A method and system for more efficient completion of host-initiated FC I/O operations. Rather than returning FCP response frames from an FC port to host memory within an FC node, the FC port determines, from the content of received FCP response frames, whether or not an I/O operation has successfully completed. In the common case that I/O operations successfully complete, successful completion is indicated to the host processor of the FC node via a single bit flag within a completion message queued to a queue within the host memory. In the uncommon case that an I/O operation unsuccessfully completes, the FC port queues the FC response frame received from the target node to a queue within the host memory and a completion message queued to a queue within the host memory with the single bit flag set to indicate that an error has occurred.

The present invention relates to execution of host-initiated I/O operations in a fibre channel node, and, in particular, to a method and system for carrying out completion of I/O operations in a fibre channel node with fewer data transfers between interface-controller and host-computer components of the fibre channel node and with allocation of less host-memory resources, than in previous and current fibre-channel-node implementations.
The fibre channel (xe2x80x9cFCxe2x80x9d) is an architecture and protocol for a data communications network for interconnecting computers and peripheral devices. The FC supports, a variety of upper-level protocols, including the small computer systems interface (xe2x80x9cSCSIxe2x80x9d) protocol. A computer or peripheral device is linked to the network through an FC port and an FC link comprising copper wires or optical fibres, the computer or peripheral device, FC port, and FC link together referred to as an xe2x80x9cFC node.xe2x80x9d An FC port includes a transceiver and an interface controller, and the computer or peripheral device in which the FC port is contained is called a xe2x80x9chost.xe2x80x9d Hosts generally contain one or more processors, referred to as the xe2x80x9chost processorxe2x80x9d in the current application. The FC port exchanges data with the host via a local data bus, such as a peripheral computer interface (xe2x80x9cPCIxe2x80x9d) bus. The interface controller conducts lower-level protocol exchanges between the fibre channel and the computer or peripheral device in which the FC port resides.
An interface controller within an FC port serves essentially as a transducer between the serial receiver and transmitter components of the FC port and the host processor of the FC node in which the FC port is contained. The interface controller is concerned with, on the input side, assembling serially-encoded data received from the receiver component into ordered sets of bytes, assembling a majority of the ordered sets of bytes into basic units of data exchange, called xe2x80x9cFC frames,xe2x80x9d and passing the FC frames, along with status information, to the host processor within the context of larger collections of FC frames, called FC sequences and FC exchanges. On the output side, the interface controller accepts host memory buffer references and control information from the host processor, transforms them into FC frames, within higher-level contexts of FC sequences and FC exchanges, and provides the FC frames to the transmitter component of the FC port for serial transmission to the FC. The interface controller also exchanges lower-level control messages with remote nodes via the fibre channel that are used for configuring the fibre channel, maintaining state within fibre channel nodes, establishing temporary paths between nodes, arbitrating control of fibre channel loops, acknowledging receipt of data frames, and extending data transfer credits to remote nodes, among other things.
The interface controller communicates with the host processor through a set of host memory-based data structures and through a number of control registers accessible to both the interface controller and the host processor via a local bus, such as a PCI bus. At any given instant, the interface controller may be handling outgoing FC frames associated with different FC sequences, and may be also handling inbound FC frames from the FC associated with a number of FC sequences. The interface controller uses internal caches to cache information from the host memory-based data structures with which the interface controller communicates with the host processor.
The interface controller plays an analogous function within an FC port as that played by a computer processor in a multi-tasking operating system environment. The interface controller handles many different events concurrently with extremely dynamic patterns of state changes and information flow. The state of an interface controller is maintained in a number of different dynamic data structures and queues, generally stored within host memory, and accessible to both the interface controller and the host. The state of each currently active FC exchange and FC sequence is maintained in these data structures, as well as descriptors that reference incoming and outgoing frames, completion messages for write and read operations, and other such information.
I/O operations may be conducted within the context of a SCSI I/O operation embedded within the fibre channel protocol. An I/O operation is initiated by an initiator node in order to read data from, or write data to, a target node. At the conclusion of a write or read operation (xe2x80x9cI/O operationxe2x80x9d), the initiator node generally receives a FC response frame from the target node, whether or not the I/O operation successfully completes. This FC response frame is received by the interface controller from the fibre channel, the data contents of the FC response frame are transferred to a buffer in host memory, and a completion notice is placed into a separate completion queue in host memeory by the interface controller. Thus, data is sent from the interface controller to two different host memory locations upon reception by the initiating node of a response FC frame.
In FC controllers, as in operating systems and other real-time device controllers, memory resources are scarce, and unnecessary data transfers can decrease data transfer bandwidth through buses and slow overall data throughput. FC controller designers and manufacturers have therefore recognized a need to decrease the memory resources allocated for I/O operations and decrease the number of data transfers between an FC controller and host memory during I/O operations between FC nodes.
The present invention provides a method and system for efficient completion of I/O operations within an FC node. When the FC port of the FC node receives an FC response frame from a target node as the last FC frame of an exchange of FC frames between the FC node and the target node representing an I/O operation, the FC port analyzes data in the FC response frame to determine whether or not the I/O operation completed successfully. If the I/O operation completed successfully, then the FC port queues a completion message with an indication of successful completion to a queue maintained in host memory, avoiding transmission of the FC response frame to host memory through a bus interconnecting the FC port with host memory. If, on the other hand, analysis of the FC response frame by the FC port results in a determination that the I/O operation did not successfully complete, then the FC port queues a portion of the response frame to a single frame queue within host memory and queues a completion message to the message queue in host memory with an indication that the I/O operation did not successfully complete.
By the method and system of the present invention, the host processor of the FC node does not need to allocate memory buffers to contain the data portion of the FC response frame returned at the end of an I/O operation from the target node. Instead, the host processor can determine whether an I/O operation successfully completed by examining a bit field within a completion message queued to a message queue within host memory. If an I/O operation does not successfully complete, as indicated by the bit flag within the completion message, the host processor can use identification information included in, or referenced by, the completion message to locate the FC response frame returned by the target node upon unsuccessful completion of the I/O operation within a single frame queue in host memory. Because I/O operations generally successfully complete, queuing of FC response frames to the single frame queue of the FC port is a relatively infrequent event. Thus, by the method and system of the present invention, the host processor allocates less memory for each I/O operation than in prior art methods and systems, and the transmission overhead associated with transmitting FC response frames from the FC port to host memory is largely eliminated. This, in turn, result in expenditure of fewer host processor cycles per I/O operation, a decrease in host memory bus utilization, higher data throughput to and from the FC node, and a decrease in I/O latency with respect to prior art methods and systems.

Method and system for efficient I/O operation completion in a fibre channel node


Device for detecting and synchronising the position of at least one first wheel (16) of a timepiece mechanism (1) for an electronic analogue watch, wherein this first wheel (16) extends in one plane, the detection and synchronisation device (30) comprises at least one light source (32) emitting a light beam (34) and at least one light detection system (36), and this detection and synchronisation device is characterised in that a first light-reflecting element (40) projects from one of the upper or lower surfaces of the first wheel (16) of the timepiece mechanism (1), wherein the light source (32) and the light detection system (36) are arranged so that in a determined position of the first wheel (16) of the timepiece mechanism (1), the light beam (34) emitted by the light source (32) is reflected by the first reflective element (40) in the direction of the light detection system (36).

Electronic analogue watches are known in which the hour hand and the minute hand for display of the current time are driven either by the same electric motor or by separate electric motors, which cause the wheels of the timepiece mechanism to advance step by step. In both cases it can occur that motor steps are lost because of shocks applied to the watch, the presence of electromagnetic fields or other external interferences. The consequence of this is that, although the internal clock of the watch delivers a correct indication of the current time, the hour and minute hands deliver a distorted indication of this current time, because the motors have jumped several steps under the effect of the external interference applied to the watch. It is therefore necessary to re-synchronise the position of the hour and minute hands either initiated by application software or initiated by the user.
To enable this synchronisation to occur, the watch is equipped with a device for detecting the position of the hour wheel and of the minute wheel. At a predetermined time or when initiated by the user, a control circuit orders the hour wheel and the minute wheel to advance. This control must occur sequentially, i.e. one wheel after the other. During the course of this advancing movement, the hour wheel and the minute wheel each pass through a determined position, in which the device for detecting the position is activated, and this allows the position of the hour and minute wheels to be known with precision. The control circuit then calculates the position of the wheel, compares it to the value supplied by the internal clock of the watch and deducts from these operations the number of motor steps that have to be applied to the hour and minute wheels to bring the hands for displaying the current time to the proper position on the dial of the watch.
A known solution for detecting the position of a wheel of a timepiece mechanism for an electronic analogue watch consists of arranging a light source that emits a light beam and a light detection system on either side of the disc of the wheel. The light source and the light detection system are arranged to face one another and a hole is provided in the disc of the wheel on the path of the light source and the light detection system. When the hole arrives at the level of the light source, the light beam passes through the hole and falls on the light detection system, which allows a precise indication of the position of the wheel to be provided.
Such a device for detecting and synchronising the position of a wheel of a timepiece mechanism for an electronic analogue watch has several disadvantages. The first of these disadvantages lies in the fact that the light source and the light detection system are arranged in tiers in an essentially vertical direction, which makes the detection and synchronisation device bulky and requires spaces to be provided to the top and to the bottom. The second problem critically arises in the case where it is sought to detect the position of two wheels mounted coaxially, as is the case with an hour wheel and a minute wheel. In fact, in such a situation it is necessary, for example, to arrange the two light detection devices between the two wheels and to position the light sources respectively above and below the assembly of the two coaxial wheels. Such an arrangement is not only bulky but additionally requires two of the elements of the detection devices, e.g. the two light detection devices, to be positioned between the wheels, which makes automation of the production of such timepiece movements practically impossible.

Device for detecting and synchronising the position of a wheel of a timepiece mechanism

The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd.


A MOS transistor includes a gate electrode layer formed on an insulation layer which is formed on an element formation region defined by a field insulation layer formed on a P-type semiconductor substrate. The gate electrode layer has first and second openings formed therein. Further, N-type impurity diffusion regions acting as the drain and source of the MOS transistor are formed in those portions of the surface area of the semiconductor substrate which lie under the first and second openings.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a MOS transistor and a differential amplifier circuit using the same, and more particularly to the construction of a MOS transistor for lowering the offset voltage of a differential amplifier circuit, and a differential amplifier circuit of low offset voltage using the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIGS. 1A and 1B show a typical pattern shape and cross section of a conventional MOS transistor. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, numeral 10 denotes an element region designed for forming a MOS transistor, and numeral 12 denotes an actually formed physical element region (SDG). As can be clearly seen in FIG. 1A, the dimensions of the actually formed element region 12 are smaller than the design dimensions, because of the bird's beak of the field insulation layer 13 formed by the LOCOS method. Since the channel length L of the MOS transistor is defined by the width of the gate electrode layer 11, it is not affected by a reduction in the dimensions of the element region; however, the channel width W thereof is defined by the width of a diffusion layer 14 used as a source or drain region and is therefore reduced to W', as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, due to the dimensions of the element region being smaller than the design dimensions.
Not only does a reduction in the channel width occur in every MOS transistor formed on a semiconductor chip by means of the conventional method, but the degree of difference between the design channel width W and the actual channel width W' may vary from one MOS transistor to another, since the dimensions of the bird's beak formed in the field insulation layer 13 are not constant and vary from one portion to another of the chip on which the field insulation layer 13 is formed. Consequently, when a plurality of MOS transistors of the same construction as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B are formed on the same chip, the current characteristics may well vary from transistor to transistor.
In the case of a differential amplifier circuit, it is generally preferable to set the current characteristics of the differential input stage transistors equal to each other in order to suppress the offset voltage to a minimum. However, when the differential amplifier circuit is formed by use of MOS transistors of the construction as described before, the differential input stage transistors are likely to be formed having different channel widths, which makes it difficult to reduce the offset voltage.
A ring-shaped MOS transistor as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B has been developed as a type the channel width of which is not affected by a reduction in the dimensions of the element region. FIG. 2A shows the pattern shape of this MOS transistor and FIG. 2B shows a cross section thereof. In the above MOS transistor, a diffusion region 24 formed inside a ring-shaped gate electrode layer 21 serves as a drain region, and a diffusion region 25 formed outside layer 21 serves as a source region. Numeral 20 denotes an element region designed for forming a MOS transistor and numeral 22 denotes an actually formed physical element region. As can be clearly seen in FIG. 2A, the dimensions of the actually formed element region 22 are smaller than the design dimensions, because of the bird's beak of the field insulation layer 13.
However, in the above MOS transistor, the channel length L is defined by the width of the annular portion of the ring-shaped gate electrode layer 21 and the channel width W is determined by the circumference of a circle formed halfway between the inner circumference of the ring-shaped gate electrode layer 21 and the outer circumference thereof, and is not influenced by the dimensions of the element region. Consequently, the transistor characteristic is not affected by any reduction in the dimensions of the element region.
The gate electrode layer 21 of the above transistor is formed independently in the element region and does not extend to the outside thereof. For this reason, it is necessary for a contact to be formed which directly connects the gate electrode layer 21 and a wiring on layer 21, in which case the dimensions of the contact area are determined by the width of the annular portion of layer 21.
Therefore, in order to obtain a sufficiently large contact area, it becomes necessary to increase the width of the annular portion of the gate electrode layer 21. However, any increase in the width of the annular portion causes a corresponding increase in the dimensions of the element of the MOS transistor, thereby preventing any increase in the integration density.

MOS transistor and differential amplifier circuit with low offset


The present application concerns compositions comprising ellagitannins and proanthocyanidins, and the use of such compositions for preventing or treating endothelial dysfunction. The compositions of the invention comprise at least one ellagitannin in combination with at least one proanthocyanidin. The present application also concerns methods of treating, preventing, or delaying the onset of endothelial dysfunction using compositions comprising ellagitannins and proanthocyanidins.

Polyphenol compounds are a class of organic compounds characterized by the presence of multiple phenol structural units. Thousands of naturally occurring polyphenol compounds are known, and the broad class of polyphenol compounds can be broken down into subgroups, such as flavonoids, which contain a 15 carbon atom scaffold comprising two aromatic rings linked by a three carbon bridge. The sub-class flavonoids can be broken down further to include compounds such as procyanidins, which are oligomeric compounds formed primarily from catechin and epicatechin molecules. One important class of non-flavonoid polyphenols are phenolic acids such as gallic acid, a precursor of hydrolysable tannins, such as ellagitannins.
Natural sources of polyphenols include common foodstuffs such as tea, coffee, cocoa, red wine, beer, cider, fruits, vegetables and nuts (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2010, 58: 4959-69). Other sources of polyphenols include plants that are generally not regarded as foodstuffs, but may be used as traditional herbal medicines, such as flowering plants of the Epilobium genus, commonly known as willowherb.
The endothelium is a single layer of cells lining every blood vessel. Maintaining healthy endothelial function is critical for overall health and wellbeing. Endothelial dysfunction is a common characteristic of altered cardiovascular function leading to coronary heart disease, and more generally atherothrombotic diseases including stroke and peripheral vascular disease. All risk factors for cardiovascular disease—raised LDL cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure (hypertension), increasing age and lack of exercise—have been linked to endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction is widely recognised as a precursor to atherosclerotic lesion formation. Common characteristics of endothelial dysfunction include: increased inflammation; reductions in the healthy anti-thrombotic functions of the endothelium; increased synthesis of mediators that stimulate remodelling and vascular stiffness; and increased vasoconstriction with reduced vasodilatation.
Endothelial dysfunction is not only associated with the underlying mechanisms leading to cardiovascular disease, but also as a risk factor for cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction. The severity of endothelial dysfunction is closely associated with increased risk of mortality in patients with chronic heart failure. Although statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors cause modest improvements in endothelial function, there are currently no pharmaceutical medications that specifically treat endothelial dysfunction.
Nitric oxide (NO) plays a crucial role in normal endothelial function, including maintaining vascular homeostasis, modulation of vasodilator tone, regulation of local cell growth, and protection of the vessel from injurious consequences of platelets and cells circulating in blood. NO is continuously synthesized in endothelial cells by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). However, in patients with endothelial dysfunction, NO production can be impaired and endothelial dysfunction is often observed experimentally and clinically as reduced NO-dependent vasodilatation.
eNOS synthesizes nitric oxide using the amino acid L-arginine in the presence of the co-factor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). Recent approaches to the treatment of endothelial dysfunction have used both BH4 and L-arginine supplements in an attempt to boost production of NO. However, both of these approaches have drawbacks and lack reproducibility. In particular, BH4 readily oxidises to an inactive form, making it difficult to calculate how much of a given dose of BH4 is actually bioavailable to a patient in need thereof (Antioxidants and Redox Signaling, 2014, 20: 3040-77). The importance of BH4 has been further documented by overexpression of eNOS in mouse models, in which it was found that the resultant BH4—eNOS imbalance led to augmented formation of atherosclerotic lesions (Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2002, 110: 331-40). Moreover, the use of L-arginine supplements has been linked to higher post-infarction mortality, likely as a consequence of endothelial BH4 deficiency (Journal of the American Medical Association, 2006, 295: 58-64).
A further characteristic of endothelial dysfunction is increased synthesis of the vasoconstrictor peptide endothelin-1. Antagonists of endothelin-1 cause vasodilation and improve endothelium-dependent vasodilator responses in older people (Clinical Science, 2011, 120: 485-9), and in patients with atherosclerosis (Circulation, 2010, 122: 958-66).
Research on reversing endothelial dysfunction has identified the transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) as a key regulator of healthy endothelium, which affords protection from atherosclerosis. It has been proposed that agents that increase KLF2 in the endothelium could be used to treat endothelial dysfunction (Cardiovascular Pathology, 2013; 22:9-15). Some procyanidins are known to increase KLF2 transiently for a few hours (Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry, 2010; 58:4008-4013). Identification of agents that could sustain this induction would have greater therapeutic utility in restoring or maintaining endothelial function.
The effects of dietary polyphenols on vascular function have been investigated for more than 50 years. Hawthorn berry extract has been used for centuries as a treatment for cardiovascular disease including chronic heart failure (Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2002, 42: 605-12). The beneficial effects on cardiac function have been attributed to the high content of flavanols, principally procyanidins. High flavanol cocoa drinks and high flavanol dark chocolate have been found to improve endothelial function in patients with chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes (European Heart Journal, 2012, 33: 2172-80; Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2008, 51: 2141-9; Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2010, 56: 218-24). Grape seed extract, which is also mainly composed of procyanidins, also lowers blood pressure (Metabolism Clinical and Experimental, 2009, 58: 1743-6) and improves vascular function (Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 2004, 5: 272-8). The improvement in cardiovascular function with products containing high amounts of procyanidins is consistent with studies on isolated vessels showing that purified procyanidins cause endothelium-dependent vasodilatation via NO release (U.S. Pat. No. 6,706,756 B1), and inhibit the synthesis of endothelin-1 (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2010, 58: 4008-13).
The anti-atherosclerotic actions of pomegranate juice (Punica Granatum) have been reported (U.S. Pat. No. 8,221,806 B2). Pomegranate juice and pomegranate fruit extract promote endothelium-dependent vasodilatation of isolated vessels (Nitric Oxide, 2007, 17: 50-4). The components responsible for these effects have not been described.
Previous human volunteer and patient studies specifically focusing on dietary polyphenols and their impact on endothelial dysfunction have been poorly executed. Studies that have claimed to investigate such compounds and their effects on cardiovascular health have used complex, poorly defined mixtures of compounds, such that it was impossible to attribute any overall health benefit to any one particular component. Moreover, many studies have only measured indirect effects, such as blood pressure, rather than looking at nitric oxide production or endothelin-1 synthesis. For example, Basu et al. investigated the effect on cardiovascular health of berries (Nutrition Reviews 2010, 68: 168-177), while Asgary et al. investigated the effects of pomegranate juice on blood pressure (ARYA Atherosclerosis, 2013, 9: 326-31). However, both berries and pomegranate juice contain a wide variety of compounds, including not only polyphenol compounds such as proanthocyanidins or ellagitannins but also other substances known to have health benefits such as vitamins, minerals and fibre. Thus, it is impossible to draw any clear conclusions from these studies regarding the effects of dietary polyphenols on nitric oxide production and endothelial dysfunction.
There is a need in the art for new treatments for endothelial dysfunction. In particular, it would be advantageous to provide new treatments for endothelial dysfunction comprising an optimised mixture of purified polyphenol compounds, since it is anticipated that the side-effect profile from such compositions would be favourable. Compounds that improve endothelial function are also expected to be useful ergogenic aids. Thus, the provision of new ergogenic compositions is a further aim of the present invention.

Method of treating endothelial dysfunction with oenothein B and proanthocyanidins


A ventilated crib bumper is provided for forming a safer protective barrier around the interior boundary of a crib. The crib typically has side supports defining an interior boundary extending around the periphery of a mattress disposed in the crib. The periphery of the mattress is spaced from the interior boundary by a spacing. The ventilated bumper is supported in the spacing. The ventilated bumper includes an upper bumper section disposed above the upper surface of the mattress and a lower bumper section disposed at least partly in the spacing between the interior boundary of the crib and the periphery of the mattress. The upper bumper section has at least one padded portion which includes flexible padding and at least one ventilated portion which includes a plurality of openings for ventilating between the interior of the crib and the exterior of the crib. In a specific embodiment, the ventilated portion includes a continuous strip of mesh extending substantially around the periphery of the mattress and disposed between the lower bumper section and the padded portion of the upper bumper section. A ventilation upgrade kit can be used to convert a non-ventilated bumper pad into a ventilated crib bumper easily and economically.

This invention relates generally to baby crib bumpers and, more particularly, to protecting an infant or a child from bodily impact against the sides of the crib while ventilating dangerous gases such as carbon dioxide out of the crib.
Crib bumper pads are widely used in baby cribs for protecting a child from injury caused by bodily impact against the sides of the crib that form the interior boundary of the crib. The accumulation of carbon dioxide or other dangerous gases inside the crib is a possible cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Existing crib bumper pads, however, tend to trap these dangerous gases inside the crib. Those bumper pads may pose a serious threat to the health and well-being of children.

Ventilation upgrade kit for a crib bumper and method of using it


A snowboard binding may be mounted to a pair of mounting holes provided in a snowboard in a position and at an angle preferred by the rider. The binding is attached to the snowboard at a pair of base parts that are not interposed between the rider's foot and the snowboard. The base parts each include an opening therethrough and a pair of securable posts, with one post being fixed to either side of the opening. A pair of locking plates, slidably securable to the base parts, are adjustably mountable. Each locking plate includes a pair of collinear slots slidably engagable on the posts of the base parts and a third slot located between and substantially perpendicular to the collinear slots and situated such that, when the locking plates are slidably secured to the base, each locking plate may be removably fastened to the snowboard by passing a fastener through the third slot and through the opening into one of the mounting holes.

Snowboards are a recently developed alternative to skis for winter recreation. Envisioned as something of a hybrid of a skateboard, a surfboard, and a water ski, a snowboard allows a rider to traverse downhill snow-covered slopes or to perform freestyle stunts on the snowboard.
A snowboard rider negotiating a downhill slope or freestyle exhibition moves his body and shifts his weight to direct the snowboard as desired. Since all efforts to control and direct the snowboard are accomplished through the legs and feet, riders desire as much direct contact with the snowboard as possible, thereby ensuring that they can feel how the snowboard reacts to their movements.
At the same time, it is also desirable for the rider's feet to be secured firmly to the snowboard to ensure that his or her body movements are translated accurately into directed snowboard motion. In most snowboard bindings known to the art, a base plate is attached directly to the snowboard itself and forms an intermediate layer between the snowboard and the rider's boot.
However, at least three drawbacks hamper existing bindings which incorporate base plates between the boot and the snowboard. Base plates increase snowboard rigidity, diminish the rider's ability to feel and quickly respond to the snowboard's motion, and raise binding cost and complexity. When a snowboard is too rigid, it cannot bend in response to contours in the snow, thereby diminishing its responsiveness and generally making the snowboard more difficult to control. Increased response times can put the rider into potentially dangerous situations, where split-second response times are even more important.
In the few prior art snowboard bindings that do not require an underfoot base plate, the bindings have been rigidly mounted in place, and, therefore, will not securely accommodate the rider's boots in a variety of positions at his or her preference.
When riding a snowboard, the rider's feet are generally positioned across the long axis of the snowboard in much the same way that one would ride a skateboard. Among riders, however, there are various preferences over the preferred position of the feet. While some riders point their feet toward opposite ends of the board, others prefer a toe-in stance. Still others prefer to orient the feet in parallel across the board's length or at another angle.
What is desired therefore, is a snowboard binding that allows a rider to feel the board beneath the feet, and that gives a rider more choice than is presently available with respect to the position and angle at which the bindings are mounted.


A modular display system is disclosed for displaying a map, graph, chart or other planar graphic representation in a plurality of planar modules capable of being disposed in a planar contiguous array having a smooth, markable surface. Each module is formed of a generally rectangular planar base portion having a plurality of planar projecting tongues and planar grooves, a rectangular portion of a map, graph, chart or other planar graphic representation, and a rectangular planar transparent cover portion. The aligned attachment of a base portion, a graphic portion, and a cover portion using adhesive forms a module. By temporary interlocking planar arrangement of modules, with tongues and grooves of each base portion in mating disposition with the grooves and tongues of other base portions, a planar surface is provided with the graphic portions capable of being viewed through the cover portions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to display systems for maps, graphs, charts and similar planar graphic representations, and particularly concerns display systems of type that are formed as separable modules, each module representing a portion of the display of a map, graph, chart or other planar graphic representation.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The array of available modular display systems includes a variety of systems where a map, graph, chart or other planar graphic representation to be displayed is divided into portions or modules. For instance, the system described in U.S. Pat. No. 964,065 includes a vertically mountable display divided into interlocking modules connected by longitudinally locking pins. In addition, the portions of a map or other display may be formed as pages of a book, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,889,638, or may be removably disposed within a ring binder, such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,030,218 and 4,673,197. Further, a portion of the surface of display portions may have a transparent surface that enables various markings to be drawn on and thereafter removed from the surface, so that, for instance, a route may be drawn on a map and later removed.
Despite the availability of such display systems, there exists a need in the art for a modular display system that is capable of use for conveniently drawing a route or similar on the surface of the modules disposed in a contiguous configuration, yet permits the modules to be separated and placed in a ring notebook.


A motor assembly includes an electric motor having a stator and a rotor. A housing is coupled to the electric motor. The housing includes a terminal housing portion defining a first aperture and a second aperture. A power input terminal is disposed within the terminal housing portion. The power input terminal receives power input connections from at least one of the first aperture and the second aperture. A motor controller is disposed within the housing, the motor controller in communication with the power input terminals and the stator. A human machine interface (HMI) is in communication with the motor controller.

The invention relates to electric motors. More specifically, the invention relates to housings for electric motors.
Pump motors, such as for swimming pools, are often installed in locations that simplify plumbing and connections to related equipment. These installation locations often provide limited access to the pump motor due to the proximity of walls or other structures. Limited access may make it difficult to route power connections to terminals on the motor.

Electric motor with multiple power access


A control device for an infrared ray sauna facility is provided. The sauna facility has a chamber and the chamber has a door and infrared ray generating units, and the control device includes a control circuit, an inside control panel that is connected to the control circuit and is installed inside the chamber, and an outside control panel that is connected to the control circuit and is installed outside the chamber. The control circuit controls the infrared ray generating units to adjust the temperature of the sauna facility. Each of the inside control panel and outside control panel includes a display device and an input device. The control circuit includes a clock so that a user of the sauna facility can reserve time to use the sauna facility. The control device also includes a temperature sensor so that the control circuit performs feedback control of the temperature.

The present invention relates to a control device for a sauna facility. More particularly, the invention relates to an infrared ray sauna facility that can be conveniently controlled both from inside and outside of the facility by a user of the facility.
The infrared ray is divided into the near infrared ray that has a wavelength from 0.76 to 1.5 micron, the middle infrared ray that has a wavelength from 1.5 to 5.6 micron, and the far infrared ray that has a wavelength from 5.6 to 1000 micron. Among these, the far infrared ray has a characteristic that may penetrate into human skin up to 40 mm, and resonates molecules that form the human cells; thereby the molecules generate heat by themselves.
An infrared ray sauna facility uses the far infrared ray as its heat source.
In contrast with a typical sauna device that heats air above 100 degree Celsius, the infrared ray sauna facility makes it possible to enjoy sauna at temperature as low as 40˜80 degree Celsius. Thus people who cannot enjoy the conventional high temperature sauna, including the old, the weak and children can enjoy sauna safely with the infrared sauna facility.
An infrared ray sauna facility includes a chamber into which a user can enter and sit. The chamber has a door to get into, and a seat for a user. A plurality of infrared ray generating units are installed on the inside wall of the chamber. A controller for controlling the infrared ray generating units is installed outside the chamber. The user controls the temperature inside the chamber or the operating time of the facility with the controller.
With such an infrared ray sauna facility by prior art, when the user wants to change the conditions inside the chamber, such as temperature, the user must open the door and come out of the chamber to access the controller. The user then goes into the chamber again. A disadvantage is that cold outside air flows into the chamber while the door is open, thereby dropping the temperature inside the chamber. It takes some time to return to the adequate temperature, especially when the ambient temperature is low. Also, electric power consumption is increased to compensate the lost heat, and the sauna effect that the user feels diminishes.

Control device for an infrared ray sauna facility


Monofilaments fabricated from polymers derived in whole or in part from p-dioxanone are provided. The monofilaments exhibit improved tensile properties such as straight-pull strength and knot-pull strength. The monofilaments can be employed in the fabrication of a wide variety of surgical devices such as sutures, fabric prostheses, and the like.

This invention relates to monofilaments fabricated from polymers derived in whole or in part from p-dioxanone and a method for producing such monofilaments, as well as to medical/surgical devices fabricated in whole or in part from such monofilaments. More particularly, this invention relates to poly-p-dioxanone monofilaments possessing increased straight-pull strength and knot-pull strength and to a method for producing such monofilaments which employs a cold draw process as well as to sutures, fabric prostheses, etc. fabricated in whole or in part from the monofilaments of this invention.
Monofilaments produced from polymers derived in whole or in part from p-dioxanone are known in the manufacture of medical/surgical articles such as sutures, fabric prostheses, and the like. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,052,988, 4,243,775, 4,300,565, 4,440,789, 4,559,945, 4,591,630, 4,643,191, 4,649,921, 4,653,497, 4,838,267, 5,007,923, 5,047,048 and 5,080,665.
Methods for producing monofilaments from p-dioxanone-containing polymers are known and generally include the steps of extruding such a polymer to provide a monofilament, quenching the monofilament to effect its solidification, drawing/stretching the solidified monofilament at a suitable draw ratio before, during and/or after it has been heated to achieve molecular orientation and impart strength to the monofilament and, optionally, annealing the monofilament to relieve internal stresses. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,052,988, 4,643,191 and 4,838,267.


The search engine of the present invention combines the rated index of the content of a web site with the correlation of links to other sites to provide a logical grouping of related sites and enhanced search engine ranking capability. Further, the search engine enhances the results by indicating the closest groupings to the desired topic and iteratively refining the search results. Moreover, the search engine may be utilized to search through any types of data or information having links, pointers or other indicators to other data related in any fashion. For example, the present invention may be utilized to search through data containing documents listing or citing other related documents by specific identification (e.g., case law, patents, various newspaper or other articles, etc.), whereby a search query may result in finding initial documents satisfying the query and other documents related to those initial documents.

1. Technical Field
The present invention pertains to computer systems for navigating a network and searching for information stored within systems residing thereon. In particular, the present invention pertains to a search engine and navigation tool for a network, such as the Internet, that provides search results in accordance with search criteria and/or associated sites.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Current internet search engines have developed various techniques for ranking web sites as to their relevance to a search, usually on the basis of the location and frequency of search terms residing in the site and web site popularity as determined by the quantity of links to a web site. This technique is not necessarily conducive to finding web sites that are closely related to the search terms since wording within the web sites may not be judged properly by a search engine that rates web site relevance by frequency criteria and link quantity.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide network search results in accordance with search criteria and/or sites associated with the search results.
It is another object of the present invention to determine relevancy of network search results based on associations with search result sites.
Yet another object of the present invention is to refine network search results based on associations with user selected sites.
Still another object of the present invention is to combine network search results based on content and/or associations with user selected sites to provide refined search results having enhanced relevancy to a particular topic.
The aforesaid objects are achieved individually and/or in combination, and it is not intended that the present invention be construed as requiring two or more of the objects to be combined unless expressly required by the claims attached hereto.
According to the present invention, an enhanced ranking may be made of the logical grouping of a multitude of network or web sites by correlating the links available on web pages. The correlation of these links can be determined from the number of times two or more of the sites are linked from common web pages. In other words, if two specific web sites are each listed as links by a third-party site, the two sites are somewhat likely to have a common theme, even if they do not directly link to one another. If numerous third-party sites link to both of the two specific sites, the probability of the two specific sites being related becomes greater. For example, even if web pages of two car manufacturers do not link to one another, numerous web pages do link to both manufacturers since the topics on both car manufacturer pages are closely related. In addition, search results may include numerous web sites that are related to each other based upon link analysis. Web sites that have strong relationships and match a search query are more likely to be related to the search than web sites that have few or no related sites within the search results. The relationships and corresponding strengths are used to determine rankings for listing the sites in order of relevancy with the most relevant sites being listed ahead of the lesser relevant sites.
Upon xe2x80x9cspideringxe2x80x9d the Web (e.g., traversing substantially the entire Web by following links between web pages), groupings of web sites can be determined by setting threshold values for sites that are linked by common web sites. The greater the quantity of common links in a grouping and the closer the proximity of the links to one another, the closer the relationship between the grouping of sites. A statistically accurate assumption can be made as to validity of a grouping of sites by setting threshold values for the quantity of common links. The present invention combines the rated index of the content of a web site with the correlation of links to other sites to provide a logical grouping of related sites and enhanced search engine ranking capability. Further, the present invention enhances the results by indicating the closest groupings to the desired topic and iteratively refining the search results.

Network search engine and navigation tool and method of determining search results in accordance with search criteria and/or associated sites


A photography unit photographs a target, a control unit acquires distance data between a photography position and a target to be photographed of the photography unit, an azimuth angle and an elevation/depression angle of a photography direction of the photography unit together with the image information by an angle distance measurement unit synchronously or asynchronously to the shutter operation of the photography unit. The angle distance measurement unit has a configuration without using an axis fixed onto a mobile object. Coordinate information of the photography position of the photography unit is acquired from the coordinate measurement unit synchronously to asynchronously to the shutter operation. The control unit calculates coordinate information of a photographing target, based on the data of the acquired distance data, the azimuth, elevation and depression angles, and the coordinate information.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a system and program for generating integrated database of imaged map.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, according to the proposed techniques, a camera that is mounted on such as an airplane is used for photographing an image of a ground surface, to specify the position of a target ground surface. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-331831 discloses a position-reading unit which can read and register a damaged point in real time, while the images output by a TV camera are watched. This TV camera is mounted on an airplane, and takes photos always in a perpendicular downward direction. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-343213 discloses a position specification unit which photographs an image of a ground surface using a camera mounted on a mobile object, such as an airplane, and specifies the absolute position of the target to be photographed, based on a photography direction of the camera, a travel direction of the mobile object, the absolute position of the mobile object, and the distance between the camera and the target to be photographed.
The conventional technique of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-331831 has a problem that the photography direction of a camera is limited only to a perpendicular downward direction, thus has a very low degree of freedom in the photography direction.
The conventional technique of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-343213 has a problem that the azimuth direction cannot be decided, when the operator performs the photographing while holding the camera in hand. This is because the rotational angle of the camera is obtained with respect to the axis fixed on a mobile object (for example, airplane), and the azimuth angle is determined based on this rotational angle and the traveling direction of the mobile object.

System and program for generating integrated database of imaged map


An apparatus for collecting and bundling long rolling stock includes a collecting station for a layer of rolling stock lying side-by-side, a receiving device for the layer of rolling stock, a bundle forming station arranged at a side of the collecting station, and an arrangement for transporting the layer of rolling stock into a depositing position in the bundle forming station. The transporting arrangement includes two support arches that stand at a distance from another and span at least a collecting station and a bundle forming station. Each of the support arches defines a travel path having a horizontal segment that is guided into a vertical segment in a region of the bundle forming station. A carriage is arranged at each support arch so that both carriages are synchronously movable on the travel paths. A cross-piece is provided so as to join together the two support arches and support the receiving device, each end of the cross-piece is supported by one of the carriages so that the cross-piece is movable parallel to the rolling stock, and a device for carrying off the bundled rolling stock from the bundle forming station.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention is directed to an apparatus, for the collecting and ordered bundling of long rolling stock, particularly rods and pipes. Such a device includes a collecting station for a layer of rolling stock lying side by side, a receiving device for the layer of rolling stock, which receiving device preferably comprises magnet shoes, and devices for transporting the layer of rolling stock into a depositing position in a bundle forming station arranged at the side of the collecting station, as well as conveying means for carrying off bundled rolling stock.
2. Description of the Related Art
A device of the generic type is known from DE-A1-34 38 707. Such devices have the aim of gathering long rolling stock in bundles so as to enable transportation of such bundles. In the case of pipes, the greatest packing density is achieved when the pipes are combined in so-called hexagon bundles in which the longitudinal sides are comprised of at least three pipes. Such hexagon bundles can be advantageously stacked for further transport.
The known device includes two pairs of girders, which are connected with one another in an articulated manner and with a magnet shoe and the stand plate in an articulated manner, as well as intermediately arranged work cylinders. The pair of girders are connected in a corresponding manner, being arranged at a distance from one another corresponding approximately to the length of the pipe, and are supported so as to be swivelable at right angles to a separator. The device is costly and requires a complicated controlling of the flow of movements for taking over the layers of rolling stock and transferring them to the bundle forming station. Because of the large number of moving parts, the known device is susceptible to wear and requires frequent maintenance.

Apparatus for collecting and ordered bundling of long rolling stock


The invention concerns a microdialysis system comprising a microdialysis probe (12) that can be inserted into organic tissue (10) and has a dialysis membrane (28) to separate a probe channel (18) filled with perfusion fluid from the tissue (10), a sensor cell (14) to determine the concentration of components and especially glucose in the perfusion fluid that is conveyed from the microdialysis probe (12) and a transport device (16) to convey the perfusion fluid through the probe channel (18) of the microdialysis probe (12) to the sensor cell (14). In order to enable a substantially pressureless transport of perfusion fluid through the microdialysis probe and thus to prevent undesired passage of fluid through the dialysis membrane (28), it is proposed that the transport device (16) has a pressure pump unit (30) connected on the pressure side to the inlet (20) of the probe channel (18) and a suction pump unit (31) connected on the suction side to the outlet (24) of the probe channel (18) that can be operated simultaneously with the pressure pump unit (30).

The invention concerns a microdialysis system comprising a microdialysis probe that can be inserted in organic tissue and has a dialysis membrane to separate a probe channel filled with perfusion fluid from the tissue, a sensor cell for the preferably electrochemical detection of components and especially glucose in the perfusion fluid that is conveyed from the microdialysis probe and a transport device to convey the perfusion fluid through the probe channel of the microdialysis probe to the sensor cell.
In a measuring system of this type known from WO 97/42868, the transport device has a dialysate pump downstream of the microdialysis probe embedded in the body tissue which sucks perfusion fluid from a reservoir through the probe and passes it on to the extracorporeal sensor cell while dialysate is formed. In this suction transport the operating pressure of the pump is adjusted according to the desired delivery rate to overcome the obstacles to flow in the suction branch. The small bore flow cross-sections thus result in a significant negative pressure difference (underpressure) of the perfusion fluid in the probe channel relative to the interstitial fluid. Consequently tissue fluid is practically sucked by ultrafiltration through the dialysis membrane into the probe. It has even been observed in in vitro experiments that the entire solution at the outlet of the probe is derived from ultrafiltration. Although in suction operation the actual flow rate of the dialysate solution leaving the microdialysis probe corresponds to the set value, the origin of the liquid (ultrafiltrate from body tissue or perfusate) is uncertain. Another disadvantage is that the function of the dialysis membrane can be impaired by a negative pressure gradient. In particular this can lead to a reduction of the active exchange surface by accumulation of macromolecules on the tissue side or by constructional factors and thus the amount of dialysate obtained is also reduced.
Conversely when the perfusion fluid is pressure fed by a perfusate pump in the delivery branch of the microdialysis probe, the problem arises that perfusion fluid, and hence essentially water, is discharged through the dialysis membrane into the tissue as a result of the required overpressure. This is disadvantageous since the tissue fluid around the probe is diluted, the tissue glucose has to diffuse into the probe channel against a counterflow of water molecules and the flow rate of perfusion fluid at the outlet cannot be determined due to the loss of liquid. A further disadvantage is that when the pump fails there is a risk that reagent solution added to the outlet branch can eventually pass into the body tissue via the microdialysis probe.
Based on this, the object of the invention is to eliminate the said disadvantages and to improve a microdialysis system of the type described above in such a manner that the dialysis function is reliable and defined.
A combination of features as stated in claim 1 is proposed as a solution to this object. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention result from the dependent claims.
The essence of the invention is to utilize a combined push-pull transport of perfusion fluid to optimize the diffusion processes across the dialysis membrane. Accordingly the invention proposes that the transport device has a pressure pump unit which is connected on the pressure side with the inlet of the probe channel and a suction pump unit connected on the suction side with the outlet of the probe channel which operates simultaneously with the pressure pump unit. This allows a desired pressure level to be set in the region of the microdialysis membrane between the positive output pressure of the pressure pump unit and the negative input pressure of the suction pump unit. In this connection it is advantageous that the pressure pump unit is exclusively connected on the pressure side with the inlet and the suction pump unit is exclusively connected on the suction side with the outlet of the probe channel. This can be achieved by the pressure pump unit and the suction pump unit each being connected to the probe channel of the microdialysis probe by a non-branching duct which is preferably a flexible hose. This ensures defined flow conditions and guarantees that the mass flow through any flow cross-sections in the respective duct is of equal magnitude in the same time interval.
In a preferred embodiment the delivery rates of the pressure and suction pump unit are matched and are preferably essentially equal in order to reduce the effective pressure difference between the perfusion and tissue fluid across the dialysis membrane. This achieves an equilibrium at a low pressure level between the perfusion fluid and the tissue fluid across the dialysis membrane such that no ultrafiltration occurs and the origin of the solution which leaves the probe channel as well as its delivery rate and flow rate are known and defined. This also ensures that glucose passes through the dialysis membrane solely as a result of diffusion. At the same time this prevents the membrane from being sucked onto the probe lumen and thus maintains the effective membrane surface.
As a result of the push-pull operation it is possible to operate the dialysis process at low perfusion rates. The delivery rate of the pressure and suction pump unit is preferably less than 1 xcexcl, preferably less than 0.1 xcexcl per minute.
For long-term operation it is preferable that the suction side of the pressure pump unit is connected to a reservoir of perfusion fluid whereas the pressure side of the suction pump unit is connected to a flow chamber of the sensor cell which preferably terminates in a collecting vessel. The sensor cell or the sensor unit has an electrode arrangement operating electrochemically which allows a measuring signal to be detected in the flow chamber that correlates with the glucose content of the dialysate in a known manner. Basically it is also possible that the suction pump unit is downstream of the sensor cell so that the flow chamber is integrated in the suction path.
In order to chemically process the dialysate a reagent pump unit can be provided which is used to meter a reagent solution, in particular an enzyme solution, into the perfusion fluid upstream of the sensor cell. A further improvement, also with regard to reducing the risk of contamination, is achieved by connecting the pressure side of the reagent pump unit and of the suction pump unit preferably via a Y connector to a connecting duct leading to the sensor cell.
A technically advantageous embodiment of the system envisages that the pressure pump unit, the suction pump unit and optionally the reagent pump unit each consist of a flexible pump tube of a multichannel peristaltic pump that are actuated by a common rotating piston.
The microdialysis probe preferably comprises a double-lumen catheter which has a micropore dialysis membrane preferably made of hollow fibres in the area of its distal end, the outside of which is embedded in the tissue and the inside of which is filled with perfusion fluid.


A magnetic recording/reproducing head assembly comprising a first magnetic path forming member on which a coil is mounted, a second magnetic path forming member which forms a magnetic path in cooperation with the first magnetic path forming member, and a film laminate formed at a front gap portion between the first magnetic path forming member and the second magnetic path forming member. The film laminate includes a magnetic detecting element for detecting a change in a magnetic field and a soft magnetic film or films. This magnetic head assembly is prepared by forming the film laminate on a head base of the head assembly, bonding a core member to the head base with the film laminate formed thereon, and mounting a coil on the core member.

a. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a magnetic recording/reproducing head assembly for carrying out recording/reproducing of data with respect to a magnetic recording medium such as a magnetic disk and to a process for preparing the magnetic head assembly.
b. Background Art
Various magnetic head assemblies have been proposed heretofore for recording/reproducing data with respect to a magnetic recording medium. One known magnetic recording/reproducing head assembly as disclosed in Japanese Publication of Unexamined Patent Application (KOKAI) No. 50-93127 utilizes a thin film forming technique.
The magnetic recording/reproducing head assembly disclosed in the publication has, at an end portion of its head base, a thin-film laminate including a magnetoresistance element and insulating films, conductive films having exciting coils formed thereon, soft magnetic films functioning as magnetic poles, which are formed on opposite sides of the magnetoresistance element. This magnetic head assembly, however, has a structural drawback that the recording gap can not be short because there are provided various films such as the magnetoresistance element, the insulating films and the conductive films within the recording gap defined between the soft magnetic films.
To solve this problem, a magnetic head assembly as disclosed in Japanese Publication of Unexamined Patent Application (KOKAI) No. 51-148411 has been proposed. This prior art magnetic head assembly comprises a conductive film with an exciting coil formed thereon and soft magnetic films provided on opposite sides of the conductive film. A magnetoresistance element is provided not between the soft magnetic films but outside the soft magnetic film, adjacent thereto. The head assembly further comprises magnetic films provided on opposite sides of the magnetoresistance element for the purpose of magnetic shield. These films are formed on one end of a base of the magnetic head assembly.
Japanese Publication of Unexamined Patent Application (KOKAI) No. 60-121506 discloses a bulk magnetic recording/reproducing head assembly. This magnetic head assembly, however, is far from practicable. It is quite difficult to connect lead wires directly to either side of a magnetoresistance element having a very narrow reproducing track width because there are no provision for the lead connection. It is further difficult to positioning the magnetoresistane element accurately.
The former two prior art magnetic head assemblies as described above have the magnetoresistance element for detecting the reproducing magnetic field and the soft magnetic films for generating the recording magnetic field. These films are formed precisely by the thin-film forming technique. Therefore, these head assemblies can provide not only excellent S/N ratio and recording/reproducing characteristics, but is capable of improving the recording density.
These magnetic head assemblies, on the other hand, have such a disadvantage that all the element and films are formed by the film forming technique and needs many film forming steps Especially, KOKAI No. 51-148411 additionally includes magnetic films for establishing a magnetic shield and they require additional film forming steps therefor, resulting in additional increase of the manufacturing cost.
The conductive film having an exciting coil formed thereon requires many steps to be prepared. The magnetic head assembly comprising a plurality of conductive layers, therefore, needs a number of steps, which will lower the yield of the products and increase the cost of manufacturing.
Besides, the home appliance manufacturing section or computer manufacturing section of the industry has a keen interest in manufacturing competitive products of quality having a good recording/reproducing characteristics at a lower cost.

Magnetic recording/reproducing head assembly


A transmission-type video projection television system employs a transmission-type screen for displaying an image projected from a rear projector for visual observation by an observer in front of the screen. The transmission-type screen has Fresnel and lenticular lenses, one of which has an electrically conductive layer or a metal member on its surface to prevent the lens from being electrostatically charged, so that dust or dirt particles will not be attracted to the screen.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a transmission-type screen and a transmission-type video projection television system which employs such a transmission-type screen for displaying an image projected from a rear projector for visual observation by an observer in front of the screen, and more particularly to an uncharged transmission-type screen which has an electrically conductive surface to prevent the screen from being electrostatically charged for thereby preventing dust or dirt particles in the air from being attracted to the screen, and a video projection television system which employs such an uncharged transmission-type screen.
2. Description of the Prior Art
One conventional transmission-type screen of plastic material for use in transmission-type video projection television is of a double-lens structure comprising a Fresnel lens and a lenticular lens which are combined with each other. The transmission-type screen has black stripes on its surfaces for absorbing and blocking rays of light. The black stripes are typically printed with black ink or coated with black paint. The black stripes of blank ink or paint present an electric resistance of 1.4.times.10.sup.11 .OMEGA. on the exit-side surface (a) of the lenticular lens, an electric resistance of 3.5.times.10.sup.11 .OMEGA. on the entrance-side surface (b) of the lenticular lens, an electric resistance of 1.4.times.10.sup.11 .OMEGA. on the exit-side surface (c) of the Fresnel lens, and an electric resistance of 1.4.times.10.sup.11 .OMEGA. on the exit-side surface (d) of the lenticular lens, an electric resistance of 1.4.times.10.sup.11 .OMEGA. on the entrance-side surface of the lenticular lens, as shown in FIG. 18 in the row indicated at .alpha.. Since these surface electric resistances are very high, the screen surfaces can easily be triboelectrically charged up to an extremely high electrostatic potential. For example, when the exit-side surface (a) of the lenticular lens is rubbed, it is electrostatically charged up to 10 KV; and when the entrance-side surface (d) of the Fresnel lens is rubbed, it is electrostatically charged up to 30 KV. The electrostatically charged screen surfaces easily attract dust or dirt particles in the ambient air, and can be smeared very quickly.
When the dust or dirt deposit is wiped off the charged screen surfaces with a dust cloth, the other screen surfaces, which are opposite the charged screen surfaces, also become triboelectrically charged up to a high electrostatic potential.
In order to prevent the screen surfaces from being triboelectrically charged, it has been customary to use a surface-active agent as an antistatic agent which does not erode the plastic material.
However, surface-active agents have a short service life, and remain effective for only half through one year even when they are left unused. When dust or dirt deposits are wiped off surfaces that are coated with a surface-active agent, the surface-active agent is also gradually wiped away, and hence has a shorter service life.
The surface-active agent which is applied to the entire surfaces of a transmission-type screen of plastic material is selected to be transparent and highly transmission of light. Since the surface-active agent is heat-resistant only at low temperatures ranging from 60.degree. to 80.degree. C., it must be treated at a low temperature and does not last for a long time.
When deposited dust or dirt particles are wiped off the screen, the surface-active agent is also removed from the screen by the friction within a short period of time. Therefore, the screen tends to attract dust or dirt particles easily under electrostatic charges that are developed by triboelectricity. This in turn requires the screen to be wiped again to get rid of the attracted dust or dirt particles, resulting in more triboelectric attraction of dust or dirt particles.

Television projection screen having anti-static elements

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


The balustrade and decks of an escalator or moving walkway are mounted on a conveyor truss via a plurality of anchor brackets which are welded to the truss at spaced apart locations thereon. Template brackets are secured to each anchor bracket to define the location of the outer deck, the inner top shirt panel, the balustrade clamps, and the return path handrail guides. Skirt jack bolt mounts are mounted on the anchor brackets below the return path of the handrail and are operable to provide for proper positioning of the inner side skirt panels relative to the steps. The handrail can be easily released from its return guides and removed from the interior of the decking by removing the inner top skirt panel. The assembly can be easily erected in the field and readily serviced.

Modern streamlined escalators and moving walkways are provided with slim balustrades formed from a sheet material, usually glass. The glass balustrades are held in place by mounting assemblies which are disposed beneath the side decks of the escalator or the like. These mounting assemblies will typically include some sort of channel member in which the bottom of the balustrade rests. The balustrade will be secured to the channel or channels with drilled through nut-bolt assemblies, or with adhesives, or with some sort of clamping device. The channel can be a relatively long extruded metal member, or it can be made up of a number of short separate clamps which are spaced along the bottom edge of the balustrade. The balustrade-supporting channel or channels will be somehow tied into the truss of the structure, and also provides the anchoring points for the inner and outer decks which flank the steps or treads on the escalator or the like. Finally, the handrail return guides which guide movement of the handrails along their return path of travel have also been anchored to the balustrade-supporting channel or channels.
The mounting systems of the prior art have two drawbacks which relate to the location of the handrail, and the accessibility of the various mounting components for installation, servicing, repair and the like from outside of the decks. It will be appreciated that the mounting systems are buried beneath the decks, and accessibility for servicemen is of paramount importance. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,926,296 granted Dec. 16, 1975 to G.L. Woodling et al; 3,991,877 granted Nov. 16, 1976 to J.K. Kraft, et al; 4,646,907 granted Mar. 3, 1987 to K. Streibig, et al; 4,690,264 granted Sep. 1, 1987 to W. Adrian, et al; and 4,819,781 granted Apr. 11, 1989 to C. Saito, et al. are all illustrative of prior art glass balustrade and deck mounting systems of the type described above. It will be noted that in each of the aforesaid patented systems, all of them except that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,690,264 to Adrian, et al. include physical obstructions between the inner side skirts of the escalator and the return run of the handrail. This requires extensive disassembly of the system before the handrail can be reached to be serviced. If one were to desire to remove and replace a worn handrail, the entire inner skirt assemblies and their inner supporting brackets have to be removed because each of these support brackets blocks removal of the handrail from its return path of travel. The Adrian, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,690,264 discloses a mounting assembly which does not block access to the handrail, but wherein the handrail is positioned quite deeply under the decks, and is difficult to reach even in the absence of physical impediments. A much more desirable location for the handrail return path is approximately even with the step treads, as is shown in the Saito, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,781, but, as previously noted, the skirt fastenings block access to the handrail even though it is elevated. It would be highly desirable to provide a mounting assembly of the type described above wherein the handrail return run is located at about the same level as the step treads, and close to the upper inner skirt panel, while being free of obstructions, so that the handrail can be easily reached, and can be removed from its return guide system without having to dismantle the entire inner skirt structure.

Balustrade and deck mounting assembly for escalator or moving walkway


A fabrication method of a supporting unit supporting a substrate is provided. The fabrication method includes providing a supporting plate that is made of a non-conductive material and configured to support the substrate, providing a base plate that is disposed under the supporting plate and made of a material containing a conductive material, and forming a first metal film on a top surface of the base plate and bonding the supporting plate with the base plate through a brazing process.

In fabricating semiconductor devices, substrates are formed with designed patterns through a variety of processes such as photolithography, etching, ashing, ion injection, thin film deposition, and washing. An etching process is generally used for remove specific areas from films formed on substrates. The etching is usually classified into dry etching and wet etching. Dry etching is performed to employ a plasma etching apparatus. Plasma is typically generated by forming an electromagnetic field in a chamber. Such a electromagnetic field operates to excite a processing gas, which is supplied into the chamber, to a plasma state.
Plasma is referred to an ionic gaseous state formed of ions, electrons, or radicals. Plasma is generated under very high temperature, strong electric fields, or RF electromagnetic fields. Semiconductor device fabrication is performed along with etching processes using plasma. An etching process is performed by colliding ionic particles, which are contained in plasma, against a substrate.
An electrostatic chuck generally includes a supporting plate and a metallic body. The supporting plate is bonded to the metallic body through an organic bonder such as silicon or acryl. However, silicon is high in thermal tolerance but low in thermal resistance. Therefore, silicon is stable even to heat generating during substrate treatment, but insufficient to interrupt thermal transfer between the metallic body and the supporting plate. Acryl is high in thermal resistance but low in thermal tolerance. Acryl is effective in preventing heat loss between the supporting plate and the metallic body, but damageable due to heat generated during substrate treatment.
As introduced above, organic bonders used in substrate treatment nowadays are disadvantageous to endurance and weak to elevation of processing temperature, due to thermal fluctuation of electrostatic chucks, and could be melted down during high temperature processes.

Supporting unit and substrate treating apparatus including the same


Chelating agents and silica scale control additives are often employed separately in conjunction with performing a dissolution process in a subterranean formation containing a siliceous material. Carminic acid and related compounds may be used to perform similar functions dually in various subterranean treatment operations. Methods for treating a subterranean formation can comprise: providing a treatment fluid comprising a carrier fluid and an ortho-dihydroxylated aromatic compound comprising a substance selected from the group consisting of carminic acid, kermesic acid, any salt thereof, any derivative thereof, and any combination thereof; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.

The present disclosure generally relates to subterranean treatment operations and, more specifically, to treatment fluids and methods for inhibiting precipitation and/or corrosion.
Treatment fluids can be used in a variety of subterranean treatment operations. Such treatment operations can include, without limitation, drilling operations, stimulation operations, production operations, remediation operations, sand control treatments, and the like. As used herein, the terms "treat," "treatment," "treating," and grammatical equivalents thereof will refer to any subterranean operation that uses a fluid in conjunction with achieving a desired function and/or for a desired purpose. Use of these terms does not imply any particular action by the treatment fluid or a component thereof, unless otherwise specified herein. More specific examples of illustrative treatment operations can include drilling operations, fracturing operations, gravel packing operations, acidizing operations, scale dissolution and removal operations, sand control operations, consolidation operations, and the like.
Downhole acidizing operations and like dissolution processes (e.g., descaling and damage removal operations) may be used to stimulate a subterranean formation for increasing production of a hydrocarbon resource therefrom. During an acidizing operation or a like dissolution process, an acid-soluble material in the subterranean formation may be dissolved by one or more acids to expand existing flow pathways in the subterranean formation, to create new flow pathways in the subterranean formation, and/or to remove acid-soluble precipitation damage in the subterranean formation, thereby stimulating the formation's production capabilities. Introduction of an acidizing fluid to a subterranean formation may take place at matrix flow rates without fracturing of the formation matrix or at higher injection rates and pressures to fracture the formation, the latter being commonly referred to as an acid-fracturing operation. The acid-soluble material being dissolved by the acid(s) may be part of or formed from the native formation matrix or may have been deliberately introduced into the subterranean formation in conjunction with a treatment operation (e.g., bridging agents, proppants, or gravel particulates). Illustrative substances within the native formation matrix that may be dissolved by an acid include, but are not limited to, carbonates, silicates and aluminosilicates, which may be present alone or in combination with one another in formations of mixed mineralogy. Other substances may also be dissolved during the course of performing an acidizing operation or like dissolution process, and the foregoing substances should not be considered to limit the scope of substances that may undergo dissolution. The acids used during such dissolution processes may also be corrosive toward various types of metal surfaces (e.g., pipelines, tubulars and other downhole metal goods), and numerous corrosion inhibitors have been developed to lessen the severity of corrosion.
Carbonate formations can contain minerals that comprise a carbonate anion (e.g., calcite (calcium carbonate), dolomite (calcium magnesium carbonate), siderite (iron carbonate) and like minerals). When acidizing a carbonate formation, acidity of the treatment fluid alone may often be sufficient to solubilize a carbonate material by decomposing the carbonate anion to carbon dioxide and leeching a metal ion into the treatment fluid. Both mineral acids and organic acids may be used to treat a carbonate formation in this respect, often with similar degrees of success. Since it is relatively inexpensive, hydrochloric acid is very commonly used, typically in concentrations up to about 28% by volume. Other mineral acids and organic acids may be commonly used as well.
Siliceous formations can contain minerals such as, for example, zeolites, clays, feldspars and sandstone. As used herein, the term "siliceous" will refer to a substance having the characteristics of silica, including silicates and/or aluminosilicates. The acids that can effectively dissolve carbonate materials may have little effect on siliceous materials. Hydrofluoric acid, however, can react very readily with siliceous materials to promote their dissolution. Oftentimes, a secondary mineral acid or an organic acid can be used in conjunction with hydrofluoric acid to maintain a low pH state as the hydrofluoric acid becomes spent during dissolution of a siliceous material, where the low pH state helps promote continued solubilization of the siliceous material. Many types of siliceous formations can also contain varying amounts of carbonate materials. Most sandstone formations, for example, contain about 40% to about 98% sand quartz particles (i.e., silica) that are bonded together by various amounts of cementing materials, which may be siliceous in nature (e.g., aluminosilicates or other silicates) or non-siliceous in nature (e.g., carbonates, such as calcite). When siliceous materials are co-present with carbonate materials, significant precipitation issues can frequently be encountered due to interaction of dissolved metal ions from the carbonate material with fluoride ions from the hydrofluoric acid. For example, calcium ions liberated from a carbonate material can react readily with fluoride ions to form highly insoluble calcium fluoride, which can lead to extensive damage within a subterranean formation. Other metal ions, such as aluminum, can also be problematic in this regard. During sandstone acidizing, for example, aluminum scale and calcium fluoride precipitation issues can be very problematic.
One approach that can be used to address the presence of metal ions in a subterranean formation is to employ chelating agents that effectively sequester any problematic metal ions in a metal-ligand complex once the metal ions have been liberated from their source. As used herein, the terms "complex," "complexing," "complexation" and other variants thereof will refer to the formation of a metal-ligand bond without reference to the mode of bonding. Although complexation of a metal ion may involve a chelation process in some embodiments, complexation is not deemed to be limited in this manner. Once bound in a metal-ligand complex, the problematic metal ions may be substantially unable to undergo a further reaction to form damaging metal-containing precipitates. Although precipitation can be a particular concern when acidizing a siliceous material, chelating agents may also be used with similar benefits in conjunction with acidizing subterranean formations that comprise substantially only a carbonate material. In addition to sequestering previously liberated metal ions, chelating agents may also be used to affect direct dissolution of a metal ion from a carbonate material, even without another acid being present.
Dissolved silicon compounds from siliceous formations can also be very problematic, both by themselves and in the presence of metal ions. Alkali metal ions, for example, in the presence of dissolved silicon compounds can lead to formation of highly insoluble alkali metal fluorosilicates. Metal ions such as aluminum can also lead to vigorous re-precipitation of previously dissolved silicon compounds. Although dissolved silicon compounds can initially be soluble at low pH values during an acidizing operation or like dissolution process, the solubility limit may be quickly exceeded as the acid spends and the pH rises, thereby leading to re-precipitation of various silicon species even in the absence of dissolved metal ions. The re-precipitated silicon species may be in a variety of forms such as, for example, amorphous silica, silica gels, colloidal silica and/or hardened silica scales. In some instances, re-precipitation of previously dissolved silicon compounds can be even more damaging to a subterranean formation than if an acidizing operation or like dissolution process had not been performed in the first place.
To combat the detrimental effects resulting from re-precipitation of dissolved silicon compounds, a number of silica scale control additives have been identified. As used herein, the term "silica scale control additive" will refer to a substance that limits deposition of amorphous, gelatinous and/or colloidal silica that leads to silica scale buildup. Illustrative silica scale control additives that have been used in this regard include, but are not limited to, polyaminoamide dendrimers, polyethyleneimine, carboxymethylinulin, polyacrylates, phosphonates, aminocarboxylic acids, polyaminocarboxylic acids and ortho-dihydroxybenzene compounds related to tannic acid.

Treatment fluids comprising carminic acid and related compounds and method for use thereof


A medium transfer device includes a swinging member, a hopper in which a setting plate on which a plurality of mediums are placed such that the mediums are moved toward the swinging member by gravitation, and a driving unit configured to swing the swinging member such that the mediums are shaken by the swinging member.

Image readers that transfer a plurality of mediums placed on a hopper one by one, and read images on the mediums have been known (refer to Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2003-81512).
This kind of image readers are enabled to transfer mediums appropriately one by one when the mediums are placed on a hopper with the edges aligned, and to read images on the mediums appropriately. Therefore, users make sure that the edges of the mediums are aligned, and then put the mediums on the hopper. This type of medium transfer device is disadvantageous in that mediums are not appropriately transferred one by one when the mediums are put on the hopper without aligning the edges, and images on the mediums are not appropriately read.


A cooling system is disclosed which utilizes the molecular structural changes of photochromic compounds when they are exposed to various wavelengths of irradiation. Further, a design is disclosed which uses solar irradiation to activate the molecular structural changes. An alternate system of irradiation is disclosed which could be utilized in geographic areas of low incidence of sunlight or during inclement or occluded times in any area. An integrated panel is disclosed for installation on the external face of buildings in order to negate the need for ducting internal to the building. This will significantly increase the efficiency of cooling due to the removal of cooling loss in ducting and the proximity of the cooling system to the cooled space.

This invention relates generally to systems and methods for producing refrigerated air for air conditioning, refrigeration and process cooling applications. More specifically, this invention is a completely new approach and replaces refrigerants used in current cooling systems which involve phase changes (gas-liquid) produced by a compressor and the expansion of the compressed refrigerant into a gaseous phase and the associated refrigeration effect. This invention replaces the usual phase change refrigerant with a molecular structural change refrigerant which is activated by solar irradiation.

Molecular refrigerants and cooling systems


A vehicle control system includes a variable displacement internal combustion engine, a transmission coupled to the variable displacement internal combustion engine, an intake manifold coupled to the variable displacement internal combustion engine, a throttle coupled to the intake manifold, an engine controller for controlling the throttle and the variable displacement internal combustion engine, and a transmission controller for controlling the transmission. The engine controller transfers a throttle position or load value to the transmission controller. This throttle position or load value is independent of the actual displacement of the variable displacement internal combustion engine.

The present invention relates to the control of internal combustion engines. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus to provide a variable indicative of torque in a variable displacement internal combustion engine for an automatic transmission control system.
Present regulatory conditions in the automotive market have led to an increasing demand to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions in present vehicles. These regulatory conditions must be balanced with the demands of a consumer for high performance and quick response for a vehicle. Variable displacement internal combustion engines (ICEs) provide for improved fuel economy and torque on demand by operating on the principal of cylinder deactivation. During operating conditions that require high output torque, every cylinder of a variable displacement ICE is supplied with fuel and air (also spark, in the case of a gasoline ICE) to provide torque for the ICE. During operating conditions at low speed, low load and/or other inefficient conditions for a fully-displaced ICE, cylinders may be deactivated to improve fuel economy for the variable displacement ICE and vehicle. For example, in the operation of a vehicle equipped with an eight cylinder variable displacement ICE, fuel economy will be improved if the ICE is operated with only four cylinders during low torque operating conditions by reducing throttling losses. Throttling losses, also known as pumping losses, are the extra work that an ICE must perform to pump air around the restriction of the throttle and from the relatively low pressure of the intake manifold through the engine and out to the atmosphere.
The cylinders that are deactivated will not allow air flow through their intake and exhaust valves, reducing pumping losses by forcing the ICE to operate at a higher intake manifold pressure. Since the deactivated cylinders do not allow air to flow, additional losses are avoided by operating the cylinders as xe2x80x9cair springsxe2x80x9d due to the compression and decompression of the air in each deactivated cylinder.
For vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, the deactivation of cylinders for a variable displacement ICE and the corresponding changes in air flow and torque must be coordinated with the operation of the automatic transmission. Traditionally, an automatic transmission control system will receive a throttle area or a throttle position variable that is indicative of the torque output of an ICE. The throttle position or area is used by a transmission control system as an indication of how much torque the ICE produces and is used in gear selection and stabilization of transmission shifts. In a variable displacement ICE, the throttle position will change when the variable displacement ICE is in partial and full displacement to produce the same torque. Thus, with variable displacement ICEs, throttle position/area no longer represents a unique engine torque value, making throttle position/area alone an insufficient load or torque variable.
The present invention is a method and apparatus that produces a throttle load variable for a variable displacement ICE that is independent of the displacement of the ICE. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an eight-cylinder internal combustion engine (ICE) may be operated as a four-cylinder engine by deactivating four cylinders. The cylinder deactivation occurs as a function of load or torque demand by the driver. An engine or powertrain controller will determine if the ICE should enter four-cylinder mode by monitoring the load and torque demands of the ICE. If the ICE is in a condition where it is inefficient to operate with the full complement of eight cylinders, the controller will deactivate the mechanisms operating the valves for the selected cylinders and also shut off fuel (and possibly spark in the case of a gasoline engine) to the cylinders. The deactivated cylinders will thus function as air springs to reduce throttling or pumping losses.
As previously described, the transition from eight cylinders to four cylinders or four cylinders to eight cylinders will create changes in the air flow through the throttle plate into the ICE that also affect the torque output of the ICE. The present invention generates a throttle plate position/area signal for an automatic transmission or powertrain controller that represents the torque output of the ICE independent of the displacement of the engine. The present invention includes software having a plurality of function blocks that calculate the desired throttle position/area for varying displacements of the ICE. These function blocks will simultaneously operate and generate the throttle area/position variable, and the engine or powertrain controller will determine the correct throttle area/position command to be used, depending on the displacement of the ICE. Accordingly, a throttle position/area command will always be calculated for a fully-displaced engine and may be used as a load variable for a transmission or powertrain controller.

Method and apparatus for providing a consistent transmission load variable


In one embodiment, a processor includes a core having a fetch unit to fetch instructions, a decode unit to decode the instructions, and one or more execution units to execute the instructions. The core may further include: a first pair of block address range registers to store a start location and an end location of a block range within a non-volatile block storage coupled to the processor; and a block status storage to store an error indicator responsive to an occurrence of an error within the block range during a block operation. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Many computing systems are implemented using multiple different types of memory and storage, including local volatile memory to enable access at high speeds for frequently or recently used information. Instead, infrequently used information may be stored in more distant portions of a storage hierarchy, oftentimes in a non-volatile storage. System complexity increases difficulties in accessing these different types of memories, which often have different characteristics, including different access techniques, error handling techniques and so forth.

Interfacing with block-based storage in a processor