The invention provides a new multilevel interconnect structure of air gaps in a layer of IMD. A first layer of dielectric is provided over a surface; the surface contains metal points of contact. Trenches are provided in this first layer of dielectric. The trenches are filled with a first layer of nitride or disposable solid and polished. A second layer of dielectric is deposited over the first layer of dielectric. Trenches are formed in the second layer of dielectric, a second layer of nitride or disposable solid is deposited over the second layer of dielectric. The layer of nitride or disposable solid is polished. A thin layer of oxide is deposited over the surface of the second layer of dielectric. The thin layer of oxide is masked and etched thereby creating openings in this thin layer of oxide, these openings align with the points of intersect of the trenches in the first layer of dielectric and in the second layer of dielectric. The nitride or removable solid is removed from the trenches. The openings in the thin layer of oxide are closed off leaving a network of trenches that are filled with air in the two layers of dielectric that now function as the Inter Level Dielectric.

(1) Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the fabrication of integrated circuit devices and more particularly, to a method of creating a network of air gaps that is located in a layer of Inter Metal Dielectric of a semiconductor device.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
The increased device density that is part of semiconductor device fabrication leads to the placing of numerous devices on one monolithic substrate. The individual devices are electrically isolated from each other and are interconnected to other semiconductor devices of the total package to perform certain desired circuit functions. Decreased device dimensions result in a reduction of electrical energy that can be stored in a device. This reduction of device size further results in a reduction of the internal device capacitances such as parasitic capacitances at source and drain regions of a gate electrode of MOS devices. At these reduced devices capacitances, the relative parasitic capacitance of the device interconnect lines become more important in the design of the semiconductor device and in the ability of the device to perform the required functions at the required frequency and the required power level. The interconnect capacitance becomes an important fraction of the capacitance of each circuit, an effect that is especially pronounced as the operating frequency of the device is increased. With more device function packed in smaller device geometry, more signal lines are in closer physical proximity than ever before resulting in an increased impact of parasitic capacitances of the signal lines. This problem of interconnect parasitic capacitance must therefore be addressed whereby processes or solutions that result in reducing this capacitance are the objective.
Coupling capacitances between adjacent lines are dependent on a number of factors such as the length of the lines, the proximity of the lines and the distance over which the lines runs adjacent to lines in close proximity. Longer lines result in increased capacitive coupling, as does closer proximity between lines. Of equal importance in determining the capacitive coupling that occurs between adjacent lines is the material that is used to separate adjacent lines. Materials (that are used between adjacent lines) that have a high dielectric constant increase the capacitive coupling between the adjacent lines while materials with low dielectric constant decrease the capacitive coupling between adjacent lines. It is therefore important to select materials (dielectrics) that are used to separate interconnect lines that have as low a dielectric constant as possible. Conventional semiconductor fabrication typically uses silicon dioxide as a dielectric; this has a dielectric constant of about 3.9. Other examples are silicon with a dielectric constant of 11.7, silicon nitride with a dielectric constant of 7.0, Spin-On-Glass with a dielectric constant of 4.0. All of these examples are of dielectric materials that have a dielectric constant that is too high for application with sub-micron device feature sizes and that would impose serious limitations on device performance both in the frequency range in which the device can be used and in the power or switching level of the device. For high frequency operation, power consumption increases proportionally with frequency. For a given interconnect layout, both power consumption and crosstalk decrease, and performance increases, as the dielectric constant of the insulator decreases.
The use of many of the low dielectric constant materials, such as aerogel with a dielectric constant of 1.2, is not feasible due to the fact that equipment is not available to properly process the new dielectric material in various integrated circuits or because these materials require critical steps of processing which significantly increase the manufacturing cost. Also, the chemical or physical properties of many low dielectric constant materials are usually difficult to make compatible with or integrate into conventional integrated circuit processing. For instance, aerogel requires a very sensitive drying step that is not well suited for a high volume, low cost process of semiconductor device manufacturing.
The lowest possible and therefore the ideal dielectric constant is 1.0, this is the dielectric constant of a vacuum whereas air has a dielectric constant of slightly larger than 1.0.
The formation of air gaps between conducting lines of high speed Integrated Circuits (IC's) is typically a combination of the deposition of a metal layer, selective etching of the metal layer to form the desired line patterns, the deposition of a porous dielectric layer or a disposable liquid layer which is then selectively removed to form the desired air-gaps.
The presence of a high level of capacitive coupling between adjacent signal lines can result in an increase of capacitive crosstalk between adjacent conductor lines of a semiconductor circuit, that is the voltage on a first conductor line alters or affects the voltage on a second conductor line. This alteration in voltage can cause erroneous voltage levels in the Integrated Circuit making the IC increasingly prone to faulty operation. It becomes therefore imperative to reduce the resistance capacitance (RC) time constant and the crosstalk between adjacent conducting lines.
The invention addresses the creation of air gaps that are created in a layer of Inter Metal Dielectric (IMD). For Prior Art applications of a layer of IMD, the layer of IMD has to be thick in order to significantly reduce crosstalk and the RC delay of the adjacent metal lines. However, this thickness by its very nature limits the aspect ratio of the contact openings that can be established in the layer of IMD, which is contrary to the requirement of sub-micron device features. In addition, dielectric materials that have the required low-k value do not have the mechanical strength to support overlying device features if high aspect ratio openings are created in the dielectric. It is therefore required to provide a method that reduces the capacitive coupling through the layer of IMD while at the same time providing a mechanically stable support structure within the semiconductor device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,828,121 (Lur et al.) shows an air gap between metal lines at different levels by etching the dielectric layers between the metal line levels. This is close to the invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,783,864 (Dawson et al.) shows air gaps and pillars between metal layers. This is close to the invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,561,085 (Gorowitz et al.) shows a method for forming air gap bridges.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,003 (Havemann et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,137 (Jeng) show other air gap processes.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,318(Wang et al.) shows an air gap in an ILD by etch out.

Method to form a cross network of air gaps within IMD layer

Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd.


A module arrangement including a plurality of functional modules lined up in a stacking direction, which are connected to one another for fluidic and electric communication, wherein a functional module includes a plate-shaped base body having two parallel, opposite joining surfaces which are designed to contact joining surfaces of adjacent base bodies, wherein the base body includes a connecting device designed for transferring electric signals and/or electric supply voltages and/or fluid flows between adjacent functional modules along the stacking direction, and wherein several signal lines selectable by the control module extend along the stacking direction of the functional modules for transmitting control signals provided for the direct selection of individual functional modules wherein at least one storage device for detecting, buffering and transferring at least one electric signal of an external component is electrically looped into at least one signal line.

The invention relates to a module arrangement comprising a plurality of functional modules lined up in a stacking direction, which are connected to one another for fluidic and electric communication, wherein in each case at least one functional module is designed as a control module for providing and/or processing signals of functional modules lined up therewith and at least one functional module is designed as a valve module for influencing at least one fluid flow and at least one functional module is designed as a signal processing module for processing and/or outputting electric signals from and/or to external components and each of the functional modules comprises a plate-shaped base body having two parallel, opposite joining surfaces the face normals of which determine the stacking direction and which are designed to contact joining surfaces of adjacent base bodies, wherein the base body comprises connecting means designed for transferring electric signals and/or electric supply voltages and/or fluid flows between adjacent functional modules along the stacking direction, and wherein several signal lines selectable by the control module extend along the stacking direction of the functional modules for transmitting control signals provided for the direct selection of individual functional modules.
From EP 0952359 A1, a modular electro-fluidic system comprising modules which can be mounted on a rail and lined up is known. Fluidic modules have headers for actuator connections, while electric modules are provided with bus connections and electric connections for actuators. In addition, at least one interface module is provided which has on one connecting side a first connection configuration with electric and fluidic connections and a contour matched to the modules of the modular system and on the other, opposite, connecting side a second connection configuration differing from the first with electric connections and a contour matched to modules of an external module system which are mounted on the same rail.
CH 683 021 A5 discloses an arrangement comprising a plurality of solenoid valves, which are provided with electric supply lines for the selection of a drive unit via a bus module with a power supply line to a voltage source and a bus signal line to a controller. A decoder module is connected to each valve, and these decoder modules can be connected to the controller or to the bus module by means of a local bus and power supply line,
From WO 2007042090 A1, a module system of individual modules which can be arranged side by side in a row is known, which comprises a head module with at least one connection for an external bus signal on an external bus, at least one pneumatic supply connection, an electric supply connection and—each emerging from the same side—a serial bus interface for an internal serial bus, an electric supply interface, a multipole interface and a pneumatic supply interface. There is further provided at least one functional module with each extending continuously from one side to the opposite side and connected to a corresponding interface of the head module—an internal serial bus line, electric supply lines, electric multipole lines and a pneumatic supply line; the head module converts bus signals into multipole signals and outputs them at the multipole interface; the functional module selectively branches off at least one of the multipole lines and, using a signal carried thereon, carries out a pneumatic or electric or both a pneumatic and an electric function.


A gelled composition formulated to maintain an active ingredient in association with the nasal membrane for an extended period of time is provided. The gelled composition may be formulated as a decongestant or a sinus discomfort relieving agent. The invention further includes a system and method for applying the gelled composition to the nasal membrane.

Typical cold and allergy relief remedies are sold in liquid or capsule formulations and are generally administered orally. Although such remedies may work well for relieving some allergy or cold symptoms, the effectiveness of many of these remedies may be limited due to, for example, digestive processes in the oral and digestive pathways. For example, enzymatic activity in the oral cavity and/or acidic environments present in the digestive system may degrade the performance of specific elements or compounds comprising active substances in cold or allergy relief compositions. A further disadvantage of typical compositions involves the circuitous routes some active ingredients are forced to travel, such as when orally administered substances must travel from the oral cavity to the nasal cavity for interaction with active sites in the nasal membrane. For example, these difficulties may be particularly acute when orally administered zinc must travel from the oral cavity up to the ICAM-1 receptor sites on the nasal membrane. Further, effective migration of these active substances may be further impeded when taken by a congested person, often the type of person most in need of these types of nasally bound substances, where the route from the oral cavity to the nasal cavity is blocked or partially blocked by the congestion. Accordingly, a method of delivering active substances to the body which bypasses these degenerative systems is desirable.
Alternative cold and allergy relief techniques involve intravenous administration of the active substances. Such techniques are generally not considered an acceptable commercial alternative to oral application of drugs due to consumer preferences and safety concerns, among others. Transdermal delivery is another alternative delivery method. However, this approach is generally not well suited for all types of active ingredients due to, among others, the significant challenges present in delivery of therapeutically effective amounts of active substances across the epidermal barrier.
Another approach involves nasal cavity administration where active substances are administered directly into the nasal cavity. Many prior attempts at nasal drops and sprays have failed because the active ingredient fails to remain in contact with the nasal membrane for a sufficient period of time, thereby preventing the effective rendering of therapeutically acceptable benefits. For example, typical nasal drops and sprays contain liquid matrices having a low viscosity. Upon application, the liquid tends to be drawn out of the nasal cavity by gravity. The active substance is then prevented from contacting the nasal membrane for an extended period of time sufficient to render a desired therapeutic benefit. For example, some sprays have been observed to dissipate from the nasal cavity in less than five minutes after a first application, which may not allow some active ingredients to remain in contact with the nasal membrane for a sufficient amount of time.
Various methods have been developed attempting to prevent the liquid from dissipating from the nasal cavity, including insertion of cotton swabs and nose plugs into the nasal cavity to prevent leakage. Here too, however, prior methods have proved problematic. Consumers tend to find nose plugs of any type uncomfortable and view them as cosmetically unappealing. Such devices also discourage additional applications of the composition to the nasal membrane as the plug must be removed and reinserted each time. Finally, most plugs tend to contact the nasal membrane directly, which tends to draw the composition away from the nasal membrane due to the absorbent effects of the various materials used to make the plugs.
Accordingly, a composition effective at facilitating contact of an active substance with the nasal membrane for an effective amount of time is needed, and in particular, a composition comprising a decongestant. Moreover, an effective composition and method to deliver an active substance, and in particular a decongestant, to the nasal membrane is also needed.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Compositions to reduce congestion and methods for application thereof to the nasal membrane


A portable ionizer (100) having a discharge electrode electrically connected to a circuit board (5) to produce ions when energised, a portable power source (6) electrically connected to the circuit board (5) to energize the discharge electrode (8); and a portable case (101) that substantially encloses the power source (6), the circuit board (5), and the discharge electrode (8).

Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge.
Darwinian theory states that humans evolved on Earth and are consequently adapted to interact beneficially with their environment. For example, when exposed to sunlight, human skin synthesizes vitamin D, a useful vitamin for overall well-being. The use of blue light (i.e., the colour of the sky), when used in conjunction with an aminolevulinic acid treatment, is documented to improve porphyrin response times in skin.
The human eye is another organ known to react to environmental factors. Phototherapy, or the science of exposing the body to a spectrum of light for therapeutic purposes, is known or believed to be effective in treating Seasonal Affective Disorder, non-seasonal depressions, and delayed sleep phase syndrome when specific types of light are received by the human eye. Applicant's technology relates to known benefits associated with short-term exposition of the human breathing apparatus to mildly ionized air.
The Earth's environment includes an atmosphere made mostly of oxygen gas (O2), nitrogen gas (N2), water vapour (H2O), some carbon dioxide gas (CO2), and traces of rare gases such as hydrogen gas (H2).
These gaseous molecules are found in greater proportions in their neutral electrical valence than in positively or negatively charge valences. In the environment, because of a plurality of natural causes, including, for example, lightning, static electricity, cosmic irradiation, chemical processes, and even molecular interactions, the valence of these molecules can change from positive to negative or vice versa. A negative ion is a neutral molecule holding an extra electron defined by convention as a negative charge (O2—, N2—, H2O—, CO2—, H2—, or O3—).
A positive ion is a neutral molecule with one missing electron resulting in a positive charge of the molecule. In air, some of these ions are found as molecules surrounded by neutral valence water vapour. Numerous control studies have shown that human wellbeing is enhanced in artificially enhanced environments having negative ionization. Other studies have shown that high-voltage or high-frequency ionization of air can result in the creation of undesired chemical reactions in air, including, for example, the formation of O3, NO2, NO3, H2O(O3), etc.
Negative air ionization devices have therefore been developed to ionize the surrounding air to make use of the various health benefits. Typically, these are larger devices, including ones that sit on a table top, or the like. Some have selectable frequencies capable of voltage and frequency modulation to create a controlled electronic corona to break down the dielectric potential of some molecules in air.
The principle technology is the creation of a strong localized magnetic field capable of exciting molecules at natural resonating frequencies in the vicinity of a sharp tipped needle where the curvature is maximized to bend the magnetic field to greater potentials.
However, negative and positive ions are naturally unstable and revert to their neutral state once they encounter their counterpart, or in the case of a positive ion, once it finds a loose electron. For the beneficial effect of air ionizers to be observed, a noticeable quantity of ions must be produced and placed in the atmosphere.
Furthermore, not all air ionization devices produce ingestible biologically active oxygen molecules consistently over an extended period of time, and the further away from the user the ionizer is placed, the less effective the ionized air can become.
While attempts have been made to make air ionizers more portable, there are a number of challenges and complexities required to be overcome to result in an effective and efficient design that can provide sufficient air ionization properties from a small and portable package.


The linear guide device has a structure in which a solid lubricating film is applied on the ball guide grooves of the main rail and the ball circulating paths of the slider, and the surfaces of the balls housed to be rotatable and movable in the ball circulating paths, are formed porous. Thus, when the slider is urged to move with respect to the main rail, and the balls rotate and move within the ball circulating paths, the balls are brought into contact with the solid lubricating films on the ball circulating paths and the films on the ball guide grooves of the main rail. Due to the effect of the surfaces of the balls, the solid lubricating film is transferred onto the surfaces of the balls, thus achieving solid lubrication.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a linear guide device adapted for use in an extreme environment such as a cosmic space or vacuum environment.
2. Discussion of the Background
In general, a space craft such as an artificial satellite is provided with various types of equipment devices, including an antenna device, and a conventional linear guide device is built on each of the liner driving mechanisms or the like for these devices. The linear guide device has a structure in which a pair of guide grooves are provided so as to interpose a guide rail for the main rail, between the guide grooves, and a slider is engaged with the guide rail of the main rail to be linearly movable.
In the slider, a ball circulating path having a ring-like shape, is formed so as to correspond to a ball guide groove of the main rail. In the ball circulating path, a plurality of balls are housed to be movable therein as they rotate. The ball circulating path has an opening at a predetermined position, so as to oppose to the ball guide groove of the main rail. With this structure, when the slider is urged to move in the direction of the rail guide portion of the main rail, these balls in the circulating path move as they rotate. When they move, some of these balls are brought into contact with the ball guide groove of the main rail, and therefore a linear motion is allowed.
However, in the case where the linear guide device of the type described above, is used in a cosmic space of a ultra-high temperature vacuum environment, it is very difficult to employ the general lubricating method using oil or grease, though it can be normally employed on the ground. Instead, for the linear guide device used in a cosmic space, a so-called solid lubricating method is employed for lubricating the members of the device. With this method, a solid lubricating film, which is made of a solid lubricant such as molybdenum disulfide, is formed on the ball guide groove of the main rail, the surface of each ball and the ball circulating path, by the spattering technique, ion-plating, or the plating or coating technique.
However, in the case where a solid lubricating film is formed by the former ones, that is, spattering or ion-plating technique, the linear guide device entails the following drawback. That is, although it is possible to form such a film on the ball guide groove of the main rail or the ball circulating path of the slider, to have predetermined thickness and size, the film cannot be easily formed with high precision on the surface of such a small ball. Therefore, the absolute amount of the solid lubricating film is always too short, which results in short life.
In the case where a solid lubricating film is formed by the latter ones, that is, the plating or coating technique, it is very difficult to prepare a thin film, and therefore powdery materials are easily created due to abrasion. Consequently, a so-called rattle occurs between the slider and the main rail, which further creates abrasion powdery materials. As a result, the friction resistance acting between each other is increased, making it easier to decrease the precision.
The above-described drawback also occurs in an extreme environment on the ground, such as a vacuum atmosphere where oil or grease cannot be easily used as a lubricant.

Linear guide device of solid lubrication type


An endoscope apparatus comprises: an endoscope comprising an insertion portion, wherein an air hole is formed at a distal end of the insertion portion; and a balloon attached to the distal end of the insertion portion, the balloon being expanded by supply of air through an inlet/outlet port of the air hole and contracted by suction of air through of the inlet/outlet port, wherein the inlet/outlet port of the air hole is formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle to an axis of the insertion portion of the endoscope.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus, in particular, an endoscope apparatus for observing the alimentary canal at the depths such as intestinum tenue, large intestine, etc., in which balloons are attached to the distal end of the endoscope insertion portion.
2. Description of the Related Art
Where the insertion portion of an endoscope is inserted into the alimentary canal at the depths such as intestinum tenue, etc., it is difficult to transmit a force to the distal end of the insertion portion due to complicated bending of intestinal tracts only by pushing and inserting the insertion portion thereinto, wherein it is difficult to insert the insertion portion into the depths. For example, if excess bending and deflection are brought about at the insertion portion, it becomes impossible to insert the insertion portion further into the depths. Therefore, such an operation method has been proposed, in which the insertion portion of an endoscope is inserted into an insertion assisting member and is then inserted into a body cavity, and the insertion portion is inserted into the depths while preventing excess bending and deflection of the insertion portion by guiding the insertion portion by means of the insertion assisting member.
For example, JP-A-2002-301019 discloses an endoscope apparatus in which a first balloon is mounted at the distal end of the endoscope insertion portion, and simultaneously, a second balloon is mounted at the distal end of the insertion assisting member (a so called over-tube or sliding tube).
By expanding the first balloon and bringing the same into contact with the inner wall of the intestine, it is possible to provisionally fix the distal end of the insertion portion in an intestinal tract. Similarly, by expanding the second balloon, it becomes possible to provisionally fix the distal end of the insertion assisting member in the intestinal tract. Therefore, by inserting the insertion portion and the insertion assisting member by turns and hauling in the same while causing the first balloon and the second balloon to expand and contract, the insertion portion can be inserted into the depths of a complicated and bent intestinal tract such as an intestinum tenue.
Also, the first balloon of JP-A-2002-301019 is connected to an air tube via the inlet/outlet port of the air hole formed at the distal end of the insertion portion, wherein the first balloon is expanded with air supplied through the air tube and is caused to contract with air sucked in via the air tube. The inlet/outlet port of the air hole and the air tube are cleansed by the balloon being removed after use.
In this connection, in the endoscope apparatus according to JP-A-2002-301019, the inlet/outlet port of the airhole for supplying air into the first balloon is formed in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the insertion portion of the endoscope. That is, since the air tube disposed along the axis of the insertion portion is coupled to the inlet/outlet port of the air hole at a right angle, it was difficult for a brush to be inserted into the air tube through the inlet/outlet port of the air hole when cleansing the inlet/outlet port of the air hole and the air tube. Therefore, in the endoscope apparatus according to JP-A-2002-301019, brush cleansing could not be carried out, wherein there was a problem in that the cleansing was dependent only on a drug solution.


Disclosed is a triceps exercising apparatus. A support harness comprises a neck band and pectoral flaps extending from the neck band in each direction. The neck band and pectoral flaps may be configured together as a unitary structure or as separate structures. In either case, the neck band is placed at the rear of the base of the user's neck, and the support harness is draped over both of the user's shoulders, so that each pectoral flap rests over one of the clavicles. Attached to each pectoral flap and descending therefrom is an elongated elastic element, such as a bungee cord. The lower end of each elastic element is secured to a D-shaped hand stirrup. In embodiments in which the elastic elements are bungee cords, the upper hook of one cord is looped over a hook secured to the lower portion of each pectoral flap, and the lower look is looped over the top of the respective hand stirrup. In various embodiments, the support harness may be padded or may comprise individual structures surrounding a central, flexible band. Additionally, a plurality of elastic elements may be provided to yield increased tension (i.e., resistance to extension).

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of exercise apparatus, and more particularly to apparatus for building and strengthening, or trimming and toning, the triceps muscles.
2. Description of Prior Art
Physical fitness and exercise are increasingly--and deservedly--important to a large segment of the population. With advances in medical science, which have increased the average human life expectancy, there is a natural interest in improving the quality and enjoyment of life during this increased lifespan. Thus, an increasing number of people look to exercise as a means of improving their appearance, health and sense of well-being.
There are, of course, a host of exercise devices now available. At one end of the scale are complex machines which, by user selection and adjustment, can be used in a number of individual exercise routines to develop, strengthen, tone or trim virtually every muscle group. However, such apparatus are generally large, bulky and--perhaps perhaps most importantly--frequently quite expensive.
Certainly, one might join a gym or exercise club to gain access to such complex apparatus. However, many people lack the time, money or freedom to join a gym or exercise club. For example, mothers--particularly working mothers--have such great demands on their time that such formal exercise sessions can be an unavailable luxury. And there are others who simply choose not to exercise in public, preferring rather to confine such activities to the privacy of their own homes, according to their own schedules, and integrating them into their personal lifestyle.
For such individuals, there are many options, including smaller-scale, relatively inexpensive, special purpose devices. For example, if only the wrist and forearm are to be exercised, one might purchase a spring-loaded hand grip and use it while watching television, reading or conversing.
For those who wish primarily to exercise their triceps, but wish to move beyond the simple pushup, ordinary pushup bars are readily available. These are usually fabricated from tubular metal and consist of three pieces. The first is the gripping region, consisting of a top, straight portion, both of whose ends are bent at a 90.degree. angle from the straight portion to form a wide, inverted U-shaped structure. Each end is secured to a base, which consists usually of another tubular metallic structure with rubber caps on either end (to prevent slippage, injury to the user and scratching). Each end of the gripping region is introduced transversely to its respective base and secured to it, usually with a thumbscrew. When the apparatus is fully assembled, each end of the gripping region forms a T-shaped structure with its respective base, which extends in either direction, transversely from the plane of the wide U-shaped gripping region. Typically, the top portion of the gripping region is covered by a compliant (usually, foam rubber) sleeve, to improve the user's grip and to provide a level of comfort.
In use, a pair of pushup bars is gripped by the user at the top portion of each gripping region. The user then assumes a supine position on the floor. Each bar is drawn to its respective side of the body, with the two bases of each pushup bar brought into complete, solid contact with the floor. In the rest position, the user's chest contacts the floor, while the elbows are strongly bent and point backward. The user's elbows are then unbent, thus raising the chest from the floor. If the body is relatively stiff, most of the force employed to raise the body to this second position is supplied by contraction of the upper arm, particularly the triceps, and pectoral muscles.
These muscles are used both to elevate the body and to ease it back to the rest position. Since the entire weight of the upper body is being raised and supported, and--if the body remains relatively stiff--part of the lower body weight as well, this can be a very demanding exercise. But the rewards are great, in rapid development and strengthening of the pectorals and, particularly, the triceps
However, pushup bars present two major drawbacks.
First, one must cyclically raise and lower the body from and back to the floor. In a strenuous exercise such as this, with accompanying heavy breathing, a great deal of air will be drawn into the lungs from the vicinity of the floor. And even in the cleanest of homes, carpets can contain dust, dust mites (and their residue) and pet dander. Breathing such items during a strenuous exercise session can make the activity more unpleasant than it should be, not to mention the great potential for serious allergic reactions in many people. Many women of average fitness simply lack the upper body strength to perform even a single pushup.
The second problem with pushup bars is the fact that many women wish to trim and tighten their triceps, rather than develop them. It is not strength that such individuals seek, but rather an attractive appearance, particularly while wearing sleeveless clothing. Such women are primarily interested in a high repetition, low-tension exercise routine, rather than the "bodybuilding", high-tension regimen ordinarily provided by pushups and pushup bars.
What is needed to answer both of these needs is an inexpensive and portable triceps-specific exercise device which can be used in a seated or standing position, in the privacy of one's own home, which can selectively provide either high-tension exercise, for building and strengthening the triceps (and, possibly, other muscle groups), or low-tension exercise for tightening and trimming them.


An actuation system of a transfer case includes a face cam, a motor, a gear reduction assembly, and an intermediate rotating member. The face cam includes a first member and a second member, and rotation of the first member relative to the second annular causes the first member or the second annular member to displace axially relative to the other member for selective operation of a torque transfer mechanism of the torque transfer device. The gear reduction assembly includes a first planetary gear set that increases torque from the motor by a first ratio, and a second planetary gear set that increases torque from the first planetary gear set by a second ratio and is coaxial with the first planetary gear set and the motor. The intermediate rotating member is rotated by the gear reduction assembly and rotates the first annular member for selective operation of the torque transfer mechanism.

Transfer cases and other torque transfer devices in vehicle powertrain systems utilize actuation systems to selectively transfer torque between various inputs and outputs. For example, a transfer case may receive input torque from an output of a transmission and provide output torque to a primary output shaft and selectively to a secondary output shaft. Such actuation systems may add volume and/or mass to the transfer case and may protrude from the transfer case. It would be advantageous to provide actuation systems with components that allow for different size and shapes of transfer cases, which may be advantageous in different vehicle applications, for example, with different packaging or ground clearance requirements.

Actuation system having face cam mechanism operated by a planetary gear set


A chewing gum and confection composition is disclosed which is pourable and includes between about 30 and about 90 percent particles of chewing gun having an average particle size of between about 0.5 and 6 mm. The pourable composition also includes between about 10 and about 70 percent dry, flee-flowing, sweet confection. Preferably, the chewing gum particles are bits of bubble gum and the sweet confection is powdered dextrose. A method of making this pourable composition is also disclosed.

The present invention relates to the field of chewing gum, such as bubble gum, and confections. More particularly, the present invention relates to a combination and format for chewing gum and a dry, free-flowing sweet confection.
It is generally known that novel forms of chewing gum and confections are popular with consumers. Over the years, several novel chewing gum and/or confection productions have been introduced. These novel products have utilized various combinations of flavors, types, shapes, texture and or packaging to interest the consumer. One such product, sold under the name "DORKS," is described as bubble gum in particulate form packaged in and poured from a box.
Other novel products have combined chewing gum and a confection material. For example, the product described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,519 is commercially available under the name "Thumb Suckers." This product includes a hard candy sucker in an elastic mold with a bubble gum seal at the bottom of the mold. Another example is a product known as "Blow Pops" which include a mass of chewing gum surrounded by a hard candy sucker. Still another example is a product known as "Tidal Wave" which is a cube of chewing gum with a hollow center filled with a liquid confection. Yet another example is a chewing gum product known as "Cinnaburst" which includes small bits of hard candy dispersed within a mass of chewing gum.

Pourable chewing gum and confection composition


A pneumatic tire comprising a skin layer which is formed by curing a polyurethane resin composition comprising a compound having active hydrogen atoms and an organic polyisocyanate compound, has an oxygen permeation coefficient at 23° C. under a relative humidity of 60% of 2.0 ml·mm/m2·day·MPa or smaller and comprises 20% by weight or more of a skeleton structure represented by formula (1) is provided. Since the tire has the skin layer formed with the polyurethane resin composition and having an excellent barrier property to gases, the weight of the tire can be decreased, durability can be improved and quiet driving can be achieved while the internal pressure is retained even when the gas filling the tire is the air, and the tire is more economical than tires filled with nitrogen gas. Unlike other tires using other materials having the barrier property to gases to decrease the weight, no adhesives are necessary for disposing the skin layer. Thus, the process can be simplified and the cost can be reduced in the production

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a pneumatic tire (referred to a tire, hereinafter) and, more particularly, to a tire exhibiting an improved property for retention of the internal pressure and having a decreased weight.
2. Description of the Related Arts
Recently, nitrogen gas is used in place of the air for retention of the internal pressure of tires. Since the decrease in the internal pressure of a tire is mainly caused by the permeation of the oxygen component in the air, the retention of the internal pressure is improved and the frequency of the maintenance of the tire can be reduced by using nitrogen gas as the gas filling the tire. However, this method has a drawback in that the cost increases since the price of nitrogen gas is higher than that of the air and the operation of filling the tire with nitrogen gas must be repeated several times when the gas is supplemented. When a tire is filled once with nitrogen gas, the gas in the tire cannot be supplemented with the air, and nitrogen gas must be used for the supplementation. However, there are many gas stations which are not equipped with the apparatus for filling a tire with nitrogen gas, and this causes a problem in emergency.
As another method for retaining the internal pressure of a tire, a method of disposing a barrier layer to the air as an inner liner of the tire is proposed. Specifically, a rubber composition containing butyl rubber or halogenated butyl rubber is used as the main material of the inner liner. However, it is required that the inner liner has a thickness of about 1 mm since the barrier property to the air of the rubber composition is poor. When this type of inner liner is used, the weight of the tire increases by several hundred grams just for the retention of the internal pressure, and this adversely affects the decrease in the weight of the tire.
To overcome the above problem, a method of using a material having a smaller permeation of the air than that of butyl rubber or halogenated butyl rubber is proposed. For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-177307, a tire in which a layer not permeating the air (a barrier layer to the air) composed of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer is disposed is described. However, the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer has a relatively low melting point which is occasionally 180° C. or lower, and a uniform barrier layer cannot be obtained occasionally due to melting of the copolymer during vulcanization of the tire. Polyvinyl alcohol is particularly sensitive to the effect of moisture, and problems such as a decrease in the performance due to the temperature of vulcanization occasionally arise.
To overcome the above problem, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-79804, a tire using crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol or a crosslinked ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer as the barrier layer to the air is proposed. However, since these materials having the barrier property are attached to the tire as a film, an adhesive is additionally necessary for attaching the film, and this causes an increase in the cost from the standpoint of economy.
The present invention has an object of overcoming the above problems and providing a pneumatic tire which exhibits excellent ability for retaining the internal pressure, a decrease in the weight, improved economy in the production and excellent durability and achieves quiet driving.


The present invention is directed to a lepidopteran octopamine/tyramine transporter. Nucleic acids encoding the transporter, and vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acids are provided. The invention further provides a recombinant octopamine/tyramine transporter, kits and compositions comprising the transporter, and methods of identifying agents that mediate the activity of the transporter.

Neurotransmitter transporters can be classified into three different families based on their amino acid sequence similarities and the type of gradient used for transport. The first family, the Na+/Cl− dependent neurotransmitter transporter family, contains integral membrane glycoproteins that have twelve putative transmembrane domains and use sodium and chloride gradients to transport neurotransmitters across the plasma membrane. The members of this family can be subdivided into four subfamilies based on the type of neurotransmitter transported and specific molecular features of the proteins: (1) monoamine transporters, (2) GABA, betaine, taurine and creatine transporters, (3) glycine and L-proline transporters and (4) orphan clones. The second family, the Na+/K+ dependent glutamate transporter family, contains plasma membrane glycoproteins that have six to nine putative transmembrane domains, require K+ ions and use Na+ gradients as a driving force to transport the neurotransmitters across plasma membrane. The third family, the proton dependent vesicular transporter family, contains proteins powered by proton gradients to pump the neurotransmitter from the cytosol into synaptic vesicles.
The members of the monoamine subfamily of Na+/Cl− dependent neurotransmitter transporters include transporters for: dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (SER) and L-epinephrine (E). Most of the cloned monoamine transporters have been isolated from mammals. Monoamine transporters have also been isolated from fruit fly and frog. The cDNA sequences of these transporters made available by molecular cloning reveal features common to all monoamine transporters. The deduced amino acid sequences of all cloned monoamine transporters indicate the presence of twelve putative transmembrane domains, two highly conserved cysteine residues on the large second extracellular loop, conserved consensus sequences for two to four N-linked glycosylation sites and phosphorylation sites on the intracellular domains for protein kinase C (PKC), cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (reviewed by Kitayama and Dohi, (1996) Jpn J. Pharmacol. 72: 195).
Insect neurotransmission, like that in mammals, is mediated by several types of neurotransmitters: biogenic amines, amino acids, neuropeptides and nitric oxide. Among the monoamines known to participate in insect neurotransmission are: octopamine (OA), dopamine (DA), serotonin (SER), histamine and possibly tyramine (TA) (Osborne (1996) Pharmacol. Ther. 69: 117).
OA, first discovered in the salivary glands of octopus, has been shown to be present in high concentrations in several insect nervous tissues. OA is a phenolamine, the monohydroxylic analogue of norepinephrine (NE). Based on OA's similarity in structure to NE and the fact that OA appears to play many of the roles that NE plays in mammalian systems, it has been called "the insect norepinephrine". Several studies have shown that in insects, OA functions as neurohormone, neuromodulator and neurotransmitter (reviewed by Evans (1985) Octopamine. Comprehensive Insect Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology. Volume 2, Kerkut et al., eds., Pergamon Place, Oxford).
In the insect nervous system, TA is generally considered the immediate precursor for OA. OA is synthesized from tyrosine by decarboxylation to tyramine and then subsequent β-hydroxylation to OA (Evans (1985) supra). The quantification of OA and its precursors (tyrosine and TA) in the nervous systems of two lepidopteran insects, Trichoplusia ni and Manduca sexta, support the idea that TA represents the immediate precursor for OA. There are some indications that TA has a functional role distinct from OA. Various studies indicate a possible role for TA as neurotransmitter or neuromodulator, in spite of being the immediate precursor of the well established neurotransmitter, OA.
Among the monoamines present in the insect nervous system functioning as neurotransmitters, OA is the only one specifically active in insects and other invertebrates but not in vertebrates. This makes OA, OA receptors and OA transporters desirable targets for pest control strategies. Even though specific OA uptake systems have been functionally described in both insect tissue and synaptosomal preparations, the OA systems are heretofore relatively uncharacterized at the molecular level. There is a need in the field for characterization of components of the OA transport system that may serve as targets for insecticides. The present invention provides a nucleic acid encoding an insect OA transporter and related embodiments useful for the identification of insecticides.

Insect monoamine transporter and methods of use thereof

Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada as represented by the Minister, the Dept of Agriculture + Agrifood Canada


An anti-infective stethoscope is described that comprises a tube member; a head member operably connected to the tube member; and first and second earpieces operably connected to the tube member, wherein the tube member and head member include an antimicrobial barrier mechanism. The earpieces may also include an antimicrobial barrier mechanism. According to one embodiment, the antimicrobial barrier mechanism may be provided in the form of a cover comprising an antimicrobial substance wherein the cover operably covers the tube member and head member of the stethoscope. In a preferred form, the antimicrobial barrier mechanism is an antimicrobial substance applied to the tube member, head member, and optionally the earpieces.

The present invention generally relates to stethoscopes and to accessories for stethoscopes.
Because a doctor will use a stethoscope on different patients, it has become commonplace for the doctor's assistants to place a cloth boot over the metal end of the stethoscope that contacts the patient. This cloth boot is disposable and is replaced for each patient. It has also been recognized that the plastic tubing of the stethoscope may also come into contact with patients and, therefore, various solutions have been proposed to prevent cross-contamination of patients through the use of a stethoscope. Examples of such solutions or partial solutions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,466,898, 6,575,917, and 6,520,281; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2007/0193822, and 2008/0166384; and EP 1600105 and KR 2006055894.
Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,898 discloses a system for preventing nosocomial infection and contamination through the usage of a stethoscope, utilizing a one-usage stethoscope sleeve and fitting accessory on an off-the-shelf stethoscope such that, when the stethoscope sleeve is on the stethoscope, the head of the stethoscope is covered in its entirety as well as the body of the stethoscope up to the ear tubes. The covering of the '898 patent provides bacterial, viral, and fluid impermeable and acoustically transparent medium to cover the stethoscope head and body to the ear tubes.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,917 discloses a protective-sleeve-cartridge which is mounted to a stethoscope. The sleeve containing cartridge contains a series of longitudinally spaced sleeve portions which are separated by perforations. Therefore, in use, a clinician can pull on a leading end of an unused sleeve such that, the clinician can cover the head of the stethoscope with the typically disposable sleeve.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,281 discloses a replaceable and disposable elastomeric soft diaphragm or cover wherein the diaphragm or cover is a molded piece of elastomer, which forms an airtight seal with the stethoscope or replaces the rigid diaphragm supplied with the original stethoscope. The elastomeric stethoscope diaphragm can be impregnated with an antimicrobial agent such as silver to ensure sterility and prevent the spread of harmful bacteria to the disposable diaphragm in addition to protecting the stethoscope head from contamination.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0193822 discloses a stethoscope protective device for covering the head and at least a portion of the connector tube of a stethoscope. The protective device is constructed at least in part of a material that is acoustically transmissive and provides a barrier for reducing transmission of microorganisms.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0166384 discloses a stethoscope head cover configured to envelop a head of a stethoscope wherein the head cover can include a biocidal environment within a cavity of the cover. The cover can include an antimicrobial lining which is contiguous with the inner surface of the cover or the lining or the material of the cover can be treated or combined with a separate composition that acts as a biocidal agent. Thus, the stethoscope head can be sanitized by coming into contact with the cover member itself, the antimicrobial lining, or the biocidal agents associated therewith.
EP1600105 discloses a double stethoscope comprising two sound funnels which form a sound collection space wherein the two sound funnels are made of a soft elastic, synthetic material with added silver in the form of nano particles wherein in a sealing bead is further provided.
Finally, KR 2006055894 discloses a stethoscope in which nano silver and fragrance are included whereby the nano silver is mixed with the stethoscope material and a fragrance is also inserted into the stethoscope material. The '894 reference further includes a method of producing the same.


A packet processing method, a network node, and a system includes obtaining, by a first network node, a first packet that includes a segment list, where the segment list includes a segment identifier of a network node on a path used to forward the first packet, obtaining, by the first network node, a segment identifier of a second network node from the segment list, where the second network node is a next-hop segment node of the first network node on the path, replacing, by the first network node, a destination address of the first packet with the segment identifier of the second network node, and adding a network performance parameter of the first network node to the segment list to generate a second packet, and sending, by the first network node, the second packet to the second network node.

Segment routing (SR) is a source routing mechanism that can enable a network to achieve better scalability and provide functions such as traffic engineering (TE) and a Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) virtual private network (VPN) in a simpler and more flexible manner. In a software-defined networking (SDN) network architecture, the SR provides a capability of quick interaction with an upper-layer application for the network. When being deployed on an Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) data plane, the SR is referred to as SRv6. In other approaches, performance measurement for an SRv6 network is mainly as follows. A network performance parameter such as a time stamp or a data packet quantity is recorded by coloring a packet based on a flow label (FL), and then network performance parameters of different nodes are obtained using a centralized controller in order to implement the performance measurement for the SRv6 network on the controller. However, in all current methods, the network performance parameter needs to be obtained using a specific protocol, resulting in high implementation complexity and inflexibility.

Packet processing method, network node, and system


A cyclic action, electromechanically operated artificial heart having a pusher plate assembly disposed between a pair of bladders for alternately compressing one bladder containing blood directed to the pulmonary system and another bladder containing blood directed to the systemic circulatory system includes a mechanical linkage for translating unidirectional rotary motion of a motor located opposite of both bladders into reciprocating movement of the pusher plate assembly.

Numerous artificial hearts and blood pumps have been devised to replace a defective or diseased heart and closely simulate the functioning of a healthy, natural heart. In contrast to heart transplantation, which requires a donor and involves serious rejection problems, a total artificial heart may be mass-produced and is potentially more compatible with the host's immune system. However, an artificial heart must be compact enough to fit in the chest cavity, and must consistently maintain proper blood flow based on the host's level of activity. The input and output flow characteristics of the artificial heart must be sufficient to protect the blood cells from hemolysis (dissolution) and thrombosis (clotting). The artificial heart mechanism must also be extremely reliable and durable.
One example of an artificial heart is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,152,340 issued Oct. 13, 1964 to Fry, et al. In this device, a piston and plate assembly is positioned between two diaphragms, or imitation heart chambers. A motor mounted above the chambers delivers a driving force to the piston and plate assembly and, in turn, to the diaphragms through an eccentric looped pitman for alternatively exhausting the chambers via back-and-forth movement of the piston and plate assembly. Flow into and out of the inlets and outlets is regulated by a set of floating plate valves located outside the inlets and outlets on respective valve boxes located laterally of the diaphragms.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,512,276 issued Apr. 23, 1985 to Strimling discloses another artificial heart having three pump chambers separated by a pair of diaphragms in contact with cooperating cam-equipped pusher plates. A variable length rod connects the pusher plates and holds a rotary electric motor carrying rollers which move the pusher plates by actuating the cams provided on each of the pusher plates to alternatively contact the diaphragms and effectuate pumping.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,820,300 issued Apr. 11, 1989 to Pierce, et al shows a further artificial heart which utilizes a fluid displaced from a left blood pump to power a right blood pump. The left blood pump is a sac-type pump powered by an electric motor that, when contracting or expanding, displaces a volume of fluid in a chamber within the left pump housing. The fluid is displaced through a fluid line connecting the right blood pump, which is a pneumatically operated sac-type or rotary-type pump.
Another artificial heart described in "An Artificial Heart For Clinical Use", Annals of Surgery, Sept. 1990, pp. 339-343 employs a pusher plate assembly between a pair of bladders for alternatively compressing each bladder by reciprocal movement of the pusher plate assembly. In a first version, a cam-type electric motor positioned between the bladders provides the driving force to reciprocate the pusher plate assembly. In a second version, a roller screw-type electric motor disposed intermediate the bladders transmits back-and-forth motion to the pusher plate assembly.
These known arrangements are generally deficient in meeting one or more of the requisites discussed above, and a need remains for a compact, reliable artificial heart which enables proper circulation of blood in the body.


A hopper for a coin processing machine has a turntable that receives coins and rotates in a first direction to discharge coins from the hopper. A circumferential wall surrounds the turntable, and includes a coin discharge opening and a second opening. A diverter plate extends away from the wall upstream of the second opening. The diverter plate blocks coins from entering the second opening when the turntable rotates in the first direction. The diverter plate directs any debris remaining on the turntable to the second opening when the turntable rotates in the opposite, second direction after discharging all the coins from the hopper.

Coin machines such as coin sorters and coin verifiers have an intake hopper that receives coins to be sorted or verified. The coins fall on a rotating turntable surrounded by a stationary outer circumferential wall. Centrifugal force urges the coins against the wall. An opening in the wall causes a stream of coins to be discharged from the hopper for processing. My published US patent application US20060154589 (which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein) discloses such a coin machine having an intake hopper with a rotating turntable.
The coins fed into the hopper are often contaminated by debris such as bent or oversized coins, nuts and bolts, and the like. The debris cannot exit through the wall opening and so remains on the turntable. The debris must be removed by hand after all the coins are processed, a labor-intensive operation.
Thus there is a need to automatically remove debris from the turntable of a coin processing machine.

Coin machine with self-cleaning intake hopper and related method


A medical image processing apparatus comprises processing circuitry configured to: obtain image data representative of a brain of a subject; obtain data representing a clinical sign or symptom of the subject, wherein the clinical sign or symptom is relevant to a brain condition; process the image data to obtain an estimation of an abnormality in the brain of the subject; and determine whether the estimation of the abnormality is consistent with the data representing the clinical sign or symptom.

It is known for clinicians to review a scan of a patient's brain to look for signs that a stroke has occurred, for example an ischemic stroke. The scan may be a non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) scan. Reading a NCCT scan to look for signs of ischemic stroke can be particularly challenging due to the subtle nature of the imaging findings. For example, finding a region of ischemia may involve detecting very subtle differences in image contrast.
A clinician's interpretation of findings in imaging may in some circumstances be weighted by a clinical picture that they have of the patient. For example, if the clinician has already examined the patient, the clinician may know a side of the patient (right or left) on which symptoms have presented. However, such clinical information may not always be readily available, or at least not immediately presentable to the clinician at time of reviewing the imaging.
Patients who have had a stroke often have had previous strokes or have small vessel disease. Imaging features resulting from the previous strokes and/or small vessel disease may confound the task of discerning the imaging features specific to the current acute episode. It may be difficult to distinguish signs of a previous stroke from signs of a recent stroke.

Medical image processing method and apparatus


A vehicle guidance and positioning system utilizing a laser, the emitted beam from which is directed over the path along which a vehicle is to be guided. The laser beam impinges on a target area located on the vehicle in such a manner that the impingement of the laser beam on the target is continuously observable by the vehicle's operator. The operator steers the vehicle so that the laser beam continuously impinges on the target area until the vehicle reaches a preselected position in a confined space such a garage, a drive-through service lane, a loading dock and the like.

It is frequently necessary to accurately position a vehicle within a confined space. Such a space can be defined not only by a physical structure, such as a garage, but also by distinguishing markings such as buoys, lines painted on pavement and the like. Vehicles which require such precise positioning may include any means of conveying people and/or cargo on land, sea or in the air. Examples of situations in which the accurate positioning of a vehicle may be desired include the garaging of a car, the positioning of a tractor trailer truck at a loading dock, the docking of a boat at a slip, and the positioning of an airplane at a passenger and/or baggage terminal. In all of these cases, along with similar cases too numerous to mention, an operator must accurately guide the vehicle along a pathway, bringing it to a defined position in relationship to surrounding stationary structures, enclosures, or spaces.
It is not uncommon for damage to occur to the vehicle and/or surrounding structures during the positioning process. For example, in parking a vehicle in a garage whose entrance is only slightly wider than the vehicle, contact of the vehicle's sides with the garage entrance is a more than likely occurrence which could result in damage to both the vehicle and the garage. Moreover, the initial positioning of the vehicle within the enclosure or space may be unsatisfactory. If this is the case, the positioning operation may have to be repeated, thereby leading to the possibility that damage will occur during repositioning. Alternatively, if repositioning is not performed, other consequential problems, such as difficulty in unloading cargo, frequently arise. These and other problems inherent in vehicular positioning operations are well recognized, and various devices and techniques have been envisioned or devised to overcome such problems.
A common technique used to assist in the positioning of a vehicle is the erection of physical barriers (bollards) or bumpers which contact the vehicle as it deviates from the desired path. Such existing devices and techniques have two major drawbacks. First, they do not assist in guiding the vehicle to the correct position. On the contrary, actual impact is the first indication the vehicle operator has that the position of the vehicle is unacceptable. Second, the devices may inflict damage on the vehicle and may even be damaged themselves.
Accordingly, it is one of the objects of the present invention to provide a vehicle guidance and positioning system to quickly, accurately, and interactively guide a vehicle, leading it to the exactly desired position. The active guidance precludes the operator from ever allowing the vehicle to deviate from the desired pathway. Moreover, when the final position is obtained, it is correct. As a secondary benefit, the positioning operation is exceptionally fast when compared with currently available options. It is another object of the invention to provide a method for using the vehicle guidance and positioning system.

Laser guided vehicle positioning system and method


A sandal having a sole and at least one heel post attached to the sole is provided, with a continuous strap attached to the heel post and the sole. The strap has an instep portion located forward of the heel post and a heel portion located rearward of the heel post. The length of the continuous strap is adjusted with an adjustable fastener, and the lengths of the instep portion and the heel portion are independently and selectively adjusted with at least one cleat.

Sport sandals have been developed to enable the user to perform active, athletic activities. Examples of two types of sport sandals are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,584,782 and 4,793,075 to Thatcher which incorporate an adjustable toe strap, an adjustable ankle strap, an adjustable heel strap and a lateral strap to retain the sandal on the user's foot.
As sandals have become more widely worn in athletic activities, the demands on the strapping systems have increased and changed depending on the particular use. The comfort and ease of use of a particular sport sandal in conjunction with the intended use of the sport sandal can dictate how the strapping systems are configured. In addition, variations in each individual user's foot require the strapping system to provide maximum adjustability to accommodate a wide range of foot shapes.
In sport sandal strapping systems a problem arises in the comfort of the strap across the instep portion of the foot, particularly in known strapping systems that encircle the ankle. As the foot undergoes a normal walking progression, the angle between the foot and the ankle changes and muscles flex and release. In turn, the distance around the ankle and the instep changes with the flexure and release of the muscles and the change in angle. A strapping system that encircles the ankle can be restrictive of the foot's motion if the strap is taut in the relaxed state, or may be too loose to adequately retain the sandal on the foot if the strap is taut only in a flexed state.
Continuous strap systems are also known which contact the foot in multiple locations. While continuous strapping systems can be easily assembled and can provide adjustability, similar problems with the tension in the strapping system over the wide range of foot movement are common. In addition, in conventional continuous strapping systems, the portions of the strap contacting individual portions of the foot cannot be individually adjusted.
Accordingly, there is a need for a sport sandal strapping system which is intended for use during active, athletic activities that accommodates the foot over a wide range of movement.
There is a further need for a sport sandal strapping system which incorporates a continuous single strap around the ankle and the instep that provides individual, comfortable fits around the ankle and the instep.
Another need is for a continuous strapping system which allows different portions of the strap to be independently adjusted.

Independent adjustment for sandal single strap system


A magnetic filter for a central heating or cooling system comprises a pipe having an inlet end and an outlet end, and a filtration portion between the inlet and outlet ends the diameter of the filtration portion of the pipe being greater than the diameter of the inlet end of the pipe and also greater than the diameter of the outlet end of the pipe, and a magnet assembly adapted to be attachable to the pipe, around an outside surface of the filtration portion of the pipe, and movable relative to the pipe from a position close to the pipe to a position more distant from the pipe.

It is now common to fit magnetic filters in wet central heating systems. A magnetic filter improves the performance of the system by attracting and retaining magnetic particles, removing them from the system water. Magnetic particles in system water result from corrosion of radiators and other components, and if the level is allowed to build up the result is a magnetic sludge known as 'magnetite'. This can cause blockages, especially in the heat exchangers of modern high-efficiency boilers, and reduce the efficiency of the system by building up in radiators, reducing the rate of heat transfer out of the radiator.
For domestic central heating systems, magnetic filters are generally provided in the form of a chamber, often made from plastics, with an inlet and an outlet and a magnet within the chamber. An example of this type of magnetic filter is disclosed in GB2491246.
Filters are also available for larger systems, which use 2 inch (around 50 mm) or greater diameter pipe for the heating circuit(s). For example, the filters sold under the trade mark "Magnaclean® Commercial" fit into this category. These filters are in the form of a large, heavy, cast container, with an inlet and an outlet on either side, a removable lid, and magnets extending into the container to attract and retain magnetic particles from system water as it passes through the filter. These large filters are typically connected into the heating circuit by providing flanges around the inlet and the outlet, and similar flanges on the heating circuit pipework. The pipework can then be attached to the filter by bolting the flanges of the pipework to the flanges of the filter.
These large filters are expensive to manufacture, due to the number of different parts and the amount of welding required to assemble the filter. It is an object of the present invention to provide a lower-cost alternative.

Magnetic filter for a central heating system


Various implementations include an anterior cervical fixation plate for fixating portions of a cervical spine to facilitate bone fusion. The plate includes a first portion, a second portion, and a bridge. A first surface of the first portion and a first surface of the second portion each define two fastener openings extending from the first surface of the first portion to a second surface of the first portion. The first side and the second side of the centrally located bridge each extend from the second side of the first portion to the first side of the second portion. The second side of the first portion, the first side of the second portion, and the first side of the bridge define a first window. The second side of the first portion, the first side of the second portion, and the second side of the bridge define a second window.

Anterior cervical fixation plates are spine implants that are used to fixate portions of a cervical spine to facilitate bone fusion. The plates include fasteners (typically screws) for affixing the plate to multiple vertebral bodies, which facilitates bone fusion by stabilizing sections of the cervical spine following anterior cervical discectomy and corpectomy procedures.
Before an anterior cervical fixation plate can be affixed to the spine of a patient, the tissue surrounding the spine must be retracted to expose enough of the vertebral bodies to insert and position the plate. Further, any osteophytes formed at the bases of the vertebral bodies must be removed so that the plate can be placed flat on the vertebrae. However, excessive retraction of the tissue surrounding the spine can cause dysphagia in the patient and can lead to longer recovery times. The removal of osteophytes from the vertebrae can also lead to longer surgery time and longer recovery.
Thus, a need exists for an anterior cervical fixation plate that can be implanted with less retraction of tissue and less removal of osteophytes.

Anterior cervical fixation plate for fixating portions of a cervical spine to facilitate bone fusion


Provided in the embodiments are a method for configuring network slice indexes, a device and a computer storage medium. The method may be applied to a network side device, and includes: configuring corresponding Shortened Slice Indexes (SSIs) for Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI) of a first type of network slices based on a set partition granularity, wherein NSSAI of a network slice and an SSI corresponding to the NSSAI indicate the same network slice, and a length of the NSSAI is longer than a length of the SSI corresponding to the NSSAI; and sending a downlink message bearing the NSSAI and the corresponding SSIs of the first type of network slices to User Equipment (UE).

In a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, in order to prevent a network overload phenomenon, an Access Control Barring (ACB) mechanism is introduced. Along with the development of communication technologies, the research on the 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication technology has already been conducted. A radio access of the 5G is called as a New Radio (abbreviated as NR). In the 5G NR, a concept of a network slice is introduced. Different network slices respectively have corresponding network slice instances at a Radio Access Network (RAN) side and a Core Network (CN) side, as a certain isolation characteristic exists among different network slice instances.
At present, a terminal can acquire network slice information only after having entered a connected state and has been attached, and a network side can only perform access control on the network slices based on a behavior that the terminal acquires the network slice information. Therefore, when the terminal is in a process of transferring from an idle state to a connected state, even if a target network slice is already overloaded, the network side can only perform, after the terminal enters the connected state, the access control on the target network slice according to a target network slice index carried in a message sent by the terminal in the connected state, and then release the terminal. In this sense, consumption of signaling resources between the terminal and the network side is increased, waste of the signaling resources between the terminal and the network side is caused, and time delay of the access control is also increased.

Method for configuring network slice indexes, device and computer storage medium

GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.


A pair of snowshoes, or skis, are utilized by the user to go up the slope of a hill. A binding bracket is carried separately to the top of the slope when the user then mounts the binding bracket to the back ends of each snowshoe and thus provides a singular snowboard for the user to slide down the slope.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a snowboard/snowshoe invention More specifically, it relates to a snowshoe for use in going up a snow slope and a snowboard for descending a snow slope.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As will be seen, the simplicity and effectiveness of my invention is not rivaled in the prior art.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,138,128 to Criss issued on Feb. 6, 1979 shows a pair of skis mounted with both raised edges to the front and an elongated riding platform mounted to the pair of skis by brackets with both skis separated by a gap. By contrast, the device of the instant invention shows both skis mounted back-to-back without a gap intervening between the skis.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,221,394 issued to Campbell issued on Sep. 9, 1980 shows a snow vehicle with a pair of skis secured by a riding platform mounted by brackets to each ski. Both skis a separated by a gap. By contrast, the device of the instant invention show skis mounted back-to-back with no gap intervening between the skis.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,871,337 issued to Harris on Oct. 3, 1989 shows a single ski board (or a water ski board) with a channel section in the ski board and a pair of rider support plates mounted on the ski board and adapted to be longitudinally movable within the track. Harris does not show two skis mounted together back-to-back. By contrast, the device of the instant invention shows two skis mounted back to back.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,960 issued to Sadler on Aug. 28, 1990 shows a singular snowboard with an elongated recess extending longitudinally from the rear of the singular snowboard to the midsection of the snowboard to provide left and right portions relative to each other and adapted to flex relative to each other. By contrast, the device of the instant invention shows two ski mounted back-to-back with no recess.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,816 issued to Southworth on Oct. 5, 1993 shows a pair of skis mounted back to back and separated by a gap with a riding platform mounted to each of the skis by a bracket. By contrast, the instant invention shows two skis mounted back to back without a gap.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,163,565 issued to Weber on Aug. 7, 1979 shows a pair of skis mounted back to back with an elastic strap mounted between the rear end of the forward runner and the rear end of the rearward runner. There is no securement between the front and rear skis since the inventor wanted the skis to flex sideways by virtue of the elastic strap. The support platform is mounted to each ski by a clamp.
It will be noted that all the prior art devices do not show a pair of skis mounted back-to-back with no gap intervening each ski. Furthermore, the invention shows a clamp member mounted in channels of each ski to secure each ski together and snowshoes mounted on the clamp for the rider's feet to be positionable within the bindings to support the rider in a generally upright position.
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.


In a topography simulation method, the topography of a resist pattern after curing treatment can be precisely estimated without producing a complex physical model or performing parameter measurement. Specifically, in the method of estimating the topography of a resist pattern, which is formed by selectively removing a part of a resist provided on a substrate and contracts due to curing treatment, the resist pattern is divided into a plurality of cells and the cells are contracted in accordance with a volume shrinkage amount per unit volume of the resist in the curing treatment. Then, the cells located closer to an interface between the substrate and the resist pattern are flattened to a higher degree in parallel to the substrate, and the deformed cells are brought together toward a shrinkage reference line passing through a center of a line pattern and toward the substrate.

The present invention relates generally to a topography simulation technique and more particularly to a topography simulation method for estimating a topography of a fine resist pattern which will be formed by selectively removing a part of a resist closely attached to a substrate and will then contract in a post-treatment step, and to a storage medium storing a program for carrying out this simulation method.
With recent development in shrinkage of LSIs, the resolution of lithography has almost reached a limit and it has become necessary to exactly estimate the resolution of lithography. The resolution in lithography depends on optical factors, but the superiority of the resolution in lithography determines whether a resist pattern significant in a subsequent step of etching, etc. can be provided.
Thus, when the resolution of lithography is estimated, it is conventionally necessary to simulate not only an image obtained by an exposure tool, but also photosensitization of a resist, post exposure baking (PEB), development, etc.
In general, an imaging model by a partially coherent optical system, proposed by Hopkins, Yeung, etc., is used as an imaging model by an optical system, and it is said that such imaging model has high precision. Photo-sensi models of novolak-based resists have been proposed by Dill, Mack, etc. There are many proposals regarding chemical amplified type resists. In addition, models of Fick, etc. have been proposed with respect to diffusion of a photo-active compound due to PEB. A string model, cell removal model, level set method model, etc. have been proposed as development models for effecting development in accordance with a photo-active compound distribution of a resist, which is calculated on the basis of the above models.
As stated above, the resist topography can be estimated with high precision by the imaging, photo-sensitization and development models. However, in the case of etching or ion doping, durability of a resist pattern needs to be increased by curing by means of UV radiation, hard baking, etc.
A resist pattern contracts and deforms due to curing treatment for increasing durability thereof. Consequently, an actual resist pattern topography differs from a topography obtained by resist development simulation.
In order to exactly simulate a resist pattern topography obtained after curing treatment such as hard baking, it is necessary to formulate causes of topography deformation due to contraction of the resist and to measure each parameter. It is, however, very difficult and time-consuming to produce complex physical models and measure parameters.
As has been described above, in the prior art, there is a problem in that a pattern topography of a resist used in etching or ion doping, which resist is patterned by photosensitization and development and then subjected to post-treatment, differs from a resist pattern topography obtained by resist development simulation because of deformation due to contraction in the post-treatment.
In order to simulate a resist pattern topography after the post-treatment, it is necessary to produce complex physical models and measure parameters.


In construction of an attachment-type string protector for racket frames including a base strap and a number of sleeves aligned on the base strap, the base strap is made of a relatively rigid synthetic resin, and a number of tubular vibration absorbers made of a soft synthetic material are inserted into respective sleeves almost over the entire length of the latter in full surface contact with strings. Full surface contact of the vibration absorbers with the strings over an increased length assures high degree of impact damping at shooting balls.

The present invention relates to a string protector for a racket frame, and more particularly relates to improvement in impact damping of a racket frame used for tennis or the like.
A racket frame such as a tennis racket frame has a general construction in which a head connected to a handle has a substantially oval shape defining a face formed by a latticework of strings held in tension on the head. The head includes a frame top, a pair of lateral zones and a yoke forming a joint of the pair of lateral zones. The head is provided with the first group of through holes which extend substantially parallel to the longer axis of the oval shape and the second group of through holes which extend substantially parallel to the shorter axis of the oval shape. Each string in the latticework is held in tension in the through holes (string holes) in an arrangement such that, on the outer peripheral surface of the head, the string runs in the circumferential direction between adjacent through holes in a same group.
When a ball is shot at the face of a racket frame, impact caused by the shot develops intense vibrations on strings which tend to mar the life of the strings. In an attempt to kill, to say the least to reduce such undesirable vibrations on strings forming the face, a wide variety of string protectors have been proposed in the field.
An attachment-type string protector is one popular example of such conventional proposals. More specifically, such an attachment-type string protector includes a base strap made of a synthetic resin and adapted in shape for attachment to an outer peripheral surface of the yoke forming the proximal part of the head. This base strap is associated with a plurality of sleeves projecting in one body from the planar face of the base strap. The sleeves are aligned along the length of the base strap at positions corresponding to string holes in the yoke. A tubular soft material is tightly inserted into each sleeve and internally provided with one or more annular ribs. The soft material is used for absorption of string vibrations and generally shorter in dimension than the associated sleeve.
In a position attached to the yoke, the sleeve are received in corresponding string holes in the yoke and each string runs through respective sleeves in contact with the inserted soft materials via their annular ribs. In other words, the string is held in position in each sleeve through limited contact with the annular ribs of the associated fort material which is, as stated above, shorter than the sleeve into which it is inserted.
Presence of such a soft material in each sleeve is more or less effective in absorption of string vibrations. However, because of its shorter construction and limited line contact with a string, this attachment-type string protector is rather insufficient in ability of impact damping.


The present invention relates to a contact terminal unit and a socket connector incorporated with the same contact terminal units. A contact terminal unit comprises a plurality of conductive strings twisted into a single strand, and an insulative material encapsulating the strand. The socket connector is incorporated with a plurality of the same contact terminal units.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a contact terminal unit, and more particularly to a contact terminal configured by a plurality of twisted conductive strings encapsulated within an insulative column. The present invention also includes a socket connector incorporated with the contact terminals described above.
2. Description of Prior Art
Electrical connector is widely used for electrically and mechanically connecting an electronic package such as a CPU to a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) such as a motherboard. Generally, the electrical connector comprises an insulative housing having a plurality of passageways, and a plurality of contact terminals received in the plurality of passageways, correspondingly.
Usually, the contact terminals are made of metal material via art of stamping. The contact terminal usually has a base portion with a plurality of barbs thereon. The barbs are used to penetrate into and interferentially engage with inner walls of the passageway, so as to secure the contact terminal in the corresponding passageway.
However, such conventional contact terminal brings some negative effects. Firstly, the contact terminal usually further has a mating portion and a solder portion extending from the base portion for engaging with an IC (Integrated Circuit) package and a substrate, respectively. Thus, the conventional contact terminal has a complicated structure and geometrical profile. Obviously, manufacturing cost of such conventional contact terminal is high. Secondly, when a conventional contact terminal is inserted into the passageway, the barbs will penetrate into inner walls of the passageway. Accordingly, the housing may be warpaged and performance of the housing will be affected.
In view of the above, an improved contact terminal unit and a socket connector that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages are desired.

Contact terminal unit and socket connector incorporated with the same contact terminal units


Provided is a display panel, including a first display area and a second display area. A transparent collimator is provided in a gap between two adjacent sub-pixels in the first display area, and meanwhile, a substrate under the collimator is a thinner substrate or a transparent substrate. Thus, a certain display area of the display panel possesses good light transmittance and resolution.

The present invention relates to a display field, and more particularly to a display panel.
Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display technology is different from the traditional liquid crystal display technology and the back light is not required. It utilizes an ultra thin organic material coating layer and a glass substrate, and theses organic material will illuminate when the current is conducted. The OLED display screen can be made lighter and thinner, and the OLED technology can develop a wider viewing angle and can save power, significantly.
Under the current trend of full-screen, although various mobile phone manufacturers have proposed a variety of solutions, the front opening remains a problem that cannot be solved. Thus, fringe hair screens, water drop screens, lifting cameras and other design solutions have emerged, constantly. In order to achieve a truly full screen, all the current companies are aggressively developing camera under screen technology.
In the related patent (CN107734102) applied for a product, Meizu, the camera is made under the screen. By taking advantage of the special transparency of the graphene screen, the camera is placed under the screen; in a camera under screen patent (WO2017126863) announced by Samsung, the front camera is directly designed on the printed circuit board, and can capture the picture through a lens hole on the display screen but the front screen coverage will remain unchanged. Except the front camera, some sensors and components which are standard with smart phones including microphones, fingerprint scanners, cameras and transparent antennas will all be located below the front panel glass.
Although the substrate of the flexible OLED screen itself is transparently plastic, if the camera is placed under the OLED screen and good image can be obtained, the transmittance of the screen needs to be at least 80% but the current technology can only be about 40%. Even the image can be obtained, a "window effect" can occur unless the pixel area density of the screen above the camera is drastically reduced.

Wuhan China Star Optoelectronics Semiconductor Display Technology Co., Ltd.


A camera system for simultaneously recording separate near-infrared and visible light images is disclosed having a visible light source for illuminating a given area with visible white light, indicia generating means for directing an image of a wavelength of light longer than wavelengths of light of the visible white light upon the given area, a first electronic camera for recording an image of the visible light but not the longer wavelength of light and a second electronic camera for recording an image of the longer wavelength of light but not the visible light, and a single cold mirror common to the two cameras for directing the two light images to their respective cameras.

The present invention relates to the field of manipulating light images in the visible and infrared regions.
Frequently, a machine vision system is required to measure the orientation, distance and three-dimensional coordinates of an object in its field of view. An attractive means to accomplish this is by the use of structured illumination, usually in the form of a narrow laser generated stripe or double stripe crosshair. When using this method, the optical path to the camera typically includes some type of narrow bandpass filter that allows the laser light wavelength such as 780 nm for a laser-diode to pass through, while blocking light of other wavelengths. This simplifies the image analysis problem for the light stripe. An example of such a system is a robotic seam tracker.
Conversely, many machine vision applications such as inspection systems, require lighting that contains all visible wavelengths (white light) as an illumination source in order to maximize contrast. These systems typically require the lighting to be over the entire field-of-view, as opposed to the aforesaid narrow stripe.
A problem arises when a machine vision system is required to perform both the 3-D measurement and the inspection functions, or when the centroid of the object is not apparent from the projection of the laser, i.e. when the object is relatively planar. An example of a system with such a requirement is the robotic derivating cell for the U.S. Air Force. This system locates and removes rivets and other fasteners from aircraft components such as airlerons and wingflaps. The first step in the removal process is for the machine vision system to find the 3-D coordinates of the fastener and identify the type of fastener. To calculate the 3-D coordinates, a laser crosshair image is used to first calculate the plane of the component surface in 3-D space in which the component lies. Floodlight illumination is then used to locate the center of the rivet within this plane, and also to identify the rivet type.
It is critical in machine vision applications that the lighting be optimized for each function. Unfortunately, the two functions stated above have conflicting goals with respect to the lighting and optics requirements. The 3-D location function wants to see only the laser crosshair image while the fastener location and fastener identification function requires the entire field of view evenly illuminated.
Prior to the present invention, the aforesaid problem might of been addressed through the use of complicated electro-mechanical shuttering or mirror arrangements. However, the two types of images would still not be simultaneously available. Also these arrangements would increase the cost and complexity of the machines while reducing the ruggedness and reliability of the system. Although compromise lighting systems are an alternative approach, they generally tend to degrade the performance of each function.

Optical system for obtaining separate and simultaneous near-infrared and visible light images

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force


An image display device including: a light-emitting unit that is capable of individually controlling emission amounts in each of a plurality of regions constituting a screen; a display unit that displays an image on the screen; and a control unit that sets a first region in which display is performed at a predetermined brightness and a second region in which an image is displayed at a lower brightness than the predetermined brightness in the screen, wherein the control unit sets the second region in a region excluding the first region in the screen on the basis of an influence of light leakage from the first region.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image display device and a control method thereof.
Description of the Related Art
In recent years, progress has been made in the digitalization of image diagnostic devices (hereinafter, referred to as modalities) as represented by an X-ray imaging device, an ultrasonic diagnostic device, and a magnetic resonance imaging device. As a result, more and more images captured by a modality are being managed as medical images outputted as digital data (digital images) instead of medical images outputted as film (film images).
However, since we are still in a transitional period between managing images as film images and managing images as digital images, images are being managed in a state where film images and digital images coexist. A comparative diagnosis of an old image managed as a film image and a current image managed as a digital image requires performing a comparison by placing the film image on an x-ray film illuminator and displaying the digital image on an image display device (medical monitor). In such a combinatorial state, since the x-ray film illuminator and the medical monitor which are installed at different locations must be alternately viewed, a diagnostician's line of sight movement increases and diagnostic efficiency declines.
In order to solve this problem, medical image diagnosis supporting devices (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. H7-275209) are proposed in which a panel is installed on a part of an x-ray film illuminator and which enable a film image and a digital image to be observed simultaneously.
In addition, medical image display devices (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2001-235704) are proposed which display a white image in a partial region of a screen of an image display device and which use the white image display region as an x-ray film illuminator to enable a film image and a digital image to be observed simultaneously in the screen of the image display device.

Image display device and control method thereof