Semiconductor wafers are positioned in a cleaning tank and subjected to sequential flows of one or more highly diluted cleaning solutions that are injected from the lower end of the tank and allowed to overflow at the upper end. One solution comprises one part ammonium hydroxide, two parts hydrogen peroxide, and 300-600 parts deionized water together with a trace of high purity surfactant. Rinsing water is flowed through the tank after the first solution is dumped. A second solution comprises highly dilute hydrofluoric acid. A third solution is more dilute than the first solution. A fourth solution contains hydrochloric acid greatly diluted with deionized water. The cleaning tank is provided with a megasonic generator in its lower portion for selective application of megasonic energy. Quick dump valves in the tank bottom enable the solutions to be quickly dumped followed by one or more rinse steps, including a quick refill while spraying and then dumping of the rinsing water.

In the fabrication of semiconductor wafers used in making a variety of semiconductor circuit devices, the importance of minimizing contamination on the wafers has been recognized since the early days of the industry. However, as the end product devices have become more and more miniaturized and complex, the cleanliness requirements have become increasingly more stringent so that the devices will function properly. With the reduced size of the devices, a contaminant occupies an increased percentage of the available space for current elements, and hence cleanliness of the materials becomes far more critical.
As the devices become more complex, they also become more valuable, such that unsatisfactory products represent a very significant loss of revenue. A cassette load of large diameter wafers may have an end process value of as much as a million dollars. Also, there is the cost incident to unusable end products that might arise as a result of the discovery of unsatisfactory semiconductor devices after their combination with other components.
In addition to the foregoing cost, there are the major expenses associated with the cleaning processes themselves. One of the major capital expenditure is in the cost of cleaning and drying equipment and associated plumbing, heating and cooling equipment, robotic wafer handling apparatus, computerized control equipment, apparatus for storing and disposing cleaning solutions, and the clean room space required for the apparatus. Of course, there is the cost of the cleaning solutions and the cost of heating, cooling and filtering the solutions, as well as the cost of storing and disposing of them. In view of environmental concerns and regulations, the cost of disposal of certain materials can be greater than the cost of the material being discarded.
Still the most common system for cleaning semiconductor wafers utilizes a series of tanks containing the necessary cleaning solutions, with the tanks being positioned in a "wet bench" in a clean room. A batch of semiconductor wafers is moved in sequence through the series of tanks, usually by means of computer controlled automated apparatus. A major concern with this type system is that of contamination occurring as the batch of wafers is transferred from one tank to another. Also of significance is the possible contamination introduced by the handling apparatus itself. Further, whenever wafers are moved, there is the risk of damage to the wafers due to mishandling.
Another system, rather than utilizing tanks which are open to the surrounding clean room, utilizes a full, continuous flow of cleaning solutions through a pipe-like construction. A supposed advantage of that system is that by keeping the wafers immersed in cleaning fluids throughout the process, the risk of contaminants being on the wafers is decreased. The effectiveness of this system, however, is somewhat controversial, and the apparatus is relatively expensive to purchase and to operate.
Still the most commonly used cleaning solutions are those developed by RCA many years ago employing hydrogen peroxide chemistry, particularly those referred to as "standard clean 1" or "SC-1" and "standard clean 2" or "SC-2." SC-1 typically comprises ammonium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide and deionized water in the following ratios: 1 NH.sub.4 OH:1 H.sub.2 O.sub.2 :5 H.sub.2 O. SC-2 usually comprises 6 H.sub.2 O:1 H.sub.2 O.sub.2 :1 HCl. Typically wafers are immersed in these solutions for 10 minutes at 25.degree.-80.degree. C. for each solution. Intermediate and final rinses of deionized water are used between chemical steps. If the wafers are particularly contaminated, there is an initial cleaning step utilizing a solution known as "Caros" or "Pirhana," typically comprised of H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 and H.sub.2 O.sub.2 in ratios varying from 2-5:1. Following the use of Pirhana there is frequently an additional etching step employing DHF (dilute hydrofluoric acid).
While those solutions contain the most commonly used chemicals and those are the most common ratios, solutions with other ingredients and solutions with different ratios have been utilized, including some with relatively dilute solutions of the active ingredients. A modified SC-1 mixture of 0.01 NH.sub.4 OH:1H.sub.2 O.sub.2 :5H.sub.2 O has been reported to help reduce surface roughening.
An additional technique for loosening particles, is that referred to as megasonic cleaning. In this technique, highly effective non-contact scrubbing action on both front and back side surfaces of the wafers is achieved by extremely high-frequency sonic energy, while the wafers are submerged in liquid. By utilizing the megasonic system, with standard cleaning solutions, films and adsorbed contaminants are removed at the same time that particles are being removed by the megasonic energy. Sonic waves of 850-900 kHz are generated by an array of piezoelectric transducers. Particles ranging in size from several micrometers down to about 0.2 micrometers have been efficiently removed with input power densities of 25 watts/in. Megasonic cleaning systems are available from VERTEQ, INC., assignee of the present invention.
As noted above, because of the advances in the miniaturization and functions of semiconductor circuit devices, improved semiconductor cleaning techniques are highly desirable. Some of the goals or industry needs are to reduce particulate levels to less than 0.1 micron, to reduce defect density levels to less than 0.001 particles/cm.sup.2, and to reduce surface metallic contamination levels to 1E.sup.8 atoms/cm.sup.2.
In addition, it is desirable to eliminate chemical cross-contamination from transfer of cassettes from one tank to another, as with traditional systems. Further, an important goal is to control the cleaning processes to prevent or minimize surface microroughness of the finished product. Another goal is to reduce the high cost of ownership associated with wet chemistry processing, which includes the cost of cleaning solutions and their disposal, and many other elements. It is, of course, always desirable to lower the initial cost of equipment and to improve the reliability of the equipment.


A counterflow heat exchanger configured to exchange thermal energy between a first fluid flow at a first pressure and a second fluid flow at a second pressure less than the first pressure includes a first fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet fluidly coupled to the first fluid inlet via a core section, a second fluid inlet, and a second fluid outlet fluidly coupled to the second fluid inlet via the core section. A heating arrangement is configured to heat the second fluid inlet to prevent ice ingestion via the second fluid inlet.

Exemplary embodiments pertain to the art of heat exchangers.
Heat exchangers are utilized in various applications to exchange thermal energy from a first fluid stream to a second fluid stream. For example, in an aircraft environmental control system (ECS), a heat exchanger is utilized to exchange thermal energy between a relatively low pressure, low temperature RAM airflow and a relatively high pressure, high temperature bleed air flow from a gas turbine engine compressor. Such thermal energy exchange cools the bleed air flow upstream of an air cycle machine of the ECS.
Further, in an ECS heat exchangers are utilized as condensers where relatively high temperature, humid air is cooled by a cold airstream. One such condenser is a "sub-freezing" condenser, which utilizes an ice and/or snow-laden cold airstream to cool a hot airflow and condense water therefrom. The ice and snow pose significant risks for heat exchanger operation, as it may clog heat exchanger passages, increasing pressure losses and diminishing heat exchanger and ECS efficiency and performance.


The invention is a ventilated vehicle roof rack carrier such as a cargo box for transporting items such as athletic equipment or other personal items on top of a car. The cargo box has a rigid housing shell. The housing has a top shell and a bottom shell. The top shell and the bottom shell are connected together by one or more hinges. The top shell further has at least two opposing vents for drawing air into the housing shell body and allowing air to exit the housing shell body. The cargo box also has a means in communication with the housing for attaching the housing to the vehicle. The means for attaching is a rail system with engagement means for attaching the rail system to the vehicle. The rail system further has a first articulating rail and a second articulating rail oriented in parallel relationship to each other. The pair of articulating rails are mounted to the lower shell and permit the housing to slide beyond a top surface of the vehicle and hinge downward relative to the top surface of the vehicle.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates an exterior mounted vehicle roof rack cargo box device.
2. Brief Description of Related Art
Vehicle cargo box systems allow for storage and transport of items outside of the vehicle interior. These cargo boxes are typically mounted in a fixed position to the vehicle's roof by an apparatus designed to secure the cargo box from the rigors of driving. More specifically, hard-shelled cargo boxes protect their contents from the elements and from theft by employing a durable shell, equipped with seals between the cargo box's two halves, as well as by a locking system that prevents undesired entry.


A compression mold and blow mold are provided in spaced relationship to each other. A preform is formed from a preform precursor in the compression mold and transferred to a blow mold while maintaining the spaced relationship between the compression mold and blow mold, and a container is formed from the preform in the blow mold.

The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for the production of containers, e.g., jars, cups, bottles, etc., from plastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), including optionally adding barriers during the molding process to impart special properties.
Many of these plastic containers must be adequately impermeable to moisture, alcohol, CO.sub.2, oxygen, etc., and also be able to withstand pressurization where required. They may be used, for example, for storing soft drinks, beer, fruit juices, and the like. Another important requirement for these containers is that the molded plastic should not give off an offensive odor or taste.
However, when molding PET, it is very difficult if not impossible to avoid the presence of acetaldehyde (AA) which does impart a disagreeable taste to the stored product. Unfortunately, AA is an unavoidable by product when heating PET, and the amount generated is directly related to the heat history of the plastic from its manufacture to the final blowing operations. Whenever the PET is heated, the amount of released AA increases. The industry specifies maximum allowable limits for the presence of AA in PET containers.
In conventional methods of injection molding and blow molding processes for these products, the plastic during its manufacture is hot, then extruded, cooled and pelletized into granules which are supplied to the injection molding machine, where the plastic is again heated in the extruder for the molding of the preforms.
In the one-stage method, after molding the not fully cooled preforms are partly heated and their temperature stabilized as required. The preforms are then transferred to a blow station for final processing. In the two-stage method, the preforms are cooled completely after molding. They are then reheated and stabilized for final blow molding. In both of these methods, the preforms are heated from the outside only, and must be heated above the required blowing temperature so that the plastic can stabilize at the required temperature with the temperature distributed evenly from the outside to the inside. Either method generates a considerable heat history for the plastic, and results in higher and more difficult to control AA levels, and can easily lead to rejects.
It is important to consider that a harmful heat history requires starting the process of making the container with a substantially more expensive polymer than that which is required to meet the properties of the final container.
Thus, it is particularly advantageous to start with substantially the same quality of polymer as will be found in the finished container. A higher grade of polymer is substantially more costly than that which is the result of degradation due to the use of the conventional process, i.e., injection stretch blow molding.
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a process and apparatus for conveniently, expeditiously and economically forming a plastic container.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a process and apparatus as aforesaid which forms a container from a preform precursor and preform in a continuous operation.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a process and apparatus as aforesaid which substantially reduces the heat history of the plastic and reduces the AA content.

Process and apparatus for producing a container

The Elizabeth and Sandor Valyi Foundation, Inc.


A flexible castellated joint is included in the shim lead assembly electrically connecting the cryostat pressure vessel and the outer vacuum vessel in a superconducting magnet to accommodate relative motion between the two vessels during transportation of the superconducting magnet.

This invention relates to a shim lead assembly with a flexible connector for use in a superconducting magnet to accommodate movement between the pressurized cryogenic vessel and the outer surrounding vacuum vessel.
As is well known, a magnet can be made superconducting by placing it in an extremely cold environment, such as by enclosing it in a cryostat or pressure vessel containing liquid helium or other cryogen. The extreme cold reduces the resistance in the magnetic coils to negligible levels, such that when a power source is initially connected to the coil (for a period, for example, of ten minutes) to introduce a current flow through the coils, the current will continue to flow through the coils due to the negligible coil resistance, even after power is removed, thereby maintaining a magnetic field. Superconducting magnets find wide application, for example, in the field of magnetic resonance imaging (hereinafter called "MRI").
In such equipment, it is necessary to be able to detachably connect a plurality of electrical connections from a power source outside the vacuum vessel, through the vacuum vessel and through the pressurized helium vessel to the superconducting magnet coils positioned within the pressurized vessel. This is accomplished by a shim lead connector assembly which includes piping or a conduit through which the multiple electrical leads pass with detachable connectors at the ends. The electrical connector on the shim lead assembly mates with a matching connector on the helium vessel magnet connector platform. However, in shipping superconducting magnets to installation sites and in moving superconducting magnets utilized in mobile MRI installations which are repeatedly moved for periodic use at various hospitals or other locations, it has been found that the resulting shocks and vibrations cause small, but potentially damaging, movement or vibrations between the pressure vessel and the outer vacuum vessel, which can damage the superconducting magnet assembly electrical connections. It is particularly important to avoid damage to the helium vessel magnet connector which could result in extended shut-down of the equipment for costly removal and replacement of that connector.
Also, the shim lead 0-ring that seals the magnet penetration well from the atmosphere can be worn by such excessive movement of the shim lead tube caused by movement of the magnet relative to the vacuum vessel. This can result in costly removal and replacement of the shim lead assembly since the shim lead assembly must be disassembled in order to replace the O-ring.
Accordingly, it is highly desirable to be able to accommodate vibration or relative movement between the pressure vessel and the surrounding vacuum vessel in the shim lead connector assembly. However, the resultant assembly must be capable of detachable connection from outside the outer vacuum vessel to the pressure vessel, and must be able to withstand the extremely large thermal, electrical and magnetic forces resulting from operation of the superconducting magnet.

Shim lead assembly with flexible castellated connector for superconducting magnet


A substrate material for the preparation of an oxide superconductor includes two different rare earth elements A' and A" in the IIIa group, Ga, and 0, the atomic ratio of these elements being expressed as A'1-xA"xGaO.sub.3 (where 0<x<1), and a mixed crystal material forming a perovskite-type structure having a composition of AGaO.sub.3 with A being at least one of the two rare earth elements A' and A" in the IIIa group, a substrate material for preparing an oxide superconductor includes a mixed crystal material made up of Nd, La, Ga, and O in an atomic ratio of La.sub.1-x Nd.sub.x GaO.sub.3 wherein 0.2.ltoreq.x<1.0, the substrate material forming a GdFeO.sub.3 -type structure; a substrate material for preparing an oxide superconductor includes a mixed material made up of Nd, A.sup.1, Ga, and O in an atomic ratio of A.sup.1.sub.1-x Nd.sub.x GaO.sub.3 where A.sup.1 is a rare earth element excluding La and Nd, and 0.2.ltoreq.x<1.0, the mixed crystal material forming a GdFeO.sub.3 -type structure. A method for the preparation of the oxide superconductor, or a semiconductor, includes forming an intermediate layer of a mixed crystal material of two different rare earth elements A' and A" in the IIIa group, Ga, and O. The atomic ratio of these elements is expressed as A'1-xA"xGaO.sub.3 (where 0<x<1) and the mixed crystal material has a perovskite-type structure whose composition is AGaO.sub.3 with A being at least one of the two rare earth elements A' and A" in the IIIa group.

The present invention relates to a substrate material and a method for separating oxide superconductors. More specifically, it relates to a substrate material for preparing a superior oxide superconductor film (either thick or thin), a material for an intermediate layer, or a substrate insulator for silicon on insulator (abbreviated as S.O.I.). More broadly, it relates to techniques useful when applied to the field of electronics including devices using Josephson junction as well as that of electric power including power storage and power transmission.
Various methods have been known for the manufacture of oxide superconductors, including a method of depositing a film using epitaxial growth of an oxide superconductor on a substrate. Also, various methods are known for forming films, such as molecular beam epitaxy (abbreviated as M.B.E.) and high-frequency spattering. An atmosphere in which a film is formed almost always includes oxygen. When a film of an oxide superconductor is formed according to these methods, a substrate material is required that does not react with the oxide superconductor. As substrate materials satisfying this condition, MgO, ZrO.sub.2, MgAl.sub.2 O.sub.4, LaAlO.sub.3, SrTiO.sub.3, LaGaO.sub.3, etc. are used. These materials are less reactive with oxide superconductors than Si or Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.
However, according to studies having been done so far in the field of superconductivity, it is known that substrate materials such as SrTiO.sub.3 and LaGaO.sub.3 show superior superconducting characteristics compared to MgO, ZrO.sub.2, MgAl.sub.2 O.sub.4, or LaAlO.sub.3 when they are used in devices.
Table 1 shows the lattice constants of the substrate materials and the oxide superconductors mentioned above, and Si and GaAs. In Table 1, the values of lattice constants of SrTiO.sub.3 and YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.y (y being approximately 7) shown with the "*" mark attached are those multiplied by the square root of 2 so as to emphasize lattice mismatching. As readily seen from Table 1, SrTiO.sub.3, LaGaO.sub.3 and the like have smaller mismatching of lattice constants with the oxide superconductors. The smaller the differences are in lattice constants between the substrate materials and the oxide superconductors, the easier the epitaxial growth becomes, so as to make it easy to obtain an oxide superconductor film of single crystal and thus improve the superconducting characteristics of the oxide superconductors in a film form.
As materials having smaller mismatching with oxide superconductors, perovskite-type compounds such as LaGaO.sub.3 have been used. FIG. 3 shows the unit crystal structure of LaGaO.sub.3 and an oxide superconductor YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.y. It should be noted that oxygen is not shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, many compounds of perovskite type are known to have lattice constants close to a multiple of the lattice constants of oxide superconductors or to 2n times the multiple (n being an integer).
The inventors of the present invention have studied the state of prior art described above and found the following problems.
The lattice constants of an oxide superconductor film prepared by M.B.E. or high-frequency spattering described above vary depending on the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere during film formation or in a cooling process.
Also, the temperature during the formation of an oxide superconductor film by M.B.E. or high-frequency spattering is normally as high as 600.degree. C. to 800.degree. C. Therefore, there exits mismatching between a substrate material and an oxide superconductor caused by differences in the thermal expansion of the materials. As a result, because of the mismatching due to thermal expansion as well as that due to differences in the lattice constants, an oxide superconductor with superior superconducting characteristics cannot be obtained when the conventional substrate materials described above are used.
Furthermore, in order to obtain a device in which oxide superconductor and semiconductor elements coexist, an oxide superconductor film has to be prepared on, for example, an Si substrate. However, when a film of an oxide superconductor is prepared by the M.B.E. or the high-frequency spattering mentioned above, because the temperature of film formation is high, the oxide superconductor and the Si substrate react with each other, and the superconducting characteristics of the oxide superconductor may never materialize.
Also, an article entitled Thermal Analysis of Rare Earth Gallates and Aluminates (H. M. O'Bryan et al., J. Mater. Res., vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 183-189) discloses the fact that LaGaO.sub.3 crystal undergoes a phase transition between orthorhombic and rhombohedral structures at a temperature of about 145.degree. C. (see FIGS. 1 and 2, and the last paragraph on page 184) and that NdGaO.sub.3 crystal is orthorhombic from 25.degree. C. and up to 1000.degree. C. (see Table 1).

Substrate material for the preparation of oxide superconductors

Superconductivity Research Laboratory International


A single lever mower deck height-of-cut control provides a hand control connected to a depth stop cam that is movable to a plurality of cutting height positions. A push button switch on the hand control may be actuated to extend a hydraulic lift mechanism against a lift arm to raise the mower deck. The mower deck descends while the push button switch is not actuated until the lift arm engages the depth stop cam at a specified cutting height position.

Grass mowing machines such as lawn and garden tractors, with rotary cutting blades positioned under a mower deck, commonly include a mechanical locking mechanism to control the operating height-of-cut. A mower deck lifting mechanism, such as a hydraulically assisted mower deck lift, may operate independently of the height-of-cut control. Because the two mechanisms operate independently of each other, the operator must use them in a specified sequence. The sequence includes actuating the lift mechanism to lift the deck, repositioning the locking mechanism at the desired height-of-cut, and then reactuating the lift mechanism to engage the height-of-cut locking mechanism.
Some operators, however, have difficulty operating both mechanisms in the proper sequence. If the operator does not perform these steps in the right sequence, the mower deck lift mechanism may be unable to maintain a constant height-of-cut, due to inefficiencies in the mechanism. If an operator improperly positions the mower deck solely with the lift mechanism, he or she may neglect to position the lock mechanism. In general, many operators do not find it intuitive to perform the correct sequence when operating both of the deck lift and height-of-cut locking mechanisms.
An improved mechanism is needed to control the operating height-of-cut of a mower deck under a lawn and garden tractor, and to raise and lower the mower deck between different cutting heights. A control is needed that an operator can use to lift the mower deck, as well as lock the deck at each desired cutting height.

Single lever mower deck height-of-cut control


A system and method for dynamically resizing graphic images of variable image complexity to generate display images at a constant frame rate for output to a display device. In one frame, an image resolution is determined and a graphic image is drawn to the determined image resolution. In the subsequent frame, the graphic image is magnified to a target resolution prior to being output to a display device. The synchronization of the drawing of the graphic image and its display is managed by a swap buffer signal. The present invention further provides for the double buffering of graphic images and their corresponding image resolutions. The present invention further provides for the independent dynamic resizing of multiple channels, such that, a plurality of display devices can independently resize graphic images of variable complexity at a constant frame rate.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to computer graphics, and more specifically to a computer system that generates graphic images of variable image complexity at a constant frame rate. The invention uses reduction and magnification capabilities to generate graphic images at a constant frame rate, thereby creating a continuous and smooth visual effect.
2. Related Art
Many computer applications that use computer graphics require the system to generate those graphic images at a constant frame rate. These applications include visual simulation and virtual reality in which the user operates in an interactive graphic environment. Specific environments include: pilot and driver training, medical and surgical preview, medical diagnosis and analysis, computer-aided design, and any other application where a user needs to walk-through or manipulate data. In these applications, the graphic images are the most important feature of the system. Users require the images to be continuous with smooth transitions as they move their heads or fields of vision.
Continuous graphic images are ensured when the computer system generates those images at a constant frame rate. The system must process and generate each image within the time limit of one frame or field of video. The system cannot extend the processing of an image beyond the time limit of one frame without impacting the visual effect and generating a variable frame rate. When a system does not adhere to a constant frame rate, and generates images at a variable frame rate, the user is subject to sudden and abrupt image updates. Such spasmodic updates detract from the realism of the experience and are visually disturbing to the user. Therefore, a constant frame rate is required to achieve a realistic and effective interactive graphic environment.
In addition to the user's need for a constant frame rate, the majority of display devices used with interactive graphic environments only accept graphic images for display at a constant frame rate. These devices cannot handle the receipt of graphic images at a varying rate. These display devices include computer monitors, projectors, television sets, video cassette recorders (VCR), and video display helmets. Similarly, all of these devices display the graphic images at a constant output video rate. The frame rate at which the computer system generates the graphic images may, or may not, be equivalent to the video rate of the display device.
During a simulation or other interactive graphic environment, there are varying computational burdens placed on the video hardware of a computer system. This computational burden on the system varies depending on the image complexity. The burden increases in proportion to the increase of image complexity. The graphical image to be generated and displayed may range from a simple view of the sky to the complex view of a city. In each instance, the video hardware must generate the image within the time allotted for a single frame.
The problem arises when the image complexity prevents the graphics hardware from drawing the image within the time limit of one frame. If the processing time of an image extends beyond one frame, the typical result is that the image currently displayed is repeatedly displayed for as many frames as it takes the video hardware to finish the computation of the new image. This repetitious display of the same image reduces the actual video display rate and seriously compromises the realism of a simulation.
One approach to ensuring a constant frame rate is to set the frame rate low enough to ensure that an image of any complexity could be generated and displayed within one frame. This is an unreasonable solution for several reasons. First, the video hardware would always be executing at its lowest capacity. Second, the video effect on the user would be degraded and detract from the realism of the experience.
A second approach to maintaining a constant frame rate focuses on only drawing objects of the image that are in the field of view, and reducing the complexity of the objects that are far away. This approach maximizes the performance of the graphics hardware, as opposed to guaranteeing a specific frame rate.
A third approach involves the use of vector displays which are monitors that can display images at a variable frame rate. Thus, if it takes longer than the nominal frame time to draw an image, the frame time is simply extended. This approach has two disadvantages. First, vector displays are expensive compared to conventional raster monitors. Second, the frame time can only be extended slightly before either a visible flicker or image smear occurs when displaying the image, thereby impairing the realism of the display.
Therefore, there is a need for a computer system to automatically adjust to the complexity of an image on a per frame basis when generating graphic images at a constant frame rate.

System and method for generating and displaying complex graphic images at a constant frame rate


This invention includes an above ground compressed gas storage vessel of ular or cylindrical configuration. A plug assembly is inserted into the tube and retained therein by a tri-part ring positioned within a groove of larger internal diameter than that of the tube and retained together with said plug. O-rings or a singular packing assembly would be used to seal the plug to the internal diameter of the tube to prevent the escape of gas. A plurality of cylinders are secured in a parallel arrangement using a support structure to increase gas storage capacity while taking up a minimal amount of ground space.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to pressure vessels used for the storage of gases, particularly compressed natural gas (CNG) above ground.
2. Description of the Related Art
The use of CNG as an alternative motor vehicle fuel is on the rise. Some of the reasons include the fact that the use of CNG is cleaner with fewer emissions producing up to 99% less carbon monoxide than gasoline with almost no sulphur dioxide, no particulates and 85% less reactive hydrocarbons than gasoline. In addition, it provides better fuel economy and costs less than gasoline. There is some indication that it will provide less vehicle maintenance. Natural gas vehicles are safer than gasoline powered vehicles, since natural gas requires a temperature of 1300.degree. fahrenheit (704.degree. centigrade) to ignite, whereas gasoline ignites at a lower temperature of 842.degree. fahrenheit (450.degree. centigrade). Being lighter than air, CNG quickly dissipates into the atmosphere in the event of a spill or leak. Natural gas is a domestic, readily available, abundant, natural resource. Many more vehicles each year are being converted to run on clean burning natural gas.
Increasing use of CNG has required the ability to supply convenient storage and availability to vehicles so converted to natural gas.
Pressure vessels used for the storage of gases have traditionally been expensive due to the time and labor intensive manufacturing processes. Conventional methods of manufacture have been by welding component parts together or forging of the vessel. Both of these methods are expensive and time consuming. As a result, a very costly pressure vessel is produced requiring long lead times for manufacture. In addition, pressure vessels of conventional construction are extremely heavy, thereby causing difficulties and added cost in handling and transportation.
Welding of component parts of a pressure vessel is accomplished by obtaining a piece of pipe of desired length and specifications and welding a forged hemispherical section on each end. Each hemispherical section would have an opening therein to allow for gas access. Welding produces a pressure vessel with seams that are a line of reduced strength of the vessel. In addition, welding is a very labor intensive process.
Difficulties arise in the welding process when two sections of differing thicknesses are welded together. Joining of this type may require additional machining of the pieces to produce a taper in order for a satisfactory weld to be obtained.
A pressure vessel may also be constructed by welding sections of differing shapes to one another. An example of this is disclosed in the Watter patent, U.S. Pat. No. 3,024,938. Such construction also produces a vessel containing seams therein.
An alternative conventional method of construction of pressure vessels is accomplished through forging at high temperatures. Such methods of manufacture are equally as labor intensive and time consuming as those that are welded.
In using the forging method, a section of pipe of a desired length is obtained. In this method, in order to produce the hemispherical heads of the pressure vessel, the pipe is forged at extremely high temperature and the ends of the pipe are swaged closed. Once this is completed, the entire vessel is heat treated. After heat treatment, the swaged closed ends of the pipe are machined. The resultant pressure vessel is then cleaned and tested according to applicable specifications. This manufacturing process produces a seamless vessel, however, the cost of such production are high due to the heating and machining requirements.
Therefore, a need in the industry exists for a pressure vessel that is capable of storage of compressed gases, such as compressed natural gas which requires no expensive forging or welding. A need also exists for a pressure vessel where the manufacture time is expedited over conventional methods. A further need in the industry exists which conforms to ASME specifications yet is not as heavy as conventional vessels.

The Rosalind Hale Revocable Trust, UTA George Carl Hale, Trustee


The present invention provides a construct which, when expressed in a host cell, is capable of producing empty virus capsids, the construct comprising: (i) a nucleotide sequence encoding a capsid precursor protein; (ii) a nucleotide sequence encoding a protease capable of cleaving the capsid precursor protein; and (iii) a control element which controls the expression of the protease such that, when the construct is present in the host cell, the control element causes the protease to be expressed at a level sufficient to cleave the capsid precursor protein, but not sufficient to induce significant toxicity in the host cell. The invention also provides a vector and a host cell comprising such a construct and their use to generate empty virus capsids.

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)
FMD is a highly contagious and economically devastating disease of cloven-hoofed animals (Artiodactyla), affecting domesticated ruminants, pigs and a large number of wildlife species.
FMD is widely distributed throughout the world. Developed regions such as the continents of North and Central America and Antarctica, and countries such as Australia and New Zealand are free from disease while FMD is endemic in many developing countries such as those in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, southern Asia, Southeast Asia and South America. There are also some areas of the world which are normally free from disease, such as Europe where FMD was eradicated in 1989 and where vaccination has ceased since 1991. However, there have been occasional incursions of disease such as the 2001 UK/EIRE/France/Netherlands epidemic due to a PanAsian O strain (Knowles et al., (2001) Veterinary Record. 148. 258-259) and the 2007 UK outbreak of serotype O1 BFS/1967.
The causal agent of FMD is Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV), a positive sense, single stranded RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. FMDV exists as seven antigenically distinct serotypes namely A, O, C, Asia 1 and South African Territories (SAT) 1, 2 and 3, with numerous subtypes within each serotype.
Translation of the single-stranded RNA yields a polyprotein that is subsequently processed by virus-encoded proteases to produce the structural and non-structural proteins required for virus assembly and replication. The Leader (L) protease cleaves itself in cis or in trans at its C terminus from the P1-2A capsid precursor. The 2A protease cleaves itself at its C terminus to release P1-2A from P2. Processing of the P1-2A is effected by the 3C protease to produce the capsid proteins 1AB (also known as VP0), 1C (VP3) and 1D (VP1). In the virion, cleavage of 1AB occurs to produce 1A (VP4) and 1B (VP2).
FMDV Vaccines
Conventional vaccines against FMD consist of whole virus virions that have been chemically inactivated, normally by use of an aziridine such as binary ethyleneimine (BEI).
Inactivated whole virus vaccines play a key role in campaigns to control and eradicate FMD. However, vaccines produced from viral tissue culture are associated with the risk of virus release during vaccine production. There is also the risk of improper inactivation of the virus which has the potential to lead to vaccine-related FMD outbreaks.
In order to reduce these risks, the possibility of using empty capsid-like particles of FMDV has been considered. Such particles comprise the structural proteins of FMDV but are non-replicative and non-infectious because they have no RNA genome. As the external structure of the empty capsids should be the same as the wild-type virus, empty capsids should be similarly antigenic and immunogenic.
Several attempts have been made to produce empty FMD capsid particles, but there have been recurring problems associated with yield and stability of the product.
A vaccinia virus expression system has been used to express a P1-2A-3C cassette (Abrahams et al (1995) J. Gen Virol. 76:3089-3098). It was found that constitutive expression of the cassette was unsuccessful but vv/FMDV recombinants could be isolated when the cassette was placed under the control of the bacteriophage T7 promoter. However, such a system could not be used for prolonged expression of empty capsids because after time, the toxicity of the P1-2A-3C cassette would prevail. There is also the issue that constant T7 Pol expression would be needed to drive production of the P1-2A-3C. It may be possible to achieve this at small scale in tissue culture, but it would be not be possible to extrapolate this to a manufacturing scale. Moreover, products produced in a vaccinia system are not commercially viable for a medical or veterinary application.
Li et al (2008) (PLoS ONE 28:3(5) e2273) report the expression of FMDV virus capsid proteins in a silkworm-baculovirus expression system. Recombinant virus expressing the intact coding regions of P1-2A and 3C were used to inoculate silkworms and subsequently the haemolymph collected from the dying silkworms. It was shown that a preparation of these "expressed antigens" caused an anti-FMDV-antibody response in cattle. However, the nature of the "expressed antigens" is entirely unclear, and the authors appear to assume it is a "subunit vaccine" as opposed to an empty capsid.
Cao et al ((2009) Veterinary Microbiology 137:10-17) describes a recombinant baculovirus system which simultaneously expresses the genes for the P12A and 3C proteins of FMDV from individual promoters. It was shown by Western blotting that the capsid proteins were processed to some extent by 3C protease and that empty capsid particles could be observed by immunoelectron microscopy. Immunisation with a crude extract of empty capsid did produce an immune response, but the levels of FMDV-specific antibodies and neutralising antibodies were lower that the conventional inactivated vaccine. It is predicted that this is due to lower levels of empty capsid particles. It is concluded that further studies are needed to improve the amount of protein expression and empty capsid assembly in insect cells.
There is thus a need for an improved method for producing empty virus capsids which produces an immunogenic, stable product at a reasonable yield.

Construct for producing empty virus capsids


This invention relates to a heavy duty tire (e.g. heavy duty truck tire) designed for a load bearing capacity of at least 4,000 pounds (1814 kg) with a tread of a cap/base construction with at least one underlying silica-rich, cis 1,4-polyisoprene rubber based intermediate transition rubber layer to promote a reduced internal heat generation for the heavy duty tire and to therefore promote a load carrying heavy duty tire which is more durable for the long haul. Such heavy duty tire tread is intended for use with heavy loads in which internal heat is expected to be generated within the tire, including the tire tread, during use.

Heavy duty truck tires with a relatively thick tread region cross-section typically experience a significant heat build up and a corresponding increase in operating temperature as the truck tire is being used on an associated vehicle.
Such heavy duty tire internal heat buildup under heavy loads is considered herein to be significantly different from internal heat buildup generated in high performance light duty tires (e.g. passenger automobile tire and light duty truck tires). Heat build up in a heavy duty tire tread (e.g. heavy duty truck tire tread) during the working of such heavy duty tires under load can be of sufficient magnitude to cause such heavy duty tires to operate at relatively high temperatures and thereby have an impact upon their long term heat durability.
For this invention, it is proposed to provide at least one transition rubber layer of at least one silica-rich, cis 1,4-polyisoprene rubber based composition positioned between the heavy duty tire tread cap layer and underlying circumferential belt plies to promote low hysteresis to reduce heat generation and thereby promote an associated long term durability, to promote adhesion of the transition rubber layer and adjoining rubber layers and also to promote tear resistance of the transition rubber layer.
Further, by way of providing such transition rubber in a form of a silica-rich rubber composition, the transition rubber layer in the heavy duty tire may be of a color which contrasts with the black color of adjoining carbon black reinforced, diene-based elastomer based tire components when said transition layer contains only a minimal amount of carbon black reinforcement, if any, and contains a colorant.
In one aspect, the heavy duty tire of this invention is required to be a tire having a minimum load bearing capacity of 4,000 pounds (1814 kg) and therefore is considered herein to be differentiated from a light duty tire having a maximum load bearing capacity of 3,500 (1587 kg), preferably a maximum load bearing capacity of 3,000 pounds (1361 kg). Reference: The Tire and Rim Association Handbook.
The term "phr" where used herein means "parts per weight of a specified material per 100 parts by weight rubber, or elastomer, in a rubber composition".

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Heavy duty tire with silica-rich polyisoprene rubber based intermediate transition layer


A method of processing an optical device wafer which includes a laser processing step of repeating an application of one pulse of a pulsed laser beam to the optical device wafer to form one laser processed hole, thereby forming a plurality of laser processed holes along streets; an etching step of causing an etchant to enter into the laser processed holes to etch the inside of the laser processed holes; and a dividing step of exerting an external force on the optical device wafer to divide the optical device wafer along the streets, thereby forming a plurality of optical devices.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a processing method for dividing an optical device wafer into individual devices.
2. Description of the Related Art
In an optical device chip manufacturing process, light emitting devices such as light emitting diodes and laser diodes are formed respectively in regions partitioned by a plurality of crossing streets formed on a surface of a crystal growth substrate such as a sapphire substrate or a silicon carbide substrate, to produce an optical device wafer. Thereafter, electrodes are formed, and the optical device wafer is divided along the streets, to manufacture individual optical device chips.
In recent years, from the viewpoint of enhanced productivity, pulsed laser processing apparatuses have widely been used for dividing optical device wafers. In a pulsed laser processing apparatus, a pulsed laser beam is applied to the surface of an optical device wafer along streets to form laser processed grooves, and the optical device wafer is divided, with the laser processed grooves as start points of division, into individual chips (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-open No. Hei 10-305420). When laser processing is applied to an optical device wafer as above, strain is generated in side surfaces of the laser processed grooves. In view of this, there has been proposed, for example in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2006-024914, a method for removing such strain by subjecting the optical device wafer to dry etching or wet etching prior to division of the optical device wafer, whereby the optical device chips manufactured are enhanced in brightness.

Processing method for optical device wafer


A micro-browser has pair of rods each rod entering a corresponding bore in a sleeve that retains them, and that may itself be carried by a grip shaped to be rotated between a thumb and a finger. The edge of a small circuit board is soldered at the distal end of the rod. One of the rods is allowed to rotate within its bore in the sleeve, while the other is held stationary by a notch in the sleeve. The rotatable rod has a captive spring that resists the force of probe contact. Each board carries a coupling network connected to a short sharp probe tip bent downward away from the plane of its board, allowing the distance between the probe tips to be a function of the amount of rotation. The other end of each coupling network is coupled to a short length of a respective 50 Ω coaxial cable that passes through an axial slot in the grip to enter an amplifier pod that drives a main cable leading to test equipment. The rods may be held within the bores by friction created by slight bends in the rods. The circuit boards each include shields connected together at a location that is as close as possible to the probe tips by arranging that the rods touch each other near the probe tips. If the rods are parallel, then there is a slight bend in the non-rotating rod at the location where it passes the non-probe-carrying edge of the circuit board, such that it touches the corresponding portion of the rotatable rod. If the rods are both straight, then the axes of the rods are coplanar but convergent.

Many types of electronic test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes) often involve the probing of a circuit of interest with a hand held probe. The probe might acquire a single-ended signal or a differential one, and there may or may not be a ground connection using a "flying lead" (a short length of flexible insulated wire with an alligator clip or other fastener at the free end). In the old days when components were large and frequency response was limited, the ground was generally a flying lead originating at the probe and was connected someplace convenient, while the tip of the probe was either pressed against or hooked onto a lead of a component in the circuit whose behavior was being measured. While those circumstances still sometimes occur, today's high density packaging of fast or high frequency circuitry often precludes it, and users of test equipment have complained to the designers of that test equipment that the techniques for probing need improvement.
In particular, it is often necessary to probe the signals at two places on a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) that: (1) Are some arbitrary distance apart; (2) Are traces leading to surface mounted components with no leads around which a probe tip may be hooked, requiring that sharp probe tips be pressed into those traces; and (3) Carry signal that have high frequency components (say, in the Giga Hertz region).
To accomplish these tasks a number of desirable properties of such a probe have been identified, and various designs have been offered. These desirable properties include adjustable spacing between a pair of small sharp probe tips with spring loading. They are small to cooperate with high frequency operation. They are sharp to allow them to penetrate any protective coatings and stay in place by slightly gouging into the trace. At least one is spring loaded to help them stay in place and not slip, even though the operator's hand may move or wiggle slightly during the measurement.
The "smallness" mentioned in the preceding paragraph is actually a manifestation of several factors. First, size matters in high frequency circuitry; dimensions that exceed a significant fraction of a wavelength, even for a simple conductive path, are apt to add unwanted reactance that interferes with frequency response. Component densities nowadays are high, compared to the past, with more components crowded into smaller space. Those familiar with modem probes will appreciate that high frequency probes have been getting smaller, and that the reduction in size, necessary as it is, complicates their use. The reason for this is that it is difficult to provide small yet robust mechanical structures that incorporate adjustability and compliance while also observing good high frequency practices. Mechanical arrangements that require two hands to set probe spacing are a liability, as there often simply isn't room to hold the probe in place with one hand while moving an adjustment lever with a finger of the other hand. We need a small adjustable and complaint high frequency probe that can be easily used and adjusted with just one hand. In fact, given the foreseeable bandwidth (10 to 12 GHz), we need it to be just as small as we can manage. Such a small probe is (excuse the pun) quite a large order. What to do?

Compliant micro-browser for a hand held probe


A method and an apparatus for image recognition based on a retina prosthesis. The method includes: recognizing meaning of an image captured; and converting the meaning of the image into a corresponding meaning prompt signal and transmitting the meaning prompt signal to a corresponding retina prosthesis electrode in connection with a retina. The method can effectively improve the problem that the existing retina prosthesis cannot recognize colors or complex scenes, enhance the recognition function of the retina prosthesis, and improve the quality of life of blind patients.

With the development of biotechnology, it has become a target of more and more retina prosthesis R&D team product in design and production to improve the quality of life of blind patients. The existing retina prosthesis adopts the implanted microelectrode array to output corresponding electrical stimulation signal to retina neurons according to image information of the external environment.
A retina prosthesis typically includes camera sunglasses in vitro and a microelectrode array in vivo, and an ophthalmologist will implant the microelectrode array in vivo onto a patient's retina, with each electrode acting as a pixel in an image. The working principle is as follows, when an image is captured by the camera in vitro and transmitted to the microelectrode arranged on the retina prosthesis of the patient by radio signal, an electrical pulse will be emitted from the microelectrode to stimulate the imaging-related retina neuron in the eye, so as to form a contour of the image. For example, when a patient reads letters (SIAT), the retina prosthesis will output SIAT graphical information to the retina in the form of electrical pulses by the microelectrode array (as shown in FIG. 1). Similarly, when a patient encounters a person, the retina prosthesis outputs the overall contour of the person by the microelectrode array.
However, the resolution of the existing retina prosthesis is limited (the highest resolution of the current manner of implant onto the retina in the world is 60 channels), only the contour information of the external environment or object can be recognized, neither can the specific details be seen, nor can the colors be recognized, which limits the ability to reconstruct complex external visual information and is unable to help patients to quickly recognize complex scenes in a complex world.

Method and apparatus for image recognition based on retina prosthesis

SHENZHEN CAS-ENVISION MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD


The invention concerns the field of surgical instruments. The inventive trocar (1) is of the type comprising a rigid tube (2) wherein may slide a rod (3) with a perforating distal tip, and it is characterized in the distal tip zone of the rod forms a perforating drill capable of rotating on its axis while the distal end of the tube is divided into at least two segments (10, 11), with helical cutting edge. The invention is applicable in particular to bone biopsy.

Various types of trocars are known that are surgical instruments used to gain access to natural or pathological cavities, to carry out biopsies or to introduce substances, for example to perform intestinal or gynecological celioscopy, or to perform endoscopic operations, in particular arthroscopic operations, by which it is possible to greatly reduce the patient's post-operative recovery period by comparison with procedures involving open surgery. A trocar is generally composed of a hollow tube, also called a cannula or sheath, in which a rod or obturator is able to slide, the distal end of which rod or obturator emerges at the distal end of the tube and is in the form of a tip in order to facilitate penetration into the tissues.
Thus, the patent FR 2,697,150 describes a trocar intended for celioscopy and comprising a tube in which a hollow rod engages which is provided with a tip having recessed facets and capable of containing a device for protecting the tip. The patent application WO 03020140 describes a trocar designed to require only minimal force for insertion into the tissues, so as to reduce as far as possible the damage caused by the penetration, said trocar comprising a tip at the distal end of the obturator, fitting perfectly in the continuation of the distal opening of the cannula, which has a certain degree of flexibility. Such a trocar is intended essentially to be introduced into the soft tissues. Another type of trocar is described in the patent application WO 03045260, according to which a perforating obturator is able to slide in the cannula of the trocar in order to pierce the abdominal wall of a patient during a laparoscopy operation involving introduction of a gas into the abdominal cavity in order to distend it and make the operation easier. However, the trocar according to said document is not designed to perforate a hard wall, such as that of a bone.
Some types of perforating trocars are also known, and are available on the surgical instruments market, which comprise a tip associated with a tube with a cutting distal edge in order to permit penetration into a relatively hard bone, but the effectiveness of trocars of this type is not always satisfactory, particularly in the case of very hard bone resisting conventional cutting tools. Thus, the patent U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,826 describes a perforating trocar comprising a rod with an end in the form of a drill-bit with eccentric tip, guided by a tube. When the rod comes into contact with the bone, its rotation causes the formation of a hole with a diameter wider than that of the rod, by virtue of the off-centered position of the tip, while the tube is held immobile. The use of this trocar is difficult because the operator has to hold the tube with one hand and turn the rod with the other hand.


The invention relates to a grinding method and to a cylindrical grinding machine, in which a sintered hard metal round rod is completely pushed through a chuck of a workpiece spindle head, said chuck having chuck jaws. Two backrest seats are ground on the freely projecting end area of the round rod, and two backrests are then placed on the round rod in directions. The resulting secure support of the end area enables a front cone to be ground with a high level of precision with regard to the concentricity at the end of the round rod facing the quill of a tailstock. A multiple grinding wheel, which is comprised of two differently designed individual wheels that directly rest against one another in an axial manner, serves to grind the front cone and is advanced toward the round rod in the X-direction. The multiple grinding wheel is mounted in a grinding spindle. The individual wheels have different grinding areas. After the front cone has been ground, it is lodged in a hollow punch at the front end of the quill, whereby the quill is displaced toward the front cone in the direction of arrow. The end area of the round rod is hereby optimally fixed at both ends without the first fixing of the chuck having to be released. In this state, the desired cylindrical grinding final contour of the end area can be produced by cylindrical grinding. This procedure is particularly advantageous for producing hard metal tools. By working the rod with a single chucking, machining can be carried out both economically and without the risk of radial deviations. The different individual wheels of the multiple grinding wheel can serve additional different grinding tasks. When the end area has reached the desired concentric final contour, it is cut off from the round rod by the individual wheel.

The invention relates to a method for circular grinding during the production of tools made of hard metal on a circular grinding machine that has a workpiece spindle head and a tailstock, whereby work commences using a round rod comprising a starting material.
According to the prior art known from commercial practice, as a rule work commences starting with round rods made of sintered hard metal. These rods then have a grinding overmeasure for the shaft region and are cut to the necessary tool length, or the starting bodies are brought to the required shaft dimension for their entire length using so-called centerless grinding and are then cut into lengths. From the bar pieces that were cut into lengths individually, the tool is then produced from the whole by grinding. For this, the hard metal tools are received during grinding between hollow center punches, tips, or in a chuck.
Grinding occurs either using the conventional grinding method or using the rough grinding method by means of diamond grinding wheels. In any case, multiple instances of re-chucking are required because first the individual bar pieces are produced by grinding and cutting into lengths, where necessary in the reverse sequence as well, and then in subsequent grinding processes that take place on other machines the tool contours are ground and cutting, gradation, spiral cutting, and the like occur.
The known methods in accordance with the prior art work satisfactorily, however they entail the risk of errors in the trueness of the run. These errors are related primarily to multiple instances of re-chucking. Even if work is performed with great attention to precision, such errors in the trueness of the run cannot always be avoided. They are entirely and unpleasantly noticeable on the finished tool. This is particularly true of high-speed processing, for instance in aircraft construction. In this case, cutting tools are used that work at speeds of 30,000 to 60,000 rpms. When processing the light metal parts that are widely used in aircraft construction, even the smallest error in the trueness of the run on the tool is disturbingly noticeable.

Cylindrical grinding method for producing hard metal tools and cylindrical grinding machine for grinding cylindrical starting bodies during the production of hard metal tools


A novel rapid-melt composition, including methods of making the same, and methods of using the same for the delivery of prophylactic and therapeutic active materials to a mammal. The rapid-melt compositions are formed by molding or compression, with an additional heating step being preferred.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a rapid-melt composition for delivery of prophylactic and therapeutic active materials to a mammal, methods of making the same, and methods of using the same. Preferably, the prophylactic or therapeutic active is a psychotropic, a gastrointestinal therapeutic or a migraine therapeutic.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Pharmaceutical compositions may be produced in a variety of dosage forms, depending upon the desired route of administration of the therapeutic material. Oral dosage forms, for example, include such solid compositions as tablets, emulsions, and suspensions. The particular dosage form utilized will depend on such factors as the solubility and chemical reactivity of the pharmaceutical active. Further, the dosage form may be selected so as to optimize delivery of the pharmaceutical active and/or consumer acceptability of the composition.
Tablet compositions offer many advantages, including ease of product handling, chemical and physical stability, portability (in particular, allowing ready availability to the consumer when needed), aesthetic acceptability and dosage precision, i.e., ensuring consistent and accurate dosages of the pharmaceutical active. However, liquid formulations may offer advantages in the treatment of certain disorders, such as disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract, wherein delivery of an active material dissolved or dispersed in a liquid ensures rapid and complete delivery to the afflicted area. In an effort to obtain the therapeutic advantages associated with liquid formulations as well as the broad advantages associated with solids, many chewable tablet formulations have been developed.
One important factor in formulating chewable tablets is palatability and mouth feel, especially in tablets that include pharmaceutical dosages. Many pharmaceutical and confectionery tablets are designed to be chewed either to provide proper flavor or to increase the surface area of a particular drug to permit rapid activity in the digestive tract or circulatory systems. However, many pharmaceutical ingredients usually have both an unpleasant mouth feel and unpalatable taste due to chalkiness, grittiness, dryness and astringent properties of these materials. Accordingly, the practical value of these materials is substantially diminished since patients finding them objectionable may fail to take them as prescribed. A number of formulations have been investigated to ease the mouth feel and palatability of such compositions.
Khankari et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,981, discloses a rapidly dissolving robust dosage form directed to a hard tablet that can be packaged, stored and processed in bulk. The solid tablet dissolves in the mouth of a patient with a minimum of grit. The tablet contains an active ingredient mixed into a matrix of a non-direct compression filler and a relatively high lubricant content.
Amselem, U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,583, discloses a dry solid lipid composition suitable as an oral dosage form. The composition contains a lipophilic substance, at least one fat which is a solid at about 25° C. and at least one phospholipid present in an amount of about 2 to 40% by weight of the composition. However, the resultant product is a dry solid lipid composition.
United Kingdom patent application GB 2 195 892 discloses pharmaceutical chewable tablets with improved palatability. The lipid-containing molded tablets include a lipid material having a melting point from about 26° C. to about 37° C., a particulate dispersant material, an emulsifier and a safe and effective amount of a pharmaceutically active material. The tablets of the lipid composition exhibit improved palatability, and effective dispersion in the mouth and stomach.
United Kingdom patent application GB 2 195 891 also discloses pharmaceutical chewable tablets with improved palatability. The lipid-containing molded tablets include a lipid material, a dispersant, a nonionic emulsifier having an HLB of at least 10, and a safe and effective amount of a pharmaceutical active material, wherein the average HLB of all emulsifiers in the composition is at least about 8.
Nakamichi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,837,285, discloses fast soluble tablets that can be produced by a simple method. The tablet base is a sugar alcohol. The mixture of the sugar alcohol and a drug is subjected to compressive shaping prior to drying in the process. The dry solid tablet can be produced by modification of conventional tableting technology and possesses physico-chemical stability.
Chavkin et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,753,255 discloses a chewable medicinal tablet. The tablet contains about 30 to about 95% by weight of a capric triglyceride and a medicinally active ingredient up to 60% by weight. If the medicinally active ingredient is less than about 30% by weight, then the composition also contains up to 10% by weight of a member of the group consisting of glyceryl monostearate, a mixture of glyceryl monostearate and glyceryl monopalmitate, and a mixture of glyceryl monostearate and glyceryl distearate.
Geyer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,848, discloses a nonaqueous chewable composition for oral delivery of unpalatable drugs. The drug is intimately dispersed or dissolved in a pharmaceutically-acceptable lipid that is solid at room temperatures. The lipid material desirably readily melts with the application of mild temperatures, i.e. about 55 to 95° C.
Lapidus, U.S. Pat. No. 4,937,076, discloses a chewable aspirin and buffering material tablet in a single dosage form. The buffering materials are integrally dispersed and bound in a fatty material of chocolate, synthetic chocolate or hydrogenated tallow. The fatty material individually coats the aspirin and buffering material.
Valentine, U.S. Pat. No. 4,684,534, discloses quick-liquefying, chewable tablets. The tablets have a harder outer shell which inhibits penetration of liquid, and a softer interior which quickly liquefies when the tablet and shell are broken into pieces and contacted by the liquid. The excipient or base material of the tablet is made from carbohydrates held together with small quantities of a carbohydrate binder such as maltodextrin. The tablets can contain active ingredients such as pharmaceuticals, breath sweeteners, vitamins and dietary supplements.
Morris et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,609,543, discloses a soft homogeneous antacid tablet. The tablet contains solid antacid particles thoroughly coated with a mixture composed of a fatty material or oil, a surfactant, and a flavor. The fat or oil is present in an amount of from about 25% to about 45% of the mixture. The primary particle size of the antacid is less than 100 millimicrons.
Fountaine, U.S. Pat. No. 4,446,135, discloses chewable calcium carbonate-containing antacid tablets having good mouth feel properties. The good mouth feel properties of the tablet are obtained by using calcium carbonate of a particular particle size in combination with certain excipients. The calcium carbonate is present in an effective amount and has a size from about 5 to 50 microns in diameter.
Puglia et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,327,077, discloses a compressed chewable antacid tablet which has good flexibility, is breakage resistant and disintegrates immediately upon chewing. The tablet is formed of a recrystallized fatty material, such as chocolate, a bulking material and an active ingredient bound up in the particles of the recrystallized fatty material. The preferred recrystallized fatty material is a chocolate or a synthetic chocolate.
Puglia et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,327,076, also discloses a compressed chewable antacid tablet which has good flexibility, is breakage resistant and disintegrates immediately upon chewing. The tablet is formed of particles of the antacid or other active ingredient which are admixed with particles formed of edible fat or oil absorbed on a fat-absorbing material, such as microcrystalline cellulose. Upon chewing, the tablet is quickly converted to a smooth creamy non-gritty palatable emulsion.
However, the prior art compositions contain various disadvantages. For example, tablets may be incompletely chewed due to the poor palatability of the composition. Such compositions may also have a gummy texture, and are subject to "taste fatigue," i.e., the composition is perceived to be less palatable after ingestion of multiple doses. Further, the binders and other materials used in such chewable tablets may prevent rapid and effective delivery of active materials to the stomach.
There is a need for a rapid-melt, composition that behaves like a liquid when consumed by a mammal, and yet acts like a solid in many other ways. The need extends for compositions in which no biting or chewing is necessary in order for the composition to melt in the mouth of a mammal. Such compositions are ideal for uses in the fields of pediatric and geriatric care, that is, for use with people or mammals that do not have any teeth.
It has been found that product formulations containing one or more certain lipid materials, emulsifiers and particulate materials are highly palatable and effective compositions for the delivery of pharmaceutical active materials. Such compositions afford better taste, mouth feel and storage stability than those compositions known in the art.

Rapid-melt compositions methods of making same and methods of using same


The output monitor/control device is provided with: Mach-Zehnder circuit 104 that receives a light beam, branches the light beam into two light beams having a phase difference of 180°, and transmits each of the light beams, exhibiting a periodic optical transmittance-optical frequency characteristic a period of a frequency interval corresponding to a predetermined free spectral range; first and second photodiodes that each receive one of two light beams supplied from the Mach-Zehnder circuit; calculation circuit 108 that calculates a predefined discrimination formula for evaluating wavelength change of the light beam based on output currents of the photodiodes; and wavelength control circuit 111 that detects change in wavelength based on the calculation results by the calculation circuit and adjusts the wavelength to a set value. Mach-Zehnder circuit 104 is adjusted in advance such that wavelengths to be controlled are included in a wavelength range that corresponds to the frequency range in which the optical transmittance-optical frequency characteristics curve of the Mach-Zehnder circuit changes steeply. The use of the optical transmittance-optical frequency characteristic of a Mach-Zehnder circuit in a wavelength monitor/control device enables accurate application to a wide range of wavelengths.

The present invention relates to wavelength monitoring circuit for monitoring the output of a laser light source and to an optical communication system that uses this wavelength monitoring circuit, and more particularly to a wavelength monitoring circuit for monitoring variation in the wavelength and variation in the output of laser light or for maintaining the wavelength and output level at desired values, and also to an optical communication system.
The rapid popularization in recent years of information communication, of which the Internet is representative, has resulted in the abrupt increase in network traffic, and this increase has raised the demand for trunk networks and access networks having greater capacity. This demand has been met by employing optical fiber communication technology through WDM (wavelength division multiplex) in which a plurality of signals each having a different wavelength are multiplexed on an optical fiber. With the aim of achieving still higher capacity of communication volume, various techniques are being developed for broadening the pass wavelength bandwidth, increasing the number of channel wavelengths, and narrowing the channel wavelength interval. Research and development has been particularly active in wavelength division multiplexing having a high degree of multiplexing, i.e., DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing), for such uses as the trunk line of a network. Development of this type of technology calls for stabilization of the wavelength of the laser light that is used as the signal light.
FIG. 1 shows the typical composition of an arrayed waveguide diffraction grating that is used for obtaining laser light of a plurality of wavelengths separately from a laser light source of particular wavelengths. Arrayed waveguide diffraction grating 11 is made up by: a single or a plurality of input waveguides 12 formed on a substrate (not shown in the figure); a plurality of output waveguides 13; channel waveguide array 14 having differing curvatures in the same direction; input-side slab waveguide 15 for connecting input waveguides 12 to channel waveguide array 14; and output-side slab waveguide 16 for connecting channel waveguide array 14 to output waveguides 13.
The paths of multiplexed signal light that is entered from input waveguides 12 are spread by input-side slab waveguide 15, following which each is directed into channel waveguide array 14 at equal phase. The intensity of entered light is not equal at each incident point of input slab waveguide 15, the intensity increasing towards the central portion of input-side slab waveguide 15 in a substantially Gaussian distribution.
A predetermined difference in the length of the optical path is provided between successive arrayed waveguides that make up channel waveguide array 14: the length of the optical paths are set to successively increase or decrease, so that light beams guided by each of the arrayed waveguides arrive at output slab waveguide 16 with a predetermined phase difference. In actuality, the occurrence of chromatic dispersion causes the equiphasal surface to tilt depending on a wavelength, and the light beams therefore form images (converge) at differing positions depending on a wavelength on the interface of output-side slab waveguide 16 and output waveguide 13. Output waveguide 13 is arranged at positions in accordance with wavelength, and differing wavelength components can therefore be derived from output waveguide 13.
The central wavelength of this type of arrayed waveguide diffraction grating 11 is extremely sensitive to changes in the refractive index of the waveguide material caused by changes in temperature. The wavelength that is derived from output waveguide 13 must therefore be monitored to control temperature so as to prevent variations in wavelength.
We now refer to FIG. 2 in which is shown an example of an output monitor/control device proposed in the prior art. This device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 31859/99.
In the figure, laser light 21 emitted from laser diode 20 passes through cut-off filter 22 and is incident on beam splitter 23. Light beam 24 that has been transmitted by beam splitter 23 is applied to a measurement device or communication device (not shown in the figure) and used as light having a stabilized wavelength. Light beam 25 reflected by beam splitter 23 is directed to optical bandpass filter 26, this optical bandpass filter 26 being arranged perpendicular to light beam 25. As a result, a part of reflected light beam 25, transmitted by filter 26, impinges on first photo-diode 281 (the transmitted light is denoted as reference numeral 27 in the figure) . The remaining light, reflected from filter 26 passes through beam splitter 23 and impinges on second photodiode 282 (the reflected light is denoted as reference numeral 29).
The outputs 311 and 312 of first and second photodiodes 281 and 282 are applied to output-ratio calculation means 32 for calculating the ratio of the outputs 311 and 312. The thus-obtained monitor signal 33 is then applied to wavelength control means 34. Wavelength control means 34 controls the wavelength of emitted light of laser diode 20 to maintain this output ratio at a prescribed value. The wavelength control of the light radiated from laser diode 20 is realized by varying the drive current of laser diode 20 or by altering the ambient temperature.
FIG. 3 shows the wavelength characteristics of each part of the device shown in FIG. 2, (a) showing the wavelength characteristic of cut-off filter 22, (b) showing the transmittance of optical bandpass filter 26, and (c) showing the reflectance of optical bandpass filter 26. Since cut-off filter 22 is a low-cut filter the cut-off wavelength of which is prescribed to be slightly shorter than the central wavelength λ1 of band-pass filter 26, the level of the light received by first photodiode 281 varies as shown in FIG. 3(d) The received light level of second photodiode 282 varies as shown in FIG. 3(e). In the figures, λ2 denotes a half-value wavelength and λ3 denotes a zero-attenuation wavelength on the high-wavelength side of the filter 26. The emitted light wavelengths of laser diode 20 can be controlled by setting the ratio of the outputs of these photodiodes 281 and 282 to a prescribed value.
FIG. 4 shows another device similar to the device shown in FIG. 2. Parts in FIG. 4 identical to those shown in FIG. 2 are identified by the same reference numerals and redundant explanation is omitted. This device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 022259/2000.
Laser light 21 radiated from laser diode 20 is directed into optical interference filter 41, which is tilted with respect to the optical axis. Transmitted light 42 impinges on first photodiode 281 and reflected light 43 impinges on second photodiode 282.
Outputs 441 and 442 of first and second photodiodes 281 and 282 are supplied to output ratio calculation means 32 and the output ratio is calculated. Thus obtained monitor signal 45 is applied to wavelength control means 34. Control of the emitted wavelength of laser diode 20 is implemented such that the output ratio is maintained at a prescribed value.
We now refer to FIG. 5, in which is shown the principal components of a device that employs an etalon for monitoring and controlling wavelength. This device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 223761/2000.
Laser light 21 radiated from laser diode 20 is branched by first beam sampler 51 to make two branched beams 52 and 53 having a small angle with each other. These branched beams 52 and 53 are directed into etalon 54 and received at photodiodes 551 and 552. The outputs of photodiodes 551 and 552 have a wavelength-current characteristic in which the phases are shifted with respect to each other. Calculation unit 56 normalizes the wavelength-current characteristic and uses the portion of the wavelength-current curve that has good linearity to calculate a wavelength deviation from the reference wavelength.
The transmitted light 57 through first beam sampler 51 is incident on second beam sampler 58 to similarly obtain two branched beams 61 and 62 having a small angle with each other. One of the branched beams 61 is received as is by third photodiode 553. The other branched beam 62 is received by fourth photodiode 554 after passing through slope filter 64. Calculation unit 56 finds the reference wavelength of the incident beam from the wavelength-transmittance characteristic of slope filter 64. Calculation unit 56 obtains an accurate wavelength of irradiated laser light 21 by adding this reference wavelength and the wavelength deviation.
Of these examples of output monitor/control devices of the prior art, the devices shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 control the wavelength of laser light by adjusting the ratio of the outputs 311 and 312, or 441 and 442 of two photodiodes 281 and 282 to a prescribed value. As a result, there is the problem that the control of laser light wavelength is restricted only within a narrow wavelength range in which the characteristics curves of outputs complementarily change according to the slopes in opposite directions, as shown in (d) and (e) of FIG. 3. Taking the example shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 to further explain this point, the wavelength range in which control is possible when using cut-off filter 22 as shown in (a) of FIG. 3 is limited to wavelengths that are longer than λ1. This is because inclusion of shorter wavelengths results in the existence of two wavelengths that take the same ratio (λ2 and a wavelength that is symmetrical to λ2 with respect to λ1), and control to a specific wavelength is therefore not possible.
While wavelengths are restricted to longer wavelengths than λ1 in the device shown in FIG. 2, control of wavelengths in the range longer than wavelength λ3 is disabled because the transmittance of optical bandpass filter 26 substantially reaches a minimum as the wavelength approaches wavelength λ3 at which reflectance falls off to substantially zero. Of course, the wavelength range between the two wavelengths λ1 and λ3 can be somewhat extended by selecting the characteristics of optical bandpass filter 26. When this wavelength range is extended, however, the slopes of the transmittance and reflectance curves of optical bandpass filter 26 become relatively gentle and the change in the outputs 311 and 312 of the two photodiodes 281 and 282 , respectively, versus change in wavelength becomes smaller, thereby resulting in deterioration in the accuracy for controlling wavelength to a desired value.
In order to solve the above-described problem regarding the restricted wavelength range of control, means such as the arrayed waveguide diffraction grating shown in FIG. 1 can be employed to individually control the wavelengths of optical signals over a wide range of wavelengths. Such a solution, however, entails the use of a number of output monitor/control devices each having a characteristic constitution for a wavelength band, and this approach has the problems of the considerable time required for development as well as the difficulty of reducing the cost of the device.
On the other hand, a wavelength monitor/control device that employs an etalon such as shown in FIG. 5 does not suffer from this problem and is capable of accurate processing over a relatively wide range of wavelengths. The device shown in FIG. 5, however, employs two beam samplers 51 and 58 and entails an increase in the number of other parts that accompanies the use of these components. As a consequence, such a device has the problems of increased bulk as well as the difficulty in reducing the cost of the device.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an output monitor/control device which by itself can be applied with high accuracy to a relatively wide range of wavelengths, allowing a simplified device architecture.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an output monitor/control device that can handle a large number of wavelengths with basically the same constitution.
It is further object of the present invention to provide an optical communication system employing such an output monitor/control device.

Output monitor/control apparatus and optical communication system


The invention relates to a method for creating a press connection arrangement and a clamping connection, the method including a plurality of steps, as well as a press connection arrangement and a clamping connection per se.

The present invention relates in a first aspect to a method for creating a press connection arrangement and in a second aspect to a corresponding press connection arrangement per se and in a third aspect to the use of a press connection arrangement or a clamping connection. In an independent third aspect, the invention relates to a method for creating a clamping connection, and in a fourth aspect to such a clamping connection per se.
The press connection arrangement is created by surface contact of a radially inner component, for example a shaft having a radially outer component, for example a hub.
The clamping connection is created by flat contact of a receptacle with a corresponding shank section.
A method for producing a connection arrangement is known from the prior art, for example from DE 10 2011 005 408 A1. DE 10 2009 050 626 A1 also illustrates a method for producing a connection arrangement.

Method for creating a press connection arrangement, press connection arrangement and method for creating a clamping connection as well as the clamping connection itself and the use thereof


An imaging system is provided with an ultrasound catheter and a controller coupled to the ultrasound catheter. The catheter includes a localizer sensor configured to generate positional information for the ultrasound catheter, and an imaging ultrasound sensor having a restricted field of view. The controller co-registers images from the imaging ultrasound sensor with positional information from the localizer sensor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to medical imaging systems, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for localizing an ultrasound imaging catheter.
2. Description of the Related Art
Medical imaging technology is used to improve the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Presently available medical imaging technology includes a wide variety of ultrasound, X-ray, nuclear, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other imaging systems. A technology of particular benefit to diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions uses imaging ultrasound detectors mounted a percutaneous catheter.
Techniques exist for localizing catheters deployed within a patient's body. One such technique is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,266 to Dupree ("Dupree" hereafter), which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In particular, Dupree generates an electric field with one of a basket electrode and a roving electrode, the electric field being characterized by the physical dimensions and spacing among the basket electrodes. A navigation application is provided which analyzes the spatial variations in the electrical potentials sensed within the field, and provides a location output which locates the roving electrode within the space defined by the basket, in terms of its position relative to the position of the multiple basket electrodes. Other such systems also exist.
The Dupree system, however, may be problematic in some applications due to its use of an electrode generated electric field to determine the location of the probe. In particular, electric fields generated intra-body can generate electrical currents which flow in the body that may cause muscle stimulation, which may result in heart arrhythmias, etc., when used in or near the heart, such as intra-cardiac sensing or treatment. Thus, a need exists for a non-electric field-based catheter locating system that does not induce significant electric currents in the body. There is also a particular need for catheter locating methods that are compatible with ultrasound imaging catheters, and for methods of utilizing localized position information in combination with image rendering.
Other problems with the prior art not described above can also be overcome using the teachings of the present invention, as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this disclosure.

Method and apparatus for localizing an ultrasound catheter

St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.


A method and apparatus of reporting a measurement result in a wireless communication system are provided. A user equipment receives a measurement configuration for a serving cell and performs a measurement in accordance with the measurement configuration to acquire an actual measurement result. The user equipment determines whether the serving cell is deactivated and transmits a measurement result including a pre-defined value if the serving cell is deactivated.

3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) long term evolution (LTE) is an improved version of a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) and is introduced as the 3GPP release 8. The 3GPP LTE uses orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) in a downlink, and uses single carrier-frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) in an uplink. The 3GPP LTE employs multiple input multiple output (MIMO) having up to four antennas. In recent years, there is an ongoing discussion on 3GPP LTE-advanced (LTE-A) that is an evolution of the 3GPP LTE.
The introduction of multiple carriers in 3GPP LTE results in the use of a plurality of serving cells. That is, the plurality of serving cells provides a user equipment with various services.
The number of usable serving cells among configured cells is not fixed but varies depending on user equipment's capability or a network condition. This is called activation/deactivation of the serving cell.
When the serving cell is frequently activated or deactivated, information related to the activated serving cell may be mismatched between the user equipment and a base station. For example, the base station deactivates the serving cell but the user equipment still regards the serving cell as the activated serving cell.
The mismatch may cause data loss or service quality deterioration.

Apparatus and method of reporting measurement result in wireless communication system


Text data is acquired from print request data, print content is expressed as raster data and print data is generated using a printer command based on the print request data, the acquired text data is added to the print data using the command, and the print data is sent with the text data to the printer.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a host device of a printer, a, and relates more particularly to a host device, a printing system, and a data processing method that can easily extract information from print data.
The disclosure also relates to a host device, a printing system, and a data processing method that can easily extract information from print data without changing the existing application, driver, or printout.
2. Related Art
POS systems, which are a type of sales management system, are commonly used in supermarkets and other retail businesses, and multiple terminal devices (such as electronic cash registers) in the system operate and execute processes as controlled by applications installed on the terminal devices. A printer is also typically connected to each terminal device, and produces receipts, coupons, and other printouts as instructed by the application. Systems that are configured similarly to a POS system and produce other types of printouts are also used in hospitals and package delivery companies.
As technology advances and business needs change after the system is initially deployed, adding new functions becomes necessary. Adding functions for analyzing sales information and producing electronic receipts, for example, is particularly desirable in POS systems.
Such systems are typically central to business operations and are connected to other systems, and changing the applications used in a system is normally not easy.
To solve this problem, JP-A-2014-85741 describes technology enabling processing and supplying data output by the POS terminal to another external device.
Many terminal devices that command printing receipts and other forms in a POS system, for example, use a Windows® driver as the printer driver, and the object to be printed is converted by the printer driver to raster data that is then sent to the printer.
When a Windows driver is used by the POS terminal applying the method described in JP-A-2014-85741, the data processing device that extracts information from the print data must use OCR (optical character recognition) technology, for example, to extract meaning from the rasterized print data (such as text). This creates problems with the accuracy of the information and increases the load on the data processor.
Some problems with information acquisition can be resolved by switching to a mode that sends text data from the POS terminal device to the printer, but this requires using the fonts built into the printer when printing and the appearance of the printout may change.

Host device, printing system, and data processing method


An integrated micro thermister type flow control module in which, when a fluid enters the integrated module past a fluid channel and a suspended microstructure into a thermally-driven microvalve zone, the latter utilizes heat actuation to drive a silicon microbridge with mesa to open a linear proportional flow microvalve. A thermister type flow sensing unit is disposed in the fluid channel to sense the flow amount. The sensing unit is synchronously made with the microvalve and the silicon microbridge structure in an integration process so as to reduce manufacturing steps and minimize the size of the module.

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a microflow controller, and more particularly to an integrated thermister type flow control module.
The present invention is applicable for use on all kinds of microflow control apparatus. For instance, the present invention is particularly adapted to couple with microvalves and to be synchronously manufactured therewith on the same substrate. The present invention is also particularly adapted for use in micro control of gases.
(b) Description of the Prior art
A study of the microflow elements and systems made using existing micromachining techniques shows that they are characterized in their capability to precisely sense and control micro amounts of fluid. In general, for gases, the amount of flow controlled is below 1 l/min. For liquids, it is about .mu.l/min. Aside from being capable of precisely sensing and controlling micro amounts of fluid, the microflow elements and their systems have the advantages of power economy, quick response time, and compactness. Furthermore, due to the characteristics of micro manufacturing techniques, different sensors, actuators, and control circuits can be integrated on the same chip. Therefore, they can provide systematic, multi-functional, and even intelligent microflow system modules within very small units. The microflow elements can also be assembled in arrays to achieve precision control of larger flows. At present, the application of microflow mechanical devices has possibly replaced traditional precision flow control elements in part or made it possible to develop compact fluid sensors. In the future, when the development of micro manufacturing techniques and sensors has become more mature, the applications of microflow will be more comprehensive and become multi-functional and intelligent, which will then have a huge impact on industries.
In U.S. Ser. No. 08/667,906 filed on Aug. 27, 1996 by the applicant of the present invention, various prior art techniques concerning microvalves have been generally discussed. These prior art techniques include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,142,781, 5,180,623, 5,058,856, 5,271,597, 5,259,737, and 5,429,713, as well as the papers entitled "Microflow Devices and Systems" (pages 157-171, Micromech. Microeng. published by IOP, U.K. in April 1994) and "Integrated Microflow Control Systems (pages 161-167, Sensors and Actuators, The Netherlands, 1990). T. Lisec et al. have also discussed thermal buckling control of microvalves on pages 13-17 of IEEE, 1994.
The present invention is the applicant's continued study on micromachining to further exploit the advantages thereof.
In today's precision analysis instruments and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, mass flow controllers (MFC) are often used to provide precision control of gas flow. The components of MFC include independently made precision control valves, flow sensors and system controllers. Electromagnetic or piezo-electric valves are generally used as precision control valves, whereas capillary heating type flow sensors are used as sensors. Since all components are made by ultra-precision machining techniques and finished by employing mechanical sealing techniques, the parts of the entire system are many and complicated. Assembly is difficult and manufacturing cost is therefore high.

Integrated micro thermistor type flow control module

Industrial Technology Research Institute