An unsintered metal fiber burner is produced by mixing ceramic fibers with the metal fibers and binding the mixed metal-ceramic fibers together as a porous layer adherent to a foraminous support. By mixing ceramic fibers with metal fibers, the cost of a sintered metal fiber burner is reduced while the novel burner, because of the metal fiber therein, exhibits improved properties such as greater radiant efficiency, lower NO.sub.x emissions and increased durability.

This invention relates to porous fiber burners made with metal fibers without sintering. More particularly, the invention combines ceramic fibers with metal fibers and binds the mixed fibers using the technique and binding agents that are used in the production of ceramic fiber burners. The novel mixed fiber burners of this invention have improved radiant efficiency and lowered emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO.sub.x).
Two types of porous fiber burners have been developed and are available in commerce. Sintered metal fiber burners are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,734 (McCausland et al) and European Patent Application (Publication No. 0 390 255). Ceramic fiber burners have been disclosed in many patents including U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,179,156 (Weiss et al), 3,383,159 (Smith) and 4,746,287 (Lannutti).
Sintered metal fiber burners are more expensive than ceramic fiber burners and this cost difference limits their use. Moreover, the aforesaid European Patent Application discloses that large temperature fluctuations can lead to the formation of cracks or craters in the combustion surface of metal fiber burners.
The basic ceramic fiber burner as early developed by Weiss et al required improvement and the Smith and Lannutti patents contributed additives that yield definite improvement. However, the sintered metal fiber burner has better emissivity than the Weiss et al burner even as improved by Smith or Lannutti.
Accordingly, a principal object of this invention is to provide a porous fiber burner that reduces the cost of a metal fiber burner while substantially eliminating its tendency to crack and form craters.
Another important object is to provide a burner of mixed metal and ceramic fibers by utilizing the highly developed technology and existing facilities for producing ceramic fiber burners.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description which follows.

Unsintered fiber burner made with metal fibers, ceramic fibers and binding agent


Disclosed is an analog switch circuit which has: an analog switch which is composed of a P-channel first transistor and a N-channel second transistor whose drains are connected to each other and whose sources are connected to each other; first and second diodes which are in parallel and reversely to each other connected between a back gate of the first transistor and a high-potential power source; and third and fourth diodes which are in parallel and reversely to each other connected between a back gate of the second transistor and a low-potential power source. Further disclosed is an analog switch circuit which has: an analog switch which is composed of a P-channel first transistor and a N-channel second transistor whose drains are connected to each other and whose sources are connected to each other; and a N-channel third transistor whose gate is connected to a high-potential power source and/or a P-channel fourth transistor whose gate is connected to a low-potential power source; wherein the third transistor and/or the fourth transistor are/is in series connected between an input terminal and an input terminal of the analog switch.

As a conventional analog switch circuit, for example, an analog switch circuit, which is used in an input device as shown in FIG. 1A, is known. This input device comprises a power source 12, input signal sources 13, 14, current limiting resistance 15, 16, electrostatic protecting diodes 1, 2, 31, 33, analog switches 3, 28, and a comparator 17.
The analog switches 3, 28, as shown in FIG. 1B, comprise a P-channel transistor 21 and a N-channel transistor 24 whose drains and sources are connected to each other, and an inverter 27 which inverts a signal from a terminal 26 and then applies it to the gate of the P-channel transistor 21.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the analog switches 3, 28 are so fabricated that N.sup.- layers 20, 22 separated by a P.sup.+ separating layer 18 for preventing from latching up are formed on a P-substrate 19 and the gate electrodes of the P-channel transistor 21 in the N.sup.- layer 20 and the N-channel transistor 24 in the P-layer 23 formed in the N.sup.- layer 22 are connected to each other through the inverter 27.
Hereupon, the source, drain and back gate of the P-channel transistor 21 correspond to the emitter, collector and base, respectively, of a PNP transistor 4, where the back gate, i.e., the base is connected to a power source potential V.sub.DD. Also, the drain, source and back gate of the N-channel transistor 24 correspond to the emitter, collector and base, respectively, of a NPN transistor 5, where the back gate, i.e., the base is connected to a ground potential V.sub.SS. Thus, the analog switches 3, 28 have the PNP transistor 4 and NPN transistor 5 as parasitic transistors. Therefore, they can be, as shown in FIG. 2B, represented by the PNP transistor 4 and NPN transistor 5 whose emitters and collectors are connected to each other.
The operation of this analog switch circuit will be explained below. First, taking the case that the potentials of the input signal sources 13, 14 lie between the power source potential V.sub.DD and the ground potential V.sub.ss, when the analog switch 3 is OFF and the analog switch 28 is ON, the potential of the input signal source 14 is, as it is, applied to the input terminal of the comparator 17, and its level is compared to a reference potential `ref`, and then the comparison result is output.
Next, taking the case that the potential of the input signal source 13 is higher than the power source potential V.sub.DD and the potential of the input signal source lies between the power source potential V.sub.DD and the ground potential V.sub.SS, when the analog switch 3 is OFF and the analog switch 28 is ON, the current flows through the current limiting resistance 15, electrostatic protecting diode 1 into the power source 12. However, as seen from FIG. 2A, the emitter, base of the parasitic PNP transistor 4 are connected parallel to the electrostatic protecting diode 1. Therefore, the current flows into the base of the PNP transistor 4, and the PNP transistor 4 is turned on.
As a result, the current flows from the input signal source 13 through the current limiting resistance 15, PNP transistor 4, the output terminal 49 of the analog switch 3, analog switch 28 and current limiting resistance 16 into the input signal source 14. Thereby, the input potential of the comparator 17 becomes higher than the potential of the input signal source 14. This may cause a failure in the output of correct comparison data from the comparator 17.
To suppress such a phenomenon, Japanese patent application laid-open No.58-68319(1983) discloses an analog switch circuit. In this circuit, diodes 50, 51 are connected between a power source potential V.sub.DD and a ground potential V.sub.SS of the integrated circuit and a power source 12, and diodes 52, 52 with a low forward voltage drop such as a Schottky barrier diode are connected between input signal sources 13, 14 and a ground potential V.sub.SS. Thereby, even when the voltage of the power source 12 is not supplied and the voltages of the input signal sources 13, 14 are supplied, the analog switches 3, 28 can be kept to be turned off.
In this analog switch circuit, the current flowing from the input signal source 13 through the current limiting resistance 15, the emitter and base of the PNP transistor 4 into the power source 12 is blocked by the diode 50. Also, in the potential relation, when the input signal source 14 is higher than the power source(positive potential) and the input signal source 13 is lower than the power source 12(negative potential), the current path is formed from the input signal source 14 through the current limiting resistance 16, the emitter and base of a parasitic PNP transistor 39(or an electrostatic protecting diode 31), the power source V.sub.DD of IC, a control circuit(not shown) or a leakage in IC, the ground potential V.sub.SS of IC, the base and emitter of the parasitic NPN transistor 5 and the current limiting resistance 15 to the input signal source 13.
In this case, as shown in 3B, a parasitic diode 54 and a parasitic NPN transistor 55 can be turned on by the leakage current flowing into a parasitic NPN transistor 56 to flow the current therethrough. However, bypassing the current by the diodes 52, 53 with a low forward voltage drop, the parasitic diode 54 and the parasitic NPN transistor 55 can be kept to be off to prevent the current from flowing.
On the other hand, Japanese patent application laid-open No.63-144620(1988) discloses another type of an analog switch circuit as shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, a P-channel transistor 60 is connected between analog switches 3, 57 and between them and a power source potential V.sub.DD a N-channel transistor 61 is connected between analog switches 58, 59 and a ground potential V.sub.SS, and the terminals of the analog switch 3, 58 are connected through the current limiting resistance 15 to the input signal source 13.
In this circuit, when the analog switches 3, 57, 58 and 59 are individually OFF, the P-channel transistor 60 and the N-channel transistor 61 are turned on. Thus, when the potential of the input signal source 13 is higher than the potential V.sub.DD of the power source 12, a parasitic PNP transistor 62 in the analog switch 58 can operate, but, keeping the input potential of the following analog switch 59 less than the power source potential V.sub.DD by turning on the N-channel transistor 61 can prevent a parasitic PNP transistor 63 in the analog switch 59 from operating.
Also, in this circuit, by flowing the current by the operation of the parasitic PNP transistor 62 through the N-channel transistor 61 which is turned on into the ground potential V.sub.SS, the voltage of an input terminal 35 is lowered as much as possible, and, by decreasing the base current of the parasitic PNP transistor 4 in the analog switch 3 as much as possible, the collector current of the PNP transistor 4 is decreased, and, further, by turning on the P-channel transistor 60, the emitter-base of the parasitic PNP transistor 64 in the following analog switch 57 is short-circuited. Thereby, the operation of the parasitic PNP transistor 64 can be prevented.
Furthermore, Japanese patent application laid-open No.1-236731(1989) discloses another type of an analog switch circuit as shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, a N-channel transistor(or P-channel transistor) 65 is connected between cascade-connected analog switches 3, 57 and between them and a ground potential V.sub.DD (or a power source potential V.sub.DD), the input terminal of the analog switch 3 is connected through a current limiting resistance 15 to an input signal source 13, a N-channel transistor(or P-channel transistor) 68 is connected between cascade-connected analog switches 28, 67 and between them and the ground potential V.sub.SS (or the power source potential V.sub.DD), and the input terminal of the analog switch 28 is connected through a current limiting resistance 16 to an input signal source 14. Though Japanese patent application laid-open No.1-236731(1989) describes the case that the analog switch is turned on due to the relation between the back gate potential and the gate potential, the case that the analog switch is turned on due to the operation of the parasitic transistor is taken herein.
In this analog switch circuit, when the analog switches 3, 57(28, 67) are OFF, the N-channel transistor 65(68) is turned on. Thus, when the potential of the input signal source 13 is higher than the potential V.sub.DD of a power source 12, a parasitic PNP transistor 4 in the analog switch 3 can operate, but, keeping the input potential of the following analog switch 57 less than the power source potential V.sub.DD by turning on the N-channel transistor 65 can prevent a parasitic PNP transistor 64 in the analog switch 57 from operating.
When the potential of the input signal source 13 is lower than the ground potential V.sub.SS, a NPN transistor 5 in the analog switch 3 can operate, but, short-circuiting the base-emitter of a parasitic NPN transistor 66 in the following analog switch 57 by turning on the N-channel transistor 65 can prevent the parasitic NPN transistor 66 from operating.
However, in the conventional analog switch circuits, there is a problem that they need a number of elements. Though the analog switch circuit in FIG. 1A needs 6.times.n elements(the P-channel transistor, N-channel transistor and inverter composing the analog switch in the signal path, and the two electrostatic protecting diodes) to n inputs, the number of the elements is not so many.
On the contrary, the analog switch circuit in FIG. 3A needs (7.times.n+2) elements to n inputs. Also, the analog switch circuit in FIG. 4 needs 14.times.n elements to n inputs since one inverter is , which is not shown in FIG. 4, provided in the switching control signal path of four analog switches to one input. The analog switch circuit in FIG. 5 needs 9.times.n elements to n inputs since one inverter is, which is not shown in FIG. 5, provided in the switching control signal path of two analog switches to one input.
Also, in the conventional analog switch circuits, there is a problem that they need the current limiting resistances 15, 16 which may heat due to the operation of the parasitic transistor. The reason is that, though the current limiting resistances 15, 16 are necessary since excess current may flow due to the insertion of the diodes 1, 2 between the input terminal and the power source potential V.sub.DD and ground potential V.sub.SS, in case of the structure in FIG. 2A, the parasitic PNP transistor 67 generated among the P.sup.+ region, N.sup.- layer 20 and P substrate 19 may operate due to the current flowing from the P.sup.+ region to the power source potential V.sub.DD when the potential of the input signal source 13 is higher than that of the power source 12, or, in case of the structure in FIG. 3B, the parasitic NPN transistor 56 generated among the N.sup.- layer 20, P.sup.- layer 23 and N.sup.+ region may operate due to the current flowing from the ground potential V.sub.SS to the N.sup.+ region when the potential of the input signal source 13 is lower than the ground potential V.sub.SS. Therefore, depending on the current limiting resistance and the current amplification factor of the parasitic PNP transistor 67 or the parasitic NPN transistor 56, they may heat or be broken in the worst case. Even when the parasitic current does not cause the heating, it may cause a variation in the potential of the back gate of MOSFET, therefore undesirably affecting the high-precision IC.


An end of cut speed control system includes a vehicle controller that commands a traction drive system to a reduced ground speed based on the setting of a control to a preset end of cut mode ground speed as a percentage of the mow mode ground speed. The vehicle controller changes the speed from the mow mode to the end of cut mode when a proximity sensor indicates the cutting units are raised to a cross cut position.

Fairway mowers and greens mowers are self-propelled riding mowers having multiple cutting units providing a high quality cut, and may be capable of mowing successfully at ground speeds as high as 7 to 10 miles per hour. After each cross cut pass of a fairway or green, the operator may raise the cutting units and turn the mower around 180 degrees before making the next pass. This is referred to as the end of cut. When a fairway or greens mower travels at these high speeds at the end of cut, there may be a risk of damage to the turf as the wheels and tires of the mower make sharp turns on soft ground. To reduce or prevent turf damage, golf course management may adjust mow speed controls to maximum ground speeds of only 3 to 6 miles per hour. This results in a significant reduction of productivity.
There is a need for a fairway or greens mower that can mow at high ground speeds without damaging turf at the end of cut. There is a need to increase productivity when mowing golf course fairways or greens.


The present invention relates to an assembly of multiple waveguides which includes a substrate and a plurality of waveguides positioned on said substrate at locations effective to suppress cross-talk between different waveguides. The plurality of waveguides each comprise an elongate array of quantum dots extending between sets of first and second locations on the substrate. The waveguides are positioned to receive: (1) pumped light uniformly applied to the array to produce electron-hole pairs and to enable optical gain and (2) signal light at the first location to trigger an emission from the quantum dot at the first location and transmission of photons along the array to the second location. A light transmission system which includes this assembly as well as methods of making and using the assembly are also disclosed.

Currently, the inability to easily guide light at sub-diffraction limit dimensions prevents the manufacture of ultra-high density photonic circuits. To capture the inherent advantages of large bandwidth, capacity, and high speed modulation, research in the area has been underway for over a decade. While a number of proposed structures like the one-dimensional negative dielectric (Takahara et al., Optics Lett. 22:475 (1997)) and silicon-on-insulator photonic crystal (Bogaerts et al., IEEE J. of Lightwave Technol. 23:401 (2005)) waveguides enable nanoscale signal transmission, challenges with integration and packaging dimensions remain. Alternatively, plasmon excitation through metal nanoparticle arrays presents a method of guiding energy using sub-micron structures. Nominally, the device is made from a 1D array of Ag, Au, or Al nanoparticles self-assembled through sputtering, ion implantation, thermal evaporation, and lift-off (Brongersma et al., Phys. Rev. B, 62:R16356 (2000); Maier et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 4:3990 (2004); and Yatsui et al., Nano Lett. (2005)). Still, negative dielectrics, such as metals, are subject to resistive heating and loss, and require conversion to translate plasmonic to optical energy.
The present invention is directed to overcoming these and other deficiencies in the art.


A semiconductor device includes a microlens provided in a pixel area and a monitoring structure provided in a peripheral area that is separate from the pixel area. The monitoring structure has a shape correlated with a shape of the microlens. A shape of a section of the monitoring structure in a plane perpendicular to a substrate is constant.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Some semiconductor devices, for example, solid-state image pickup devices such as charge-coupled-device (CCD) sensors and complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors and liquid-crystal display devices, include microlenses (also referred to as on-chip lenses) for improvement of sensitivity.
According to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-351853, a monitoring structure having a hemispherical shape is provided in a peripheral area of a chip. The monitoring structure is used in measuring the quality of a microlens included in an image pickup device. The surficial shape of the monitoring structure intended for the monitoring of the microlens is measured through an atomic-force microscope (AFM), whereby any irregularities that may occur in a process of forming the microlens, i.e., any irregularities in the shape of the microlens, are detected.
In the detection of the shape of a microlens, the sectional shape, the radius of curvature, and the height of the microlens are important. In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-351853, since the monitoring structure intended for the monitoring of the microlens has a hemispherical shape, raster scanning needs to be performed with an AFM. The shapes of different sections of the monitoring structure obtained through the raster scanning with an AFM are integrated together, whereby the sectional shape, the radius of curvature, and the height of the microlens are calculated. In the raster scanning performed with an AFM, however, there is a possibility that the scanning may not be performed along a line passing through the vertex (top) of the microlens. Therefore, an accurate sectional shape and other dimensional information may not be acquired, resulting in measurement errors. Although such measurement errors can be reduced by reducing the spacing of scanning lines, such reduction in the spacing of scanning lines is limited. Moreover, if the spacing of scanning lines is reduced, the number of scanning lines increases. Consequently, the measurement time increases.

Semiconductor device including pixels, microlenses, and a monitoring structure, and a method of manufacturing the same


An antenna aperture and method of assembling same. The antenna aperture forms a honeycomb-like core structure with dipole radiating elements integrally formed into structural wall portions of the honeycomb-like core. The antenna aperture has sufficient structural strength to form a structural portion of a mobile platform, while still being sufficiently light in weight for weight-critical applications such as with airborne mobile platforms.

Present day mobile platforms, such as aircraft (manned and unmanned), spacecraft and even land vehicles, often require the use of a phased array antenna aperture for transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic wave signals. Such antenna arrays are typically formed by a plurality of antenna elements assembled into an X-Y grid-like arrangement on the mobile platform. There is often weight from various components on which the radiating elements of the antenna are mounted, such as aluminum blocks or other like substructures, that form "parasitic" weight. By "parasitic" it is meant weight that is associated with components of the antenna aperture that are not directly necessary for transmitting or receiving operations, such as aluminum or metallic components on which antenna probes are supported. By providing an antenna aperture that is able to form a load bearing structure of a mobile platform, such as a portion of a wing, a portion of a skin of a fuselage, a portion of a door, or any other structural portion of a mobile platform, the number and nature of sensor functions capable of being implemented on the mobile platform can be increased significantly over conventional electronic antenna and sensor systems that require physical space within the mobile platform. An antenna that forms a structural portion of the mobile platform also would eliminate the aerodynamic drawbacks that the antenna aperture itself would give rise to or which must be designed in connection if the antenna aperture was to be mounted on an exterior surface of the mobile platform.
Providing a phased array antenna aperture that can form a structural portion of a mobile platform, and which is also comparable in weight to conventional composite honeycomb-like structural panels, and that could be manufactured with sufficient accuracy and to the high tolerance that is needed for precision antenna apertures, would allow a greater number of antennal/sensor applications to be implemented on a mobile platform over what is now possible with present day sensor systems that must be mounted within, or on an exterior surface of, a mobile platform. Such an antenna system would also potentially allow even greater sized antenna apertures to be implemented than what would otherwise be possible if the antenna aperture was required to be mounted within the mobile platform or on its external surface.

Structurally integrated phased array antenna aperture design and fabrication method


A system for optimizing cooling air supply pressure includes a high pressure fluid source which receives bleed air from the exit of a high pressure compressor and a nozzle and ejector assembly for supplying fluid to a point of use at a pressure sufficient to maintain a required cooling airflow and backflow margin at the point of use, and for reducing leakage of the cooling fluid between the high pressure source and the point of use.

The present invention relates to gas turbine engines and more particularly to an improved system for reducing leakage of fluid and for providing fluid at a desired pressure to a point of use
Air is bled from the high pressure compressor and used to cool various engine components including a blade outer air seal assembly in the high pressure turbine section of the engine. In the past, there has been substantial pressure losses in this cooling air due to leakage. As a result of these losses, it has been difficult to maintain the required cooling levels and the desired back flow margin at the blade outer air seal assembly.

Ejector for cooling air supply pressure optimization


A return stop selectively locks a rotatable inner ring to a stationary outer ring. A cage supports at least two roller pairs, each of which consists of two rollers, wherein a spring element spring-loads the two rollers against the outer ring. Each spring element is a double spring having two spring sections and a connecting section connecting the two spring sections to each other and to the cage. In response to rotation of the cage relative to the inner ring, one roller of each roller pair comes to bear against a ramp of the inner ring and the outer ring. The cage has a driver element at one end face which protrudes axially into the inner ring and can be connected to a contoured section on the inner ring in order to produce positive-locking attachment.

Transfer cases which are fitted with a clutch device for setting a variable torque are known. Here, the level of the torque to be transmitted by the clutch device is dependent on a contact force of an actuator acting on the clutch device. The actuator may be driven by an electric motor via a worm gear in order to set the position of the clutch device and thus the level of the torque. The position set is then held by maintaining the power supply of the electric motor. The resulting power consumption is a disadvantage. Switching off the electric motor would entail a loss of the previously set position.
DE 10 2015 201 403 A1 discloses a return stop comprising a rotatable inner ring, a stationary outer ring, and a cage that is arranged radially between the inner ring and the outer ring and has a plurality of roller pairs, each of which consists of two rollers. At least one spring element is arranged between the two rollers of each roller pair in order to spring-load the rollers at least against the outer ring. A wedging ramp is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the inner ring for each roller of each roller pair. At least one cam, which is formed radially outwardly and engages in a groove formed in the cage, is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring, wherein the at least one cam is designed to be smaller in the circumferential direction than the groove. The respective roller of each roller pair comes to bear both against the respective wedging ramp and against the outer ring by means of a movement of the cage relative to the inner ring. A radial depression is formed on the inner ring directly adjacent to each wedging ramp, wherein in each case only one roller of each roller pair comes to bear against the inner ring and the outer ring at the same time, and the respective other roller of each roller pair does not come to bear at least against the inner ring owing to the respective radial depression.

Return stop and transfer case comprising a return stop


When a stepping motor is used as a driving source for a shutter device, if the stepping motor loses synchronization because of variations in load during driving or the like, it becomes unable to rotate a driving ring at that time, and this disables an exposure operation. In a first zone where a driven member is driven, but a light shielding member remains in a closed state or an open state, the motor drives the driven member in open-loop driving mode. In a second zone where the driven member is driven, and thus the light shielding member moves to the closed state or the open state, the motor drives the driven member in feed-back driving mode.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a shutter device in which two shutter blades are made to open or close an opening portion by a stepping motor rotating a driving ring.
The shutter device disclosed in Patent Literature 1 has an acceleration region where the driving ring is rotated, but the two shutter blades do not open or close the opening portion and an exposure region where the two shutter blades are made to open or close the opening portion by rotation of the driving ring. In the shutter device disclosed in Patent Literature 1, after the stepping motor is accelerated in the acceleration region, the two shutter blades open or close the opening portion in the exposure region.

Shutter device and image pickup apparatus including shutter device


A rotary connector includes a stationary case fixed to a stationary member, a rotating case combined with the stationary case for rotation relative to the stationary case, and the rotating case having a torque transmission section for transmitting a torque from a rotating member and a junction to be connected to an external wire. A flexible flat cable having a plurality of electrical conductors coated for insulation is housed, in the form of a spiral capable of tightening and loosening, in an annular space defined by the two cases, one end of the flat cable being connected at the junction to the external wire. The torque transmission section and the junction are fractured and removed from the rotating case under first and second torques, respectively, transmitted from the rotating member.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a rotary connector for connecting two relatively rotating members.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a rotary connector for connecting relatively rotating members, e.g., a rotary connector used in a steering apparatus of an automobile, a flat cable is used in order to improve the reliability of electrical connection with the vehicle-body side. This flat cable is a flexible belt-shaped cable which is formed by coating a plurality of flat square conductors for insulation. The flat cable is housed in the form of a spiral in an annular space defined by a rotating case and a stationary case.
The rotary connector, containing the flat cable therein, transmits the rotatory force of a steering shaft, which is produced by turning a steering wheel, to the rotating case through a torque transmission section which comprises a key or pin on the connector. Thus, the rotary connector is designed so that the rotation of the steering wheel is absorbed by a tightening or loosening action of the flat cable as the rotating case rotates, whereby electrical connection with external equipment can be established.
In the rotary connector constructed in this manner, the allowable range of rotation of the rotating case with respect to the stationary case depends on the length of the flat cable. That is, the rotational range is limited.
In mounting the rotary connector in a vehicle, therefore, it is necessary to adjust the steering wheel to a straight-advance position and to orient the rotary connector to a neutral position of the tightening or loosening of the flat cable with respect to horizontal rotation. Thus, the rotary connector must be mounted in the vehicle in a manner such that the flat cable can tighten or loosen within the allowable range of rotation even when the steering wheel is turned to its structural motion limit.
If the rotary connector is mounted in the vehicle without fulfilling these requirements, the flat cable tightens to its limit in the middle of the steering wheel operation, thereby hindering smooth rotation of the steering wheel.
Accordingly, the conventional rotary connector is separately provided with a cutting device in the form of a cutting edge, as a measure to counter the above situation, such that the cutting device cuts the flat cable to eliminate the hindrance to the rotation of the steering wheel.
Each flat cable has its own strength depending on the specifications, including the number and sectional area of conductors which vary according to the application of the rotary connector. According to the method in which the hindrance to the rotation of the steering wheel is eliminated by cutting the flat cable, therefore, the cutting torque must be changed for each cable, which is hardly feasible.
With the diversification of modern vehicles, in particular, the rotary connector tends to use an increased number of circuits, and cutting the flat cable requires a very large torque. In consideration of the durability of the flat cable, therefore, it is not advisable to use a sharp cutting device. If the cutting device is a dull one, however, it cannot successfully cut the flat cable. Thus, it is delicate to adjust the cutting device to cutting work under a proper torque.
Further, the use of the cutting device or cutting edge in the rotary connector means an increase in the number of components of the connector, so that the space for the flat cable is reduced. In order to secure the same amount of rotation, therefore, the rotary connector itself is expected to be large-sized.


A rapidly dissolving film is provided for delivery of an active agent to a moist body surface, e.g., mucosal tissue. The film comprises a film-forming binder, a rapidly dissolving polymeric material, and an active agent.

There are numerous systems that have been designed to deliver active agents to a moist environment such as the oral cavity. Such systems are particularly desirable in comparison to tablets, capsules and other dosage forms that must be swallowed, especially when the patient population includes children, the elderly, or other patients that may have difficulty swallowing.
As described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,750,921 to Kim et al., film-forming agents have been used to manufacture drug delivery formulations for percutaneous or transdermal application, but these necessarily involve an adhesive composition to retain the agent in situ long enough to effect sustained release of the active ingredient.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,891 to Zhang et al. describes systems that can be formulated as oral transmucosal patches, lozenges or troches, lollipops or chewing gum. However, these systems can have a relatively long life in the mouth, which may not always be desirable or practical.
Bioerodible films are described in Tapolsky et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,832. The films have an adhesive layer and a non-adhesive backing layer and are intended to adhere to the mucosal surface. Biegajski et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,700,478, describes a water-soluble pressure-sensitive mucoadhesive suitable for use in a mucosal-lined body cavity.
More recently, rapidly dissolving films have been developed. These include the instant wettability mucoadhesive film intended to adhere to the oral mucosa described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,948,430 and 6,709,671 to Zerbe et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,596,298 to Leung et al. describes fast dissolving orally consumable films that are made of a film-forming polymer, preferably pullulan, to deliver antimicrobial agents and other active agents. These films are nontacky when dry but become tacky upon application to mucosal tissue. Mucoadhesion may not always be desired, however, because the difficulty of properly applying the film decreases patient compliance.
U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2002/0131990 A1, on the other hand, describes a pullulan-free edible film, and indicates that pullulan is costly and not readily available.
A method has recently been developed for tailoring the adhesive properties of polymer compositions useful in a number of applications, including pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. The method is based on new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying adhesive properties. See, for example, Feldstein et al. (1999) Polym. Mater. Sci. Eng., 81:465-466; Feldstein et al., General approach to the molecular design of hydrophilic pressure-sensitive adhesives, Proceed. 25th Annual Meeting Adhesion Soc. and 2nd World Congress on Adhesion and Relative Phenomena, February 2002, Orlando, Fla., vol.1 (Oral Presentations), p. 292-294; and Chalykh et al. (2002) J. Adhesion 78(8):667-694. As discussed in the foregoing references, pressure-sensitive adhesion results from the coupling of two apparently incompatible types of molecular structures, and there is a fine balance between strong cohesive interaction energy and enhanced "free volume."
That is, enhanced free volume in the molecular structure of a PSA (pressure-sensitive adhesive) polymer composition correlates with high tack exhibited at the macroscopic level and a liquid-like fluidity of the PSA material, which, in turn, allow for rapid formation of an adhesive bond. The "cohesive interaction energy" or "cohesion energy" defines the cohesive toughness of the PSA composition and provides the dissipation of detachment energy in the course of adhesive joint failure. Based on these findings, a general method for obtaining novel hydrophilic adhesives was developed and is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,576,712 to Feldstein et al. In one embodiment, that method involves physically mixing a non-adhesive, hydrophilic, high molecular weight polymer with a relatively low molecular weight plasticizer capable of crosslinking the polymer via hydrogen bonding.
In spite of the development of the art, there remains a need for rapidly dissolving films that have significant drug loading capability, provide ease of handling, dissolve rapidly in the mouth or other moist body location, release drug instantly, and can provide sustained and controlled release of a variety of active agents.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Rapidly dissolving film for delivery of an active agent

A.V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, Russian Academy of Sciences


A process for spatially distributing a population count within a geographically defined area can include the steps of logically correlating land usages apparent from a geographically defined area to geospatial features in the geographically defined area and allocating portions of the population count to regions of the geographically defined area having the land usages, according to the logical correlation. The process can also include weighing the logical correlation for determining the allocation of portions of the population count and storing the allocated portions within a searchable data store. The logically correlating step can include the step of logically correlating time-based land usages to geospatial features of the geographically defined area. The process can also include obtaining a population count for the geographically defined area, organizing the geographically defined area into a plurality of sectors, and verifying the allocated portions according to direct observation.

Censuses provide a generally simple, and often used, form of collecting population data of a particular region. Since ancient Roman times, controlling bodies utilized censuses for a variety of reasons, such as counting the population that lives in a particular region. While the data collected in a simple census provides useful information, the lack of logical correlation of the population data to other factors of the region other than the boundaries of the region, limits the potential extractable information from the population data. Censuses generally report the aggregate number of people residing in a region. These regions typically include entire towns, cities, states, and even countries, each of which contain vast amounts of land area where no population lives. Consequently, simple censuses of relatively large regions provide little, if any, information regarding where individual members of a population generally live within that large region.
In many instances, people who constitute the population of a region live in highly populated areas of that region, leaving other areas of that region relatively unpopulated. Nevertheless, simple censuses do not account for the reality of densely populated sub-regions and sparsely populated sub-regions that are within a larger region. While a simple census provide some usefulness in determining the aggregate number of people residing in a region, some simple censuses inherently limit a systematic correlation of the location of a population throughout that region.
To account for the inherent limitations of a simple census, some methods have been developed to systematically distribute members of a region with a known population to sub-regions within a region. Past methods attempted to distribute members of a population based upon geographic features. Such a geographic correlation suffers from inherent limitations due to the relatively large size of geographic features when compared to the living area of an individual member of a population. For example, some methods correlate a higher incidence of population within a given region for areas with close proximity to such geographical features as impervious surfaces represented by roads, houses, and other features. Other geographic features that have been used to correlate incidence of population within a certain region include slope, land cover type, and intensity of nighttime lights. Nevertheless, such individual spatial relationships cannot reliably predict a population distribution for various reasons.
First, the relationship of the proximity of a relatively densely populated subregion to geographic features varies from region to region. For example, in a typical metropolis, there may be a positive correlation between the proximity of a densely populated sub-region to a major road. For example, correlating a road to population density would distribute the population census for the shown region to be concentrated around the road. While this may be an accurate description in some regions, in other regions an opposite correlation may exist such as a desert region having vast road networks with little population. Additionally, in a farmland region, there may be a negative correlation between the proximity of a populated sub-region to a major road. Further, in a suburban region, no correlation may exist between the proximity of a relatively densely populated sub-region to a major road. Therefore, while geographic features can provide a useful correlation for distributing a population within a certain region, individual geographic features alone do not provide a predictable and reliable relation for distributing a population.
Additionally, while censuses usually limit data collection to locations where members live, even correlations with geographic regions do not account for the reality of transient populations. In the mobile world of today, transient populations exist on town, city, or even state level. Many people travel at least a few miles to work everyday, yet spend most of their nights in another location. Therefore, transient populations produce an affect on day time verse night time populations, an affect that is exacerbated with refinement of the region's resolution.
A system that accounts for spatial and temporally refined population distribution data can provide a more accurate presentation of the population distribution for day or night. Such accurate information provides beneficial uses in a variety of applications in counter-terrorism, homeland security, consequence analysis, epidemiology, exposure analysis, urban sprawl detection, estimation of populations affected by global sea level rise, and emergency planning and management for natural disasters, nuclear, biological, and chemical accidents. Terrorism, natural disasters, and technological accidents can strike anywhere on earth, yet can have impacts on limited areas, such as neighborhoods, city blocks, and even buildings. Population distribution estimates on such a fine resolution help in planning for and responding to such events.

Method for spatially distributing a population


The invention relates to a method and device with which it is possible to arrange complicated shapes with considerable differences in height in wood fiber board, and in particular but not exclusively so called MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard). The deformation of the wood fiber board which can be achieved with the invention is known in the art as extusion, wherein a considerable plastic deformation takes place accompanied by flow and stretch of the material.

The invention relates to a method and device which can be used to arrange in wood fibre board, and in particular but not exclusively in so-called MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) complicated shapes with considerable differences in height. The deformation of wood fibre board which can be achieved with the invention is known as extrusion, whereby considerable plastic deformation, accompanied by flow and stretch of the material takes place.
The deformation of wood fibre board is known as such. From the International patent application WO96/03262 for instance a method is known with which it is possible to bend wood fibre board to a bending radius of minimally 2.5 times the thickness of the board material.
From other publications, such as for instance the European patent application 0 420 831 it is known to provide wood fibre board with a surface profiling by subjecting this material to a pressing operation. In this case the required profile is formed by locally varying compression of the material.
The deformation which can be effected with the invention can be much more comprehensive than the deformation which is achievable with the state-of-the-art methods.

Method for the moulding of wood fiber board


A framing square includes a right-angle square formed from a first member and a second member connected to each other at a respective distal end of each thereof and forming a right-angle connection therebetween. An angular measuring member is positioned at the right-angle connection. An indicator guide is positioned on a first side of the right-angle square and pivotally connected at a pivot point positioned at the right angle connection and moveable about a first side of the angular measuring member. An indicator arm is connected to the indicator guide and further includes a means for securing the indicator guide at a predetermined angle along said angular measuring member. The pivotal indicator arm and the pivotal indicator guide can be secured to the right-angle square resulting in a user able to consistently measure a same angle.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to squaring tools, and more specifically, to a rafter square having a pivoting guide member and related locking means that will allow the user to selectively position the square at a specified angle as determined by indicia thereon. The pivoting guide member, related locking means, and indicia are used to form a desired angle to aid carpenters in laying out angle guts in rafters. Furthermore, the indicia inscribed on the rafter square include a chart of points comprised of arithmetical guide markings for various roofing styles.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are other squaring tools described in the prior art. Typical of these are U.S. Pat. Nos. 42,230; 330,799; 359,372; 485,456; 518,103; 743,900; 928,569; 1,191,008; 1,159,483; 1,453,625; 1,453,625; 1,834,389; 1,913,919; 2,251,208; 2,504,244; 2,726,452; 4,208,804; 4,712,307; 5,446,969; and 5,452,522.

Pivoting rafter square with multiple insignia


A printing machine driven by one electric motor or by individual electric motors controllable by their own respective associated control systems. The control systems contain a subsystem observer or a total system observer, which obtains from the actual rotational angle speed (.omega..sub.ist) or the actual rotational angle (.phi..sub.ist) as well as from the electric-current or moment target value or actual value of the electric motor, an observed load torque (M.sub.LAST), which is supplied to the adjustment element as a component of the target moment (M.sub.soll). This signal can be applied via a differentiating filter or, in addition, via the proportional element, to the summing point. Alternatively to or in conjunction with the observer, a periodic compensation controller is provided in the control loop. The periodic compensation controller provides deviation-control for periodic disturbances and obtains, from the differential angular speed (.omega..sub.D), a component (M.sub.2soll) of the target load moment (M.sub.soll). To improve signal quality, filters can be used.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a printing machine with printing groups or printing group parts driven by at least one electric motor.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
In the simplest case, printing machines are driven by a single motor that drives a mechanical longitudinal shaft. In more advanced designs, the longitudinal shaft is broken up, and the resulting parts are driven by individual angle-controlled motors that operate in angle-synchronicity. In further configurations, printing units or even parts of printing groups, such as form cylinders or transfer cylinders, are driven by individual associated angle-controlled motors.
For example, a rotary offset printing machine with directly driven cylinders is known from the article "Direktantriebstechnik" ["Direct Drive Technology"] by F. R. Goetz in Antriebstechnik [Drive Technology] 33 (1994) No. 4, pp. 48 to 53. Printing machines of this type, driven by multiple motors in accordance with the individual drive principle, have a simpler mechanical structure than printing machines with a longitudinal shaft. Intermediate gearwheels and couplings between the individual printing groups or printing group units are omitted, as are circumferential register adjustments. The use of water-cooled motors of small structural size and optimal heat control allows the structure of such printing machines to be further improved. Because the components of the printing machine are mechanically disconnected, they cannot vibrate against each other. Moreover, the "virtual" coupling of printing groups to one another entails no additional mechanical expense. Particularly in printing machines for printing on webs, a large number of web guides can be realized simply.
All printing machines driven by electric motors experience periodic and non-periodic disturbances. The load torque reacting on an electric motor of the printing machine or the printing machine part (i.e., a cylinder, cylinder pair or group of cylinders or rollers) driven by that motor represents a disturbance variable in the control loop. Disturbances that occur periodically, e.g., the impacts in the inking mechanism of a vibrator, which executes a pendulum movement between an ink duct and an ink transfer roller, pose particular problems. Other periodic disturbances result, for example, from the cross-wise cutting of the printing web, from the movement of a folding blade in a knife folding mechanism that produces a third fold, from the channel impact associated with clamping channels in form and transfer cylinders, and from non-circularities in paper and transport rollers.

Printing machine with printing groups driven by individual electric motors


In a preferred method, a zinc-rich alloy coating is applied to a substrate using an electrolysis deposition solution which contains a metal salt of zinc and a metal salt of nickel each in an amount sufficient to provide a weight ratio of zinc to nickel (Zn:Ni) of at least about 1:1; a phosphorus-containing reducing agent in an amount sufficient to cause reduction of the zinc and the nickel to ions thereof; sufficient complexing agent to maintain the nickel ions and the zinc ions in solution; and a buffer in an amount sufficient to achieve a desired pH. Preferably, the surface of the substrate is pretreated or precatalyzed before deposition by a sensitizing step using tin and an activating step using palladium.

Coatings of metal have been applied to a variety of substrates for many years. Such coatings are often used to provide corrosion resistance, and recently to achieve magnetic effects. A particularly effective corrosion resistant coating includes zinc. Automobile exterior body parts, namely, fenders, door panels, and the like are among the most difficult parts to protect from corrosion because of the environment to which they are exposed and their susceptibility to surface damage tending to create corrosion sites.
Currently, automobiles and trucks are protected from corrosion by a zinc or zinc alloy layer coated on the steel before vehicle fabrication. Since the zinc rich metal coating protects steel sacrificially at damage sites in the paint, the corrosion resistance in the vehicle is increased dramatically. There is, however, a drawback in that the metallic zinc or zinc alloy must be applied to the steel prior to manufacturing of the vehicle. Hence, operations such as blanking, welding, and painting occur after a zinc coating has been applied to the steel. Welding tip life is significantly reduced in the presence of zinc coatings and various forming operations are hindered by zinc accumulating in dies. A zinc-based coating is not applied after vehicle assembly because there is no suitable method to apply it. For example, electro-deposition of a zinc coating onto completed, assembled parts does not provide coverage to convoluted parts and recesses in parts. Electro-deposition is simply not able to provide a uniform metal coating on complex shapes and in cavities. It would be desirable to obtain a protective corrosion resistant coating which is easy to apply to surfaces of objects regardless of their configuration, which provides an essentially uniform coating on the surfaces, which may be applied after assembly of componentry, and which is compatible with subsequent operations such as painting.

Zinc/nickel/phosphorus coatings and elecroless coating method therefor


Embodiments of the invention encompass methods for modeling of complex systems, which include, but are not limited to gene regulatory networks, biological systems, and the like. Other embodiments of the invention include the development of computational tools for the identification and discovery of potential targets for therapeutic intervention in diseases such as cancer. The embodiments discussed utilize methods that model the potential effect of individual genes on the global dynamical network behavior, both from the view of random gene mutation as well as intervention in order to elicit desired network behavior.

The near-completion of the Human Genome Projects has revealed that there are approximately 30,000 to 40,000 genes in the human genome. Genetic and molecular studies have shown that each gene may be linked to other genes at various levels, such as transcriptional regulation and protein interactions. In this new era of genomic biology, single gene or protein perspectives are becoming increasingly limited for gaining insight into biological processes. Global, systemic, or network perspectives are becoming increasingly important for making progress in our understanding of the biological processes and harnessing this understanding in educated intervention for correcting human diseases. The development of high throughput genomic and proteomic technologies is empowering researchers in the collection of broad-scope gene information. However, it remains a major challenge to digest the massive amounts of information and use it in an intelligent and comprehensive manner. The development of systematic approaches to finding genes for effective therapeutic intervention requires new models and tools for understanding and managing complex genetic networks.
To understand the nature of cellular function, it is necessary to study the behavior of genes in a holistic rather than in an individual manner. Mathematical and computational methods may be developed to construct formal models of genetic interactions. This research direction provides insight and a conceptual framework for an integrative view of genetic function and regulation.
There have been a number of attempts to model gene regulatory networks, including linear models, Bayesian network models, neural network models, differential equation-based models, and models including stochastic components on the molecular level. In general, gene expression time trajectories can be modeled as random functions of time. The model system that has received, perhaps, the most attention is the Boolean Network model originally introduced in the late 1960's to early 1970's. In this model, gene expression is quantized to only two levels: ON and OFF. The expression level (state) of each gene is functionally related to the expression states of some other genes, using logical rules. Computational methods that reveal these logical interrelations have been successfully constructed.
Recent computational methods indicate that many other realistic biological questions may be answered within the seemingly simplistic Boolean formalism, which emphasizes fundamental, generic principles rather than quantitative biochemical details. Current methods have yielded insights into the overall behavior of large genetic networks and allow the study of large data sets in a global fashion. For example, the dynamic behavior of such networks can be used to model many biologically meaningful phenomena, for example, cellular state dynamics, possessing switch-like behavior, stability, and hysteresis. Additional uses of such methods may include uses such as the identification of suitable drug targets in cancer therapy by inferring the structure of the genetic models from experimental data (e.g., from gene expression profiles). Recent work has gone into identifying the structure of gene regulatory networks from expression data. It remains an open question as to the degree to which the Boolean formalism can explain the complicated genetic network interplay of higher-order eukaryotes, where more uncertainty of the network exists, attributed to increased gene complexity and differentiation-related specification.
Other methods depart from traditional deterministic constraints of Boolean models by using so-called noisy Boolean networks together with an identification algorithm, in order to deal with noise present in expression patterns. In that model, the requirement of consistency intrinsically imposed by Boolean functions are relaxed.
Limitations of standard Boolean networks include an inherent determinism. From a conceptual point of view, it is likely that the regularity of genetic function and interaction known to exist is not due to hard-wired logical rules, but rather to the intrinsic self-organizing stability of the dynamical system, despite the existence of stochastic components in the cell. Empirically, the assumption of only one logical rule per gene may lead to incorrect conclusions when inferring these rules from gene expression measurements, as the latter are typically noisy and the number of samples is small relative to the number of parameters to be inferred.

The Board of Regents of The University of Texas


In an electrophotographic photosensitive member including a support, and a photosensitive layer formed on the support, a surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member includes specific resin (α), resin (β) and compound (γ).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
As an electrophotographic photosensitive member to be mounted on an electrophotographic apparatus, an electrophotographic photosensitive member containing an organic photoconductive substance (charge generation substance) is commonly used. As an electrophotographic apparatus repeatedly forms an image, electric and mechanical external forces such as charging, exposing, developing, transferring and cleaning external forces are directly applied to the surface of an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and thus there is a demand for durability to such external forces. Furthermore, there is also a demand for reducing the frictional force to a contacting member (cleaning blade or the like) (lubricating properties and slipping properties) on the surface of an electrophotographic photosensitive member.
In order to solve the problem of lubricating properties, a method of adding a silicone oil such as polydimethylsiloxane to the surface layer of an electrophotographic photosensitive member has been proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H07-13368. In addition, a method of using a polycarbonate resin having a siloxane structure at the end for the surface layer of an electrophotographic photosensitive member has been proposed in Japanese Patent No. 3278016. In addition, a method of using a polyester resin having a siloxane structure at the end for the surface layer has been proposed in Japanese Patent No. 3781268.
However, it has been found that if the silicone oil is contained in the surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member as in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H07-13368, there may be a tendency that the surface layer is whitened to result in the reduction in sensitivity to thereby lower image density.
In addition, it has been found that if the polycarbonate resin and the polyester resin each having a siloxane structure at the end are used as in Japanese Patent No. 3278016 and Japanese Patent No. 3781268, the variation in bright portion potential due to the repeating use of the electrophotographic photosensitive member may be large as compared with the case of using a resin not having a siloxane structure.

Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus


Methods and apparatuses for controlling characteristics of radiation directed to a microlithographic workpiece are disclosed. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a source of radiation positioned to direct a radiation beam having an amplitude distribution, a phase distribution, and a polarization distribution, toward a workpiece. An adaptive structure can be positioned in a path of the radiation beam and can have a plurality of independently controllable and selectively radiation transmissible elements, each configured to change at least one of the amplitude distribution, the phase distribution and the polarization distribution of the radiation beam. A controller can be operatively coupled to the adaptive structure to direct the elements of the adaptive structure to change from one state to any of a plurality of available other states. Accordingly, the adaptive structure can provide radiation beams having a variety of continuously variable distributions for a variety of radiation beam characteristics.

Microelectronic features are typically formed in microfeature workpieces (including semiconductor wafers) by selectively removing material from the wafer and filling in the resulting openings with insulative, semiconductive and/or conductive materials. One typical process includes depositing a layer of radiation-sensitive photoresist material on the wafer, then positioning a patterned mask or reticle over the photoresist layer, and then exposing the masked photoresist layer to a selected radiation. The wafer is then exposed to a developer, such as an aqueous base or a solvent. In one case, the photoresist layer is initially generally soluble in the developer, and the portions of the photoresist layer exposed to the radiation through patterned openings in the mask change from being generally soluble to being generally resistant to the developer (e.g., so as to have low solubility). Alternatively, the photoresist layer can be initially generally insoluble in the developer, and the portions of the photoresist layer exposed to the radiation through the openings in the mask become more soluble. In either case, the portions of the photoresist layer that are resistant to the developer remain on the wafer, and the rest of the photoresist layer is removed by the developer to expose the wafer material below.
The wafer is then subjected to etching or metal deposition processes. In an etching process, the etchant removes exposed material, but not material protected beneath the remaining portions of the photoresist layer. Accordingly, the etchant creates a pattern of openings (such as grooves, channels, or holes) in the wafer material or in materials deposited on the wafer. These openings can be filled with insulative, conductive, or semiconductive materials to build layers of microelectronic features on the wafer. The wafer is then singulated to form individual chips, which can be incorporated into a wide variety of electronic products, such as computers and other consumer or industrial electronic devices.
As the size of the microelectronic features formed in the wafer decreases (for example, to reduce the size of the chips placed in electronic devices), the size of the features formed in the photoresist layer must also decrease. In some processes, the dimensions (referred to as critical dimensions) of selected features are evaluated as a diagnostic measure to determine whether the dimensions of other features comply with manufacturing specifications. Critical dimensions are accordingly selected to be the most likely to suffer from errors resulting from any of a number of aspects of the foregoing process. Such errors can include errors generated by the radiation source and/or the optics between the radiation source and the mask. The errors can also be generated by the mask, by differences between masks, and/or by errors in the etch process. The critical dimensions can also be affected by errors in processes occurring prior to or during the exposure/development process, and/or subsequent to the etching process, including variations in deposition processes, and/or variations in material removal processes, e.g., chemical-mechanical planarization processes.
One general approach to correcting lens aberrations in wafer optic systems (disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,132 to McDonald et al.) is to reflect the incident radiation from a deformable mirror, which can be adjusted to correct for the aberrations in the lens optics. However, correcting lens aberrations will not generally be adequate to address the additional factors (described above) that can adversely affect critical dimensions. Accordingly, another approach to addressing some of the foregoing variations and errors is to interpose a gradient filter between the radiation source and the mask to spatially adjust the intensity of the radiation striking the wafer. Alternatively, a thin film or pellicle can be disposed over the mask to alter the intensity of light transmitted through the mask. In either case, the filter and/or the pellicle can account for variations between masks by decreasing the radiation intensity incident on one portion of the mask relative to the radiation intensity incident on another.
One drawback with the foregoing arrangement is that it may be difficult and/or time-consuming to change the gradient filter and/or the pellicle when the mask is changed. A further drawback is that the gradient filter and the pellicle cannot account for new errors and/or changes in the errors introduced into the system as the system ages or otherwise changes.
Another approach to addressing some of the foregoing drawbacks is to provide a pixilated, diffractive optical element (DOE) in place of a fixed geometry diffractive device. The pixilated DOE typically includes an array of electrically addressable pixels, each of which has an "on" state and a "off" state. Pixels in the on state transmit light and pixels in the off state do not. Accordingly, such DOEs can be repeatedly reprogrammed to generate new patterns, allowing the user to avoid the cost associated with generating a new diffractive element for each new microfeature workpiece design. However, a drawback with this approach is that toggling the pixels between two binary states may not provide adequate control over the radiation impinging on the microlithographic workpiece, which can in turn result in sub-standard or otherwise unacceptable workpieces.

Methods and systems for controlling radiation beam characteristics for microlithographic processing


A purpose of the present invention is to provide a lithium ion secondary battery having improved battery characteristics. The lithium ion secondary battery according to the present invention comprises a negative electrode comprising a negative electrode active material comprising a silicon material and an electrolyte solution comprising an electrolyte solvent comprising an open chain sulfone compound, a fluorinated cyclic carbonate and an open chain carbonate and a supporting salt comprising LiN(FSO2)2.

Lithium ion secondary batteries are used in various applications. Accordingly, there is a demand for a lithium ion secondary battery that has high energy density and good life characteristics. For a battery having high energy density, deterioration in battery performance caused by decomposition of an electrolyte solvent may become a problem. Therefore, there is a demand for a durable electrolyte solvent.
It is known that LiN(FSO2)2 reacts with a positive electrode and/or a negative electrode to form a film on an electrode surface having an effect of preventing decomposition of an electrolyte solution. For this reason, the use of LiN(FSO2)2 as a supporting salt has been studied to improve battery life characteristics. Patent document 1 discloses a lithium ion secondary battery comprising an electrolyte solution comprising 0.6 mol/L or more of LiN(FSO2)2 as a supporting salt and 10 volume % or more of a fluorinated carbonate as a solvent. Patent document 2 discloses a lithium ion secondary battery comprising an electrolyte solution comprising 0.7 to 4 mol/L of LiN(FSO2)2 as a supporting salt and more than 0 to 15 volume % of a cyclic carbonate and 85 to 99 volume % of an open chain carbonate as solvents.


There is provided a fluid cushion system (10) which includes a resilient fluid casing member (12) adapted to at least be partially filled with a liquid. The resilient fluid casing member (12) defines an internal chamber within which the liquid is maintained and is formed of a material which is impervious to liquid transport. The resilient fluid casing member (12) is insertable within a resilient housing (20) which provides structural support for the fluid casing member (12) substantially independent of a positional orientation of the fluid casing member (12). The resilient housing member (20) is generally formed of a open celled foam type elastic material and includes a cover (32) adapted to be releasably mounted to an external base member.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to fluid cushion systems. In particular, this invention directs itself to fluid cushion systems wherein liquid is displaced to different positional locations within the fluid cushion system to minimize stress loading when particular portions of a user's body interface with the fluid cushion system. More in particular, the present invention directs itself to a fluid cushion system which includes at least one resilient fluid casing member which is insertable within a resilient housing. Still further, this invention directs itself to a fluid cushion system where the resilient housing provides for a structural support for the fluid casing member independent of the positional location and orientation of the resilient fluid casing member. Additionally, the subject invention relates to a fluid cushion system wherein the fluid cushion system includes a cover member adapted to be releasably secured to an external base member.
More in particular, this invention pertains to a fluid cushion system wherein there is provided an integrally molded closed contour flexible and resilient housing within which a plurality of fluid casing members may be removably inserted. Additionally, the fluid casing members are fluid impervious elements which may be formed in a molded one-piece formation. Still further, the subject invention concept directs itself to a fluid cushion system wherein the fluid casing members may be inserted within a multiplicity of compartments formed in the one-piece formed flexible and resilient housing. Still further, the subject invention directs itself to a fluid cushion system wherein fluid or liquid casing members include valve mechanisms to allow insert and removal of liquid responsive to the needs, comfort and structural support needed by the user at his or her discretion.
2. Prior Art
Fluid cushion systems utilizing a liquid to allow conformity to the human body as loads are applied thereto is known in the art. The best prior art known to the Applicant includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,984,886; 4,143,909; 4,189,181; 4,391,466; 4,108,492; 4,547,919; 3,867,732; 2,589,013; 2,867,266; 4,067,078; 3,348,880; and, 1,976,320.
In some prior art systems as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,189,181, there are provided cushioning systems which rely upon displacement of contained atmospheres. However, such do not provide for an integrally molded entirely flexible assembly having a multiplicity of fluid impervious sections formed in a molded one-piece formation defining discrete pockets. Such prior art systems, do not allow for individual removal of fluid casing members for insert and/or removal of fluid to adjust to specific requirements of an individual. Additionally, such prior art systems do not provide for an external flexible housing which provides for a combined force load optimization and displacement of liquid contained within the system while providing additional structural support for flexible casings contained therein.
In other prior art systems such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,108,492, a plurality of inflatable cushions may be inserted into respective pockets on a back of a chair. However, in such prior art systems, the pockets receiving the inflatable cushions are sewn or otherwise attached to the front frame portions of the chair to form space compartments. Thus, such prior art systems do not provide for integrally formed and molded assemblies as provided in the subject invention concept to allow removal of the entire assembly or portions thereof from the system or the environment within which it is being used or to be adaptable for use in a variety of positional orientations. Further, in such systems, there is shown a structurally rigid frame for the back support and such does not allow for the flexibility of the subject fluid cushion system as is herein described.
In other prior art such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,867,732, pneumatic seat cushions are provided which have an air inlet stem projecting through portions in the upholstery and is coupled to a plurality of conduits. Such prior art seat cushions do provide for individual tube members however, such are not individually located within an overall discrete section, and flexible housing, as is necessary to the subject invention concept.
In further prior art systems, as is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,547,919, there are provided inflatable articles with some type of reinforcing structure. Although these references do provide a plurality of gas impervious sheets welded together at their edges to form compartment areas, it is clear that such do not provide for discrete or individual flexible casing members associated with these compartments for insert and/or removal from the compartments or pocket sections, as is necessary to the subject invention concept as herein described.
In other prior art fluid cushion systems, such are incorporated directly into a chair-like device or other furniture. Prior art systems of this type do not allow for removal and transportability of such fluid cushion systems at the discretion of the user.


Disclosed are a display device and a control method thereof. The display device and the control method include a camera acquiring an image including a gesture made by a user, and a controller extracting an object making the gesture from the image acquired by the camera, and setting a specific spot in the extracted object to be a reference point of a movement of the object, the controller fixing the reference point to a set location regardless of a change in a shape of the extracted object. Accordingly, a reference point is set at a specific spot of an object having made a gesture corresponding to the acquisition of control thereon, thereby allowing for the accurate and effective recognition of a gesture made by a user.

The diversification of the functions of terminals, such as personal computers, laptop computers, cellular phones or the like, has led to the implementation thereof into multimedia player type terminals equipped with a variety of functions of, for example, capturing motion images, shooting still photos, reproducing music or video files, providing games, receiving broadcasting signals or the like.
Terminals, as multimedia devices, may also be called display devices in that they are configured to display a variety of image information in general.
Such display devices may be classified as portable and stationary types according to the mobility thereof. For example, portable display devices may include laptop computers, cellular phones or the like, and the stationary display devices may include televisions, monitors for desktop computers, or the like.

Display device and control method thereof


Embodiments of the present invention provide a downlink information transmission method, a base station, and user equipment. The method includes: sending, by a first base station, downlink information by using a first period according to a first pattern; sending, by the first base station, the downlink information by using a second period according to the first pattern, or by using the first period according to a second pattern, or by using a second period according to a second pattern when the first base station determines to change a transmission period and/or a transmission pattern of the downlink information, where the second period is less than the first period, and OFDM symbols occupied by the second pattern are more than OFDM symbols occupied by the first pattern. The present invention is applicable to the field of communications technologies.

As the pace of people's life accelerates, people have higher requirements on quality of a mobile service.
In the prior art, in order that user equipment (UE) entering coverage of a base station can rapidly establish a wireless connection to the base station, the base station may send downlink information periodically in a fixed sending manner, such as a synchronization signal, a discovery signal, or a system broadcast message. For example, in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, the base station needs to send synchronization information every 5 ms, send a measurement signal every 1 ms, and send a system broadcast message every 10 ms. On one hand, periodic sending of downlink information may occupy a considerable part of downlink resources. In this way, downlink resources used for data transmission are reduced, leading to low utilization of the downlink resources. On the other hand, although it can be ensured to some extent that the UE can establish a wireless connection to the base station in time when the base station sends the downlink information periodically in a fixed sending manner, a requirement of a user for rapid access to a network still cannot be satisfied.
In conclusion, an existing downlink information sending method cannot satisfy user requirements, and overheads are relatively large.

Downlink information transmission method, base station, and user equipment


An examination of a portion of the body, such as a female breast, is conducted in the relaxing environment of floatation. When submerged, the buoyancy of the breast tissue counteracts the effects of gravity, and enhances the examiner's ability to detect abnormalities. While the breast is immersed in warm water, a constricted portion of the breast tissue is examined with the fingers. Forming this constricted three-dimensional projection of tissue is quite different from the generally flat or planar, circular rubbing motions advocated by more conventional methods of breast examination. Although the method is especially useful for conducting a self-examination of the female breast, tissues of the male abdomen and testicles may also be examined using the present invention.

According to a recent study by the American Cancer Society, 46,000 women in the United States will die in 1993 from breast cancer. (From the 1993 World Almanac, published by Pharos Books.) Recent advances in diagnostic techniques and surgical treatments have helped to reduce the mortality rate due to breast cancer, but this disease is still the third greatest cause of death among women in this country. A variety of mammographic systems which employ X-rays and ultrasound have been developed over the past few decades, but this equipment is generally very large, prohibitively expensive and requires a trained technician to operate them. As an example, the minimum price of an ultrasonic imaging system sold by Acuson of Mountain View, Calif. exceeds $200,000. Several documents noted below disclose various systems that pertain to equipment that may be used for different kinds of medical diagnosis.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,282,880, Gardineer et al. disclose a water conditioning system for maintaining and conditioning the water used in an ultrasound imaging system especially adapted to perform diagnosis of the human breast.
In his U.S. Pat. No. 4,737,109, Abramson discloses a method and apparatus for use in training persons in breast cancer detection by manual examination. The apparatus includes a device which is comprised of a body of elastomerically yielding material and one or more lumps embedded in the body, wherein the lump or lumps resemble a pre-determined type of lesion.
In their U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,354, Wright and Perry disclose a method of enhancing the sense of touch.
In his U.S. Pat. No. 4,867.686, Goldstein uses a model of a human female breast for teaching breast examination. Goldstein discloses a method of training a person to detect breast tumors by palpating a model of a human female breast having at least one simulated tumor.
In his U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,582, Michelson discusses a device for facilitating breast self-examination in order to speed up detection of breast cancer. The device has an information panel, instructions for conducting self-examinations and diagrams for recording the results. Recording means are also included with this device.
In their U.S. Pat. No. 5,479,661, Fingleson and Richman teach the use of a garment worn by a woman for self-examination of the breasts, the device having written and graphic instructions printed on it.
In his U.S. Pat. No. 4,130,112, Frazer describes an apparatus for ultrasonic scanning of a breast or other tissue. This invention includes a cavity for receiving the patient's breast, and a vacuum for drawing the breast into intimate contact with the walls of the cavity. The walls enclose ultrasonic transducers that are employed to create an image of the breast tissue.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,135,497 issued to Meyers et al. reveals an apparatus for detecting temperature variations over selected regions of living tissue. The inventors state that the method disclosed in their patent is useful for detecting malignant tissue in the breasts.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,206,763 issued to Pedersen discloses a device and a method for ultrasonic examination for carcinoma of the breast. Pedersen employs a compartment in which water is drawn upward by suction over the breast. An ultrasonic transducer then revolves around the breast to obtain complete 360 degree scans. A pleated flexible bag 12 pulls the breast into a water bath compartment 4 when the water bath compartment 4 is evacuated by a pair of bellows 16. (See Column 1, Lines 60-68; Column 3, Lines 23-51 and Column 4, Lines 4 & 5.)
U.S. Pat. No. 4,252,125 issued to Iinuma describes an ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus that utilizes a receptacle 11 filled with warm water 12. An ultrasonic probe 14 makes an image of the breasts, which are pressed against a flexible membrane 18 that is stretched in front of the probe. (See Column 1, Lines 65-68 and Column 2, Lines 1-7.)
U.S. Pat. No. 4,341,222 issued to Gardineer et al. relates to a patient support system for orienting a woman's breast over an ultrasound scanner. The patient is shown bent over a pool of water 20 that is positioned over a scanning transducer 14. (See Column 5, Lines 62-68 and Column 6, Lines 1-4.) The water serves as a transmission medium for the ultrasonic waves. (See Column 2, Lines 15 & 16.)
U.S. Pat. No. 4,347,850 issued to Kelly-Fry et al. discloses a direct water coupling device for ultrasound scanning. A tank 10 is placed in a sealed position about the perimeter of the breast area while the patient is in a supine position. (See FIG. 3 & Column 4, Lines 37-38.)
U.S. Pat. No. 4,545,385 issued to Pirschel describes an apparatus for ultrasonic examination of body parts using a fluid container and an ultrasound scanning system. (See FIG. 1.) A liquid-filled basin 6 serves as an acoustic coupling. (See Column 3, Lines 4-5 & Column 3, Lines 24-25.) U.S. Pat. No. 4,657,021 issued to Perry et al. concerns an apparatus which he claims enhances the sense of touch when placed between the fingertips of the user and the object being touched. A liquid lubricant 13 is captured inside a sealed enclosure 10 made from a pliable, elastic material. (See Column 2, Lines 36-40 and Column 3, Lines 4-18.)
U.S. Pat. No. 4,873,982 issued to Morrison contains a discussion of an examination garment that may be used to feel for lumps under the skin. (See FIGS. 1 and 3.)
U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,096 issued to Englehart et al. reveals the details of a portable ultrasonic probe. A fluid-filled enclosure is coupled to a handled portion which houses a drive motor. (See FIG. 3.) The probe 20 includes a fluid-filled enclosure 34. (See Column 4, Lines 30-31.)
U.K. Patent Application No. 2,111,347A by Robert Cribbs pertains to a method of pulse examination using a container that holds a liquid couplant. The container is placed about the breasts of a female torso, and breast tissue is scanned using ultrasound.
A brochure published by Metrix Incorporated of Deerfield, Ill. presents specifications for echo-scan and echo-trace ultrasonic analyzers. The brochure describes how high frequency, short duration electromechanical pulses emitted by special transducers in direct or indirect contact with a portion of the human body can produce visual information.
In her book entitled Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book, Susan M. Love describes conventional techniques for breast self-examinations. (See pp. 21-31).
The vast majority of literature published in both the academic and popular press suggests that the best weapon in the fight against breast cancer is early detection. The problem of providing a low-cost yet effective method for self-examination of portions of the human body has presented a major challenge to doctors and other health-care professionals. The development of methods and apparatus that enhance the prospects of detecting abnormalities during self-examinations would constitute a major technological advance and would satisfy a long felt need within the health-care field.

Three-dimensional floatation-enhanced body examination system


Alkali metal ions may lead to the production of insoluble materials during the course of stimulating a subterranean formation, particularly when acidizing a siliceous formation or a formation containing a siliceous material. Alkali metal ions may be sequestered using an alkali metal complexing agent in order to reduce their propensity toward forming insoluble materials in a subterranean formation. Methods for stimulating a subterranean formation can comprise: providing a treatment fluid that comprises an alkali metal complexing agent comprising a cyclic polyether having between 3 and 6 ether oxygen atoms present therein, and hydrofluoric acid, a hydrofluoric acid-generating compound, or any combination thereof; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.

The present disclosure relates to stimulation of subterranean formations, and, more specifically, to treatment fluids that can lessen the opportunity for alkali metal ions to produce insoluble materials during the course of performing a stimulation operation.
Treatment fluids can be used in a variety of subterranean treatment operations. Such treatment operations can include, without limitation, drilling operations, stimulation operations, production operations, sand control treatments, and the like. As used herein, the terms "treat," "treatment," "treating,"and grammatical equivalents thereof refer to any subterranean operation that uses a fluid in conjunction with achieving a desired function and/or for a desired purpose. Use of these terms does not imply any particular action by the treatment fluid or a component thereof. Illustrative treatment operations can include, for example, fracturing operations, gravel packing operations, acidizing operations, scale dissolution and removal, consolidation operations, and the like.
In acidizing operations, a subterranean formation containing an acid-soluble material can be treated with an acid to dissolve at least a portion of the material. Formation components of the formation matrix may comprise the acid-soluble material in some cases. In other cases, the acid-soluble material may have been deliberately introduced into the subterranean formation in conjunction with a stimulation operation (e.g., proppant particulates). Illustrative examples of formation components that may be dissolved by an acid include, for example, carbonates, silicates, and aluminosilicates. Dissolution of these formation components can desirably open voids and conductive flow pathways in the formation that can improve the formation's rate of hydrocarbon production, for example. In a similar motif, acidization may be used to remove like types of precipitation damage that can be present in the formation.
Carbonate formations often contain minerals that comprise a carbonate anion (e.g., calcite). When acidizing a carbonate formation, the acidity of the treatment fluid alone can be sufficient to solubilize the formation components. Both mineral acids (e.g., hydrochloric acid) and organic acids (e.g., acetic and formic acids) can be used to treat a carbonate formation, often with similar degrees of success.
Siliceous formations can include minerals such as, for example, zeolites, clays, and feldspars. Most sandstone formations, for example, contain about 40% to about 98% sand quartz particles (i.e., silica), bonded together by various amounts of cementing material including carbonates (e.g., calcite), aluminosilicates, and other silicates. As used herein, the term "siliceous" refers to a substance having the characteristics of silica, including silicates and/or aluminosilicates.
Acidizing a siliceous formation (e.g., a sandstone formation or a clay-containing formation) or a formation containing a siliceous material is thought to be considerably different than acidizing a carbonate formation. Specifically, the treatment of a siliceous formation with the treatment fluids commonly used for acidizing a carbonate formation may have little to no effect, because mineral acids and organic acids do not effectively react with siliceous materials. In contrast to mineral acids and organic acids, hydrofluoric acid can react very readily with siliceous materials to produce soluble substances. Oftentimes, a mineral acid or an organic acid can be used in conjunction with a hydrofluoric acid-containing treatment fluid to maintain the treatment fluid in a low pH state as the hydrofluoric acid becomes spent. In some instances, the low pH of the treatment fluid may promote initial silicon dissolution and aid in maintaining the silicon in a dissolved state. At higher subterranean formation temperatures (e.g., above about 200° F.), it may be undesirable to lower the pH much below about 1 due to mineral instability that can occur. Additionally, regardless of the formation temperature, corrosion can be an inevitable problem that occurs when very low pH treatment fluids are used.
Although low pH treatment fluids may be desirable to aid in silicon dissolution, precipitation of insoluble fluorosilicates and aluminosilicates can still become problematic in the presence of certain metal ions. Specifically, under low pH conditions (e.g., below a pH of about 3), dissolved silicon can react with Group 1 metal ions (e.g., Na+ and K+) to produce insoluble fluorosilicates and aluminosilicates. The terms "Group 1 metal ions" and "alkali metal ions" will be used synonymously herein. Other metal ions, including Group 2 metal ions (e.g.,
Ca2+ and Mg2+), may also be problematic in this regard. The precipitation of insoluble fluorosilicates and aluminosilicates can block pore throats and undo the desirable permeability increase initially achieved by the acidizing operation. That is, the formation of insoluble fluorosilicates and aluminosilicates can damage the subterranean formation. In many instances, the damage produced by insoluble fluorosilicates and aluminosilicates can be more problematic than if the acidizing operation had not been conducted in the first place. In contrast to many metal ions, ammonium ions (NH4+) are not believed to promote the formation of insoluble fluorosilicates and aluminosilicates. Accordingly, treatment fluids comprising an ammonium salt are frequently used in conjunction with acidizing a siliceous formation, as discussed further below.
Problematic alkali metal ions or other metal ions can come from any source including, for example, the treatment fluid, a component of the treatment fluid, or the subterranean formation itself. For example, the carrier fluid of a treatment fluid may contain some sodium or potassium ions unless costly measures (e.g., deionization) are taken to limit their presence. Alkali metal ions, in particular, are widely distributed in the environment and can be especially difficult to avoid completely when conducting a subterranean treatment operation. As discussed further below, a variety of strategies have been developed to address the most common sources of problematic metal ions encountered when conducting subterranean treatment operations.
One strategy that has been used with some success to avoid the damaging effects of metal ions includes introducing a sequence of pre-flush treatment fluids into the subterranean formation prior to performing an acidizing operation with a hydrofluoric acid-containing treatment fluid. For example, a pre-flush treatment fluid comprising a mineral acid or an organic acid can be used to dissolve acid-soluble formation components and remove at least a portion of the problematic metal ions from the formation. Thereafter, another pre-flush treatment fluid comprising an ammonium salt can be introduced into the subterranean formation to displace the remaining formation metal ions and leave the formation enriched in ammonium ions. Although this approach can be used successfully, it can considerably add to the time and expense needed to perform an acidizing operation.
Another strategy that can be used to mitigate the effects of metal ions in acidizing operations is to introduce a chelating agent into the subterranean formation. Although this strategy can be successful for Group 2 metal ions and transition metal ions, for example, chelation is believed to be somewhat less effective for alkali metal ions. In addition, many chelating agents are utilized in their salt form, which is many times their Na+ or K+ salt form. Thus, use of a chelating agent, although reducing precipitation effects from certain metal ions, can actually exacerbate the precipitation effects of alkali metal ions. Sometimes the free acid or ammonium salt forms of chelating agents can be used to avoid this issue, at least in principle, but the free acid and/or ammonium salt forms of many chelating agents are either unknown or not commercially available at a reasonable cost. Furthermore, many common chelating agents are not biodegradable or present other toxicity concerns that can make their use in a subterranean formation problematic.
Crown ethers are one class of compounds that has been shown to have good properties for sequestering (complexing) alkali metal ions. Conventional crown ethers comprise a cyclic polyether macrocycle, where the macrocyclic ring size can dictate its selectivity for complexing different alkali metal ions. Although crown ethers have been used extensively in chemical synthesis, cost and toxicity issues associated with these compounds have tempered their use elsewhere. Azacrown ethers, which have one ether oxygen atom replaced with nitrogen, can show enhanced selectivities and binding affinities compared to crown ethers, but they are more expensive still. Most likely due to cost factors, it is not believed that either of these types of compounds have heretofore been contemplated for use in subterranean treatment operations, particularly to mitigate the precipitation of fluorosilicates and aluminosilicates that may occur in conjunction with an acidizing operation.

Treatment fluids comprising an alkali metal complexing agent and methods for use thereof