The composite membrane is disclosed having a microporous support which is coated with an aqueous polyeurethane dispersion composition wherein the microporous support is surface treated. A process for making and a process for using the membrane is also disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to composite type membranes which may be used in various membrane processes. The membrane includes a microporous support which is coated with an aqueous polyeurethane dispersion. The present invention also relates to a method for making such membranes and using such membranes in membrane processes.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Coated membranes and membrane processes are used widely in many fields of technology. These processes generally involve the permeation of gases or liquids through polymeric membranes wherein the membrane prevents hydrodynamic flow so that the transport therethrough is controlled by absorption or diffusion.
Membranes are typically selected on how they transport the fluids therethrough. The rate of transport through a membrane is a function of its permeability and is generally referred to as flux. Liquid permeation for example, involves the permeation of feed components from the liquid phase on one side of the membrane to the liquid phase on the other side at a controlled rate.
As discussed, the selectivity of coated membranes is an important factor in the satisfactory operation of the membrane processes, which may include separation or delayed diffusion. In addition, membrane properties such as flux and resistance to chemical, biological and physical degradation also effect the efficiency of such processes.
Of course, there have been many efforts to develop composite membranes which function efficiently for specific processes. Typical of such efforts include the development of composite type membranes such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,242,159, 4,260,652, 4,277,344, and 4,388,189. These membranes include a microporous support having coated thereon a thin layer of polymeric material. However, previously known composite membranes have not been completely satisfactory, since they can or may exhibit a variety of defects that affect flux and physical, chemical and biological degradation resistance and thus the overall efficiency of the membrane processes for which they are used.
In an effort to overcome the above described deficiencies in composite type membranes, there have recently been attempts to produce composite type membranes wherein the polymeric coating is a UV curable material. The basic UV curable formulation generally includes a UV reactive unsaturated polymeric material, a photocatalyst and a reactive diluent.
For example, Japanese Kokai Patent No. Sho 59-76504(1984) describes a reverse osmosis membrane which is manufactured by impregnating a porous support with a mixture of monofunctional monomer and bifunctional monomer and irradiating the mixture with light to polymerize the monomers. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,533 suggests the membrane coated with polymeric material may be cured using ultraviolet light. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,976,897 and 5,102,552 describe a composite membrane having a microporous support which is coated with a UV curable polymeric composition having a sufficiently high viscosity to prevent pore filling upon coating and curing. The UV curable resin coated composite membrane exhibited suitable resistance to physical, chemical and biological degradation while exhibiting adequate flux for specific uses.
Another approach to application of a coating to the microporous membrane is to change the surface of the hydrophobic microporous membrane to a hydrophilic. This is especially true when polyolefinic films, a preferred type of polymeric material often employed in the manufacture of microporous membranes, are employed. Because these films are not "wetted" with water and aqueous solutions they could not be used advantageously in various applications. Such proposals have been put forth in the past to overcome these problems, such as exemplified by U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,853,601; 3,231,530; 3,215,486 and Canadian Patent No. 981,991 which utilize a variety of hydrophilic coating agents or impregnants. Such coating agents or impregnants, although effective for a limited period of time, tend to be removed in a relatively short period of time by solutions which contact the membrane.
Others have attempted to impart hydrophilic character to a normally hydrophobic microporous membrane by the use of low energy plasma treatments. Such plasma treatments are achieved by first activating surface sites of the microporous membrane using argon or hydrogen plasma and then grafting thereto an appropriate free radical polymerizing species such as acrylic acid. Such plasma treatments result in a film having only a surface which is wettable. The surface of the membrane also becomes plugged when wet, which then inhibits or prevents the free flow of water through the interior of the membrane. The unavoidable plugging of the pores renders the membrane unsuitable for certain applications.
Surface modification treatments such as corona treatment is used with microporous membranes for adhesiveness and permeability. For example U.S. Pat. No. 5,085,775 discloses corona treatment of microporous backing material to improve or increase the adhesion to the microporous polysulfone support. U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,439 discloses corona treatment of microporous polymer film to render the films permeable.
Coating polymeric materials on the porous supports followed by curing has generally been found to result in membranes having low flux. The conventional wisdom is that such coatings tend to wick up and fill the pores of the microporous support, thereby producing a membrane having an insufficient flux.
This failure is unfortunate since such polymeric systems have the potential to be tremendously advantageous in the area of membrane processes, since a wide range of chemical and mechanical properties may be built into the polymeric systems, thereby producing membranes having improved resistance to chemical, physical and biological degradation. Also, the simplicity of these systems compared to conventional systems is potentially appealing, in that they involve solventless processes.
The development of a useful polymeric coated composite membrane for application of membrane processes to impart specific flux control to the membrane would therefore be an extremely important and a desirable development.


A xerographic reproduction machine for producing toner particle copy images of original images on sheet substrates includes a machine frame; a movable image bearing member mounted within and to the frame, the image bearing member having an image bearing surface defining a path of movement thereof. The xerographic reproduction machine also includes xerographic imaging elements mounted at various distributed locations along the path of movement for forming toner particle copy images of original images on the image bearing surface; devices for transferring the toner particle copy images onto sheet substrates for fusing; and an impulse air ejector cleaning system for intermittently purging and cleaning particulate dirt from sensitive elements among the electrostatographic imaging elements. The impulse air ejector cleaning system includes plural air lines, each of which has an air ejection nozzle positioned at a distributed location for directing air therefrom onto a sensitive xerographic imaging element at such location; a container containing pressurized air connected to each air line of the plural air lines; and a control assembly including a quick exhaust valve connected to the plural air lines, for controllably and intermittently releasing blasts of pressurized air from the container through each of the nozzles for purging and cleaning particulate dirt material from surfaces of sensitive xerographic imaging elements.

This invention relates generally to xerographic printing, and more specifically to a xerographic machine having an impulse air ejector cleaning system for effectively removing airborne particles that may otherwise adhere to critical xerographic imaging elements of the machine, thus causing copy quality defects.
In the well-known process of xerographic or electrostatographic printing, a charge retentive surface, typically known as a photoreceptor, is electrostatically charged, and then exposed to a light pattern of an original image to selectively discharge the surface in accordance therewith. The resulting pattern of charged and discharged areas on the photoreceptor form an electrostatic charge pattern known as a latent image. The latent image is developed by contacting it with a developer material consisting for example of carrier particles and powder-like toner.
The toner is attracted and held onto the image areas by electrostatic charge on the photoreceptor surface. Thus, a toner image is produced in conformity with a light image of the original being reproduced. The toner image is then transferred to a copy sheet, and affixed thereto to form a permanent record of the image to be reproduced. Following such development and transfer, excess toner left on the photoreceptor is cleaned from its surface. The process is useful for light lens copying from an original document, for scanned copying, or for printing electronically generated or stored originals such as with a raster output scanner (ROS), where a charged surface may be imagewise discharged in a variety of ways.
The foregoing discussion generally, describes a typical black and white or single color electrostatographic printing process. The approach utilized for multicolor electrostatographic printing is substantially identical. However, instead of forming a single latent image on the photoreceptor, multiple latent images corresponding to different color separations are sequentially recorded on the photoreceptor. Each single color latent image is developed with toner having a complimentary color. This process is repeated for each of the differently colored images with a respective toner of a complimentary color. Thereafter, each single color separation toner image is transferred to the copy sheet in superimposed registration with the prior color separation toner image, thus resulting in a multilayered, multicolor toner image. This multi-layered, multicolor toner image is then transferred and permanently affixed to a copy sheet in a conventional manner, in order to form a finished color copy.
A constant problem in a xerographic or electrostatographic printing machine as described above which uses dry powder toner, is the detrimental effects of airborne toner and dust particles (created during operation), on critical xerographic elements of the machine. These airborne particles also include loose particles from a document handler, degraded portions of a doctor blade or transfer roll, and the normal dust and dirt from the surrounding environment. Image quality degradation typically results when airborne particles adhere for example to the surfaces of critical components such as the optical components used to discharge areas on the photoreceptor, and on sensors.
Optical components, such as a ROS (raster output scanner) are arranged along an optical path and include mirrors and lenses. Over time, they may acquire a sufficient layer of particles so as to reduce exposure, at the photoreceptor, by partially blocking light reflected from or transmitted through them. The particles can also reduce contrast, in an image exposure profile at the photoreceptor, by scattering light reflected from a mirror component. This may produce dark lines in light areas in conventional charged area development systems, or it may produce light streaks in imaged areas in systems employing discharge area development, the lines in both cases being aligned in the direction of the photoreceptor motion.
Various methods of reducing airborne particle contamination in xerographic printing machines are known in the art. For example, it is well known to provide a continuous, low pressure positive air flow across critical xerographic elements or components so as to prevent particle adhesion at their surfaces. Another technique involves isolating the component for example by placing it inside a housing. However, airborne particles may still affect the cleanliness and effectiveness of such components because turbulent air flow within the machine tends even to allow airborne particles to enter into such housings.
The following briefly summarized additional disclosures may be relevant to various aspects of the present invention. U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,161 for example describes a method for reducing the rate by which airborne particles are deposited on the surface of optical components contained within the housing of a ROS. The lenses, mirrors, and transparent exit window are coated with a low energy material to minimize the Van der Waal and capillary forces that cause small particle adhesion. Electrostatic charge build-up, which attracts larger particles, is reduced by modifying the lateral conductivity of the coating. A fluorinated carbon film is applied to the coating to dissipate the surface charge. Overall efficiency in removing a particulate layer is increased by the addition of air assisted cleaning.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,174 describes an air moving device that is coupled to the housing of a ROS for maintaining an outwardly directed flow of air from an open end of the housing so as to move airborne particles away from the open end of the housing. An electrically biased member is located between the ROS and a toner particle carrying surface for attracting toner particles, thus preventing such particles from contaminating the ROS.
Generally thus, it can be seen that xerographic components conventionally, are cleaned or protected against airborne toner particles and other airborne contaminants by using a system of continuous low pressure air that is set to gently blow on critical xerographic components without disturbing their operation. This continuous low pressure air system usually blows approximately one liter of air per minute (or less than one cfm of air) continuously into a component such as an electrostatic voltmeter (ESV) or a patch generator sensor. At best, such conventional continuous low pressure air systems work only marginally. This is because any disturbance of a sensitive component due, for example, to a sudden increase or change in the level of continuous air pressure would likely result in erratic measurements by such component.
For example, such a disturbance likely will result erratic readings of the voltage level on photoreceptor surface. In addition, the continuous blowing of air has to kept at such a low level that is unlikely to disturb toner images on the photoreceptor surface. Unfortunately, however, such a low level of continuous air pressure is also unlikely to blow off some particles on surfaces of critical components that are adjacent to the photoreceptor surface. A good amount of such particles actually settle on these is surfaces during idle periods of the machine, and a gentle continuous air blowing on them after the machine starts up would likely not be enough to purge or remove the particles from such surfaces.
When such components become significantly dirty thus, they invariably start to produce signals that are inaccurate, in turn, affecting other subsystems and controls within the machine. Images produced are detrimentally affected, becoming either too light or too dark, and often having poor quality backgrounds, thus requiring an expensive service call.

Xerographic machine having an impulse air ejector cleaning system


A push wheel toy is disclosed where a handle is attached to pair of wheels on an axle. The axle is contorted so that the wheels are not necessarily parallel nor will the toy move in a straight line unless carefully controlled. The handle is loosely attached so that any point along the axle may be used to propel the toy. The toy may not only be used as a simple push toy, but may also be useful in therapy for those suffering motor control disability, and as a game between several individuals.

Toys have been designed for production of unexpected or erratic movement. Examples of such toys can be seen, for example, in boinks, which are woven plastic tubes that spring in different directions when they are compressed and released and in balls that do not follow a straight path. An example of the latter is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,995,855 to Schultz. The ball described therein has an outer ball constructed of light weight rubber and an inner ball constructed of a high bounce or very resilient rubber material.


A method of playing a board game of pursuit for at least one of a first and a second player; where the board includes a pathway made up from a number of discrete squares and includes at least a starting position. The method of play includes the steps of the first and second players taking alternating turns to determine the number of squares to move along the pathway; deciding whether to move in one of a first and a second direction along the pathway; and positioning a marker at the square so determined. The game ends when the second player is able to position their marker on the same square as the first player. The board may also be provided with a finishing position remote from the starting position. In this instance, the game ends when the first player reaches the finishing position prior to the second player being able to position their marker on the same square as the first player. The game may include hazards along the pathway that require the players to pay a penalty before resuming play. The game may further include objects positioned on squares along the pathway that need to be collected by one or both of the players during play.

1. Technical Field
This invention generally relates to games. More particularly, the invention relates to a board game and to a method of playing the board game. Specifically, the invention relates to method of playing a pursuit-type board game where a second player pursues a first player along a pathway on the game board by attempting to position a marker in the same place as the first player.
2. Background Information
There are a wide variety of board games that are played by two or more players. Typically, these games have a start and a finish which are linked together by a pathway. The players take turns rolling dice, spinning wheels or selecting cards to determine how many squares to move along the board. The object of the game is to race your opponent to see who reaches the finish line first.
While these games are competitive in nature, there is little skill or decision making involved in the game playing process as moving along the board is determined by the roll of the dice. The winner is therefore lucky and not skillful.
There is room in the art for a board game that is not only competitive in nature, but which also involves skill and decision making on the part of the players.


Amorphous solid dispersions and pharmaceutical compositions of the protein kinase inhibitor nilotinib. The pharmaceutical compositions may be used in methods of treating a proliferative disorder such as cancer. In particular, the present disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition in the form of an orally disintegrating tablet. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions can be administered without regard to food consumption. In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions can be administered at a significantly lower dose as compared to a commercially available immediate-release nilotinib formulation, while providing a comparable therapeutic effect.

Protein kinase inhibitors (PKIs) have been studied for their potential use in treating various disorders of cellular proliferation, including cancer. The potential for PKIs as a treatment is based on the role that protein kinases are known to play in regulating many cellular pathways, including those involved in signal transduction. Dysregulation of protein kinases has been implicated in the development and progression of many cancers, which suggests that PKIs may be useful as a treatment for disorders or diseases such as cancer that are caused by uncontrolled overexpression or upregulation of protein kinases.
One such PKI is nilotinib, which is currently marketed as an immediate-release formulation for oral administration under the brand name TASIGNA. TASIGNA is indicated for (a) treatment of adult and pediatric patients greater than or equal to 1 year of age with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase; (b) treatment of adult patients with chronic phase and accelerated phase Ph+ CML resistant or intolerant to prior therapy that included imatinib; and (c) treatment of pediatric patients greater than or equal to 1 year of age with chronic phase Ph+ CML with resistance or intolerance to prior tyrosine-kinase inhibitor therapy.
Presently, oral dosage of TASIGNA is accompanied by a food effect. In fact, the prescribing information for TASIGNA contains a boxed warning that includes the statement, "[a]void food 2 hours before and 1 hour after taking the dose." According to the prescribing information, "[s]ignificant prolongation of the QT interval may occur when TASIGNA is inappropriately taken with food and/or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and/or medicinal products with a known potential to prolong QT. Therefore, co-administration with food must be avoided. . . . " This effect on the QT interval is likely due to the increase in exposure (expressed as area-under-the-curve, or AUC) and/or maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) that can occur when TASIGNA is taken with food. For example, a single 400-mg dose of TASIGNA taken 30 minutes after a high-fat meal, increased AUC and Cmax by 82% and 112%, respectively, as compared to levels obtained under fasting conditions. Such an increase in serum levels may also exacerbate or increase the prevalence of common side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, rash, headache, muscle and joint pain, tiredness, vomiting, and fever; as well as more serious side effects such as low blood cell counts, decreased blood flow to the heart or brain, pancreas inflammation, liver problems, and bleeding problems.
The current prescribing information for TASIGNA instructs the patient to dose TASIGNA twice daily on an empty stomach, and avoid food 2 hours before and 1 hour after taking a dose. The requirement to take TASIGNA twice-a-day without food (for a three-hour period for each dose) is a considerable burden to patients. Further, in light of the side effects that can occur with TASIGNA, poor adherence to the dosing recommendations can be very detrimental to patients.
In addition, the solubility of nilotinib significantly decreases with increasing pH, and therefore nilotinib absorption may be compromised if TASIGNA is administered along with gastric acid-reducing agents. Use of TASIGNA with common gastric acid-reducing agents is restricted in accordance with prescribing information. For example, the prescribing information for TASIGNA states, "[a]void concomitant use of [proton pump inhibitor] with Tasigna." The prescribing information further suggests to "[u]se short-acting antacids or H2 blockers as an alternative to proton pump inhibitors" because "[c]oncomitant use with a [proton pump inhibitor] decreased nilotinib concentrations compared to Tasigna alone . . . which may reduce Tasigna efficacy." For safe use of TASIGNA with gastric acid-reducing agents, the following instruction is provided in the prescribing information: "As an alternative to PPIs, use H2 blockers approximately 10 hours before or approximately 2 hours after the dose of Tasigna, or use antacids approximately 2 hours before or approximately 2 hours after the dose of Tasigna." These restrictions on how patients can address indigestion or excess gastric acidity while treated with TASIGNA are burdensome, especially in light of how often such symptoms can occur within the patient population. Moreover, poor adherence to the prescribing information's warnings about taking gastric acid-reducing agents while being treated with TASIGNA can be detrimental to the patient.
Furthermore, it is known that certain patients sometimes have difficulty swallowing an intact solid oral dosage form (such as a hard gelatin capsule). This can be especially challenging for elderly or geriatric patients and pediatric patients, for example. Patients suffering from dysphagia for any reason also experience difficulty swallowing an intact solid oral dosage form.
For such patients suffering from a proliferative disorder, an alternative method of dosing nilotinib is highly beneficial. U.S. Pat. No. 9,061,029 describes one alternative approach for such patients, whereby the swallowing problem described above is alleviated by oral administration of nilotinib dispersed in a fruit preparation. It was found that a single oral administration of 400 mg nilotinib (contents of two 200 mg immediate-release nilotinib capsules), each dispersed in one teaspoon of applesauce, is bioequivalent to a single oral administration of 400 mg nilotinib given as intact capsules. However, the same amount dispersed in plain non-fat yogurt was not found to be bioequivalent. Therefore, while beneficial as an alternative dosage method, this approach still suffers generally from the same food-effect problem as described above, and likewise, use with gastric acid-reducing agents remains restricted.
Thus, there remains a need in the art for a means for patients to receive the full benefits of nilotinib while minimizing the risk of experiencing adverse side effects, especially those that are associated with TASIGNA's food effect, as well as for a nilotinib treatment that does not require such restricted co-administration of nilotinib with a gastric acid-reducing agent.

Orally disintegrating tablet comprising amorphous solid dispersion of nilotinib


A power management system includes a plurality of electrical instruments and a power management apparatus. Each of the plurality of electrical instruments has at least one characteristic function and an arbitration function which is discriminated from the characteristic function and requires power arbitration. Each electrical instrument includes a plurality of operation algorithms having at least one characteristic function, operation levels respectively corresponding to the plurality of operation algorithms, power information for the respective operation levels, and power information of the arbitration function. The power management apparatus receives power rate information from a power provider, determines the operation levels of the plurality of electrical instruments and controls the electrical instruments to be driven at the determined operation levels. When an arbitration function selection signal is received from at least one of the electrical instruments while the electrical instruments are driven, the power management apparatus adjusts operation levels of other electrical instruments.

1. Field
Example embodiments of the following description relate to an electrical instrument, a power management apparatus, a power management system having the same, and a method for controlling the same to adjust power consumption, thereby balancing supply with demand of power.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the development of information and communication technologies, the number of devices powered by electricity is rapidly increasing, and thus, power demand increases year by year. In a power demand pattern, peak capacity is not reached during most days of the year, that is to say, power plants only operate at full capacity during a few days out of the year.
A state in which a high power demand is required for a short time is called peak load. Costs for constructing an additional power plant for peak load are extremely high and maintenance costs for power plants constructed to maintain peak load for a short period are considerable.
Recently, numerous developers are conducting intensive research into a demand management method for temporarily restricting power consumption by limiting peak load without constructing such additional power plants. For the aforementioned purposes, demand management is a focus of attention, and a great deal of research is focused upon an advanced demand management format for demand response (DR).
DR is a system for intelligently managing energy consumption depending upon variation in power rates. That is, a consumer uses power in response to power rates rather than according to an ordinary power consumption pattern.
According to DR, a power provider can induce users to consume power in a low power rate period, and restrain users from consuming power in a high power rate period, and thus, users can use power at a low rate.
Therefore, electrical instruments to which DR is applied have been developed. The electrical instruments are provided with real-time power rates from a power provider and are on/off controlled based on the power rates.
However, conventional electrical instruments to which DR is applied cannot efficiently execute functions that users desire because they are powered on/off based on power rates.

Apparatus, system, and method for managing energy consumption


An apparatus for preheating semiconductor devices including a base having a slanted surface, a frame mounted on the slanted surface, a rotary shaft mounted between support plates of the frame, storage chutes radially provided between rotary disks fixed to the rotary shaft for containing semiconductors to be heated therein, a heater surrounding the storage chutes for heating the storage chutes, a motor for rotating the storage chutes at a predetermined angle, a sensing unit for sensing the supply and discharge of semiconductor devices to and from the storage chutes and the rotational angle of the rotary shaft, and a discharging unit for discharging semiconductor devices from the storage chutes. The semiconductor devices contained in the storage chutes are supplied and discharged to and from the storage chutes by use of a single inlet and outlet and are heated while rotating the storage chutes at a predetermined angle, thereby obtaining a uniform heating of semiconductor devices and an automation of preheating procedure.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a preheating apparatus which is utilized in measuring devices such as a test handler which measures the performance of semiconductor device at a high temperature and more particularly, to a semiconductor device preheating apparatus which has an excellent uniform heating capability and is easy in manufacture and control.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various types of the preheating apparatuses for use in a test handler are well known in the art. One conventional preheating apparatus is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the conventional preheating apparatus comprises a hot tray 41, a heater 40 attached at the rear surface of the hot tray 41, a plurality of partitions 42 fixed in front of the hot tray 41 at a predetermined interval for forming a plurality of heating chambers 41a containing and heating semiconductor devices 43 therein, and a stop bar 45 provided at the lower side of the hot tray 41 for blocking the semiconductor devices 43 which are dropped down from respective heating chambers 41a.
In addition, a motor 41 is mounted at one side of the hot tray 41 and a pair of drive sprockets 46 are mounted at a shaft 45' of the motor 41. The drive sprockets 46 are connected to a pair of driven sprockets (not shown) by means of a pair of chains 47.
Also, a plurality of cleat members 48 are attached to the chains 47 so that they may be conveyed together with the chains 47. And, a number of solenoids 49 are mounted at the lower side of respective heating chambers 41a so that their plunger rods 49a penetrate each passage of the heating chambers 41a. That is, the passage of the respective heating chambers 41a is opened or closed by the respective plunger rod 49a of the solenoid 49. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 50 is a cover plate of the apparatus.
In such a conventional apparatus, when semiconductor devices 43 are supplied consecutively through the upper portion of each of the heating chambers 41a of the hot tray 41, the semiconductor devices 43 are stored in the heating chambers 41a by the plunger rods 49a of the solenoid 49 and preheated by heat from the heater 40. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the heating chambers 41a are opened in turn by the operation of the solenoids 49 so that the semiconductor devices 43 are held by the stop bar 44. In this state, the cleats 48 are moved toward the outlet 51 by the driving force from the motor 45 so that the semiconductor devices 43 which have been laid on the stop bar 44 are conveyed by the cleats 48 and dropped down in turn through the outlet 51.
Such a conventional apparatus, however, has disadvantages in that since the construction is relatively complicated it is improper for a small-sized measuring device and expensive in manufacturing cost. Also, since it has a number of inlets for inserting semiconductor devices into the heating chambers, it is difficult to apply the apparatus to automatic system.

Semiconductor preheater with inclined rotary feed


Method of forming a high-performance, low-cost filter is provided. The filter comprises a housing and a cover. The housing defines a cavity in which one or more rods are disposed, one end of each rod being integrally formed with the housing. The rods function as coaxial resonators. A cover, disposed over the cavity, is securable to the housing. Input and output signal leads are coupled in conventional configurations to the rods. In one embodiment, the housing and cover are formed from a moldable dielectric material, such as plastic, which is then plated with a conductive film. In another embodiment, the housing is formed from a moldable dielectric material which is then plated with a conductive film while the cover is formed from a conductive material. The present invention provides optimal performance by using air as a dielectric separating the rods which function as coaxial resonators. Moreover, the moldable housing minimizes the number of components in the filter and provides a cost-effective manufacturing process. The use of a low cost, moldable material for the housing, such as plastic, further reduces the cost of manufacturing the filter.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to microwave filters and in particular to combline) filters.
2. Description of the Related Art
Filters are electronic circuits which allow electronic signals of certain frequencies, called a "passband", to pass through the filter, while blocking or attenuating electronic signals of other frequencies. FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional bandpass filter 100 disclosed by U.S Pat. No. 4,431,977 issued on Feb. 14, 1987 to Sokola et al. Filter 100 includes a block 110 formed from a dielectric material that is selectively plated with a conductive material (i.e. plated with the exception of areas 140). Block 110 includes holes 101-106 which each extend from the top surface to the bottom surface. Holes 101-106 are also plated with the conductive material.
Coupling between the coaxial resonators provided by plated holes 101-106 in FIG. 1 is accomplished by varying the width of the dielectric material between adjacent coaxial resonators. Specifically, the width of the dielectric material between adjacent holes 101-106 is adjusted by the use of slots 110-114. RF signals are capacitively coupled to and from filter 100 in FIG. 1 by means of input and output electrodes 124 and 125 and corresponding input and output connectors 120 and 122. The resonant frequency of the coaxial resonators provided by holes 101-106 is determined primarily by the depth of hole 104, the thickness of block 110 in the direction of hole 104, and the amount of plating removed from the top of filter 100 near hole 104. Tuning of filter 100 is accomplished by the removal of additional ground plating near the top of each plated hole.
Filter 100 is typically fabricated from expensive dielectric materials, such as barium oxide, titanium oxide, or zirconium oxide, thereby significantly increasing manufacturing costs. Moreover, these dielectric materials are physically heavy, thereby rendering filter 100 inappropriate for applications involving a payload, such as in space, where weight is critical. Futhermore, machining dielectric block 110 to a predetermined size and removing the plating to tune filter 100 requires specialized, i.e. costly, equipment and additional labor, thereby further increasing manufacturing costs.
Additionally, the use of a solid dielectric block, such as block 100 disclosed by Sokola et al., exhibits an insertion loss, i.e. how much signal energy is lost as the signal passes through the filter, which varies significantly based on the type of dielectric material used. Specifically, those skilled in the art recognize that the insertion loss of a filter is inversely proportional to the quality factor Q. Thus, the higher the quality factor Q, the lower the insertion loss. The equation below provides the total quality factor Q.sub.Total of filter 100: ##EQU1## where Q.sub.C is the quality factor of the conductive plating and Q.sub.D is the quality factor of the dielectric block 100. A typical filter 100 has a quality factor Q.sub.C equal to 1000. However, quality factor Q.sub.D ranges from 1500 to 8000. Substituting these values into Equation 1 yields a total quality factor Q.sub.Total which ranges from 600 to approximately 888. Although a higher quality factor Q.sub.D of the dielectric increases the total quality factor Q.sub.Total, Equation 1 demonstrates that the presence of any dielectric, irrespective of the value of Q.sub.D, in filter 100 necessarily decreases the total quality factor Q.sub.Total, thereby increasing the insertion loss of filter 100.
Thus, a need arises for a filter fabricated from a low-cost, lightweight material which is easily manufactured and yet provides high performance.

Method of forming a filter with integrally formed resonators


An optical disk recording apparatus capable of recording data in an optical disk using an optimized recording power is provided. Data formed beforehand in an embossed part of the optical disk are reproduced with a predetermined reproducing power, using an optical pick up unit, and an evaluation index is determined by an evaluation index determining part of a control unit from an envelope of the signal which is produced with the reproducing power. Test data are recorded in a test area of the optical disk by varying the recording power and the test data thus recorded are reproduced with the reproducing power to determine the evaluation index. A control unit sets the evaluation index obtained from the embossed part as a target evaluation index. Desired data are recorded with the recording power corresponding to the target evaluation index.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical disk recording apparatus, and more specifically to the power optimization of a light-emitting source used in an illumination system for an optical disk recording apparatus capable of recording data into an optical disk as an optical storage medium and of reproducing the recorded data.
2. Description of the Related Art
Traditionally, it is known that an optical disk is capable of recording the data of sound and/or image signals and further of reproducing the recorded data at need, and it is manufactured as DVD-R, DVD-RW, or the like.
In an optical disk recording apparatus for DVR-R, DVD-RW, or the like, the optimization of the recording power is carried out, before actually recording desired information data, and this procedure is normally referred to as OPC (Optimum Power Control). The term "recording power" described hereinafter means the light emitting intensity of a laser diode (LD) as a light-emitting element in the state of forming pits for recording, and the laser diode is used for recording/reproducing the data in an optical disk. In the OPC, the recording power is varied in a plurality of steps in several sectors, e.g., 16 steps in 16 sectors, and a test data is recorded in a test area provided in a predetermined location of the optical disk. Thereafter, each test data is reproduced in a sector to evaluate its quality. Normally, either a beta value β or a modulation factor m is used as an evaluation index (parameter) for the quality of reproduction. Hereinafter, this value is represented as an evaluation index E.
The beta value β is a parameter which is derived from the peak voltage (A) and bottom voltage (B) of an envelope of an AC coupled reproduction RF signal as β=(A+B)/(A−B). The recording power is assumed to be optimum for the signal quality in the recording, when the beta value resides within a predetermined range (for instance, 0.04 to 0.05). The AC-coupled reproducing RF signal is an AC signal, which is obtained after the DC component is removed from the initial reproducing RF signal. The recording power, at which a desired beta value (reference beta value) may be obtained, is determined as an optimum recording power Pwo. Thereafter, all of the data are recorded at the optimum recording power Pwo thus determined.
The modulation factor m is a parameter which is derived from the peak voltage (A) and the bottom voltage (B) of an envelope of a reproduction RF signal having the DC component as m=(A−B)/A. The recording power is assumed to be optimum, when the modulation factor is within a predetermined range (for instance, 0.6 to 0.7). The recording power, at which a desired modulation factor (reference modulation factor) may be obtained, is determined as an optimum recording power Pwo. Thereafter, all of the data are recorded under the condition of the optimum recording power Pwo thus determined.
In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-85494, a method for determining the optimum recording power is described, in which a first beta value less than a desired beta value and a second beta value greater than the desired beta value are initially determined, and an apparent power step, in which the desired beta value can be obtained, is determined from the power steps in which the first and second beta values are obtained, using the direct approximation or the like, so that the recording power in the power step closest to the apparent power step is determined as the optimum recording power.
Moreover, in an optical disk recording apparatus for an optical disk such as DVD-RW, the eliminating power is further used. The eliminating power described herein means the intensity of light emitted from LD in the state of eliminating the recorded data. The optimum eliminating power Peo is determined from the optimum recording power Pwo according to a formula Peo=εo·Pwo, using a coefficient εo(the ratio of the eliminating power to the recording power) stored in a microcomputer built in the optical disk recording apparatus, or a coefficient εo recorded as ATIP (Absolute Time In Pre-groove) information in the optical disk.
There are various types of optical disks used for recording and reproduction. Moreover, the recording property and the production quality of the optical disk are different from disk to disk, so that the value of the reference evaluation index is also different from disk to disk. The optimum recording power can be determined using a preset evaluation index having a known value (e.g., for the beta value β=0.04 or for the modulation factor m=0.6). However, since the reference evaluation index is different from disk to disk, the recording power thus determined dose not always provide the best recording quality. In fact, there is a possibility that the recording power may be set on the basis of the evaluation index greater than the optimum evaluation index inherent in the disk. In this case, since the recording is carried out using a recording power greater than the optimum recording power, the layer for recording in the optical disk deteriorates and there is a possibility of greatly reducing the rewriting durability of the optical disk.
On the other hand, it is possible that a table is pre-installed in a microcomputer built in an optical disk recording apparatus and each disk medium maker calculates reference evaluation indexes and stores them in the table. In this case, the process of manufacturing the apparatus becomes complicated. If an optical disk having no reference evaluation index is inserted into the apparatus, it is impossible to carry out the suitable action.
In the case of optical disk recording apparatuses (disk drives) manufactured by same maker, even if the evaluation index is calculated with the same optical disk, the calculated value of the evaluation index is different form optical disk recording apparatus to optical disk recording apparatus due to a distribution in the wavelength of LD (laser diode) used in a optical pickup unit, a difference in the optical property thereof and an error in the accuracy of calculation in the circuit of determining the evaluation index. Therefore, even if a combination of a disk drive and an optical disk provides an optimum recording power at a reference evaluation index (for instance, beta value β=0.04 or modulation factor m=0.6), an optimum recording quality cannot always be obtained using the other disk drive and the same reference evaluation index.
It is possible that the calculation error of the evaluation index for each optical disk recording apparatus is determined in advance in the course of manufacturing the respective apparatuses and thereby the reference evaluation index for each disk medium maker is corrected. This procedure further provides a complicity in the treatment. A change in the recording property of the optical disk with the passage of time and a change in the optical property of the pick up unit cause the accuracy of correction to be reduced.

Optical disk recording apparatus with optimum power control


Disclosed are various embodiments for implementing wireless service for a wireless device. In a representative embodiment, a service initiation system is executed in a computing device that communicates with a service provider system over a network to activate a wireless service associated with a newly purchased wireless device. The service initiation system also generates a network page to send to a client over the network, where the network page has a component that initiates a porting of a contact designation associated with a prior wireless device to the newly purchased wireless device separate from the activation of the wireless service for the newly purchased wireless device.

The purchase of wireless devices such as cellular telephones can be technologically difficult to achieve over the Internet due to the fact that service needs to be activated for a wireless device and often a telephone number needs to be ported from a previously existing cellular telephone. For example, users may often wish to delay the porting of a telephone number until they are able to transfer contact information and other data from their old cellular telephone.
This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 13,618,872, filed Sep. 14, 2012, entitled "Initiation of Wireless Service," now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,423,061, which is a division of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 12/771,709, filed Apr. 30, 2010, entitled "Initiation of Wireless Service," now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,364,146, which is are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety their entireties.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


An armature assembly that may be encapsulated and a corresponding method to encapsulate a motor assembly are disclosed. The armature assembly includes a core having slots in which one or more windings are disposed. An outer covering, such as a thermally conductive thermoplastic material, encapsulates at least a substantial portion of the armature assembly. Some of the encapsulating material extends within the slots so as to facilitate its attachment to the assembly and/or to inhibit movement of the windings relative to their associated slots.

Various types of motors are partially or wholly encapsulated within a material to help hold its component parts together. The particular material employed to encapsulate the motor may vary depending on the intended application of the motor. In addition, different encapsulation techniques also may be used for different types of motors.
One particular type of motor is a linear motor, such as may include stationary armatures that contain coils and movable stages containing magnets. Alternatively, linear motors can have stationary magnets and moving coils. When the windings are powered, armature heating occurs. The maximum allowable temperature for the armature windings, for example, limits the maximum force obtainable from a linear motor.
Linear motors are increasingly being employed in manufacturing equipment. In such equipment, nominal increases in the speed of operation translate into significant savings in the cost of production. Accordingly, it is often desirable to produce as much force and acceleration as possible in a given linear motor. An increase in force, however, requires either an increase in magnetic field intensity or an increase in current applied to coils of the armature. In a permanent magnet linear motor, for example, the available magnetic field intensity is limited by the field strength of available motor magnets. Power dissipated in the coils generally increases at a rate equal the square of the current. Attendant heat generation tends to limit the force that may be achieved without exceeding the maximum allowable armature temperature.
In a typical linear motor system, the armature assembly includes a coil disposed within a core, such as may be formed of a lamination stack of an electrically conductive material. An epoxy block, for example, is applied via an epoxy mold to encapsulate the armature assembly, which includes a coil and laminated stack. By way of illustration, epoxy is molded around the armature assembly within a mold, which may take upwards of forty-five minutes to sufficiently cure. The encapsulated armature assembly is removed from the mold and trimmed, which trimming may include grinding of part of the epoxy. The mold is then cleaned in preparation of the next molding operation. A typical epoxy molding process thus requires significant time and handling, which tends to increase manufacturing cost.

Encapsulated armature assembly and method of encapsulating an armature assembly


A compound semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same according to the present invention is disclosed. The compound semiconductor device comprises a substrate having at least a first doped region and at least a second doped region, and a semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate, wherein doping conditions of said first doped region and said second doped region may be different from each other.

According to the current technology, the material generally used as a substrate for forming gallium-nitride based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is sapphire (Al2O3) or silicon carbide (SiC). When a GaN semiconductor layer is grown on the substrate, lattice defects or dislocations may occur in the semiconductor layer because the lattice constant or the crystal structure of the substrate are different from the semiconductor layer. The defects may extend from the bottom of the semiconductor layer to the surface of the LED, damage the light-emitting layer of the LED and reduce the light-emitting efficiency of the LED.
So that, one of prior methods for improving the light-emitting efficiency of the LED is to reduce or decrease quantity or density of the defects. According to the current technology, as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 7,521,274 ('274 patent), one kind of approaches to reduce the defects is forming a GaN rod structure in nanometer scale on a substrate before forming a GaN semiconductor layer thereon. As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, a patterned mask 13 which having a plurality of holes in nanometer scale for exposing a partial surface of a substrate 7 is disposed on the substrate 7. Then a semiconductor material 81 is directly grown in the holes by using non-pulse method, and forming a plane with the mask 13. After that, the semiconductor rods 82 are subsequently grown on the semiconductor material 81 by using pulse method.
There is another kind of approaches to grow GaN nano-rods on a silicon substrate as disclosed by U.S. Part. No. 7,981,714 ('714 patent). As disclosed in the '714 patent, the first step is to perpendicularly grow a plurality of nano-rods on a silicon substrate directly. The second step is to fill the gaps among nano-rods with an amorphous material while expose upper portions of the nano-rods, which is quite difficult. Finally, the third step is to use part of the upper portions of the nano-rods as seeds of crystallization to grow GaN on the amorphous material.

Compound semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same


Embodiments relate to a CMOS image sensor and to a method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor that may disperse stray beam between microlenses. According to embodiments, the method for manufacturing the CMOS image may include forming an interlayer dielectric layer on a semiconductor substrate including a plurality of photo diodes, forming a color filter layer corresponding to the photo diodes on the interlayer dielectric layer, forming a planarization layer on the color filter layer, forming microlenses on the planarization layer, after depositing an insulating layer over the microlenses, forming a trench in a concave lens shape in the insulating layer between the microlenses, and forming a concave lens gap-filling insulating materials inside the trench. In embodiments, concave lenses may be formed between microlenses in a CMOS image sensor and stray beams between the microlenses may be dispersed and recondensed into the microlenses.

A related art method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor may use a defocus phenomenon and a reflow phenomenon.
FIGS. 1 and 2 are drawings for describing a microlens of an image sensor of the related art.
FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an entire top image of a microlens, and FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the gap between microlenses. A microlens may be formed in a convex lens shape and may collect light to a photo diode.
FIGS. 3 and 4 are process cross-sectional drawings for describing a method for manufacturing a microlens of an image sensor of the related art.
Referring to FIG. 3, photo resist (PR) is applied on transparent underlayer 10 and the photo resist is exposed using mask 30. Photo resist pattern 20 may be formed in a trapezoid shape using a defocus phenomenon. Photo resist pattern 20 may also be heated to a melting point. A reflow phenomenon where photo resist pattern 20 may be rounded, having fluidity, may be then generated. In accordance with the defocus phenomenon and the reflow phenomenon, micro lens 21 in a shape as illustrated in FIG. 4 may be formed.
FIG. 5 is a drawing describing a stray beam passing the gap of microlenses of an image sensor of the related art.
Referring to FIG. 5, microlenses 21 formed using the defocus phenomenon and the reflow phenomenon may have various problems. For example, a gap may occur.
The image light of object 50 that may have entered through the gap between microlenses 21 may not be exactly focused on photo diode 40. The light that may have entered through the gap of microlenses 21 may go straight ahead and thus, it may be appreciated as stray beam which cannot be collected in photo diode 40 under transparent underlayer 10. Although the light transferred through microlens 21 may be focused on photo diode 40, other lights may become stray beam and may deteriorate image quality.


A monitoring apparatus (1) for monitoring soil build-up in a pipe (6) which may form part of a pipework system including a heat exchanger. The pipework system is used in e.g. the heat treatment of milk and milk products. The monitoring apparatus (1) is in thermal connection with the pipe (6) and includes a body (2) capable of being heated by a heater. The power supplied to the heater is controlled and monitored such that a change in power input to the heater is indicative of a change in heat transfer to a fluid (8) flowing through the pipe (6). The heat from the apparatus (1) causes localized soil build-up in a portion of the pipe (6) near to the heated body (2). The soil build-up is representative of the soil build-up in the heat exchanger. The cleaning of the pipe (6) may be based on the soil build-up indicated by the monitoring apparatus (1).

The present invention relates to monitoring apparatus and in particular to monitoring apparatus for use in monitoring soil build-up in a pipework system which includes a heat exchanger.
The monitoring apparatus of the present invention is particularly though not exclusively suitable for use in processes involved with the heat treatment of milk and milk products. The soil build-up in the conduits of heat treatment equipment for milk and milk products is a serious problem, threatening the sterile operation of the equipment and reducing the efficiency of the process. Frequent cleaning is often necessary to remove deposits: often one shift in three is spent cleaning.
The use of a heat flux sensor to monitor fouling is known from a paper entitled xe2x80x9cThe use of a heat flux sensor in monitoring foulingxe2x80x9d by A. D. Jones et al which forms part of the proceedings of a conference held at Jesus College, Cambridge, 23-25 March 1994, pages 230-241; edited by Fryer, Hasting and Jeurnink and published by the European Commission DGXII, Science, Research and Development (ISBN92-827-4360-8).
The heat flux sensor is intended to be used in processes involved with the heat treatment of milk and milk products. It was operated by attaching it to a pipe through which a milk protein solution flowed to represent the soil build-up that occurs when the milk protein solution is heated in a heat exchanger.
The heat flux sensor used by Jones et al measured heat flux alone to monitor the condition of the interior surface of the pipe. The sensor, which was a commercial heat flux sensor was used to measure a temperature difference across a known thermal resistance and from this the heat flux and heat transfer coefficient was calculated. The type of sensor used was a Rhopoint type 20450-2 and a number of points arise from the use of any such commercial type of heat flux sensor.
Firstly, a nanovoltmeter is used to measure a voltage corresponding to the temperature difference across the sensor. In the case of the sensor used by Jones et al the voltages measured were of the order of 400 to 1000 microvolts. These result in relatively low levels of sensor response, which might be feasible in a laboratory environment, but may well result in a significant noise-to-signal ratio if the sensor were to be used in a commercial environment. It can be see from the Hones et al paper that for a constant Reynolds number and bulk temperature, the heat transfer coefficient for the clean condition at time 0 varies considerably, e.g. between 0.21 and 0.31. This demonstrates the problems encountered when trying to ensure such small signals.
Secondly, it can be seen that the sensitivity of the system is limited by the heat flux element itself. Considering the Jones et al sensor arrangement, a 1 mm soil deposit would result in a theoretical reduction in the output signal of approximately 40-50%, i.e. a 2:1 attenuation. If the relative contribution of the thermal resistance of the heat flux sensor to the overall thermal resistance between the copper block and the bulk fluid is calculated, it is found that this accounts for 50-80%, i.e. the bulk of the heat transfer resistance. Thus the sensitivity of the system is limited by the heat flux element itself. Ideally, the limitation on overall heat transfer should be on the product side such that changes in the product side due to soil build-up have the maximum impact on sensor response.
Thirdly, the Jones et al paper does not take account of potential heat losses and their impact on the results obtained.
It can be seen from FIGS. 7a and 7b that in the heat flux sensing apparatus used by Jones et al there is a potential for heat to be lost. FIG. 7a shows that heat can be transferred from the copper block to the fluid conduit which by passes the heat flux element due to the heat energy taking the path of least resistance. Thus this heat loss is not considered. Another potential loss is shown in FIG. 7b and occurs if the copper block does not fully contact the fluid conduit. That is to say, if there is a small air gap between the copper block and the fluid conduit, there will be flow of heat along the conduit away from the heat flux element. The heat flux calculations shown are based on one dimensional heat transfer across the sensor element. The potential for heat losses indicated above invalidates these calculations.
With the known geometry of the heat flux sensing apparatus used by Jones et al and using standard heat transfer correlations for laminar flow heat transfer together with the heat flux element data, it is possible to calculate a predicted heat transfer coefficient. The predicted value of this for the Jones et al system is 0.65 kW/m2xe2x96xa1K. This is substantially higher than the value mentioned by Jones et al and may well be a result of heat from the copper block by-passing the heat flux element.
FIG. 6 shows how the heat losses from the Jones et al heat flux sensor affect the results obtained. The measured results indicate that, even taking into account some heat loss in the predicted results, there were more heat losses from the sensor than were allowed for. Thus the Jones et al sensor would not provide reliable results if used commercially.
There is therefore a need for an improved monitoring apparatus which can monitor a soil build-up on the interior of a fluid conduit adjacent to the monitoring apparatus and which is representative of the soil conditions within the conduit system.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a monitoring apparatus for monitoring soil build-up in a conduit through which fluid may flow, which apparatus includes a body located outside of the conduit and in thermal connection with it such that heat can flow between the body and the fluid flow, a heat controlling means to regulate the temperature of the body and a monitor capable of monitoring any change in power input to the heat controlling means necessary to maintain the body at the regulated temperature, whereby a change in power input to the heat controlling means is indicative of a change in heat flux between the fluid flow and the body, thereby indicating a change in soil build-up.
A second aspect of the invention provides a monitoring apparatus for monitoring soil build-up in a conduit through which fluid may flow, which apparatus includes a body in thermal connection with the conduit such that heat can flow between the body and the fluid flow; a heater for heating the body; a controller for controlling the heater; pressure measurement means to measure the fluid pressure within the conduit; and a monitor capable of monitoring the temperature of the body, the heater being controlled such that it intermittently heats the body to a predetermined temperature and the monitor being capable of monitoring the loss of heat from the body to the fluid flow, whereby a change in the rate of heat loss from the body or a change of pressure within the conduit or both is indicative of a change in soil build-up.
A third aspect of the invention provides a monitoring apparatus for monitoring soil build-up in a conduit through which fluid may flow, which apparatus includes a body in thermal connection with the conduit such that the body is at a lower temperature than the fluid flow and heat can flow from the fluid flow to the body, means for cooling the body and a monitor capable of monitoring heat flux from the fluid flow to the body whereby a change in heat flux from the fluid flow to the body is indicative of a change in soil build-up.
A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of operating a pipework system, the method including monitoring soil build-up in the pipework system using a monitoring apparatus according to the first, second or third aspects of the present invention.
The monitoring apparatus of the invention is capable of utilizing the principle of measuring the power required preferably to maintain the body at a desired temperature and from this calculating heat flux between the body and the fluid flow. Thus the heat flux is calculated from the power input to the heat controlling means rather than, as in the prior art, an indication of the heat flux based on a voltage output from a heat flux sensor. The measurement of power input to the heat controlling means has a substantial impact on the response of the sensor as well as the reproducibility of the sensor under constant flow conditions. The measurement of power in the form of watts (10-100 W) rather than microvolts (400-1000 xcexcV) results in the sensitivity of the monitoring apparatus being much improved with the heat flux ratio (clean/dirty) now approximately 4 to 1.
The location of the monitoring apparatus body outside of the conduit has several advantages. For example, the monitoring apparatus may be non-invasive, it will not disrupt or affect the fluid flow through the conduit and it provides a more versatile arrangement in that the monitoring apparatus may quickly and easily be moved from one conduit to a different conduit without having to stop, albeit temporarily, the fluid flow through the conduit to remove the monitoring apparatus body from the conduit.
The conduit is preferably heat conductive, at least at the portion of the conduit which is adjacent the body.
The heat controlling means optionally includes a heater. Alternatively, the heat controlling means includes a cooling means.
The monitoring apparatus preferably also includes pressure measurement means to measure the fluid pressure within the conduit. Soil build-up in the conduit results in a change in both fluid pressure and heat transfer. Depending on the nature of the soil build-up, the limiting factor as regards the operational running time of a system which includes a fluid capable of generating a soil build-up in conduits of the system may be either heat transfer or pressure drop. Often in commercial systems, it is the pressure drop in the conduits of the system which is run length limiting, rather than heat transfer.
The pressure measurement means preferably includes a pressure sensor located within the conduit and a pressure monitor capable of receiving information from the sensor. The pressure monitor monitors the pressure within the conduit as measured by the pressure sensor. The monitor may indicate the pressure within the conduit to a user. The pressure sensor preferably communicates with the monitor by electrical signals or radio signals.
A monitoring apparatus which is capable of measuring both heat transfer and pressure drop in the conduit allows analysis of the soil build-up process such that it is possible to identify whether the soil is evenly distributed throughout e.g. the heat exchanger or localised within a small area of it. Knowledge of the soil distribution can be valuable in determining an appropriate cleaning strategy.
The monitoring apparatus may also include fluid flow rate measuring means and/or fluid flow temperature measuring means. The ability to measure a temperature difference between the body and the fluid flow, and/or the fluid flow rate enables the effect of variable fluid flow rate and/or variable fluid temperature to be included in the calculation of the heat flux, since the heat flux is a function of fluid flow rate and temperature driving force.
The monitoring apparatus preferably includes means for indicating the soil build-up to a user of the apparatus. More preferably, the indicating means may include a graduated scale which directly correlates to the soil build-up in the e.g. pipework system.
In a preferred embodiment, the conduit forms part of a pipework system which preferably includes a heat exchanger whereby the fluid flowing through the pipework system is heated. In such preferred embodiments the heat controlling means of the monitor apparatus preferably includes a heater. The build-up of soil in the conduit at the location of the monitoring apparatus is preferably representative of the build-up of soil in a conduit of the heat exchanger. In order to obtain representative results from the monitoring apparatus, the temperature of the body is preferably linked to the temperature of a heating medium in the heat exchanger. This will tend to result in the block temperature increasing as fouling occurs and as such the power input to the heater will also increase.
Alternatively, a higher temperature can be maintained in the body to create a xe2x80x9chot spotxe2x80x9d whereby the monitoring apparatus is capable of measuring the xe2x80x9cworst casexe2x80x9d soil build-up.
In embodiments in which the heat controlling means includes a heater, the monitoring apparatus preferably includes insulation means to prevent heat loss from the body other than to the fluid flowing through the conduit. More preferably, the insulation means includes a guard heater to provide a source of heat to match a heat loss from the body. In a preferred embodiment, the guard heater surrounds the body and it is preferably maintained at the same temperature as the body.
By eliminating heat loss from the body other than to the fluid flowing through the conduit, true one dimensional heat transfer through the wall of the conduit can be obtained. This enables the true heat flux to be calculated.
As mentioned above, where the conduit is part of a pipework system which includes a heat exchanger, it is preferred that the soil build-up monitored by the monitoring apparatus is representative of that within the conduits which form part of the heat exchanger. Many of the heat exchangers in commercial use are of the plate heat exchanger type where the surface of the heat exchanger is corrugated. To represent soil build-up in the heat exchanger as closely as possible, the body of the monitoring apparatus preferably includes corrugations having protruding members, the protruding members of the corrugations being in thermal connection with the conduit.
In embodiments in which the heat controlling means includes a cooling means, heat is transferred from the fluid flow to the body. Such embodiments preferably include insulation means to limit heat loss from the fluid flow other than to the body. Again, eliminating heat losses allows true one dimensional heat transfer (i.e. heat flux)to be obtained.
A monitoring apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention allows the build-up of non heat-induced soils to be monitored. Such soils can occur when the fluid flowing through the conduit is e.g. toothpaste or fabric conditioner. In these cases, the soil is not subject to a temperature gradient and the imposition of a continuous heat flux would result in the conditions in the conduit adjacent to the monitoring apparatus being unrepresentative of the conditions within other parts of the conduit.
As mentioned above, in commercial systems it is often the pressure drop in the conduits of the system which is system run length limiting. Accordingly, the cleaning strategy can be based on either the depth of the soil build-up on the interior wall of the conduit or on the fluid pressure in the conduit.
Furthermore, the ability to measure both heat transfer and pressure in the conduit allows analysis of the soil build-up process such that it is possible to identify whether the soil is evenly distributed throughout e.g. the pipework system or localised within a small area of it. Knowledge of the soil distribution can be valuable in determining an appropriate cleaning strategy.
Instead of a continuous heat flux between the body and the fluid flow, the body of a monitoring apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention receives an intermittent pulse of heat energy from the heater. The monitoring means then monitors the decay of the body temperature as heat is lost to the fluid flow. Typically, the more soil on the interior surface of the conduit, the slower the heat from the body will be transferred to the fluid flow.
Preferably, the body has a low thermal mass so that the energy pulse from the heater can be short and result in a substantially instantaneous change in temperature of the body.
Preferably the monitoring apparatus determines when cleaning of the pipework system should occur. That is to say the pipework system is preferably cleaned according to the soil build-up indicated by the monitoring apparatus. More preferably the monitoring apparatus also determines the extent of cleaning required. By also monitoring the level of soil in the pipework system during cleaning, the monitoring apparatus preferably indicates when the pipe work system is sufficiently clean for normal operation of fluid flow through the pipe work system to resume. In a preferred embodiment, cleaning of the pipework system is commenced when a monitored soil level reaches a first predetermined value and cleaning is ceased when the monitored soil level is reduced to a second predetermined value.


There is provided a sit-stand stool comprising a seat adapted to support a pelvis of a user and a base. The base supports the seat and is adapted to securely engage a floor. The base is adapted to provide a tilting motion of the seat, between a raised position and a forwardly inclined position, in a vertical plane about a pivot axis in accordance with the posture of the user while constraining the movement to prevent lateral tilting or inclination transverse to the vertical plane. The base is also adapted to prevent a rearward motion beyond the raised position, and a forward motion beyond the forwardly inclined position in order to reduce the risks for the user to lose stability. Such a stool permits to the user to stabilize his posture, without being in a completely seated position.

Several attempts have been made to provide ergonomic solutions for workers which have to perform tasks in both raised and seated positions. In fact, some tasks can hardly be performed while the worker is completely seated since they require a substantial mobility from the user. Thus, over long periods of work such tasks can be very tiring for workers. Some seating devices have been developed so as to provide these workers with a further point of support in addition to their legs so as to stabilize the posture of their body, without being in a completely seated position. By using these devices a worker can thus perform tasks in a raised position and in an intermediate position so-called a sit-stand position. Some of these devices are thus called sit-stand stools or seats.
Examples of these sit-stand stools are sold by the company Steelcase™ under the name B Free™. This stool comprises a base made of a flexible material which allows a user to incline the stool at various angled positions in various directions while performing a task. The stability of the stool is maintained by means of the grip of the flexible material to the floor.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,130,263 describes a stool having a stem connected to a sand-filed base. The base comprises a flexible bag filed with sand and this base can change of shape in response to displacement of the bag produced by a tilting of the stem. However, this stool can be substantially heavy for some users in view of the amount of sand required to maintain its stability. Such a base can also be bulky and cause obstruction to a user's feet particularly when the person is not using the stool.
U.S. Published Application No. 2003/0164633 describes a sitting device comprising a seat, a stem and a floor-contacting element which acts as a base. The base has a point of apex and an outside edge which permits a user to incline or tilt the stool at various angled positions in various directions.
Some workers are however reluctant to use any one of the above-mentioned stools since they can be tilted or inclined in any directions at various angled positions and it may be difficult for a user to stabilize them. The tilting of the stem can eventually generate a lost of stability and the user can even fall down. Moreover, the grip of the base member to the floor can be reduced by dust or other impurities and can cause the stool to skid, thereby exposing a user to potential injuries. Also, since these stools can be tilted in considerably inclined positions, their use in some small workspaces such as the cashier's workspace behind a check-out counter may not be appropriate.
It is well known for ergonomists that it is sometimes difficult to convince workers to perform tasks in a different manner than the way they have been doing these tasks for many years. It is also difficult to convince them to use new tools or devices to perform these tasks. It has been demonstrated over the years that new solutions such as new methods or devices presented as alternative solutions to workers must be simple, easy to use, safe and must offer considerable advantages over the known methods or devices in order to be adopted or used by the workers. There is therefore a need to provide a seating device which would be simple, safe, easy to use and which would overcome the above mentioned drawbacks.


A drill cuttings solidification system includes a cuttings tank for storage of a drill cuttings material, an additive tank for storage of a solidification material, and a solidification chamber. The cuttings tank and the additive tank are operatively connected to a portable unit. The cuttings tank includes a cuttings auger assembly for conveyance of the drill cuttings material to a cuttings outlet. The additive tank includes an additive auger assembly for conveyance of the solidification material to an additive outlet. The solidification chamber includes a housing enclosing the cuttings outlet and the additive outlet, and an impeller for mixing drill cuttings material transferred through the cuttings outlet and solidification material transferred through the additive outlet. The system further includes a discharge assembly extending from the solidification chamber to a discharge outlet. The discharge assembly is configured to rotate and vertically pivot a discharge conduit relative to the portable unit.

Drill cuttings are produced in the process of drilling oil and gas wells. Drilling mud is circulated in the wellbore and carries drill cuttings produced by the drill bit from the bottom of the well to the well surface. The drilling mud with the drill cuttings are transferred to sieving devices (also known as shakers). The shakers separate the drill cuttings from the drilling mud. The drilling mud recovered from the shakers is then re-circulated to the well. The drill cuttings removed by the shaker may be delivered to other treatment devices such as a centrifugal dryer for further removal of drilling mud. The drill cuttings are then collected in tanks for temporary storage until further treatment or management.
The drill cuttings collected in tanks may be contaminated by residual drilling mud or other wellbore contaminants such as salts, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals. In order to reduce the volume of drill cuttings and make the drill cuttings more suitable for disposal, the drill cuttings may be treated by secondary separation (e.g., centrifugal cuttings dryers or drying shakers) or a solidification process. Solidification techniques stabilize, compact, or otherwise mechanically bind the drill cuttings into larger monolithic solids. Cement, fly ash, lime, and calcium oxide are often mixed with drill cuttings as additives in the solidification process. The surface area of drill cuttings is greatly decreased by the solidification process, resulting in reduced leaching of contaminants from the solidified drill cuttings.

Portable drill cuttings solidification system and method


There is provided a radiographic image detection device including: a radiation detection portion that includes an irradiation surface at which radiation is irradiated and is provided, at a plurality of locations on side faces, with attachment portions at which a handle is attachable, the radiation detection portion detecting radiation that has passed through a subject of imaging and been irradiated through the irradiation surface, and outputting image information that represents a radiographic image in accordance with detected radiation amounts; and a handle portion that is attachable and detachable at the attachment portions.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a radiographic image detection device, and more particularly to a radiographic image detection device that features portability.
2. Related Art
In recent years, FPDs (flat panel detectors) have been realized in which an X-ray-sensitive layer is disposed on a TFT (thin film transistor) active matrix substrate and X-rays can be directly converted to digital data. Using these FPDs and the like, portable radiographic image detection devices (below referred to as electronic cassettes) have been realized in which image data, which represents a radiographic image that is expressed by radiation passing through a subject and being irradiated, is generated and the generated image data is stored. In consideration of portability, a handle, which functions as a carrying handle, is often provided at this kind of electronic cassette.
In a radiographic image detection system that utilizes an electronic cassette, the electronic cassette is disposed to be spaced apart from a radiation generation section that generates radiation such as or the like. At a time of capturing of a radiographic image, a subject of imaging is disposed between the radiation generation section and the electronic cassette. If a condition of imaging is a standing position, the electronic cassette is mounted on a standing position frame, and if the imaging condition is a recumbent position, the electronic cassette is inserted between a bed and the subject of imaging. In either of these imaging conditions, the standing position or the recumbent position, it is necessary that the handle provided at the electronic cassette does not become an impediment to imaging.
Accordingly, electronic cassettes have been proposed that, by making the position of a carrying handle movable in a side face corresponding to one edge of the electronic cassette, making a carrying handle removable, or making a carrying handle deformable, are configured such that the carrying handle is not an impediment when the electronic cassette is mounted on a standing position frame (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2004-77641).
However, there is a problem with the electronic cassette according to JP-A No. 2004-77641, in that no consideration is given to whether the electronic cassette is put into a vertical orientation or into a horizontal orientation in the case of a standing position, or to which edge matches the length direction of a bed in the case of a recumbent position. Thus, depending on an orientation of the electronic cassette, the carrying handle may be an impediment when the electronic cassette is being mounted in a standing position frame or when the electronic cassette is being inserted between a bed and a subject of imaging, or the like.


A sound generating device for a firearm, bow or the like which is hand-held by a hunter. A mounting mechanism is provided to attach or mount the sound generating device to the firearm, bow or the like. A noise generator produces a sound which is audible to an animal. The noise generator may be activated with one of the hunter's hands while holding the firearm, bow or the like, in order to cause the animal to pause in response to the audible sound.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to a sound generating device to be used with and attached to a hand-held firearm, bow or the like which may be activated by a hunter to cause an animal to pause in response to the sound.
2. Prior Art
It is well known that wild animals will respond with curiosity to an unfamiliar sound such as a whistle, buzzer or the like. For this reason, hunters will often carry a whistle or buzzer when in the field.
When a hunter comes upon an animal, he or she can blow the whistle or activate the buzzer. The animal will stop momentarily and pause before fleeing in order to listen to the sound. This gives the hunter a few valuable seconds in which to aim and shoot at a stationary target.
Shooting at a stationary target may also have the effect of reducing the number of wounded animals not able to be retrieved by hunters.
The problem with standard whistles is that they must be brought up to the mouth and blown before the sound is produced. Likewise, a buzzer or horn must be manipulated and activated before the sound is produced. This requires the use of one or both hands. During this process, the firearm can't be operated. In addition to the fact that the hunter's hand or hands are preoccupied, the hunter will be required to divert his or her gaze from the animal.
After the whistle or buzzer has been sounded, the rifle or bow may again be raised with the barrel held in one hand and the action mechanism in the other. The sight or scope may be used to target the animal and, finally, a shot taken. These procedures consume a significant amount of time; the hunted animal will likely flee before then.
Additionally, a loaded gun must always be operated safely; its operation can only be hurried to a certain degree.
There exists a need for a sound generating device that may be operated in conjunction with a firearm, bow or the like, so that the hunter can proceed with the shot while operating the sound producing device.
Accordingly, it is a principal object and purpose of the present invention to provide a sound generating device that may be operated in conjunction with a firearm, bow or the like.
It is a further object and purpose of the present invention to provide a sound generating device that is mounted on and attached to a firearm, bow or the like.
It is a further object and purpose of the present invention to provide a sound generating device mounted on a firearm, bow or the like that may be operated without interfering with the operation of the firearm, bow or the like.
It is an additional object and purpose of the present invention to provide a sound generating device that may be operated at the same time as a firearm, bow or the like without taking the hunter's finger off the trigger mechanism.

Sound generating device for firearm, bow or the like


The present invention is for, in a voltage-controlled oscillator in which the oscillation frequency can be adjusted using a capacitor array, reducing drift that occurs in the carrier frequency if the oscillation signal is subjected to frequency modulation after the control loop of the PLL circuit has been cut off. This voltage-controlled oscillator includes an oscillation circuit for performing an oscillation operation at a frequency that corresponds to an inductance and a capacitance between a first node and a second node, a first and second group of capacitors that have first terminals connected to the first node and the second node respectively, a first and second group of transistors that are respectively connected between a reference potential and second terminals of the first group and second group of capacitors, and a first and second group of resistors that are respectively parallel-connected to the first group and second group of transistors.

A signal generation apparatus that includes a PLL circuit configured using a voltage-controlled oscillator has been used in electronic devices that perform wireless communication. The oscillation frequency of the voltage-controlled oscillator is controlled by the PLL circuit so as to match the carrier frequency of the wireless communication channel that is to be used or the corresponding local oscillation frequency. Also, the oscillation signal generated by the voltage-controlled oscillator can be subjected to frequency modulation by changing the control voltage applied to the voltage-controlled oscillator.
However, since the oscillation frequency of the voltage-controlled oscillator fluctuates doe to process variations and temperature variations, there are cases where the oscillation frequency needs to be adjusted (calibrated). For example, in order to adjust the oscillation frequency, multiple capacitors included in a capacitor array are selectively connected to the voltage-controlled oscillator using multiple transistors for switching.
As an example of related technology, Patent Literature 1 discloses a voltage-controlled oscillator that includes: an inductor section and a varactor section that are connected between two nodes; a negative Gm section that is configured by two inverters that are parallel-connected in two directions between the two nodes, and a trimming capacitor array and a bias circuit that are connected to the respective nodes. By giving a bias voltage to the drain of the transistors for cutting off the capacitors, the bias circuit prevents a parasitic diode from switching on, thus making it possible to suppress an increase in phase noise. Here, the bias voltage is set so as to be higher to an the amplification voltage of the negative Gm section.
Also, Patent Literature 2 discloses a semiconductor integrated circuit that is directed to reducing the chip occupancy area as well as reducing fluctuation in the control gain of a digitally-controlled oscillator (DCO). This digitally-controlled oscillator includes an oscillation transistor and a resonance circuit. The resonance circuit includes an inductance, a variable capacity array for coarse frequency adjustment, and a variable capacity array for fine frequency adjustment. The variable capacity array for coarse frequency adjustment includes multiple coarse adjustment capacitor unit cells that are controlled by a coarse adjustment digital control signal having a predetermined number of bits. The variable capacity array for fine frequency adjustment includes multiple fine adjustment capacitor unit cells that are controlled by a fine adjustment digital control signal having a predetermined number of bits. The capacitance values of the coarse adjustment capacitor unit cells and the fine adjustment capacitor unit cells are set according to their respective binary weights.
When the transistors for selectively connecting the capacitors included in the capacitor array to the voltage-controlled oscillator are in the off state, if the voltage between the drain and the semiconductor substrate or the well changes, the parasitic capacitance between the drain and the reference potential (alternating ground potential) changes, and therefore the capacitance applied to the voltage-controlled oscillator changes.
Even if the capacitance applied to the voltage-controlled oscillator changes, as long as the PLL circuit is operating, the control voltage changes so as to absorb the change in capacitance, and thus the oscillation frequency of the voltage-controlled oscillator does not change. However, if the oscillation signal generated by the voltage-controlled oscillator is subjected to frequency modulation after the control loop of the PLL circuit has been cut off, drift will occur in the carrier frequency.

Voltage-controlled oscillator, signal generation apparatus, and electronic device


A pulse oximetry sensor for use on pediatric patients comprised of a resilient foot wrap extending around the patient's foot, with an adjustable slide having slotted openings into which the ends of the foot wrap are inserted. The slide carries a plunger with a piercing member which can be pushed downward through the rubber to lock the slide in place making the foot wrap variable in size. The wrap has two resilient receptacles into which sensors are inserted, the receptacles being sized relative to the sensors so that the flexible receptacles stretch and securely hold the sensors in position.

Various sensors for pulse oximeters have been designed since oximetry came into common use in the early 1980s. Presently, about two-thirds of sensors used in the United States are of the disposable or single-use type. For example, the Goodman et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,014, assigned to Nellcor Incorporated, teaches emitter and detector elements of the sensor combined on al flexible strip, coated with adhesive, and then wrapped around a body part such as the finger or, in the case of babies, a foot. Since a disposable sensor at a minimum requires red and infrared light-emitting-diodes (LED), a photodetector and a shielded cable, disposable devices are a severe ongoing expense for the user.
Nellcor has developed a recycling program in which the sensor can be reused two or three times after being reconditioned at the factory; but, nevertheless, the cost for each patient use is not less than $7.00 and can be up to double that amount. Several attempts have been made by various companies to make some parts of the sensor more reusable so as to avoid the cost of replacing the entire device. For example, Swedlow et al of Nellcor have designed a sensor in which only the light emitters are discarded, the cable and detector portion being retained (U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,230).
Amundsen et al describe a reusable cable which is inserted into a tubular disposable finger cover made of paper or plastic which is designed to fit over a digit (U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,275).
Another attempt to avoid the cost of disposable sensors is that of Thomas et al (U.S. Pat. No. 5,170,786) whose group designed a probe using a disposable wrap with two square holes and a complimentary cable with sensing elements which plug into the holes in the fastening wrap. A flange surrounds the sensors and is an important element in stabilizing the detectors and emitters in this design. The sensors of this design project above the surface of the wrap. In practice, the wrap of this design relies on an adhesive coating for attachment to the skin and for stabilization of the sensing elements onto the wrap.
Pediatric sensors present the additional problem of the fragility of neonatal skin, especially if the infant is premature. Skin breakdown is a constant concern when sticky adhesive sensors are used in this very young patient population.
The present design advances the state-of-the-art since the cable and sensing elements are reusable and even the foot wrap which holds the sensing elements can be reused many times, making it very economical for the user. The present design does not require an adhesive for attachment to the skin or for stabilizing the sensors to the wrap. The wrap, itself, is made of very thin, semi-transparent rubberlike material, such as Kraton. The wrap is perforated to allow egress of perspiration and the perforations also assist in stabilization of the wrap around the foot.
The slight elasticity of the rubbery material helps it to conform to the infant's foot and gives just enough snugness to stabilize the sensor. The adjustable feature to be described permits easy adaptation to a range of pediatric foot sizes. Finally, the shape of the receptacles and their elasticity facilitates both insertion and removal of the sensing elements and stabilizes the emitters and photodetector during use.
A primary object of the invention is to provide an adjustable pulse oximetry sensor for pediatric use which is reusable and therefore cost effective.
A further object of the invention is to provide a pediatric pulse oximetry sensor which attaches to the patient's foot without requiring the use of adhesives.
A further object of the invention is to provide a reusable pulse oximetry sensor for pediatric use wherein the connecting cable, the sensing elements, and the foot wrap are all usable many times.
Another object of the invention is to provide a foot wrap for use in pediatric oximetry sensors which not only avoids the use of adhesive, but is also perforated to allow flow of perspiration.
Yet another object of the invention is to use resilient receptacles carried by the foot wrap and which are sized relative to the sensors so that the receptacles stretch to receive a sensor and resiliently grip and enclose the sensor to hold it securely in position.
Further, objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the drawings, wherein:

Adjustable pulse oximetry sensor for pediatric use