeavors attempted to increase maximum speed and reduce noise during take-off and landing, neither attempted to improve the efficiency of the helicopter. Neither attempted to reduce the fuel consumed and power required for a given performance or attempted to increase a helicopter performance without increasing the fuel consumed and the power required. As such there is a need for a helicopter rotor system which will improve helicopter range, altitude and speed performance while reducing fuel consumption and noise levels.


A query specified in a source programming language can be analyzed as a function of a type-based state machine that encodes query constraints of a target programming language. The type-based state machine can encode such constraints as types representing states and methods representing transitions between states or types.

Data processing is a fundamental part of computer programming. One can choose from amongst a variety of programming languages with which to author programs. The selected language for a particular application may depend on the application context, a developer's preference, or a company policy, among other factors. Regardless of the selected language, a developer will ultimately have to deal with data, namely querying and updating data.
A technology called language-integrated queries (LINQ) was developed to facilitate data interaction from within programming languages. LINQ provides a convenient and declarative shorthand query syntax to enable specification of queries within a programming language (e.g., C#®, Visual Basic® . . . ). More specifically, query operators are provided that map to lower-level language constructs or primitives such as methods and lambda expressions. Query operators are provided for various families of operations (e.g., filtering, projection, joining, grouping, ordering . . . ), and can include but are not limited to "where" and "select" operators that map to methods that implement the operators that these names represent. By way of example, a user can specify a query in a form such as "from n in numbers where n<10 select n," wherein "numbers" is a data source and the query returns integers from the data source that are less than ten. Further, query operators can be combined in various ways to generate queries of arbitrary complexity.
While queries can be executed locally over in-memory data, the queries can also be remoted, for example, to another computer for execution. In this scenario, a query is represented as data rather than code. This data representation of a query (e.g., expression tree) can subsequently be translated to target any data source. For example, a language-integrated query can be translated into SQL (Structured Query Language) for execution by a relational database system. As another example, a data representation of a language integrated query can translated into XQuery to enable execution with respect to XML (eXtensible Markup Language) data.

Query constraint encoding with type-based state machine


A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device or a photomask by exposing a pattern while scanning a plurality of deflection regions determined depending on a deflection width of an exposure device on an exposure target with electron beams, enables a computer to execute a step of extracting a first pattern that exists near the boundary of the deflection region and in a first deflection region, a step of searching a second pattern that is adjacent to the first pattern and in a second deflection region different from the first deflection region, and a step of performing data processing of exposure data in accordance with a width of the first pattern so as to minimize the change in distance between the extracted first pattern and the searched second pattern due to positional deviation of the deflection region.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device and a photomask, and in particular, to a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device and a photomask with an exposure technology of electron beams.
2. Description of the Related Art
In an electron-beam exposure device, a region for exposure is divided into a plurality of fields determined depending on a deflection width of a main deflector, the fields are divided into a plurality of sub-fields determined depending on a deflection width of a sub-deflector, electron beams for variable shaping are emitted every divided sub-field, and a pattern is exposed. Therefore, the connection accuracy of a connecting portion of the pattern over the sub-fields boundary, particularly, the connection accuracy of the pattern between the sub-fields belonging to adjacent fields is strict, and there is a problem of deterioration in resolution of the pattern at the sub-field boundary.
As a conventional method for improving the connection accuracy of the pattern over the sub-field boundary, there is proposed a method for generating an additional pattern at the connection portion as disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 6-13298 and a method for multiple-exposure by changing the boundary position of the field as disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2002-170768.
Recent fine processing and high density of a semiconductor device (or a semiconductor element) causes problems of not only deterioration in connection accuracy of the pattern at the sub-field boundary due to an error of positional precision of the sub-field but also deterioration in resolution of a narrow space in the sub-field boundary. As the space between large patterns is narrower, the fog of the amount of exposure of electron beams due to back scattering from a substrate is large and the short-circuit can easily occur due to the positional deviation between the sub-fields.
However, the method for generating the additional pattern disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application Publication No. 6-13298 is not applied to space. Further, with the method for multiple-exposure disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2002-170768, the positional deviation between the patterns affects the similar influence of blur of the electron beams, and the exposure margin of narrow space is reduced. Therefore, this method may not be used as much as possible. As mentioned above, the conventional methods have a problem that the deterioration of resolution of the narrow space cannot be certainly prevented.

Method for manufacturing semiconductor device or photomask


An optoelectric subassembly including a receptacle assembly with an optoelectric device mounted therein to define a light axis. The receptacle assembly includes an optical fiber mounting structure defining an opening with an end of an optical fiber received therein. The mounting structure and opening are designed to position the received optical fiber with an end facet substantially perpendicular to the light axis. A first lens is mounted in the receptacle assembly adjacent the optoelectronic device in the light axis and a ball lens is mounted in the receptacle assembly and positioned in the light axis. The ball lens is mounted so as to be in abutting engagement with the facet of an optical fiber inserted into the opening. By forming the ball lens with a diameter equal to the diameter of a mounting ferrule on the end of the fiber and also equal to the diameter of the ferrule receiving opening, the ball lens is self-aligning.

In optoelectronic modules used in the various communications fields, one of the most difficult problems that must be solved is the efficient transmission of light between a light generating device and an optical fiber or, alternatively, the transmission of light from the optical fiber to a light receiving device. Here it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the term "light" is a generic term which includes any electromagnetic radiation that can be modulated and transmitted by optical fibers or other optical transmission lines. Because optical fibers and the active regions of light generating devices and light receiving devices are very small, alignment of an optical fiber with a light generating device or a light receiving device is difficult and can be very work intensive and time consuming.
For example, one method used to align an optical fiber with a light generating device or a light receiving device is called active alignment. In this process a light is introduced at one end of the optical fiber and the other end is moved adjacent the active area of an operative light receiving device, while monitoring the output of the light receiving device, until a maximum output signal is received. Alternatively, an operative light receiving device is attached to one end of an optical fiber and the other end is moved adjacent the active area of an operative light generating device until a maximum output signal is received. In both instances the amount of time and effort required to obtain the optimum alignment is extensive.
In some systems, generated light passes directly into an optical fiber and exits the optical fiber where the light is directed onto an active surface of a light receiving device. However, in the real world much of the generated light travels outwardly in a direction to miss the optical fiber and some of the light impinging on the optical fiber is reflected back into the light generating device. Much of the cause of this outwardly or misdirected light comes from poor alignment along the Z axis (the axis of light propagation) as well as misalignment in the X and Y axes (defining a plane perpendicular to the direction of light propagation). The outwardly or misdirected light can impinge on adjacent devices to produce unwanted cross-talk within the system.
The reflected light can be directed back into the light generating device or the optical fiber can interfere with generated light to produce unwanted and troublesome modes or frequencies. Also, the loss of light through misdirection and/or reflection means that additional power must be used to produce sufficient light to transmit between various devices, thus increasing power dissipation.
The vast majority of optoelectric device-to-optical fiber use either one lens (a focusing lens) or two lenses (one lens to collimate and one lens to focus). Each of these approaches have pros and cons when it comes to optical alignment tolerances. The one-lens design has tight lateral (x and y directions) tolerances but loose tilt tolerances. The two-lens design is the opposite, i.e. loose lateral tolerances but tight tilt tolerances. Therefore, neither of these designs overcomes the alignment and, thus, the assembly problems that cause a large amount of the failures and the cost of the product.
Also, in optoelectronic modules it is usual to require that the return loss measured into the transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA) be 27 dB minimum. Conventionally, to reduce light reflection back into the laser or other optoelectric device, the adjacent facet of the optical fiber is angled relative to the optical axis (Z-axis). The angled facet forces the focusing optics to be tilted relative to the core of the optical fiber. This tilting adds further complications to the original design and the assembly of the optoelectronic module.
It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art.
Accordingly, it is an object the present invention to provide a new and improved optoelectric subassembly for an optoelectronic module.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved optoelectric subassembly with lower lateral and tilt tolerances that can be easily manufactured and assembled.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved optoelectric subassembly with high optical return loss (i.e. low reflection into the optoelectric device).
Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved optoelectric subassembly for an optoelectronic module which greatly increases the life and reliability of the mechanism and the optoelectronic module.


A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and account manager device comprises obtaining a plurality of inputs associated with the contact center in response to a request to calculate the return on investment associated with the contact center, wherein the plurality of inputs includes one or more contact center historical data and one or more contact center projected data. At least a part of the obtained one or more contact center historical data is compared against the one or more contact center projected data to identify one or more improvement areas in the contact center. One or more costs to implement the identified one or more improvement areas in the contact center are determined. The return of investment associated to the contact center is determined based on the one or more determined costs. The determined return on investment associated to the contact center is provided.

A contact center is a facility used by companies to manage all client contact through a variety of mediums such as telephone, fax, letter, e-mail and online live-chat.
Contact centers can also offer a number of different services. One of the most popular is the support help desk, which regularly answers technical questions from customers and assists them using their equipment or software. However, not all contact centers operate at full efficiency and changes to the infrastructure such as hardware, software process are required from time to time. Identifying the changes to implement in the contact center is a challenging task and calculating the cost associated with these changes is even more difficult. In addition to identifying the changes and cost associated with the changes, senior management or a customer would also like to know the return on investment before investing on the contact center. The existing technologies fail to provide a return on investment and other associated information such as break even period, savings.

Methods for calculating return on investment for a contact center and devices thereof


The present invention relates to monoclonal antibody H11 and antigen binding fragments that specifically bind to the antigen recognized by H11, the C-antigen. The C-antigen is found specifically on neoplastic cells and not on normal cells. Also disclosed are polynucleotide and polypeptide derivatives based on H11, including single chain V region molecules and fusion proteins, and various pharmaceutical compositions. When administered to an individual, the H11 antibody is effective in diagnosing, localizing, and/or treating neoplasias. The invention further provides methods for treating a neoplastic disease, particularly melanoma, neuroblastoma, glioma, soft tissue sarcoma, and small cell lung carcinoma. Patients who are in remission as a result of traditional modes of cancer therapy may be treated with a composition of this invention in hopes of reducing the risk of recurrence. Patients may also be treated concurrently with the antibodies and traditional anti-neoplastic agents.

In spite of numerous advances in medical research, cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the United States. In the industrialized nations, roughly one in five persons will die of cancer. Traditional modes of clinical care, such as surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, have a significant failure rate, especially for solid tumors. Failure occurs either because the initial tumor is unresponsive, or because of recurrence due to regrowth at the original site and/or metastases. Even in cancers such as breast cancer where the mortality rate has decreased, successful intervention relies on early detection of the cancerous cells. The etiology, diagnosis and ablation of cancer remain a central focus for medical research and development.
Neoplasia resulting in benign tumors can usually be completely cured by removing the mass surgically. If a tumor becomes malignant, as manifested by invasion of surrounding tissue, it becomes much more difficult to eradicate. Once a malignant tumor metastasizes, it is much less likely to be eradicated.
The three major cancers, in terms of morbidity and mortality, are colon, breast and lung. New surgical procedures offer an increased survival rate for colon cancer. Improved screening methods increase the detection of breast cancer, allowing earlier, less aggressive therapy. Numerous studies have shown that early detection increases survival and treatment options. Lung cancer remains largely refractory to treatment.
Excluding basal cell carcinoma, there are over one million new cases of cancer per year in the United States alone, and cancer accounts for over one half million deaths per year in this country. In the world as a whole, the five most common cancers are those of lung, stomach, breast, colon/rectum, and uterine cervix, and the total number of new cases per year is over 6 million. Only about half the number of people who develop cancer die of it.
Melanoma is one of the human diseases for which there is an acute need of new therapeutic modalities. It is a particularly aggressive form of skin cancer, and occurs in increased frequency in individuals with regular unguarded sun exposure. In the early disease phases, melanoma is characterized by proliferation at the dermal-epidermal junction, which soon invades adjacent tissue and metastasizes widely. Once it has metastasized, it is often impossible to extirpate and is consequently fatal. Worldwide, 70,000 patients are diagnosed with melanoma and it is responsible for 25,000 reported deaths each year. The American Cancer Society projects that by the year 2000, 1 out of every 75 Americans will be diagnosed with melanoma.
Neuroblastoma is a highly malignant tumor occurring during infancy and early childhood. Except for Wilm's tumor, it is the most common retroperitoneal tumor in children. This tumor metastasizes early, with widespread involvement of lymph nodes, liver, bone, lung, and marrow. While the primary tumor is resolvable by resection, the recurrence rate is high.
An estimated 178,100 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in 1997, accounting for 13% of cancer diagnoses. An estimated 160,400 deaths due to lung cancer will occur in 1997 accounting for 29% of all cancer deaths. The one year survival rates for lung cancer have increased from 32% in 1973 to 41% in 1993, largely due to improvements in surgical techniques. The 5 year survival rate for all stages combined is only 14%. The survival rate is 48% for cases detected when the disease is still localized, but only 15% of lung cancers are discovered that early.
Small cell lung cancer is the most malignant and fastest growing form of lung cancer and accounts for 20–25% of new cases of lung cancer. 60,000 cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 1996. The primary tumor is generally responsive to chemotherapy, but is followed by wide-spread metastasis. The median survival time at diagnosis is approximately 1 year, with a 5 year survival rate of 5–10%.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and is the third leading cause of death from cancers in the United States with an annual incidence of about 180,200 new cases among women in the United States during 1997. About 1,400 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in men in 1997. In industrialized nations, approximately one in eight women can expect to develop breast cancer. The overall mortality rate for breast cancer has remained unchanged since 1930. It has increased an average of 0.2% per year, but decreased in women under 65 years of age by an average of 0.3% per year. Preliminary data suggest that breast cancer mortality may be beginning to decrease, probably as a result of increased diagnoses of localized cancer and carcinoma in situ. See e.g., Marchant (1994) Contemporary Management of Breast Disease 11: Breast Cancer, in: Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America 21:555–560; and Colditz (1993) Cancer Suppl. 71:1480–1489. An estimated 44,190 deaths (43,900 women, 290 men) in 1997 will occur due to breast cancer. In women, it is the second major cause of cancer death after lung cancer. The five-year survival rate for localized breast cancer has increased from 72% in the 1940s to 97% today. If the cancer has spread regionally, however, the rate is 76%, and for women with distant metastases the rate is 20%. Survival after a diagnosis of breast cancer continues to decline beyond five years. Sixty-five percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive 10 years and 56% survive 15 years.
Non-Hodgkin's B cell lymphomas are cancers of the immune system that are expected to afflict approximately 225,000 patients in the United States in 1996. These cancers are diverse with respect to prognosis and treatment, and are generally classified into one of three grades. The median survival of the lowest grade is 6.6 years and the higher grade cancers have much lower life expectancy. Virtually all non-Hodgkin's B cell lymphomas are incurable. New diagnoses of non-Hodgkins lymphomas have increased approximately 7% annually over the past decade, with 52,700 new diagnoses estimated for 1996. The increase is due in part to the increasing prevalence of lymphomas in the AIDS patient population.
Colon and rectal cancer will account for an estimated 131,200 cases in 1997, including 94,100 of colon cancer and 37,100 of rectal cancer. Colorectal cancers account for about 9% of new cancer diagnoses. An estimated 54,900 deaths due to colorectal cancer will occur in 1997, accounting for about 10% of cancer deaths. Mortality rates for colorectal cancer have fallen 32% for women and 14% for men during the past 20 years, reflecting decreasing incidence rates and increasing survival rates. However, the mortality rate in African American men continues to rise. The 1 and 5 year relative survival rates for patients with colon and rectal cancer are 82% and 61%, respectively. When colorectal cancers are detected in an early, localized stage, the 5 year survival rate is 91%; however, only 37% of colorectal cancers are discovered at that stage. After the cancer has spread regionally to involve adjacent organs or lymph nodes, the rate drops to 63%. Survival rates for persons with distant metastases is 7%. Survival continues to decline beyond 5 years, and 50% survive 10 years.
In spite of the difficulties, effective cures using anticancer drugs (alone or in combination with other treatments) have been devised for some formerly highly lethal cancers. Most notable among these are Hodgkin's lymphoma, testicular cancer, choriocarcinoma, and some leukemias and other cancers of childhood. For several of the more common cancers, early diagnosis, appropriate surgery or local radiotherapy enables a large proportion of patients to recover.
Current methods of cancer treatment are relatively non-selective. Surgery removes the diseased tissue, radiotherapy shrinks solid tumors and chemotherapy kills rapidly dividing cells. Chemotherapy, in particular, results in numerous side effects, in some cases so severe to preclude the use of potentially effective drugs. Moreover, cancers often develop resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs.
Numerous efforts are being made to enhance the specificity of cancer therapy. For review, see Kohn and Liotta (1995) Cancer Res. 55:1856–1862. In particular, identification of cell surface antigens expressed exclusively or preferentially on certain tumors allows the formulation of more selective treatment strategies. Antibodies directed to these antigens have been used in immunotherapy of several types of cancer.
The basic immunoglobulin (Ig) structural unit in vertebrate systems is composed of two identical light ("L") polypeptide chains (approximately 23 kDa), and two identical heavy ("H") chains (approximately 53 to 70 kDa). The four chains are joined by disulfide bonds in a "Y" configuration. At the base of the Y, the two H chains are bound by covalent disulfide linkages.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic of an antibody structure. The L and H chains are each composed of a variable (V) region at the N-terminus, and a constant (C) region at the C-terminus. In the L chain, the V region (termed "VLJL") is composed of a V (VL) region connected through the joining (JL) region to the C region (CL). In the H chain, the V region (VHDHJH) is composed of a variable (VH) region linked through a combination of the diversity (DH) region and the joining (JH) region to the C region (CH). The VLJL and VHDHJH regions of the L and H chains, respectively, are associated at the tips of the Y to form the antigen binding portion and determine antigen binding specificity.
The (CH) region defines the isotype, i.e. the class or subclass of antibody. Antibodies of different isotypes differ significantly in their effector functions, such as the ability to activate complement, bind to specific receptors (e.g., Fc receptors) present on a wide variety of cell types, cross mucosal and placental barriers, and form polymers of the basic four-chain IgG molecule.
Antibodies are categorized into "classes" according to the CH type utilized in the immunoglobulin molecule (IgM, IgG, IgD, IgE, or IgA). There are at least five types of CH genes (Cμ, Cγ, Cδ, Cε, and Cα), and some species have multiple CH subtypes (e.g., Cγ1, Cγ2, Cγ3, and Cγ4, in humans). There are a total of nine CH genes in the haploid genome of humans, eight in mouse and rat, and several fewer in many other species. In contrast, there are normally only two types of L chain C regions (CL), kappa (κ) and lambda (λ), and only one of these C regions is present in a single L chain protein (i.e., there is only one possible L chain C region for every VLJL produced). Each H chain class can be associated with either of the L chain classes (e.g., a CHγ region can be present in the same antibody as either a κ or λ L chain), although the C regions of the H and L chains within a particular class do not vary with antigen specificity (e.g., an IgG antibody always has a Cγ H chain C region regardless of the antigen specificity).
Each of the V, D, J, and C regions of the H and L chains are encoded by distinct genomic sequences. Antibody diversity is generated by recombination between the different VH, DH, and JH, gene segments in the H chain, and VL and JL gene segments in the L chain. The recombination of the different VH, DH, and JH genes is accomplished by DNA recombination during B cell differentiation. Briefly, the H chain sequence recombines first to generate a DHJH complex, and then a second recombinatorial event produces a VHDHJH complex. A functional H chain is produced upon transcription followed by splicing of the RNA transcript. Production of a functional H chain triggers recombination in the L chain sequences to produce a rearranged VLJL region which in turn forms a functional VLJLCL region, i.e., the functional L chain.
The value and potential of antibodies as diagnostic and therapeutic reagents has been long-recognized in the art. Unfortunately, the field has been hampered by the slow, tedious processes required to produce large quantities of an antibody of a desired specificity. The classical cell fusion techniques allowed for efficient production of Mabs by fusing the B cell producing the antibody with an immortalized cell line. The resulting cell line is a hybridoma cell line.
Antibodies and functional derivatives thereof have been used in a variety of clinical settings. For instance, digoxin-specific Fab antibody fragments were used to treat life-threatening digitalis intoxication. Antibodies are becoming more routinely useful in diagnostic techniques such as radioimmune diagnosis of colon cancers. Koda et al. (1995) Am. J. Gastroenterol. 90:1644. A number of uses of Mabs, previously thought to be untenable, have recently been put into practice. For instance, see Hall (1995) Science 279:915–916.
A number of autoantibodies (antibodies that recognize and bind to self antigens) are found in humans. Many of these are associated with particular diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, myasthenia gravis, primary biliary cirrhosis, polymyositis, systemic vasculitis, idiopathic necrotizing and crescentic glomerulonephritis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. For review, see Shattner (1986/1987) Immunol. Lett. 14:143–153. Other autoantibodies are naturally-occurring. Lutz and Wipp (1982) J. Immunol. 128:1965; and Guilbert et al. (1982) J. Immunol. 128:2779–2787. Recently, human autoantibodies to specific cancer antigens have been detected and, in some cases, are being produced by hybridoma technology. These antibodies have also been produced by active immunization. U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,755. Originally, the human B cells were immortalized using Epstein-Barr Virus or mouse myelomas. For review, see Buck et al. (1984) "Monoclonal Antibodies" NY, Plenum Press. More recent techniques have allowed immortalization without the use of this potentially harmful virus. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,477; and Glassy (1987) Cancer Res. 47:5181–5188. In most instances, the antibodies are specific for one, or in some instances, a few, cancer types. For instance, a Mab has been described that 1:5 specifically recognizes glioma cells but no other tumor or normal cells. These antibodies were used to image the glioma in the patient's brain. Fischer et al. (1991) Immunobiol. Prot. Pep. VI (M. Atassi, ed.) Plenum Press, NY. pp. 263–270. No antibody has been described that is capable of recognizing a wide range of tumors while failing to recognize, or only poorly recognize, normal, non-cancerous cells.
Recombinant genetic techniques have allowed cloning and expression of antibodies, functional fragments thereof and the antigens recognized. These engineered antibodies provide novel methods of production and treatment modalities. For instance, functional immunoglobulin fragments have been expressed in bacteria and transgenic tobacco seeds and plants. Skerra (1993) Curr. Opin. Immunol. 5:256–262; Fiedler and Conrad (1995) Bio/Technology 13:1090–1093; Zhang et al. (1993) Cancer Res. 55:3384–3591; Ma et al. (1995) Science 268:916; and, for a review of synthetic antibodies, see Barbas (1995) Nature Med. 1:836–839.
Several human Mabs against tumor associated antigens have been produced and characterized. The tumor associated antigens recognized by human Mabs include cell surface, cytoplasmic and nuclear antigens. Yoshikawa et al. (1989) Jpn. J. Cancer Res. (Gann) 80:546–553; Yamaguchi et al. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84:2416–2420; Haspel et al. (1985) Cancer Res. 45:3951–3961; Cote et al. (1986) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83:2959–2963; Glassy (1987) Cancer Res. 47:5181–5188; Borup-Christensen et al. (1987) Cancer Detect. Prevent. Suppl. 1:207–215; Haspel et al. (1985) Cancer Res. 45:3951–3961; Kan-Mitchell et al. (1989) Cancer Res. 49:45364541; Yoshikawa et al. (1986) Jpn. J. Cancer Res. 77:1122–1133; and McKnight et al. (1990) Human Antibod. Hybridomas 1: 125–129.
Human Mabs have been used in cancer imaging, diagnosis and therapy. Olsson (1985) J. Nat. Cancer Inst. 75:397–404; Larrick and Bourla (1986)J. Biol. Resp. Mod. 5:379–393; McCabe et al. (1988) Cancer Res. 48:4348–4353; Research News (1993) Science 262:841; Ditzel et al. (1994) Cancer 73:858–863; and Alonso (1991) Am. J. Clin. Oncol. 4:463–471. A recombinant single chain bispecific antibody has been reported that has high tumor cell toxicity. This molecule recognizes both the CD3 antigen of human T cells and EpCAM, which is associated with disseminated tumor cells in patients with minimal residual colorectal cancer. Mack et al. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 92:7021–7025.
Several murine monoclonal anti-GD2 antibodies were reported to suppress the growth of tumors of neuroectodermal origin in athymic (nu/nu) mice or cause remission in patients with metastatic melanoma. A human-mouse chimeric anti-GD2 antibody caused remission in patients with metastatic neuroblastoma. The mechanism of action of the antibodies is thought to involve antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) or complement-mediated cytotoxicity (CMC). Clinical responses have been obtained by treating melanoma with Mabs against GM2, GD2 and GD3. Cheresh et al. (1985) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 82:5155–5159. Active immunization with a ganglioside vaccine comprising GM2 produced anti-GM2 antibodies in 50/58 patients, who survived longer on average than patients without detectable anti-GM2 antibody.
Mabs to GD2 have also been found to react specifically with small cell lung carcinoma. Cheresh et al. (1986) Cancer Res. 46:5112–5118. Human Mabs specific for other cancers including lung, melanoma, stomach, squamous cell carcinoma, cervical carcinoma, and mammary carcinoma have also been produced. Murakami (1985) in Vitro Cell. Dev. Biol. 21:593; Schadendorf (1989) J. Immunol. 142:1621–1625; Yoshikawa et al. (1986) Jpn. J. Cancer Res. 77:1122–1133; Pickering and Misra (1984) Clin. Immunol. Immunopathol. 32:253–260; Hagiwara and Sato (1983) Mol. Biol. Med. 1:245–252; and Schlom et al. (1980) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:6841–6845. Human anti-cancer Mabs and the antigens they recognize have also been suggested for use in vaccines. See, e.g. Finn et al. (1995) Immunol. Rev. 145:61–89. A human Mab to malignant brain tumors was used in a phase I clinical trial without adverse side effects. Matsumoto et al. (1994) The Clinical Report 28:118–126. Phase II trial results have been reported on combined treatment with murine Mab and colony stimulating factor in metastatic gastrointestinal cancer. Saleh et al. (1995) Cancer Res. 55:4339–4346. A single chain immunotoxin has also been found to cure carcinomatous meningitis in a rat model. Pastan et al. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 92:2765–2769. Human Mabs that specifically recognize ovarian cancer cells have been shown to effectively image this cancer. Chaudhuri et al. (1994) Cancer 73: 1098–1104.
If there were a simple and reliable strategy for providing immune reactivity against an antigen common to these cancers rather than cancer-specific immunity, the clinical prospects of cancers in general would improve. All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Antigen binding fragments that specifically detect cancer cells, nucleotides encoding the fragments, and use thereof for the prophylaxis and detection of cancers


A radio control apparatus determines a call type of a communication terminal, and transmits a release redirection control signal to the communication terminal. When the call type is a general call, the release redirection signal not including broadcast information is transmitted to the communication terminal. When the call type is an important communication call, the release redirection control signal including the broadcast information is transmitted to the communication terminal.

In the Third Generation Partnership Projects (3GPP), a mobile communication system based on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology has been specified, which is referred to as a "Wideband-Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) System." The mobile communication system (which is referred to as "3G," hereinafter) is widely adopted in many countries, which include Japan and European countries, for example. The W-CDMA system is also referred to as a "Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)." For a system based on a Long Term Evolution (LTE) scheme, specifications have been defined so that a higher data rate, a greater capacity, and lower latency are achieved compared to those of the communication system based on the 3G scheme. For the LTE system, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) technology has been specified. Each of the various types of the radio communication systems is referred to as "Radio Access Technology (RAT)." In addition to the radio communication systems based on the W-CDMA scheme and the LTE scheme, the RATs include radio communication systems based on the CDMA2000 standard and the GERAN standard, for example. These RATs are operated, by various operators, in various countries and regions, with various frequencies. For some cases, a plurality of RATs may be operated in a same area. In such a case, for attempting to distribute load on some RATs, or for a case in which a user requests a service which is only provided in a specific RAT, for example, a process is executed which causes a user to transfer from one specific RAT to another RAT.
For example, supposed that a voice communication service is not provided in a particular RAT, which is based on the LTE scheme, and that a user connected to the RAT requests the voice communication service. In this case, it may be necessary to transfer the user to a RAT, which is based on the 3G scheme, and provide the voice communication service to the user. Such a technique is referred to as "CS Fallback (CSFB)."
One method of switching a connection destination among a plurality of different RATs is a method which is called redirection (Release with Redirection). When it becomes necessary to transfer a user (mobile station) in a RAT to another RAT, a network (NW) transmits a release redirection control signal to a mobile station. The release redirection control signal includes information indicating a destination RAT and a frequency which is used in the destination RAT. The release redirection control signal is a RRC message (RRC Connection Release), which is for reporting that the connection with a current RAT is to be terminated and a connection with a switching destination RAT is to be established. The mobile station that receives the release redirection control signal (RRC Connection Release) terminates the connection with the current RAT; searches for a cell, whose frequency is specified as the switching destination; obtains a synchronization signal; retrieves broadcast information from the switching destination cell; and establishes connection with the switching destination cell. In this manner, the mobile station is served in the switching destination cell. For example, the mobile station can receive a service, which is provided in the switching destination RAT.
A technique is known such that a part of broadcast information (Master information Block: MIB) and a System Information Block (SIB), which are transmitted in the switching destination RAT, is included in the release redirection control signal (RRC Connection Release) so as to reduce a switching time period during the redirection of the mobile station between the RATs. Some specifications of the 3GPP specify this technique, and it is called "Release with redirection with SIB" (cf. Non-Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 2 for this point). Since the mobile station which receives the release redirection control signal can reduce the time period required for retrieving the broadcast information, the switching of the RAT can be executed, while reducing at least the corresponding amount of time. The quick switching of the RATs is desirable in a point that, for example in the CSFB, the voice communication service can be quickly provided by quickly switching the RAT from the LTE scheme to the 3G scheme, after receiving a request for the voice communication from the user. When the RAT is switched by this method, a connection request signal (RRC Connection Request) to be transmitted by the mobile station to a base station of the switching destination RAT includes a predetermined indicator (System Information Container Stored Indicator), which indicates that the mobile station is operating in accordance with the "Release with Redirection with SIB."

Radio control apparatus, connection destination switching method, and system


A rotor includes a rotor core. A permanent magnet constitutes a first magnetic pole, and a part of the rotor core constitutes a second magnetic pole. In the second magnetic pole, a plurality of slits is symmetrically formed with respect to a magnetic pole center line connecting a pole center of the second magnetic pole and the center axis. On one side of the magnetic pole center line in a circumferential direction about the center axis, the plurality of slits has a first slit closest to the magnetic pole center line and a second slit adjacent to the first slit in the circumferential direction. A minimum distance L1 from the first slit to the outer circumference of the rotor core and a minimum distance L2 from the second slit to the outer circumference of the rotor core satisfy L1<L2.

Conventionally, in order to reduce the number of permanent magnets attached to a rotor of a motor, a consequent pole type rotor having a magnet magnetic pole and a pseudo-magnetic pole is developed. Further, in order to reduce noise, formation of a slit in the consequent pole type rotor is proposed (see, for example, Patent Reference 1).


A pressurized fluid discharge gun is used to spray high pressure fluid against various types of surfaces for cleaning purposes. To operate the gun two handles, each with a separate trigger, must be firmly held by the operator. When both triggers are compressed firmly towards the handle, highly pressurized fluid exits the gun. If either one of the triggers is released then the fluid is dumped to a low pressure discharge, i.e. high pressure fluid is not permitted to exit the gun. The gun has a high pressure pipe and a low pressure pipe connected to a main body. A valve assembly, located in the main body, controls whether the fluid from the inlet goes to the high pressure pipe or the low pressure pipe. The valve assembly has a high pressure path and a low pressure path interconnected by two passages. Two pin valves, each controlled by one of the triggers, block the two passages when the triggers are compressed resulting in high pressure fluid flow. When either trigger is released, the pin valve moves causing its respective passage to open resulting in low pressure fluid flow.

This invention relates to a unique valve assembly for controlling fluid flow between high and low pressures in a pressurized fluid discharge device.
Pressurized fluid spray guns are used to spray high pressure fluids against various types of surfaces which need to be cleaned. These spray guns are typically hand held. When spraying highly pressurized fluids from a spray gun, it is importance to have two hands supporting the gun so that the high pressure fluid spray can be effectively controlled. If an operator were to release one hand from the gun, it is possible that the operator would not be able to adequately control the spray gun. Typically, these spray guns have two handle grips, one for each hand, which are used to hold and control the gun. During use, it is possible that the gun leaves one or both of the operators hands. It is then difficult to control the gun.
Prior art spray guns have utilized a single trigger, associated with one of the handles, to control the operation of the gun. This trigger operates a valve which controls whether the fluid will be discharged from the spray gun at a high or low pressure. If the trigger is compressed against the handle then the gun is allowed to eject high pressure fluid. If the trigger is not compressed then the gun dumps the fluid to a low pressure dump. This ensures that the spray gun is properly held and controlled during high pressure fluid discharges. However, as previously emphasized, it is important that two hands be used to hold the gun while it is spraying high pressure fluids. Thus, with prior art devices, if the hand that is holding the handle without the trigger is released, high pressure fluid will continue to be discharged and the operator may not be able to effectively control the spray gun.
It would be desirable to have a spray gun which requires dual hand control before the spray gun can discharge high pressure fluid. Thus, there is a need for a spray gun utilizing two trigger controls, one for each hand, which must be simultaneously compressed before high pressure fluid can be discharged from the spray gun. It would also be desirable to have both triggers control a single valve assembly with independently controlled valve members such that any increase in the size or complexity of parts for the gun is minimized.


A display device includes a display panel including a flexible region and a low flexibility region, wherein the flexible region may include a first transistor including a first semiconductor layer and a first gate electrode, a first conductor connected to the first semiconductor layer, and a first interlayer insulating layer between the first transistor and the first conductor. The low flexibility region may include a second transistor including a second semiconductor layer and a second gate electrode, a second conductor connected to the second semiconductor layer, and a second interlayer insulating layer between the second transistor and the second conductor. The first interlayer insulating layer may include an organic insulating material, the second interlayer insulating layer includes an inorganic insulating material, and a ratio of channel width to channel length of the first transistor may be different from that of the second transistor.

1. Field
One or more aspects of example embodiments of the present disclosure are related to a display device. For example, aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are related to a display device including a display panel of which a portion can be folded.
2. Description of the Related Art
A display device (such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) and/or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display) includes a display panel including a plurality of pixels displaying an image. Each pixel includes a pixel electrode that may be supplied with a data signal, and the pixel electrode may be connected to at least one transistor that transmits the data signal.
The transistor includes a control (e.g., gate) electrode, an input (e.g., source) electrode, an output (e.g., drain) electrode, and a semiconductor layer that is connected to the input electrode and the output electrode. The transistor may be connected to a plurality of signal lines to be supplied with a signal. The plurality of signal lines may include a gate line for receiving a gate signal and a data line for receiving a data voltage.
In place of a substrate that is heavy and has a single fixed state (e.g., shape), a display device including a flexible substrate that is lightweight and has a shape that may be changed (e.g., via bending) has been recently developed. The flexible substrate may include a plastic material such as a polyimide.
A display device including a flexible substrate and having a flexible region of which at least a portion is bendable or foldable may be referred to as a flexible display device. A display device in which the portion of the display panel is bendable may be referred to as a bendable display device.
The above information disclosed in this Background section is provided only to enhance understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and may therefore 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.


In a surface-mount thin-profile capacitor including an aluminum foil as a base member composed of an aluminum core and a pair of etched layers covering opposite surfaces of the aluminum core, a resist resin is formed at a boundary between an anode as each of opposite end portions of the aluminum foil and a cathode formed at a center area of each of opposite surfaces of the aluminum foil. The resist resin separates and isolates the etched layer on the side of the anode and a conductive polymer layer from each other. If a part of the conductive polymer layer climbs up onto the resist resin, the climbing part of the conductive polymer layer is covered with an additional resist resin.

This invention relates to a surface-mount thin-profile capacitor and a method of producing the same and, in particular, to a surface-mount thin-profile capacitor including a metal foil as a base material and a method of producing the same.
A surface-mount thin-profile capacitor of the type includes a metal foil, such as an aluminum foil, as a base material. The metal foil comprises a metal core and a pair of etched layers covering opposite surfaces of the metal core. The metal foil is coated with an oxide film produced by "forming (electrochemical anodic oxidation in an electrochemical process)".
Referring to FIG. 1, an existing surface-mount thin-profile capacitor will be described. In the figure, only a left-hand side of the surface-mount thin-profile capacitor is shown. Although not shown in the figure, a right-hand side has a similar structure. In other words, the surface-mount thin-profile capacitor has a symmetrical structure. In the surface-mount thin-profile capacitor illustrated in the figure, a metal foil as a base material is an aluminum foil 10.
The aluminum foil 10 comprises an aluminum core 11 and a pair of etched layers 12 covering opposite surfaces of the aluminum core 11. The aluminum foil 10 has opposite end portions which serve as anodes, and opposite surfaces each of which has a center area provided with a cathode. The cathode comprises a graphite (Gr) layer 15 and a silver (Ag) layer 16.
The surface-mount thin-profile capacitor illustrated in the figure has a resist resin 13 formed at a boundary between each anode and the cathode (15, 16), and a conductive polymer layer 14 formed inside of and on a surface of each of the etched layers 12 at the center area of the aluminum foil 10. The conductive polymer layer 14 is formed by polymerization of a conductive polymer. On a surface of the conductive polymer layer 14, the cathode (15, 16) is formed.
Next referring to FIG. 2 in addition to FIG. 1, description will be made of a method of producing the existing surface-mount thin-profile capacitor.
At first, the aluminum foil 10 is prepared. The aluminum foil 10 has the aluminum core 11 and the etched layers 12 formed on the opposite surfaces of the aluminum core 11. The etched layers 12 have a number of very small pores. As well known in the art, the aluminum foil 10 is already subjected to forming. Herein, the term "forming" means production of a dielectric film (aluminum oxide film) (not shown) on each of the opposite surfaces of the aluminum foil 10 by electrochemical anodic oxidation. In detail, the dielectric film is also formed on an internal wall of each small pore in the etched layers 12.
Generally, the dielectric film covering each surface of the aluminum foil 10 is readily damaged. In order to repair a damaged portion of the dielectric film, the aluminum foil 10 is subjected to re-forming (aging) (step S11). The opposite end portions, i.e., left and right end portions (the left end portion alone is shown in the figure) of the aluminum foil 10 are used as the anodes of the capacitor. As will later be described, the cathode (15, 16) is formed at the center area of each of the opposite surfaces of the aluminum foil 10. At the boundary between each anode and the cathode (15, 16), the resist resin 13 is applied to the etched layer 12 of the aluminum foil 10 (step S12). Subsequently, the aluminum foil 10 is subjected to re-forming (step S13). Furthermore, re-forming is carried out prior to polymerization (step S14).
Thereafter, by polymerization of the conductive polymer, the conductive polymer layer 14 is formed at the center area of the aluminum foil 10 separated by the resist resin 13 from an anode-side area (step S15). In this process, a part of the conductive polymer penetrates into the etched layer 12 of the aluminum foil 10. In other words, the conductive polymer enters into the small pores of the etched layer 12. By repeating polymerization, the conductive polymer layer 14 is formed to a height substantially equal to that of the resist resin 13. As shown in FIG. 1, a part 14a of the conductive polymer layer 14 at each of left and right ends thereof (only the left end is illustrated in the figure) may sometimes climb up onto an upper surface of the resist resin 13 to be exposed.
On the surface of the conductive polymer layer 14, the Gr layer 15 is formed (step S16). Then, on a surface of the Gr layer 15, the Ag layer 16 is formed (step S17). A combination of the Gr layer 15 and the Ag layer 16 is used as the cathode of the capacitor. Thus, the existing surface-mount thin-profile capacitor is produced.
In the surface-mount thin-profile capacitor of the above-mentioned structure, a porous portion of the etched layer 12 can not completely be filled by the resist resin 13. Therefore, as depicted by arrows A and B in FIG. 1, the conductive polymer and oxygen easily pass through the porous portion of the etched layer 12 inside the resist resin 13. As a result, the existing surface-mount thin-profile capacitor has following disadvantages.
(1) Entry of oxygen promotes oxidation deterioration of the conductive polymer. Therefore, high-temperature reliability can not be assured.
(2) Penetration of the conductive polymer towards the anode causes short-circuiting and an increase in LC.
(3) Exposure of the part 14a of the conductive polymer layer 14 climbing up onto the upper surface of the resist resin 13 causes oxidation deterioration of the polymer.
Presumably, the above-mentioned disadvantages are caused by the following reason. The porous portion of the etched layer 12 of the aluminum foil 10 has very small pores. Therefore, the resist resin 13 can not completely be filled from the surface of the aluminum foil 10 to the depth of the etched layer 12.

Surface-mount thin-profile capacitor and method of producing the same


An assembly and a method for determining a change in capacitance in a cable, such as a change caused by a deformation of the cable. The deformation may be caused by a deforming element attached to the cable and slideable along the cable. The deforming element may be adapted to be compressed by a user and convert the compression force into a compression of the cable so as to cause the capacitance change. The assembly may form part of a headset and the deformation may be used to control a media player or mobile telephone used with the headset.

(1) Field
The present invention relates to an assembly comprising a sensor configured to determine a change in capacitance in a cable and a method of determining a change in capacitance in a cable.
(2) Description of Related Art
A change in capacitance of a cable may be brought about by deforming the cable or e.g. another capacitance touching the cable. This deformation or touch may be used for e.g. controlling electronics connected to the cable, such as a media player or mobile telephone feeding signals through the cable to e.g. a headset.
Capacitance sensors may be seen in e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 3,895,293, U.S. Pat. No. 7,250,773 and US 2005/0077909.

Assembly and a method of determining a change in capacitance


A new and distinct Petunia plant named ‘DANRAY5’ characterized by having mounded growth habit; large in size, red-colored flowers; high rate floriferous; early to bloom with long bloom period; and suitable for patios and outdoor beddings.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Petunia plant, botanically known as Petunia sensu Wijsman, hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name 'DANRAY5'.
The new Petunia cultivar is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the inventor, Gabriel Danziger, in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva, Israel. The objective of the breeding program is to develop a new Petunia variety with a mounded plant habit and large inflorescence with unique coloration.
The new Petunia cultivar originated from a cross-made in a controlled breeding program by the inventor, Gabriel Danziger, in 2006, in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva, Israel. The female or seed parent is Petunia sensu Wijsman 'PE-1705' (unpatented), and the male or pollen parent is Petunia sensu Wijsman 'PE-99' (unpatented). The new Petunia cultivar 'DANRAY5' was discovered and selected by the inventor, Gabriel Danziger, as a single flowering plant within the progeny of the stated cross in a controlled environment in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva, Israel.
Asexual reproduction of the new Petunia cultivar by vegetative cuttings used in propagation was first performed in April of 2007 in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva, Israel, and has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed for the new cultivar are firmly fixed and retained through successive generations of asexual reproduction. The new cultivar reproduces true-to-type.


Disclosed is the characterization and purification of DNA encoding numerous polypeptides factors useful for the inhibition of cell (particularly, Schwann cell) proliferation. These factors are useful for the treatment of neural tumors. Also disclosed are the DNA sequences encoding novel polypeptides which may have use as agents which inhibit cell proliferation. Methods for the synthesis, purification, and testing of both known and novel polypeptides for their use as therapeutic and diagnostic aids in the treatment of diseases are also provided. Methods are also provided for the use of these polypeptides for the preparation of antibody probes. Such probes have diagnostic and therapeutic use in diseases involving neural and glial cells.

The invention relates to compounds which are inhibitors of cell proliferation, having antiproliferative activity on a variety of cell types.
Many vertebrate cell types respond to diffusible growth factors as stimuli which regulate proliferation. A number of these growth factors and their cognate receptors have been purified, and the genes encoding them have been cloned and characterized (Sporn and Roberts eds. (1991) Peptide Growth Factors and their Receptors I and II. Springer-Verlaz, New York). Many cancers, which are diseases of cell proliferation, involve genetic modifications which affect the nature of the growth factor-receptor interaction. Such modifications can result in unregulated stimulation of proliferation in the receptor bearing target cell. Additionally, certain tumors of the nervous system involve the regulation of proliferation of cells from both the central and peripheral nervous systems.
The glial cells of vertebrates constitute the specialized connective tissue of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Important glial cells include the peripheral Schwann cells which provide both the metabolic support for neurons and the myelin sheathing around the axons of certain peripheral neurons, thereby forming individual nerve fibers. Schwann cells support neurons and provide a sheath effect by forming concentric layers of membrane around adjacent neuron axons, twisting as they develop around the axons. These myelin sheaths are a susceptible element of many nerve fibers. Damage to Schwann cells, or failure in growth and development, can be associated with significant demyelination or nerve degeneration characteristic of a number of peripheral nervous system diseases and disorders. In the development of the nervous system, it has become apparent that cells require various factors to regulate their division and growth. Several regulators of Schwann cell proliferation and differentiation have been identified. Such factors play an important role in both the development and the regeneration (following injury) of the peripheral nervous system.
Brockes et al. ((1984) J. Neuroscience 4:75-83) describe a protein growth factor present in extracts from bovine brain and pituitary tissue, termed Glial Growth Factor (GGF). This factor stimulates cultured rat Schwann cells to divide against a background medium containing ten percent fetal calf serum. GGF has been described as having a molecular weight of 31 KD and readily forming dimers. Brockes ((1987) Meth. Enz. 147:217-225) describes a Schwann cell-based assay for 31 kD GGF and purification using reversed phase HPLC.
The J. Neuroscience article of Brockes et al., supra, describes methods of purification of GGF to apparent homogeneity. In brief, one large-scale purification method described involves extraction of the lyophilized bovine anterior lobes and chromatography of material obtained thereby, using NaCl gradient elution from CM cellulose. Gel filtration is then carried out with an Ultrogel column, followed by elution from a phosphocellulose column, and finally, small-scale SDS gel electrophoresis. Alternatively, the CM-cellulose material was applied directly to a phosphocellulose column, fractions from the column were pooled and purified by preparative native gel electrophoresis, followed by a final SDS gel electrophoresis.
Brockes et al. ((1980) J. Biol. Chem. 255:8374-8377) observe that in gel filtration experiments the major peak of growth factor activity is observed to migrate with a molecular weight of 56 KD, whereas in the first of the above-described procedures activity was predominantly observed at molecular weight 31 KD. They report that the GGF dimer is largely removed as a result of the gradient elution from CM-cellulose in this procedure.
Benveniste et al. ((1985) PNAS 82:3930-3934) describe a T lymphocyte-derived glial growth promoting factor. This factor, under reducing conditions, exhibits a change in apparent molecular weight on SDS gels.
Kimura et al. ((1990) Nature 348:257-260) describe a factor they term Schwannoma-derived growth factor (SDGF) obtained from a sciatic nerve sheath tumor. The authors state that SDGF does not stimulate the incorporation of tritium-labelled TdR into cultured Schwann cells under conditions where, in contrast, partially purified pituitary fraction containing GGF is active. SDGF has an apparent molecular weight between 31 KD and 35 KD.
Davis et al. ((1990) J. Cell. Biol. 110:1353-1360) describe the screening of a number of candidate mitogens. The chosen candidate substances being examined for their ability to stimulate DNA synthesis in Rat Schwann cells in the presence of 10% FCS (fetal calf serum), with and without forskolin. One of the factors tested, GGF-carboxymethyl cellulose fraction (GGF-CM), was mitogenic in the presence of FCS, with and without forskolin. It was also observed that in the presence of forskolin platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) is a potent mitogen for Schwann cells. Previous to this finding, PDGF was not thought to have a mitogenic effect on Schwann cells.
Holmes et al. ((1992) Science 256:1205) and Wen et al. ((1992) Cell 69:559) demonstrate that DNA sequences which encode proteins which bind to a receptor (p185.sup.erbB2) are associated with several human tumors.
The p185.sup.erbB2 protein is a 185 kilodalton membrane spanning protein with tyrosine kinase activity. The protein is encoded by the erbB2 proto-oncogene (Yarden and Ullrich. (1988) Ann. Rev. Biochem. 57:443). The erbB2 gene, also referred to as HER-2 (in human cells) and neu (in rat cells), is closely related to the receptor for epidermal growth factor (EGF). Recent evidence indicates that proteins which interact with (and activate the kinase of) p185.sup.erbB2 induce proliferation in the cells bearing p185.sup.erbB2 (Holmes et al. (1992) Science 256:1205; Dobashi et al. (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 88:8582; and Lupu et al. (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 89:2287).
Although ligands have been identified which stimulate proliferation of cells with certain receptors (e.g., the p185.sup.erbB2 receptor), there exists a need to identify and isolate factors which act as inhibitors of cell proliferation at these receptor sites. Such inhibitors could be used for the purpose of treating cell proliferative disorders (e.g., neoplasms).

Method for making antibodies which specifically bind to glial growth factors


An image forming apparatus includes a notifier, a power source, a first replaceable unit, a first body connector, a power supply switch, a detachment necessity determiner for determining whether the first replaceable unit needs to be detached, and a power supply controller. The first body connector includes a body power terminal and allows the first replaceable unit to be detachably connected thereto. The first replaceable unit includes a unit connector and an operation portion. The unit connector is connected to the body power terminal for supplying a power voltage to the operation portion. When the first replaceable unit is determined necessary to be detached, the power supply controller causes the power supply switch to turn off supply of the power source voltage from the power source to the body power terminal and causes the notifier to provide a notification recommending detachment of the first replaceable unit.

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and, in particular, to a technique of controlling power supply to a replaceable unit mounted in the image forming apparatus when the replaceable unit is dismounted from the image forming apparatus.
Conventionally, it has been known that a replaceable component having a life cycle, such as a toner container and a developer, is constituted into a replaceable unit which is detachable in an image forming apparatus. When a replaceable component terminates the life, the image forming apparatus informs a user of the state of the replaceable component. This allows the user to perform a replacement. The replacement includes detaching a specific replaceable unit having the replaceable component terminating the life, and attaching a new replaceable unit to the apparatus body.
However, if the user detaches the replaceable unit under supply of a power source voltage, a so-called surge voltage is likely to occur instantaneously in the connection between the replaceable unit and the apparatus body. This causes flow of a large current into the replaceable unit, which may damage the replaceable unit.
Accordingly, there is known a technique of providing a ground pin longer than a power source pin in a connector for attaching an input/output device thereto, for example. According to this technique, when the input/output device is detached from the connector, the power source pin is disconnected before the ground pin. This allows a current caused by the occurrence of a surge voltage at the power source pin to flow to the ground when the input/output device is detached from the connector.
In addition, there is known a technique of providing a spiral spring around a pin header. According to this technique, when the pin header is detached from a socket receptacle, the spiral spring exerts a biasing force to cause the pin header to be detached quickly from the socket receptacle. Therefore, the connection between the pin header and the socket receptacle can be prevented from being damaged by the occurrence of spark discharge in the connection.

Image forming apparatus having a replacement unit and a power supply switch that is turned off when detachment of the replaceable unit is necessary


Disclosed herein are techniques and a display panel that can sequentially display images while the host processor is inactive (e.g., asleep, power gated, or the like). The display panel includes circuitry to receive a set of encoded images, sequentially decode the encoded images provide a bitstream of the decoded images to the display electronics. The host is arranged to encode the images, send the encoded images to a frame buffer at the panel and configure the panel for a low power multi-image presentation mode.

Modern display panels typically include frame buffers, which are integrated into the display panel and provide memory retention to allow for the panel to "self-refresh." Self-refresh techniques provide a significant boost to energy efficiency of display devices. However, in instances where more than one image is to be presented, the display cannot "simply" self-refresh. As such, a number of processors and interfaces must remain active and power consumption increases in such instances.

Low power advertising mode for sequential image presentation