The present invention relates to a watercraft attachment device for joining two watercrafts comprising: a pair of parallel tubes, where said parallel tubes are substantially parallel to the watercrafts; a pair of perpendicular tubes, where said perpendicular tubes are substantially perpendicular to the two parallel tubes and adjoin the parallel tubes; four abutting corners, where the four abutting corners are formed by the intersecting tubes; a plurality of hook attachments extending from the each corner, where said hook attachments extend over a lip of each cockpit within the watercrafts to connect the watercrafts to the watercraft attachment device; and at least one tension cord extending from each corner, where said tensioning cords tighten the hook attachments to secure the watercraft attachment device in place.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention provides an attachment device which temporarily attaches to watercrafts in order to combine the watercrafts into one multi-hull watercraft.
2. Description of Related Art
Many types of watercrafts are popular boats used for fishing, as a tender to a larger vessel, or as a competitive sport. The smaller watercrafts may include kayaks, canoes and dinghies. Some watercrafts of this type may have either a hard or soft shell where the soft shell may be associated with the inflatable type of watercrafts. Because the size of such watercrafts may be limited, a group of people may utilize multiple boats on an outing involving a number of people.
Many smaller watercrafts are single-hulled boats that may be powered by hand paddling or rowing in the case of a rowboat. Users may utilize a single paddle, two paddles used in unison or a paddle per occupant to propel the watercraft through the waterway. Some watercrafts may accommodate two or more people depending on size and configuration. Smaller watercraft however do have some size limitations and thus larger groups of people will need to use multiple watercrafts on outer. On certain occasions where multiple watercrafts are being employed by a group, it may be advantageous to temporarily join two or more watercrafts to form a single multi-hulled watercraft due to water conditions or as desired for other purposes such as fishing.
The prior art includes disclosure of a dual-hulled kayak, U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,498 which discloses two separate kayak hulls that are rigidly joined to form a stiff and flexible structure that is capable of seating two or more persons. The kayak disclosed within the '498 patent includes upright seating across the middle of the joint kayak hulls and the use of row paddles to propel the uniform dual-hulled kayak through a waterway.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,871,608 discloses a dual-hulled watercraft that enables a user to straddle a connector between the hulls in order to navigate the dual-hulled watercraft. In another reference, U.S. Pat. No. 5,189,974, a catamaran kayak is disclosed that includes a plurality of hulls that are joined together and laterally spaced by elongated connectors. The catamaran kayak of the '974 patent includes flexible couplings that are formed on the hulls to receive the ends of the elongated connectors. Similar to the above references, the catamaran kayak is a permanently affixed fixture that allows two or more kayaks to be laterally joined.
Consequently there is a need for a apparatus which could be conveniently attached to two or more separate watercrafts that enables the watercrafts to be joined at least temporarily in order to create a multi-hulled watercraft without having to incorporate permanently affixed coupling and to maintain the original structure in place.


A display device includes an organic film with a pattern in which forming portions and non-forming portions are present in a mixed form in the periphery thereof, and the pattern is formed around the periphery of the organic film.

The present invention relates to a display device and, more particularly, the invention relates to improvements in the formation of films, such as an orientation film in an liquid crystal display device.
A liquid crystal display device, for example, is configured such that an envelope is formed by a pair of substrates which are arranged to face each other in an opposed manner with liquid crystal disposed therebetween, and a large number of pixels are formed in the area of the liquid crystal.
A pair of electrodes are formed in each pixel, and the optical transmissivity of the liquid crystal is controlled for each pixel in response to an electric field generated between these electrodes.
Although the optical transmissivity of the liquid crystal is determined in accordance with the modes of behavior of the liquid crystal, depending on the strength of the electric field applied to the liquid crystal, it is necessary to set the initial orientation direction of molecules of the liquid crystal, and this can be performed by orientation films which are formed on respective liquid-crystal-side surfaces of the respective substrates which are brought into contact with the liquid crystal.
The orientation films are formed of, for example, a resin film which covers the whole of a liquid crystal display part, which is constituted of a plurality of pixels, wherein a rubbing treatment, for example, is applied to the liquid-crystal-side surfaces, and the rubbing direction is aligned with the initial orientation direction of the molecules of the liquid crystal which is brought into contact with the orientation films.
Further, with respect to the formation of the resin film, a method which forms the resin film using a so-called ink jet printing method is disclosed in JP-A-2001-337316, for example.

Display device and manufacturing method thereof


A device includes a first light source device configured to transmit a first light in a first direction and a second light source device configured to transmit a second light in a second direction. The device also includes a first set of one or more lenses configured for directing the first light from the first light source device and the second light from the second light source device toward a first eye of a user. Also disclosed is a method that includes transmitting a first light and a second light through a first set of one or more lenses and directing the first light and the second light toward a first eye of a user. Further disclosed is a method for adjusting a distance between an eye and a lens of the first set of one or more lenses.

Head-mounted display devices (also called herein head-mounted displays) are gaining popularity as means for providing visual information to user. Different users can have different interpupillary distances, and it is important to set up a head-mounted display device for the correct interpupillary distance of a user, as an incorrect interpupillary distance can cause visual distortion.
However, determining an accurate interpupillary distance has often required professional assistance (e.g., a measurement by an optician). In the absence of such professional assistance, users often set up display devices for incorrect interpupillary distances, which reduces the user experience with such devices.
In addition, placing an eye of a user at an appropriate distance from an exit pupil (e.g., a last lens) of a head-mounted display device is also important. When the eye is located at a position that does not correspond to a design eye relief, the field of view is reduced, which also reduces the user experience with the head-mounted display device.

Devices and methods for adjusting lens positions based on encoded light patterns


The present invention provides an SSAO inhibitor and an application thereof in preparing a drug for treating a disease related to SSAO. In particular, the present invention provides a compound shown in formula (IV) and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In most organisms including humans, two families of mammalian metabolize various monoamine-, diamine-, and polyamines that are endogenously produced or absorbed from exogenous sources through amine oxidases. These include monoamine oxidases (MAO-A and MAO-B) present in mitochondria of most cell types and using covalently bound flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) as a cofactor. Polyamine oxidase is another FAD-dependent amine oxidase that oxidizes deaminospermine and spermidine. SSAO/VAP-1 belongs to the second family that is copper-dependent and uses other cofactors such as oxidative tyrosine residues (abbreviated as TPQ or LTQ) in addition to FAD. MAO and SSAO/VAP-1 oxidative deamination includes some common substrates of monoamines such as dopamine, tyramine, and benzylamine. SSAO/VAP-1 also oxidizes endogenous methylamine and aminoacetone.
Semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO), also known as primary amine oxidase, plasma amine oxidase, and benzylamine oxidase, is structurally identical to vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1). SSAO/VAP-1 is used to describe the protein. Please see the following literature reviews for the role of this protein in inflammatory diseases (Smith D. J. and Vaino P. J., Targeting Vascular Adhesion Protein-1 to Treat Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 2007, 1110, 382-388; and McDonald I. A. et al., Semicarbazide Sensitive Amine Oxidase and Vascular Adhesion Protein-1: One Protein Being Validated as a Therapeutic Target for Inflammatory Diseases. Annual Reports in Medicinal Chemistry, 2008, 43, 229-241).
Some of these enzymes are initially defined by the ability of some compounds to inhibit their enzymatic activity. For example, MAO-A is selectively inhibited by clorgiline, and MAO-B is selectively inhibited by L-deprenyl, although neither clorgiline nor L-deprenyl inhibits the amine oxidase activity of SSAO/VAP-1. SSAO/VAP-1 can be inhibited by semicarbazide, hence semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase is named.
SSAO/VAP-1 is an extracellular enzyme comprising a very short cytoplasmic tail, a single transmembrane domain and a large hyperglycosylated extracellular domain comprising an active center for amine oxidase activity. SSAO/VAP-1 is also present in a dissolved form that circulates in the plasma of some animals. This form has been shown to be a cleavage product of membrane-bound SSAO/VAP-1.
SSAO/VAP-1 appears to have two physiological functions: the first is the above amine oxidase activity and the second is cell adhesion activity. Both activities are related to the inflammatory process. SSAO/VAP-1 has been shown to play an important role in extravasation of circulating inflammatory cells from the site of inflammation (Salmi M. and Jalkanen S., VAP-1: adhesins and enzymes. Trends Immunol. 2001, 22, 211-216). The VAP-1 antibody has been shown to attenuate the inflammatory process by blocking the site of adhesion of the SSAO/VAP-1 protein and provides a large amount of evidences for in vitro and in vivo knockout. It is now clear that SSAO/VAP-1 is an important cellular mediator of inflammation.
WO2013163675 discloses a compound PXS-4728A, which has a structure as follows:


A system, method and apparatus having the capability of issuing at least one unique identifying card, associating a payment amount and face value with each unique identifying card and receiving a payment for each unique identifying card. The method, system and apparatus are further capable of crediting the payment to one or more revenue distribution recipients in real time and updating the face value of the unique identifying card in real time to reflect its use for a transaction, and of tracking information about the card and use of the card.

Economic transactions include but are not limited to cash transactions, credit or debit card transactions, open account transactions, Internet based transactions, mail order transactions, electronic wire transfers or using prepaid cards or cards, tokens, barter, vouchers or coupons. They may further involve multi-vendor promotions, multi-level sales and distribution, auction, fundraising, or other methods of marketing.
For transactions involving cards, it is desirable to track information about how and where the card is used, the validity of the card, and to update the face value of the card contemporaneously or in real time. It is also desirable to accurately and efficiently distribute payment or revenue received from cards and transactions to persons and/or entities entitled to payment or compensation.
Various persons or entities, hereinafter referred to as "revenue distribution recipients" may be entitled to all or a portion of the payment or economic value received from a card-related transaction.
"Revenue distribution recipient" as used herein, is a term used to designate any individual or entity entitled to compensation on a fixed or percentage basis or based on any other form of recognition or formula for compensation when a payment for a card-related transaction is received. A revenue distribution recipient may include, but is not limited to, the following:                sales agents or persons or entities involved in the selling, transfer, or promotion of accounts or goods and services capable of being associated and tracked using the system described herein;        nonprofit entities, charitable organizations or other tax exempt and non-exempt entities and organizations to whom a fixed amount or a percentage of the payment may be donated pursuant to a rate plan;        management personnel;        one or more vendors;        representatives of vendors of goods and services, profit or nonprofit organizations and other public and private entities;        one or more customers;        administrative entities and personnel carrying out related or support functions;        a trade association or group of vendors having a common characteristic or affiliation; and        media and other service entities and individuals and entities associated with the promotion, publicity, publication, and representation of revenue distribution recipients, vendors, and users of the system described herein.
"Card" as used herein, is any data or datum capable of identifying a particular customer or person or entity entitled to use a card as payment for goods and/or services. For example, a card could be a plastic card, metal card, paper card, a gift card, a rechargeable gift card, an electronically transmitted document such as an e-mail or file maintained on a computer or terminal, checking account information, a credit card number, other account number, a token, a numeric code, a magnetic code, a bar code, bio-informatics data, a code word, a digital signature, a sequence known to the purchaser or vendor, or other data capable of being associated with a commercial transaction, including combinations thereof. A card may be recognized by one or more vendors for a group of purposes of recognizing payment, receiving discounts, tracking account holder behavior and transactions, or for other purposes. The card may be made of paper, plastic, metal or any other material capable of transmitting printed, encoded or embedded information. The card may contain a magnetic strip or encoding capable of being read by devices configured to read credit card information, or other media capable of being encoded with such information. The card may access, use and/or alter information in a third party data base such as a credit card or bank database to facilitate, validate, initiate, or convey information about transactions using the card.
"Customer" as used herein, is an identified or unidentified individual or entity that receives and is the holder or bearer of card and is entitled to use one or more cards which may or may not be associated with a monetary amount, and which may or may not be used to track behavior and transactions of the card holder or user.
"Transaction" as used herein, is the exchange of value for goods and services, including the use of a card for goods and/or services, or any event which affects the face value of a card including payments which reflect the recharge value of the card.
"Recharge value" as used herein, is the updated face value of a card after a payment or transaction occurs which increases the face value of a previously issued card.
"Payment" as used herein, may include any form of currency, credit, electronic fund transfer, checking transaction, balance from a gift card, voucher or coupon or other transfer of value.
"Face value" as used herein, is a monetary or other amount associate to card which may be applied to the purchase of goods and/or services by vendors. The face value may be more, less or equal to the amount paid for the card, may be positive or negative and may also be a non-monetary value such as access rights. Upon the first use of a card, or upon other specified events and conditions, a card may have an updated face value which can be zero or any other monetary amount. An updated face value may reflect a transaction or other pre-designated event.
"Rate plan" as used herein is a distribution of revenue for card among one or more revenue distribution recipients, based upon policies, percentages and statistical or other information.
"Promotional campaign" as used herein is a strategic plan, which may be implemented using software, to associate a group of cards (herein referred to as a "tier") with a rate plan. In addition to associating a particular tier of cards with a particular rate plan, the promotional campaign may further specify the duration that a particular rate plan may be in effect (a "cycle"). A cycle may be a specified time frame, or perpetual. The cards within a tier may have an aggregate dollar value. The cards within a tier, may, but are not required to be, issued by the same vendor. Furthermore, a single vendor may be associated with one or multiple tiers of cards, and the face values of individual cards within a tier may vary. For example, one vendor may be associated with a tier of cards having varying face amounts and an aggregate monetary value of X, and such tier may be associated with rate plan Y. In this example, when cards exceeding X are sold, rate plan Z may be in effect for a second tier of cards associated with a different rate plan.
"Redemption policy" as used herein is any policy, program, promotion, rule or convention which affects the economic value associated with a card. Examples of redemption policies include but are not limited to expiration dates, vendor policies associated with acceptance of cards and the value attributed to cards, issuing rewards, issuing reward points or the scoring or tracking of transactions associated with card to determine its ultimate economic or redemption value.
"Real time" means any time between the attempt and/or completion of an initial transaction using card and the attempt and/or completion of a subsequent transaction using card.
"Vendor" as the term is used herein is any seller of goods and services or provider of information or access which accepts card as a form of payment or consideration or recognizes a card for any other purpose. "Multiple vendors" as the term is used herein, means a plurality of vendors that have no commercial or economic affiliation with each other, but may also include vendors that do have a common economic affiliation, ownership or characteristic with each other.

System and apparatus for transactions using prepaid cards


A negative feedback inductor and a gate inductor are formed in different wiring layers of a substrate so as to be at least partially overlapped with each other in a plan view. When the lower wiring layer is thinner and the upper wiring layer is thicker, the negative feedback inductor Lc is formed in the lower wiring layer that is thinner.

Conventionally, in a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) used for performing current-voltage conversion and amplification on a current signal, a negative feedback resistor is provided in a grounded-source amplifier circuit.
FIG. 17 shows the main portion of a TIA 200 that employs a grounded-source amplifier circuit. In this TIA 200, one end of a negative feedback resistor R is connected to the drain of an n-channel MOS transistor Mn whose source is grounded, and an inductor Lc (hereinafter, called a negative feedback inductor) is connected between the other end of the negative feedback resistor R and a current signal input line Lin. Also, an inductor Lb (hereinafter, called a gate inductor) is connected between the gate of the n-channel MOS transistor Mn and the current signal input line Lin. In this TIA 200, inductor peaking occurs due to the negative feedback inductor Lc connected in front of the negative feedback resistor R and the gate inductor Lb connected in front of the gate of the n-channel MOS transistor Mn, thus extending the bandwidth.
Note that a method for causing inductor peaking to occur by connecting a negative feedback inductor in front of a negative feedback resistor is disclosed in NPL 1, for example. Also, NPL 2 discloses a method for causing inductor peaking to occur by connecting a gate inductor in front of a gate.

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation


This disclosure describes a lighting apparatus comprising a light hue modulating device that generates compensating light to adjust the light to a desired hue within a space regardless of the hue of the ambient light within the room.

The invention generally pertains to lighting systems. Conventional lighting systems include lights that are switched between an on state in which a consistent color of light is projected, and an off state in which no light is projected depending on the desired lighting conditions. Halogen lights, incandescent lights, and/or fluorescent lights are often used in these lighting systems. These conventional lighting systems provide a substantially constant color or hue when in the on state. As the ambient light in the room varies, so will the combined hue of the ambient light combined with the light from the conventional lighting systems.
It would be desirable to provide a lighting system that provides a more desirable hue of illumination.
The same numbers are used throughout the document to reference like components and/or features.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


Methods, systems and programs are disclosed for providing a page with a plurality of code portions. In accordance with one embodiment, a computer system is provided that includes a browser client and a page-generator server. The page-generator may provide an HTML-page with a plurality of Y-code portions in HTML by using a page description with X-code portions in XML. The generator may read a set of first data items from an interface and read the description that defines a table structure, references to the first data items, a set of second data items, and a presentation direction by which the first and second data items are to be consecutively presented by the browser. Further, the generator may provide the Y-code portions for the page by writing corresponding structure code to the page according to the table structure, by writing data code (a) corresponding to the first data items resolved from the references and (b) corresponding to the second data items, and by writing presentation direction code. Presentation directions may include horizontal and vertical presentation directions.

Client and server computers often communicate over networks such as the Internet or over a company intranet. The client sends a request to the server; and the server generates a web page by accessing a data interface (i.e. data base) for data items (e.g., author, title, price information) The page generator in the server computer is often referred to as "renderer"; the page uses a markup language format such as HTML. In the client computer, a browser interprets the page and provides a presentation to a screen. The presentations often use tables with the table elements row, column and cell. Often, the page generator adds predefined further data items, such as predetermined text portions (e.g. currency symbols). Simply, in case of one-to-one assignment from item to cell, one table cell shows one data item. More complex, one table cell shows multiple data items.
It is desired to define the arrangement of data items in the table as free as possible and to customize an existing table. For example, an existing table writes data items in horizontally arranged cells, and a modified table writes the same data items in vertically arranged cells.
However, for defining and customizing the table, technical problems have co be solved. The modified table requires a modified page. Hence the page generator needs to generate a different page code. Since the page generator is a compiled computer program, the page generator has to be modified at least partially in source code and has to be re-compiled.
Further problems are raised because the person who redesigns the page generator needs knowledge in computer programming (e.g., source code of page generator, infrastructure of compiler). There is an ongoing need for a technical solution that alleviates these problems.

Method, system and program for providing page with plurality of code portions in browser markup language


A data storage device includes a memory and a controller. A method includes accessing data stored at the memory to generate a first logical page. The method further includes generating a second logical page. Generating the second logical page includes accessing parity information from the memory. The parity information is associated with the first logical page. The method further includes generating a third logical page. Generating the third logical page includes modifying a first value of the first logical page based on a second bit value of the second logical page.

Non-volatile data storage devices have enabled increased portability of data and software applications. For example, multi-level cell (MLC) storage elements of a flash memory device may each store multiple bits of data, enhancing data storage density as compared to single-level cell (SLC) flash memory devices. Consequently, flash memory devices enable users to store and access a large amount of data. As a number of bits stored per cell increases, bit errors in stored data typically increase.
SLC and MLC flash memory devices may use error correcting code (ECC) techniques to correct a number of errors in read data up to a certain error correction capability of the particular ECC technique used to encode the data. If the number of errors exceeds the error correction capability of the particular ECC technique used, an uncorrectable ECC (UECC) error may occur, resulting in data loss. In some cases, error correction capability may be increased by using "soft" information that indicates a probability of bits having a particular bit value. For example, a decoder of a flash memory device may use additional "soft" bits to determine which "hard" bits of read data are likely to be incorrect. Such soft bit techniques may increase error correction capability of a flash memory device but may also use processing resources and/or increase read latency at the flash memory device, which may decrease performance of the flash memory device.

Error correction using multiple data sources


A method for determining the existence of duplexes of oligonucleotide complementary molecules is provided whereby a plurality of immobilized oligonucleotide molecules, each of a specific length and each having a specific base sequence, is contacted with complementary, single stranded oligonucleotide molecules to form a duplex so as to facilitate intercalation of a fluorescent dye between the base planes of the duplex. The invention also provides for a method for constructing oligonucleotide matrices comprising confining light sensitive fluid to a surface, exposing said light-sensitive fluid to a light pattern so as to cause the fluid exposed to the light to coalesce into discrete units and adhere to the surface; and contacting each of the units with a set of different oligonucleotide molecules so as to allow the molecules to disperse into the units.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method for rapidly detecting the presence of duplex formation between single stranded nucleotide macromolecules, and more specifically, this invention relates to a method for using oligonucleotide arrays to rapidly detect duplex formation of oligonucleotide sequences. This invention also relates to a simple procedure for producing the oligonucleotide-arrays.
2. Background of the Invention
Present techniques for determining the existence of target sequences in patient DNA are complex, inefficient and somewhat time consuming. For example, one multi-step DNA sequencing approach, the Maxam and Gilbert method, involves first labeling DNA, and then splitting the DNA with a chemical, designed to alter a specific base, to produce a set of labeled fragments. The process is repeated by cleaving additional DNA with other chemicals specific for altering different bases, to produce additional sets of labeled fragments. The multiple fragment sets then must be run side-by-side in electrophoresis gels to determine base sequences.
Another sequencing method, the dideoxy procedure, based on Sanger, et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 74, 5463-7 (1977) first requires the combination of a chain terminator as a limiting reagent, and then the use of polymerase to generate various length molecules, said molecules later to be compared on a gel. The accompanying lengthy electrophoresis procedures further detracts from the utility of this method as a fast and efficient sequencing tool.
A more recently developed sequencing strategy involves sequencing by hybridization on oligonucleotide microchips, or matrices, (SHOM) whereby DNA is hybridized with a complete set of oligonucleotides, which are first immobilized at fixed positions on a glass plate or polyacrylamide gel matrix. There are drawbacks to this technique, however. For instance, given that short nucleotide sequences are repeated rather frequently in long DNA molecules, the sequencing of lengthy genome strings is not feasible via SHOM. Also, hybridization with short oligonucleotides is affected by hairpin structures in DNA.
Furthermore, SHOM requires the utilization of high volume substrates containing many thousands of cells. If immobilized octamers are utilized to determine the positions of each of the four bases in genomic DNA, for example, then 4.sup.8 or 65,536 such octamers, themselves which would need to be previously fabricated, would have to be immobilized in individual cells on the gel matrix.
The production of literally thousands of these cells on the polyacrylamide substrates is problematic. First, these cells must be accurately spaced relative to one another. Second, these cells must be of sufficient depth and volume to hold predetermined amounts of the oligonucleotide. Cell sizes can range from 25 microns (.mu.m) to 1000 .mu.m.
Typically, cells are produced in a myriad of ways. Two-dimensional scribing techniques and laser evaporation are two typical methods of cell formation. Mechanical scribing techniques are limited, however, in that the smallest structures which can be produced via this method are approximately 100 .mu.m.times.100 .mu.m. Lasers applications, because of their expense, also are limiting. Furthermore, both of these procedures require complex equipment and experienced personnel.
A need exists in the art to provide a rapid and efficient method for detecting the existence of complementary sequences to target DNA strands. This detection method should be performed using standard reagents found in a typical biochemistry facility. A need also exists for a method to produce accurate polyacrylamide matrices to be used in the above-disclosed duplex detection method. Such a matrix production method also must be simple enough to be performed in typically-equipped biochemical laboratories.

Rapid method to detect duplex formation in sequencing by hybridization methods


What is described is an arrangement for monitoring the quality of electric welds on bodies (10) for the production of cans. Welding parameter values (F.sub.i), which have been measured on a number of bodies (10) found to be good are statistically evaluated in an evaluation device (22). For this purpose, an average welding parameter profile is determined. Then a reject limiting-value band (F.sub.g.+-.) enveloping the average welding parameter profile is determined from the mean values and the product of the standard deviation of the welding parameter values (F.sub.i) assumed to be normally distributed and at least one sensitivity factor. A permissible number of erroneous rejects per one million of welding spots is selected as a criterion for the sensitivity factor so that, for example with 100 welding spots on a body (10) of a medium-sized can, every ten thousandth body will be accidentally rejected on the average. For bodies (10) produced following on the "learning phase", a comparator (26) ascertains whether a welding parameter profile measured for these lies within the reject limiting-value band (F.sub.g.+-.). This quality control arrangement working on statistical methods is sensitive and precise since a fixed value is not simply selected for the width of the reject limiting-value band.

In a known arrangement of this kind (EP-A2-0 153 298), the aim is to detect precisely the variation of the welding parameter in time and to define precisely a desired run of data associated with a welding operation, in the course of which various marginal conditions, particularly the kind of material, the thickness of material, a coating of the material, the basic parameter of the particular welding machine etc., are to be taken into consideration and the data obtained are to be combined and evaluated in accordance with various programs. For this purpose, in the known arrangement, a favorable course of the welding parameter is determined for each individual welding position on a sample workpiece having a plurality of welding positions, and is stored. The store can be programmed through a microprocessor so that it is possible to select a welding pattern w is recognized as being particularly favorable and also store its data profile as a desired profile for following like welding operations. Then, when the welding machine is in series operation, the associated reference data for the particular welding position, are retained as a desired profile in the store, and recalled. As a result of interrogating the instantaneous values of the welding parameter during the welding operation, a data profile result is compared, in a comparator, with the stored data profile corresponding to the desired course of the welding operation. Output signals are generated according to the degree of agreement found. If a minimum degree of agreement is found, the weld can be evaluated as "good". It is not stated, however, how the limiting value for the minimum degree of agreement between desired and actual course, for which the weld can be evaluated as "good" is set. It is to be assumed that a fixed value is set which is at a certain margin from the desired course. In order that the set limiting value may be able to be used for the whole length of the weld seam, without too many satisfactory welds being rejected as "poor", a relatively large set limiting value must be selected. Otherwise, great deviations usually occurring at the beginning and end of the weld seam would continuously lead to erroneous rejects. The known device is therefore not very sensitive and not very precise in quality control.

Arrangement for monitoring the quality of electric welds


A toner which can efficiently induce high-frequency magnetic induction heating by Neel relaxation and/or Brown relaxation is provided. A toner including a core particle containing a thermoplastic polymer material and superparamagnetic ferrite fine particles having a particle diameter of less than 100 nm which adhere to the surfaces of the core particle is manufactured by directly forming the superparamagnetic ferrite fine particles having a particle diameter of less than 100 nm on the surfaces of the core particle so that the superparamagnetic ferrite fine particles having a particle diameter of less than 100 nm are not in contact with each other. As a result, the toner is prevented from being scattered due to the influence of a magnetic field, so that a high quality image is formed.

In an image forming apparatus, such as a dry electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an unfixed toner image is formed on a recording medium, and subsequently this toner image is fixed thereon to form an image. In the image forming apparatus as described above, as means for fixing an unfixed toner image which adheres to a recording medium, in general, a device has been used in which a recording medium carrying an unfixed toner image thereon is allowed to pass between a heating roller and a pressure roller so as to fix a toner on the recording medium by heat and pressure.
However, according to the fixing means described above, electrical power consumption used to maintain the heating roller at a toner fixable temperature is high, and on the other hand, when the heating roller is placed in a stand-by state at a lower temperature in order to save the electrical power, the time required for the start-up disadvantageously increases. In addition, since the recording medium is supplied between the heating roller and the pressure roller, paper jam may also disadvantageously occur.
In order to overcome the problems described above, a fixing method to melt-fix a toner itself in a non-contact manner using induction heating has been proposed in which a toner containing metal particles and/or magnetic particles which generates heat by high-frequency magnetic induction is used, and in which a recording medium carrying an unfixed toner image thereon is allowed to pass in a high-frequency magnetic field (Patent document 1).
According to the method described above, as the heat generation mechanism, either: a heat generation phenomenon is used in which when a high-frequency magnetic field is applied to a toner containing fine metal particles, heat is generated by eddy-current losses caused by eddy currents flowing in the fine metal particles; or a heat generation phenomenon is used in which when a high-frequency magnetic field is applied to a toner containing ferromagnetic fine particles, heat is generated by hysteresis losses caused by magnetic hysteresis characteristics of the ferromagnetic fine particles.
However, in the case in which a toner containing magnetic particles is used in the method described above, when an unfixed toner image passes under a magnetic field, toner particles are scattered by the influence of magnetic flux lines, and as a result, a problem in that an image is distorted may arise in some cases.
In addition, in a high-frequency magnetic induction heating method using the eddy-current losses or the hysteresis losses described above, in order to generate heat required to melt-fix a toner, magnetic particles contained in the toner must have a relatively large particle diameter (approximately one micrometer to several tens of micrometers).
That is, in an eddy-current loss method, since the eddy-current loss P is proportional to the square of the product of a fine metal particle diameter d, an excitation frequency f, and a magnetic flux density B, in order to ensure the current loss P required to melt-fix a toner, the particle diameter d must be increased to a certain extent. In addition, in a hysteresis loss method, as the particle diameter of ferromagnetic fine particles is decreased, a loop area of the magnetic hysteresis decreases. When the particle diameter is decreased to less than 100 nm, the magnetic hysteresis characteristics totally disappear, and the fine particles have superparamagnetic characteristics. Accordingly, heating cannot be performed by the magnetic hysteresis loss, and hence, the particle diameter cannot be decreased.
Accordingly, in a toner using these fine metal particles, since the metal strongly absorbs visible light, the transparency of the toner is degraded, and hence a problem in that the toner can only be used to form a monochromatic image may also arise.
Through intensive research carried out by the inventors of the present invention on the behavior of magnetic particles under the influence of a magnetic filed, it was discovered that magnetic particles are scattered because the magnetic particles are magnetized by a high-frequency magnetic field applied thereto from the outside, and therefore: magnetic particles adjacent in a magnetic flux line direction are attracted and/or aggregated to each other; or magnetic particles present in a direction perpendicular to the magnetic flux line direction are repelled to each other, so that positions of the magnetic particles are considerably changed. Furthermore, since the magnetic force generated by magnetization is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between particles, once the aggregation thereof starts, an avalanche phenomenon occurs, and as a result, the aggregation occurs over the entire region to which a magnetic field is applied.
Incidentally, the intensity of magnetic force generated by magnetization approximately depends on the mass of a magnetic particle. Hence, when magnetic particles having a high heat-generation efficiency (quantity of heat generated per unit mass of a magnetic substance) are used, and the amount of magnetic particles contained in a toner can be decreased, the above magnetic force acting on each toner particle containing the magnetic particles can be decreased, and hence it is believed that scattering of toner can be prevented.
Accordingly, alternative magnetic particles having a high heat-generation efficiency which generate heat by high-frequency magnetic induction were investigated, and it was found that heat-generation phenomena based on Neel relaxation and Brown relaxation observed in superparamagnetic fine particles having a particle diameter of less than 100 nm have a significantly high heat-generation efficiency, and that superparamagnetic fine particles having a particle diameter of less than 100 nm are suitably used as heat-generation magnetic particles for a heat fixing toner.
In recent researches on the characteristics of superparamagnetic fine particles having a particle diameter of less than 100 nm, a heat-generation phenomenon based on the principle called Brown relaxation and/or Neel relaxation has been observed under high-frequency magnetic field excitation. Brown relaxation is a relaxation phenomenon which occurs in such a way that when a high-frequency magnetic field is applied to superparamagnetic particles, the particles themselves mechanically rotate in order to conform their magnetization direction to the change between the positive and negative directions of the high-frequency magnetic field. Since the rotation described above cannot follow the change of high-frequency magnetic field due to the friction between the particles and a liquid, hysteresis of the magnetic field versus the magnetization is generated, so that heat is generated. This is the heat-generation caused by Brown relaxation. On the other hand, Neel relaxation occurs in such a way that when a high-frequency magnetic field is applied to superparamagnetic particles, the magnetization direction rotates in order to conform their magnetization direction to the change between the positive and negative directions of the high-frequency magnetic field. Since the superparamagnetic particles have a small particle volume, their magnetization produce a heat fluctuation, thus cannot follow the change of high-frequency magnetic field. As a result, the hysteresis is generated, thereby causing a heat generation. In addition, heat generation caused by a so-called hysteresis loss is an exothermic phenomenon caused by a hysteresis itself which is generated when a high-frequency magnetic field is applied to a magnetic substance having a multi-magnetic domain structure.
In addition, through a research carried out by the inventors of the present invention on the relationship between a particle diameter d and a heat release value P, it was found that in superparamagnetic ferrite fine particles having a particle diameter of 18 to 23 nm, heat generation caused by Neel relaxation is particularly significant, and a superior heat-generation efficiency can be obtained as compared to that of superparamagnetic ferrite fine particles having a different particle diameter.
Based on the findings described above, the inventors of the present invention carried out high-frequency magnetic induction heating by Neel relaxation and/or brown relaxation using a compound which contains superparamagnetic fine particles having a particle diameter of less than 100 nm as a toner, and as a result, it was found that in an image forming method in which an unfixed toner image is melt-fixed in a non-contact manner by high-frequency magnetic induction heating, the toner particles are not scattered, and a non-distorted high quality image can be formed.


A system and process for providing remote interactive access to a real estate information database using a portable computing device are described. A portable computing device maintains both program code and data exclusively in a general purpose random access memory configured for both transient and persistent storage of program code and data. A database server includes a search engine configured to retrieve listing records from a real estate information database. Each listing record includes a set of characteristics describing an individual real estate property listing. A remote client defines methods in the general purpose random access memory for accessing the real estate information database through the search engine. The methods include a session manager, a search specification method, and a search results display method. The session manager facilitates a dynamic session between the portable computing device and the database server over a communications link. The session manager identifies the remote client to the database server and manages an interactive search session between the remote client and the search engine. The search specification method interactively sends to the search engine search parameters and receives from the search engine the listing records having real estate property listing characteristics matching the search parameters. The search results display method displays the, received listing records on the portable computing device.

The present invention relates in general to remote database access and, in particular, to a system and process for providing remote interactive access to a real estate information database using a portable computing device.
In the residential segment of the real estate industry, computerized real estate information databases, known as multiple listing service (MLS) databases, have become the premier source of centralized real estate listing information. MLS databases enjoy widespread acceptance throughout the industry. Individual real estate agencies subscribe to the MLS and provide information about properties both listed and sold. Access is ordinarily restricted to licensed real estate professionals, appraisers, and lending institutions.
Typically, an MLS database contains a set of property listing records describing real estate properties being offered for sale, leasing, or rental for a defined geographic region. Each listing identifies and describes the various characteristics of the property in a standard, pre-defined format, which can be easily and accurately searched. Listings can also include maps and photographs of the property. The characteristics also include pricing and tax information, including the price and terms at which a particular property sold.
One important aspect of MLS databases is the ability to archive historical information about properties already sold for use by a broad audience. For instance, to a potential seller or purchaser, historical information is crucial in determining the price at which a comparable property would sell in a particular market segment. Similarly, to an appraiser, historical information is essential in arriving at an appropriate appraisal figure. In an active real estate market, near real time historical information is almost a requirement.
Another important aspect of MLS databases is the capability of providing access to new or updated listing information. Most MLS databases are updated continuously. However, as a practical matter, real estate agents do not have continuous access to their respective MLS. Consequently, real estate agents, and therefore, their clients, generally only learn about new or updated listings during an MLS database access session conducted at the agents"" office.
One prior art approach to providing access to an MLS is through a remote terminal session. Typically, a terminal or a personal computer configured with a terminal emulator connects to the MLS database either over a dedicated line or via a dial up connection with a modem. The listing information is served in a character-based, page display format, generally consisting of a 25 by 80 character presentation space. Thus, the terminal or personal computer must provide a sufficient screen size upon which to view the listing information, one page at a time. Moreover, access to historical information and new or updated listings can only be obtained during a given access session.
A similar prior art approach to providing access to an MLS is the MLSWindows product, described in xe2x80x9cWyldFyre Technologies, Inc., Leading the Way In Real Estate GUI Software,xe2x80x9d Real Innovators, pp. 18-20 (Summer 1997 ed.). Unlike the conventional terminal screen-based approach, the MLSWindows product provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for viewing listing information, including maps. The MLSWindows product also provides a capability to connect to an MLS database via a TCP/IP network or via synchronous or asynchronous communications. However, the MLSWindows product requires a personal computer with a windowing environment upon which to operate. Although significant progress has been made in miniaturizing portable personal computers, at best, these systems suffer from limited battery life and require a size and weight that make handheld operation impracticable.
Therefore, there is a need for a highly portable and flexible solution for remotely accessing a real estate information database in an interactive fashion. Preferably, such a solution includes a capability to automatically be notified of or inquire into new or updated listings.
There is a further need for an approach to remotely accessing a real estate information database using a portable computing device which could be standalone or integral to a portable information or communication appliance, such as a wireless communications device.
The present invention provides a system and process for providing remote interactive access to a real estate information database using a portable computing device.
An embodiment of the present invention is a system and process for providing remote interactive access to a real estate information database using a portable computing device. A portable computing device maintains both program code and data exclusively in a general purpose random access memory configured for both transient and persistent storage of program code and data. A database server includes a search engine configured to retrieve listing records from a real estate information database. Each listing record includes a set of characteristics describing an individual real estate property listing. A remote client defines methods in the general purpose random access memory for accessing the real estate information database through the search engine. The methods include a session manager, a search specification method, and a search results display method. The session manager facilitates a dynamic session between the portable computing device and the database server over a communications link. The session manager identifies the remote client to the database server and manages an interactive search session between the remote client and the search engine. The search specification method interactively sends to the search engine search parameters and receives from the search engine the listing records having real estate property listing characteristics matching the search parameters. The search results display method displays the received listing records on the portable computing device.
A further embodiment of the invention is a portable computing device, process, and computer-readable storage medium holding code for providing remote interactive access to a real estate information database. A general purpose random access memory exclusively maintains both program code and data for both transient and persistent storage. A remote client is configured in the general purpose random access memory and includes methods for accessing a real estate information database through a search engine running on a database server. The search engine is configured to retrieve one or more listing records from the real estate information database with each listing record in the real estate information database including a set of characteristics describing an individual real estate property listing. The remote client includes a session manager facilitating a dynamic session between the portable computing device and the database server over a communications link. The session manager identifies the remote client to the database server and manages an interactive search session between the remote client and the search engine. A search method interactively sends to the search engine search parameters including real estate property listing characteristics and receives from the search engine listing records having characteristics matching the search parameters. A display method displays the listing records on the portable computing device.
The present invention facilitates highly portable, interactive access sessions between a portable computing device and a real estate information database, such as an MLS database. The portable computing device can communicate with the real estate information database using a wide range of communication configurations, including a wireless modem, direct dial-up modem, internetwork protocol (IP) modem, and others. A local server could be introduced to continuously transact an access session with the real estate information database and to provide updates to the portable computing device on a regular basis. Similarly, the portable computing device could be configured for automatic update via an express request (pull) or a page (push).

System and process for providing remote interactive access to a real estate information database using a portable computing device


A new and distinct cultivar of Ilex plant named ‘HOGY’, characterized by its compact, upright and outwardly spreading plant form; uniformly mounded habit; dense and bushy growth habit; yellowish green-colored leaves; and good garden performance.

The present Invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Ilex, botanically known as Ilex vomitoria, commercially known as dwarf yaupon holly and hereinafter referred to by the name 'HOGY'.
The new Ilex is a naturally-occurring branch mutation of Ilex vomitoria 'Nana', not patented. The new Ilex plant was discovered and selected by the Inventor during the spring of 1992 from within a population of plants of 'Nana' in a controlled outdoor nursery environment in Seneca, S.C.
Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar by semi-hardwood and hardwood stem cuttings in Seneca, S.C. since November, 1992 has shown that the unique features of this new Ilex plant are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations of asexual reproduction.


A game board is shown having a playing surface with a map and a game playing path thereon. The players (two or more) move their markers or talismen along the path. The path can be optionally a slot or groove, a series of peg holes, or a marked mileage strip. By a chance mechanism, player movement is determined. The preferred talisman carries a torch with simulated light from a bulb provided with battery power.

The present disclosure is directed to a game, more specifically a board game and a board game which incorporates an element of chance for multiple contestants while playing the game in an Olympic style.
The board game of the present disclosure is a game which can involve two or more contestants for amusement in a game of chance and yet it is a geographic game showing a map of a selected portion of the world to provide the setting for the game or contest. The contest itself can be pursued by two or more contestants of any age from about 5 years and up or gender in the contest. More specifically, the contest involves two or more participants who contest for the prize, the prize finding correspondence to Olympic prizes. In one version, the prize is the privilege of lighting the cauldron in the stadium to signify commencement of the games. In other versions, the Olympic prize can include gold or silver medals, or reaching back into history, a garland or wreath reminiscent of the origin of the Olympics. The board game of the present disclosure provides a simulated game involving a talisman where each talisman is preferably marked or represents different contestants. Awards are gold, silver or bronze medals of the sort awarded in the current Olympics. While the game set might be packaged with any number of talisman which are stored in the game box when not in use, each talisman is moved along a game playing path on the board.
Considering this game for the U.S.A., the board game will have a game playing path across the map of the U.S.A. as discussed below. The map shows a region of interest as will be noted. Scale factors from the map will be noted and related to the game playing path. The appearance of the talisman is notable in that the talisman(s) ideally carries with it a battery and light bulb illuminated to simulate a torch bearer. More particularly, during the play, the participant can move his particular talisman from station to station along an assigned game playing path on the board. Perhaps this impact visually will be more clear on describing one set of rules involved in play with the board game.
One advantage of the present board game is it can be provided with multiple sets of game playing rules. A first example will be given in which the board game utilizes the context or setting of the Olympic games. In doing this, the game played follows the form or format of the Olympic games. Using the 1996 Olympic schedule, there is the transfer of an Olympic torch which is carried by relay runners from the origin of the Olympic games (historically in Greece) along a selected path over the earth. The 1996 Olympic games will involve a path extending approximately 15,000 miles or about 24,000 kilometers. The path will begin in Greece, and it will end at Atlanta for the 1996 games after having traveled approximately 2,500 miles across the U.S. At the termination of this torch transfer, the last runner will enter the stadium at which the games are located, and will ignite the Olympic torch at the stadium. As will be recalled, this has become a significant ceremony. In conformance with that protocol, the board game of the present disclosure incorporates components corresponding to the relay run across the U.S., transfer of the Olympic torch by runner after runner in the relay and ignition of the Olympic torch in the stadium accompanied by the usual pomp and ceremony. One aspect of the present game is a set of rules which enable the game to be played in a version which is true to history. Alternate aspects of the present board game and its play will be given. They will deviate from the historical context and are exemplified by various rules which will be delineated. With that in view, one set of rules will be described as the historical rules and other exemplary rules in contrast will be described as the modified rules.
The board game of the present disclosure is provided with a map. On the map, there is a game playing pathway from a start to a finish location where the path has a specified length. The length can be an arbitrary number of units such as 100 units, but it is better to present the length measured in kilometers or miles, an arbitrary distance being perhaps 2,500 miles. The U.S.A. game would have a game playing path of 2,500 miles with relay runners at each 200 mile interval, thus, the game would require thirteen on board runners. The winner could choose to use the last talisman to run the race to the stadium as attired or attire such talisman in a toga and wreath, select any board talisman of choice and/or choose one of ten final stadium relay representatives of five ethnic backgrounds and gender in toga attire with a laurel wreath thus making an additional ten talisman(s) bringing the total talisman to twenty three. The torch bearers in the relay for the 1996 games will cover 15,000 miles or 24,000 kilometers but using miles as a basis and making it applicable to kilometers would require about forty two talismen plus the modes of transportation (e.g., over the ocean) for the talismen. A particular player is provided with a talisman which is the marker for that player as the marker(s) or talisman(s) is moved between the start and the finish along the game playing path over the map.
The game playing path on the board is implemented in two or three different ways. In part, it can be marked across the map in color having the geometric form of a ribbon or strip and is a game playing path of specified length. To provide a more realistic game, the game playing path can be alternately made a slot or groove. In the slot, a marker(s) or talisman(s) can be positioned. The slot clamps the marker(s) or talisman(s) in the upstanding position. The slot can be continuous to permit sliding movement of the talisman along the slot. In one aspect of that approach, the slot can be provided with two separated electrical contacts along the interior of the slot suitable to enable a small voltage to be provided across a pair of conductive terminals. The terminals provide electrical power for illumination of the torch.
In another form of the board, the board is preferably relatively thick and is provided with a series of drilled holes of equal spacing and equal diameter. The holes are formed in a linear pathway in defining the game playing path on the board game. The drilled holes enable the marker(s), such as a peg supporting a talisman(s), to be positioned along the game playing path. More importantly, the progressive movement of the marker(s) is implemented by counting the number of pegged holes, e.g., three holes represent travel of three units of distance.
Participants in the game are provided with talisman(s). Each talisman is distinctively different by markings. For instance, they preferably have different uniforms and represent Olympic participants involved in different types of events including track and field, swimming, etc. Preferably, each talisman is provided with a national color or flag which is specific to the various countries. Each talisman preferably can carry a torch and is implemented in the form of an upstanding torch carrying runner. The talisman torch provides illumination. This illumination represents the lighted torch. The talisman is moved from location to location along the path. The talisman preferably has moveable legs which pivot with respect to an upstanding support or brace which adds an enhanced sense of realism. The arms may also pivot.
The several participants are provided with a chance determined indicator. This indicator enables the participants, in conformance with rules of the game, to move several moves along the game playing path by distances which are randomly determined. Dependent on the definition of the game, a winner is the person who moves his talisman to the finish before any other participant, achieves the highest score, or collects the most markers.
In an alternative aspect, the talisman of the winner can then be moved in front of a simulated grandstand to define a stadium for the winner to take a lap prior to igniting the stadium located flame. Several variations of the grandstand and stadium will be described in greater detail on review of the preferred embodiment which is described below.
In times past, the Olympics developed a culture which represented a fine tradition for amateur competition. This was lost and neglected according to the reports of history for nearly 1,900 years. Near the turn of the present century, the Olympic tradition was restarted and has continued to the present time except for a couple of interruptions. The Olympic tradition is particularly displayed by the preliminary event involving the transfer of the Olympic flame by torch from ancient Greece to the location of the Olympics. This is part of and a preliminary build-up in the initial ceremonies prior to the Olympic games which then follow. This is accomplished in part by transfer of the flame via a torch carried by multiple runners extending over a substantial distance. This torch relay can require up to about three months dependent on distance and other factors. As will be understood, this preliminary to the Olympic games sets the stage for the Olympic games (e.g., swimming and other contests) which then occur over a span of about three weeks. During that preliminary preparation, the torch is carried by runners who provide lofty imagery for the talisman used in the present game which includes an illuminated marker having the appearance of a torch bearer. A torch bearer is required to run the race along the game playing path from start to finish in the game and in a contest where the moves of the player are determined by a random game of chance. This enables young and old participants to play with relatively equal chances of winning. In other words, it is a board game in which players can span a wide age range including grandparents and relatively young children who have as much opportunity of winning as do the older generation.
In this context, the board game of the present disclosure is a device and a system enabling the players of the game to have a contest in the setting of a 2,000 year old tradition well founded in history.


A semiconductor light-emitting device capable of obtaining a high light reflectance through the use of a high-reflection metal layer formed on the side of an electrode on one side and capable of preventing migration of atoms from the high-reflectance metal layer is provided. Semiconductor layers of the opposite conduction types are formed on the opposite sides of an active layer, and an ohmic contact layer being a thin film for contriving a decrease in contact resistance, a transparent and conductive layer, and a high-reflection metal layer for reflecting light generated in the active layer are sequentially layered on one of the semiconductor layers. Since the transparent conductive layer functions also as a barrier layer and it transmits light, a high light take-out efficiency can be obtained through the reflection at the high-reflectance metal layer.

The present invention relates to a semiconductor light-emitting device in which light is emitted from an active layer formed between a pair of semiconductor layers, a semiconductor light-emitting apparatus using the semiconductor light-emitting device, and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor light-emitting device. In particular, the invention relates to a semiconductor light-emitting device enhanced in light extraction efficiency, a semiconductor light-emitting apparatus using the semiconductor light-emitting device, and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor light-emitting device.
In the light emitting diode, which is an example of semiconductor light-emitting devices, devices with a structure in which a nitride-based compound semiconductor material represented by a GaN-based semiconductor layer is used have been widely researched and developed. In the light-emitting devices using such a nitride-based compound semiconductor layer, a laminate structure having a p-type layer and an n-type layer with an active layer therebetween is adopted, and it may be necessary that a p-side electrode and an n-side electrode are put in ohmic contact with each of the p-type layer and the n-type layer so as to supply a current injected into the active layer. In this case, for realizing a light-emitting device with a high performance such as a high luminance, it may be indispensable to put the p-side electrode and the n-side electrode into ohmic contact with low resistance.
Meanwhile, the light taken out by injecting a current into the active layer is radiated not only to the face side of the device but also to the back side and the lateral sides of the device. In view of this, there has been known a technology in which a high-reflection film, for example, is formed on the back side of the light-emitting device where the light radiated from the device is unnecessary, whereby the light is reflected on the surface of the high-reflection film, and the light take-out efficiency on the face side or the like can be enhanced accordingly.
Such a high-reflection film is formed of such material as silver and aluminum. For instance, in the case where the ohmic contact is contrived on the side of the p-side electrode as above-mentioned and the like cases, a thin film of a metal capable of realizing the ohmic contact such as Ni, Pt, Mg, Zn, Be, Ag, Au and Ge is formed, before forming the high-reflection film of silver, aluminum or the like.
The metallic material constituting the high-reflection film is excellent in the light-reflecting characteristics, but, in the case of using such a metallic material as an electrode to be used by passing a current therethrough, migration as a diffusion phenomenon arising from heat or the like would be generated, whereby the function as the light-emitting device would be lost in a comparatively short time. Therefore, in the case of enhancing the light take-out efficiency by utilizing a high-reflection film, there is simultaneously a need for a means of restraining the generation of migration.
For enhancing the light take-out efficiency by utilizing such a high-reflection film so as to take out light on the substrate side through light reflection by the high-reflection film and for simultaneously preventing the generation of migration, there has been known a technology in which a barrier film is formed between a film for contriving ohmic contact and the high-reflection metal film. For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-out No. 2002-26392, there has been known a technology in which an active layer and a p-type GaN layer are formed on an n-type GaN layer on a substrate, and a thin Ni film, a thin Mo film, and a metal film as a high-reflection film are formed to constitute a p-side electrode structure.
In the device structure described in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2002-26392, ohmic contact owing to the Ni film is realized and, simultaneously, a barrier function of the Mo film can prevent the migration of constituent atoms of the high-reflection metal film on the Mo film. However, the Mo film formed as a barrier electrode is a very thin film with a thickness of about 1 nm, and there arises the following problem. In the case where such a very thin metal film is formed on the reflection side, it is difficult to form the film evenly in the plane, so that local dispersions in reflectance are generated, leading to a situation where the reflection characteristic of the high-reflection metal film cannot be utilized sufficiently.
The problem of the dispersions of reflectance in the plane can be solved by enlarging the thickness of the metal film formed as the barrier electrode. However, in the case where the thickness of the metal film as the barrier electrode is enlarged, the light radiated from the active layer may fail to reach the high-reflection metal film, and the significance of the existence of the high-reflection metal film would rather be lost.

Semiconductor light-emitting device, semiconductor light-emitting apparatus, and method of manufacturing semiconductor light-emitting device


A single starting point configuration for a complex, configurable system, is determined by collecting machine-reported data from a configurable system; obtaining non-machine reported configuration information regarding said configurable system from one or more external document applications, merging the machine-reported data and the external document, and producing a proposed configuration starting point. A user may enter additional changes to the system configuration, thereby yielding a highly accurate starting point configuration. Prior to order fulfillment, the final system configuration, change order, and starting point configuration are verified to match and correlate.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to systems and methods for determining appropriate services and components for configuration changes to complex configurable systems, such as upgrades to computer systems, data communications systems, and the like.
2. Background of the Invention
Many modern technology systems such as computers, web servers, telephone switches, Internet routers, test equipment, manufacturing control systems, etc., are configurable as to their electronic, mechanical and software components. For example, a personal computer is configurable to meet the needs of the user or customer by adding circuit cards (e.g. PCI or EISA graphics cards, LAN interface cards, etc.), additional integrated circuits in sockets (e.g. memories, coprocessors, etc.), software components (e.g. application programs, drivers, utilities, etc.), and even mechanical components (e.g. panels, covers, brackets, etc.). Many products adopt configurable architectures to enable modular assembly techniques, cost reduction, and field upgradability.
As such, many systems are originally delivered by an Original Equipment Manufacturer ("OEM") with "known" configuration. The OEM may retain records as to the configuration of each unit, tracked by order number, customer number, and/or base system serial number, for future reference. For example, a purchaser of a system may request some time after delivery service of a configurable component, or upgrade of the system. In order to accurately fulfill the need, the OEM must consult its records regarding the original configuration of the system, or manually verify the configuration of the system.
Because many of these systems are designed as "open" architectures in which users or third-party companies may perform upgrades and service to various components, a system's configuration may evolve after delivery to a customer or user. Thus, the OEM's configuration records for each such machine become out of date and inaccurate, making it difficult or even impossible to provide accurate and quick fulfillment of upgrade and service needs of the customer. Although this problem is true for many types of computing, electronic, industrial and communications equipment, this situation is especially applicable to computer configurations for personal computers and server computers. In computing parlance, the configuration of a system is often referred to as the "feature content", and the configuration computer platform is often referred to as the "machine".
In order to change the feature content or to process model upgrades to complex configured systems, it is a business requirement to know the current configuration or "starting point" of the target machine to be modified. It is well known that the networked world, with its unprecedented premium on speed, demands a heightened and relentless focus on quality. Attempts to upgrade or replace components which are not successful may result in unnecessary system downtime, expense, and risk.
Some suppliers and service providers of such configurable systems have resorted to manually intensive procedures, wherein a technician visits a site to perform an "inventory" of a system configuration, or the system must be shipped back to a service depot or manufacturer's facilities. For cost and inconvenience reasons, these two approaches are rarely acceptable to many customers.
Some companies such as International Business Machines ("IBM") have instituted use of electronic configuration records, or "installed machine inventory records", which are maintained in a database (or multiple databases) by IBM. However, installed machine inventory records are often inaccurate and an inadequate representation of current customer installed system configurations, due to the ability of parties to make configuration changes and upgrades, especially software modifications, without coordinating with or cooperating with the manufacturer's processes for updating the installed machine inventor records. Business partners may perform upgrades or repairs, the customer may relocate components (e.g. swap components from one machine to another), and other manufacturers may supply upgrades, all "out of the loop" of the process designed to track each machine's configuration.
Concurrently, increased dependencies on Business Partners in support of Manufacturing, Sales, and Service has created greater demand and need for a simple and accurate process to determine the starting configuration of customer installed systems. Configured hardware and software data used to create starting point inputs in the Sales and Manufacturing configuration processes are obtained from multiple sources in today's end-to-end process, and are often inaccurate. As such, manually intensive and costly processes in each service region are still required in an attempt to maintain data integrity of configuration records.
Customers require, over time, to increase computer capacity and function of their computer systems. IBM is somewhat unique in the method presently employed to provide increased capacity and function to systems by using an "MES/upgrade" process, which requires "starting point" input data accuracy. Many competitors in the same market segment have elected to use a "box swap" order process methodology, in which a replacement system is configured to mimic a desired upgraded original system, the replacement system is then installed in place of the original system, and the original system is taken out of service and returned to the manufacturer for recycling of components for other replacement systems. Tracking warranty status of such "swapped" systems is especially difficult, as each "upgrade" to a customer's system may result in every component of the system being exchanged for components of differing ages, revision level, in-service time, serial numbers, etc.
Additionally, even with a box swap approach, manual configuration verification is often employed to make absolutely certain that the replacement system is an accurate upgrade configuration from the original system's configuration.
An advantage of the IBM MES/Upgrade process is that it provides a systematic process of obtaining installed configuration information via utilization of machine sensed and reported configuration information, also known as Vital Product Data ("VPD"). The MES/Upgrade process benefits over box swapping are in the area of preserving a machine serial number (and serial numbers for components within the system) as part of investment protection offerings (e.g. warranties, service plans, etc.).
VPD information is especially useful for high volume products within IBM. However, the volume of machines sold and deployed through such a successful company as IBM prohibit easy and cost effective collection, storage, and subsequent sharing of this information. For this reason, the VPD information is obtained on an "engagement basis" (e.g. at the time a need is determined such as at the time an upgrade order is placed).
Collection of VPD information can be difficult and incomplete, even with the best available tools designed to semiautomatically collect such information.
The related patent application, which is incorporated herein, addresses a need in the art for a system which more efficiently collects system configuration information on an "engagement basis", in a manner which facilitates and supports high dependency of original equipment manufacturers on business partners and third party vendors, but which avoids adding significant cost, complexity or failure rate to configurable systems, and which avoids intensive manual inventorying activities.
Summary of Related Patent Application—"MRPDClassic"
As described in the related patent application, Machine Reported Product Data—Vital Product Data ("MRPD-VPD") is a re-engineered business process and computing technology implementing that business process which collects, translates, and stores information that uniquely define system components contained within a customer's installed system.
VPD is accurate, machine-reported hardware and software data. Our new MRPD data repository serves as a single source for storing and retrieving the data. MRPD increases the "starting point" input data accuracy through the use of VPD, Vital Product Data. MRPDclassic ("MRPD") is built upon a closed loop integrated business process concept that requires support from multiple product development brands, manufacturing, service providers and each customer. All facets of the closed loop process should be in place in order for the process to be optimally effective.
The MRPD process is a key step in making this data available to system configurators and users. When submitted in an "MRReport" format, the data is used to improve process efficiency by providing a more efficient means of obtaining accurate MES/Upgrade Order starting point information. Thus, use of the present invention provides:    (a) improved data quality;    (b) reduced service expense;    (c) reduced order fulfillment cycle time; and    (d) increased customer satisfaction.
While the primary use of VPD data is as input to the order configuration process by system sales personnel (e.g. Business Partners, enterprise customers, post sales configuration technicians, etc.), manufacturing, engineering support, and service personnel also use this data for a variety of purposes.
Manufacturing departments may use results from the configuration process (e.g "CFReports") to execute each system's manufacturing order, including building the initial system, testing the configuration, and implementing required engineering change processes.
As such, our MRPD process of the related patent application provides existing order processes, such as IBM's own MES/Upgrade process, accurate system configuration information, and addresses the opportunity and need to provide a single world-wide data repository and process, and avoids manually intensive inventories of existing system configurations.
The invention of the related application, which we will now refer to as "MRPDclassic", is a significant advance in making accurate system configuration data available to a Configurator and to other information users. When submitted in a our MRReport format, the data is used to improve process efficiency by providing a more efficient means of obtaining accurate MES Order starting point information.
While a primary use of the data is for input to the configuration process by providing reliable, timely and accurate MES starting point input VPD based configuration data, the Sales and MFG order processes also utilize this data. Sales personnel (Business Partners, enterprise customers, IBM Techline seeking pre-sales, BPSO, CSO, sales order personnel, post-sales configuration) use this data extensively as input into the Front End MES Order configuration process. Manufacturing uses results from the configuration process (CFReports) to execute the Manufacturing order, build, test and engineering change processes.
Vital Product Data, VPD, is accurate machine reported data; however, it does not represent a fully configured system, and its data is only partially used in the configuration process. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a complete solution for the configuration process using VPD data provided from MRPD customer's installed system.

Starting point configuration determination for complex configurable systems

International Business Machines Corporation


A circuit is designed with a decoder circuit (10), responsive to a first input signal (81) having a first voltage range, for producing a first output signal. An output circuit (11), responsive to the first output signal, produces a second output signal (26) having a second voltage range. The second voltage range includes a voltage less than a least voltage of the first voltage range and a voltage greater than a greatest voltage of the first voltage range.

Present complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) dynamic random access memory (DRAM) circuits are frequently used for main memory in a variety of applications including desk top and portable computer systems. These dynamic random access memory circuits frequently utilize memory cells formed by a single access transistor and a storage capacitor for storing an electrical charge representing a datum. An increasing demand for greater cell density in dynamic random access memory circuits has been fulfilled by reducing the operating voltage and the feature sizes of both the access transistor and the storage capacitor. These reductions in operating voltage and feature sizes of the storage capacitor reduce total charge that may be stored in the memory cell. The reduction in access transistor feature sizes, however, decreases the access transistor threshold voltage and increases subthreshold conduction. Moreover, this increase in subthreshold conduction increases the rate at which charge stored on the storage capacitor leaks through the access transistor.
Previous memory circuits have employed row decoders with level translators as disclosed in U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 08/339,308, filed TI-16660B. The row decoder, disclosed in FIG. 7 of that application, uses a level translator to increase the word line voltage and avoid a threshold voltage loss at the storage capacitor due to the access transistor. Another embodiment disclosed in FIG. 8 uses a level translator in the word line drive circuit to accomplish a similar purpose. However, both embodiments drive the word line voltage to reference voltage V.sub.SS to turn off the access transistor. Thus, the rate of charge leakage from the storage capacitor may still be unacceptable due to the subthreshold characteristics of the access transistor.

Semiconductor memory structure for improved charge storage


A protein having ribonucleotide reductase activity, DNA encoding the protein, antibodies to these and the like are disclosed. The protein, DNA and antibodies are useful in the prevention, treatment and diagnosis, etc. of cancer.

Recent developments of research have proven that cancer is a genetic disease in which multiple genetic mutations accumulate in somatic cells, resulting in uncontrolled cell growth. p53 is the tumor suppressor gene in which abnormalities have been found most frequently in human cancers, and has been clarified to have a variety of physiological functions including induction of G1 arrest and apoptosis, and checkpoint control when DNA is damaged. It is thought that these functions are exercised when p53 acts as a transcription factor to control the expression of the target gene. It is suggested that p53 abnormalities are associated with cancer malignancy, resistance to anti-cancer agents and radiation therapy, metastasis and vascularization (The New England Journal of Medicine Vol. 329 p. 1318 (1993), etc.).
Ribonucleotide reductase is a rate-limiting enzyme, which converts ribonucleotides to their corresponding deoxyribonucleotides and supplies them for purposes of DNA synthesis (Science Vol. 260 p. 1773 (1993)). This enzyme is a heterodimer comprising a large subunit (R1) and a small subunit (R2), with both R1 and R2 (National Center for Biotechnology Information GenBank Accession No. X59618) consisting of homodimers. Enzyme activity is controlled by the amount of R2. The amount of R2 is controlled depending on the cell cycle, with the most being highly expressed during the S period. Ribonucleotide reductase has been well studied in yeasts, and three subunits (RNR1, RNR2, RNR3) are known to exist in yeasts. RNR1 and RNR3 correspond to R1 in mammals and RNR2 to R2 in mammals, and control of RNR1 expression is dependent on cell cycle. It has been reported that when DNA is damaged by irradiation for example, RNR1 expression is not induced, but induction of RNR3 expression increases more than 100 fold (Genes & Development Vol. 4 p. 740 (1990)). It has also been reported that expression of R2 is greater in highly malignant cancer cells, which are resistant to anti-cancer agents and radiation therapy (Biochemistry and Cell Biology Vol. 68 p. 1364 (1990)).
The TP53R2H gene obtained in the examples below has a ribonucleotide reductase signature sequence, which has high homology with R2 and is conserved among species, and the product of the TP53R2H gene may be involved in supplying deoxyribonucleotide for DNA synthesis. Since expression of TP53R2H is also induced by DNA damage due to anti-cancer agent treatment or irradiation (not the case with R2), it may be involved particularly in supplying deoxyribonucleotides during DNA repair following DNA damage. It can therefore be expected that blocking of TP53R2H in cases of highly malignant cancer with resistance to anti-cancer agents and radiation therapy would be a highly effective treatment with few side-effects. Moreover, because TP53R2H may act as a homodimer (as R2 does), it might be possible to confer a dominant negative effect and suppress the activity of the enzyme by introducing mutated TP53R2H genes or TP53R2H protein into cancer cells, so both mutated TP53R2H genes and TP53R2H protein should be useful as therapeutic agents for highly malignant cancers with resistance to anti-cancer agents and radiation therapy. In addition, investigation of mutations to this gene should be useful in cancer diagnosis and prevention.

Protein having ribonucleotide reductase activity and DNA thereof


The invention comprises an integrated circuit having both low voltage and high voltage MOS transistors and a method for making the integrated circuit. In accordance with the method of making the integrated circuit, a first oxide layer is formed outwardly from a semiconductor substrate comprising a low voltage region and a high voltage region. A sacrificial layer is formed outwardly from the first oxide layer. The part of the sacrificial layer disposed outwardly from the low voltage region is removed to form an intermediate structure. The intermediate structure is selectively etched to remove the part of the first oxide layer disposed outwardly from the low voltage region. A second oxide layer is then formed comprising a first area disposed outwardly from the low voltage region and second area disposed outwardly from the high voltage region. The formation of the second oxide layer in the second area consumes the sacrificial layer.

Some MOS integrated circuits have several types of MOS transistors that operate at different voltages. For example, an EEPROM may have high voltage MOS transistors for programming of the device and low voltage transistors making up the memory cells of the device. Another example of integrated circuits with both high and low voltage devices are integrated circuits designed to be compatible with older technologies. As the device size in MOS integrated circuits shrinks, the oxide thickness and operating voltage of MOS transistors internal to the device are reduced. To retain compatibility with older technologies, however, higher voltage transistors with thicker oxides may be used for input and/or output circuitry of the integrated circuit.
MOS integrated circuits having transistors with different operating voltages present certain problems in fabrication. To accomplish a variance in operating voltages, different transistors are fabricated with different gate oxide thicknesses. Higher voltage transistors have a thicker gate oxide. In a commonly used existing process, a gate oxide layer is initially formed, and then patterned and removed from the region of the integrated circuit that will have low voltage MOS transistors. The subsequent removal of photoresist that was used to mask and protect the area of the integrated circuit having high voltage transistors exposes the wafer (in many cases bare silicon) in the low voltage region to impurities in the photoresist and the chemicals used for removal of the photoresist. In addition, the photoresist cleanup results in gate oxide integrity problems in the high voltage region.

Method of forming an integrated circuit having both low voltage and high voltage MOS transistors


An EMI/RFI gasket provides a barrier to EMI and RFI radiation transmission to and from electronic circuits within an electronic system chassis having receptacles that receive electrical connectors and an electrically grounded cover plate that connects the chassis to an electrical ground. The EMI/RFI gasket helps to provide a 360.degree. EMI/RFI barrier for the electronic system chassis. The EMI/RFI gasket is a flexible, electrically-conductive material with sufficient surface area to adhere and electrically connect to the cover plate. The EMI/RFI gasket has a receiving slot that is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis and a latitudinal axis of the gasket plate. A plurality of deflected teeth formed from the gasket plate are positioned around the receiving slot and deflected from the gasket plate to contact the connector at points separated by not greater than a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance is at least in part a function of the expected EMI and RFI radiation wavelengths. This maintains an electrical ground connection between the cover plate and the connector.

Prior art devices for grounding electrical chassis to prevent EMI radiation from leaving the chassis and RFI radiation from entering the chassis are complex to install and have limitations once installed. A particular point of concern in providing an EMI/RFI barrier to circuits within an electronic system chassis is EMI and RFI radiation leakage at receptacles that connect external cables to internal circuitry of the chassis. It is important that a ground exist at the receptacles for all EMI and RFI radiation that may be otherwise communicated through the chassis at the receptacle. One attempt to ensure that this undesirable radiation does not leak out of or into the chassis is to use an EMI/RFI gasket at the receptacle.
The prior art EMI/RFI gaskets, however, have significant limitations. First of all, prior art gaskets mimic the associated receptacle's shape. Many receptacles for electrical connectors have a "D"-shape that facilitates properly orienting the connector to the receptacle. These gaskets typically comprise small thin metal plates that fit over the receptacle to connect the receptacle to a cover plate that further connects to electrical ground. Unfortunately, gaskets that mimic this "D"-shape are difficult to install because they too must be oriented.
Another limitation of conventional EMI/RFI gaskets is that, while they fit the "D"-shaped gasket, they can not fit over all types of fastening points that permit fastening the connector to the receptacle. That is, receptacles typically include either screwholes or hexagonal posts to which fastening screws of the connectors attach. The existing EMI/RFI gaskets are designed to only fit the screwholes that are part of the receptacle. There is not an EMI/RFI gasket that accommodates both screwholes and hexagonal posts or many of the other various types of attachment or fastening points for fastening the connector to the receptacle.
A third important limitation associated with the prior art EMI/RFI gaskets has to do with their installation on the electronic system chassis. These gaskets typically fit on or over the receptacle beneath the cover plate. The gaskets are typically placed on the receptacle and are only held by means of gravity to the receptacle. Thus, upon removal of the cover plate, the gaskets may fall from the back cover of the chassis and down into or near other electronic devices or connections to the chassis or otherwise interfere with system maintenance or operation. This is an undesirable feature of the prior art EMI/RFI gaskets that, if avoided, could significantly simplify both their functioning, as well as overall maintenance of the associated electronic system.
It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide an improved EMI/RFI gasket that overcomes the limitations of prior art EMI/RFI gaskets. It is an object of the present invention to provide an EMI/RFI gasket that serves as a barrier to the transmission of EMI and RFI radiation to and from an electronic system chassis having an electrical receptacle for receiving an electrical connector and at least one fastening point for fastening the electrical connector to the receptacle. The chassis for which the EMI/RFI gasket has use has an electrically grounded cover plate to cover a predetermined portion of the chassis near the receptacle. The cover plate connects the chassis to an electrical ground. The EMI/RFI gasket of the present invention provides a gasket plate having a flat, flexible, electrically-conductive material with sufficient surface area to adhere and electrically connect to the cover plate, while maintaining flexibility sufficient to move upon the cover plate and gasket being placed over the receptacle. This promotes electrical contact among the receptacle, connector and the gasket plate. The receiving slot exists in the gasket plate for receiving the receptacle and permitting the use of a wide variety of fasteners associated with the connector. The receiving slot is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis and a latitudinal axis of the gasket plate. A plurality of deflected teeth are formed from the gasket plate and positioned around a predetermined portion of the receiving slot. The deflected teeth are deflected from the gasket plate to contact the connector at points separated by not greater than the predetermined distance that maintains an electrical ground connection between the cover plate and the connector. The predetermined distance is determined partially by estimated wavelengths of the EMI radiation and the RFI radiation.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide an EMI/RFI gasket that is easier to install for a wider variety of applications than prior art EMI/RFI gaskets.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved EMI/RFI gasket that, once installed, permits removal of the chassis cover plate without the gaskets falling from their associated receptacles.