A transmitting/receiving arrangement, gateway and method for transmitting data over packet network, where a cellular network is connected to a packet network and uplink data frames which carry coded data and certain signaling information related to the coding are transmitted from the cellular network towards the packet network, wherein at least all non-redundant information from the uplink data frames is extracted from the frames and transmitted over the packet network. The gateway connects a packet network to a telephony network.

In conventional PSTNs (Public Switched Telephony Network) the digitized speech is presented in a format that requires 64 kbps for transmission. In cellular networks efficient speech coding methods are used to compress the digitized speech before sending the speech over the radio access network. Decoding is used to obtain a data flow that is similar to the original digitized speech flow, for example, before transmitting the speech further to PSTN. The coding methods used in cellular networks compress the speech to a data flow that can be transmitted using less than 16 kbps in the fixed part of the cellular network. In the radio access network part of the cellular network also channel coding is needed, and the coded speech is also presented in a different format than in the fixed part of the cellular network.
If both the caller and callee use mobile stations then, in the absence of any precautions, the speech is coded and decoded twice, because it needs to be transmitted over a radio access network twice. This double coding may deteriorate the quality of the speech. It is possible to code the speech only once, if the coded speech is transmitted over the cellular networks and possible PSTN in between the cellular networks. This kind of operation is called tandem free operation (TFO).
FIG. 1 presents an example of the tandem free operation in a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) network. A one-way connection is presented in FIG. 1 for the sake of clarity. Usually connections are bidirectional, and the same functionality is performed in both directions. The mobile station MS1 101 communicates over a radio access network with a base station BS1 102. The digitized speech is coded in the mobile station, using codec C as presented in FIG. 1. Between a mobile station and a base station, the coded speech is presented in a format that is typical for the air interface. From the base station onwards, the coded speech is carried to a transcoder and rate adaptation unit (TRAU) in a certain format called TRAU frames. In FIG. 1 the base station BS1 transmits the coded speech to TRAU1 103. Base station controllers are not involved in the speech coding and are, therefore, not presented in FIG. 1.
The transcoder and rate adaptation unit usually decodes the speech and sends it further as a pulsed code modulation (PCM) signal that carries data with the rate of 64 kbps. The speech is sent to a Mobile Services Switching Center (MSC) which relays it either to another MSC or to the public telephony network. In FIG. 1 the TRAU1 decodes the coded speech (decodec D) and transmits the decoded speech to MSC1 104, and from there the speech is relayed via the PSTN 105 to another cellular network. The MSC2 106 relays the decoded speech further to TRAU2 107, where the speech is coded (codec C′) and inserted to TRAU frames. The base station BS2 108 converts the TRAU frames into a radio access network format, and transmits the data over the air interface to the mobile station MS2 109. In this mobile station the coded speech is decoded (decodec D′).
The different arrows 110,111 and 112 in FIG. 1 are used to present the data presentation format and signal carrying the data. Dashed arrows 110 refer to coded speech and the air interface. Solid arrows 111 refer to TRAU frames that require either an 8 kbps or a 16 kbps transmission channel and thick arrows 112 refer to decoded speech that requires a 64 kbps transmission channel and PCM signal.
If both mobile stations and TRAUs involved in a call have a common codec-decodec pair, it is possible to encode the speech only once. In the situation presented in FIG. 1, in tandem free operation the speech is coded in MS1 and decoded in MS2. TRAU1 relays the TRAU frames as TFO TRAU frames within the decoded speech (arrow 113 in FIG. 1). The TRAU1 performs also decoding and the decoded speech is transmitted to TRAU2, but it is used only if TRAU2 cannot extract the TFO TRAU frames from the data it receives. If TRAU2 notices the TFO TRAU frames, it relays the decoded speech carried by the TFO TRAU frames to BS2 in TRAU frames.
Tandem free operation requires thus special functionality, i.e. TFO capability, from the TRAUs. In practice the TFO capability means the following three things. First, the TRAUs can negotiate which codec is used. Second, they can transmit TFO TRAU frames to each other as part of the PCM signal and third, they can extract the TFO TRAU frames from the incoming PCM signal. In GSM the TFO TRAU frames are carried over the PCM so that the one or two least significant bits in each 8 bit long speech sample are replaced by TFO TRAU frame information. The TFO TRAU frame information is carried thus in a 8 kbps or 16 kbps subflow of the 64 kbps PCM flow. The destination TRAU can then ignore the rest of the PCM signal, and relay the TFO TRAU frames as TRAU frames towards the destination mobile station.
The transcoder and rate adaptation units involved in a call negotiate the speech codec using TFO inband signalling. This signalling is performed by modifying certain bits of the TRAU frame structure. The data carried in TRAU frames and TFO TRAU frames is essentially the same except for the TFO signalling bits. In the beginning of a call the TRAU units may each select the codec they use, but if both TRAUs support tandem free operation, a common codec may be negotiated. The decoded speech is usually also transmitted in the PCM signal even after a common codec has been agreed on. This is because after a handover, for example, both TRAUs involved in the call may not support the tandem free operation.
The current tandem free operation works between two cellular networks or if the cellular networks are connected via a PSTN. In the recent years, however, there has been an explosive growth in real-time data applications that use packet networks like the Internet as transport medium. These real-time applications can support voice calls and video calls. It is possible to use the Internet or other packet networks as transmission media between cellular networks, instead of PSTN. Especially with the third generation networks that are at least partly packet based, the use of packet networks between the cellular networks is a natural choice.
The H.323 specification has been created by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for the purpose of defining a standard framework for audio, video and data communications over networks that do not provide a guaranteed quality of service (QoS). Packet networks, for example, may be such networks. The aim of the H.323 specification is to allow multimedia products and applications from different manufacturers to interoperate.
FIG. 2 presents a situation where two GSM networks are connected with an IP (Internet Protocol) network. Each of the GSM networks 201, 202 is connected to the IP network 203 with an Voice over IP (VoIP) gateway. These VoIP gateways 204, 205 are connected to the MSCs 104, 106. From the cellular network they receive 64 kbps decoded speech as PCM signal (arrows 112 in FIG. 2), and they compress this data flow. The compressed data flow is then transferred over the IP network to another VoIP gateway (arrows 210 in FIG. 2). Usually the compressed data flow requires either 8 kbps or 16 kbps of transmission capacity. The H.323 specification, for example, defines certain codecs that can be used for compressing data in H.323 networks. It is also possible to construct proprietary codecs and gateways. Term gateway refers here neither to any specific packet network technology nor to any specific standards on telephony over packet networks. It is used as a general term for a network element connecting a cellular network and a packet network and relaying calls and other connections to and from the cellular network.
The problem in using compression in gateways when transmitting calls between cellular networks is that in the worst case the speech (or other data) is coded and decoded three times. First in the originating cellular network, then when transmitted between the cellular networks and finally in the destination cellular network. This may reduce the quality of the speech drastically.
A further problem is that even in a case, where both TRAU units involved in a call are TFO capable, it is possible that this feature cannot be utilized. This is because the TFO TRAU frames, which carry information about the speech codecs and TFO capabilities of the TRAUs and which are possible included in the PCM signal, do not necessarily stay unmodified in the compression and decompression in the gateways. Especially the TFO signaling, which is carried in certain bits of the TFO TRAU frame, is sensitive to change due to compression.

Method for transmitting calls over packet network


A system for capturing images of a target area on which information is recorded includes a boom assembly adapted to extend outwardly from a generally vertical surface. At least one digital camera is mounted on the boom assembly at a location spaced from the surface. The at least one digital camera is oriented so that the field of view thereof encompasses a target area on the surface. A controller is in communication with the at least one digital camera. The controller conditions the at least one digital camera to acquire an image of the target area. The image acquired by the at least one digital camera is conveyed to the controller and is processed to determine if an obstacle blocking the target area is in the captured image. If so, the captured image is not further processed and additional images are acquired until an image of the target area is captured without the obstacle therein.

During meetings, boards such as whiteboards, chalkboards, flipchart pads, and tackboards are commonly used to record information. In collaborative environments, several users may view, supplement and/or edit information recorded on the boards. In situations where the boards are passive, it is difficult and cumbersome to transfer information recorded on the boards to other media that facilitate storage and retrieval of the recorded information.
To deal with the above problem, automated capture systems to capture information recorded on a board have been considered. These automated capture systems include for example, automated copyboards, flipchart scanners, active or specialized pen systems based on acoustic time-of-flight, electromagnetic detection, or laser scanning as well as analog resistive whiteboards.( Although these automated capture systems have permitted information recorded on a board to be transferred to other media types, these automated capture systems suffer disadvantages.
In addition to the automated capture systems described above, camera-based systems to capture information recorded on a board have been considered. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,290 to Saund discloses a device for transcribing markings drawn on a whiteboard or blackboard into an electronic form using a camera-based board scanner. The scanner is in the form of a video camera mounted on a computer controlled pan/tilt head suspended from the ceiling or mounted to one side of the board. The camera is directed successively at small regions (tiles) of the board and snapshots of the tiles are captured until a complete image of the entire board is obtained. The camera image tiles slightly overlap with neighboring camera image tiles so that a complete image of the board is obtained with no missing spaces.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,637 to Cass et al discloses a device for transcribing markings drawn on a background surface such as a whiteboard or blackboard into an electronic form using a video camera. A registration light pattern is projected onto the background surface to be imaged. The projected pattern is selected to suit the properties of the video camera and the imaging environment. The video camera is directed successively at tiles of the background surface and snapshots of the tiles are captured until a complete image of the entire background surface is obtained. The pattern markings are processed using perspective transformations to determine the overlap properties of the camera image tiles and the distortion of each camera image tile. The resulting data is used to combine the camera image tiles to produce an undistorted image of the entire background surface.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2004/0201698 to Keenan et al. discloses a camera-based system for capturing images of a background surface such as a whiteboard. The camera-based system includes a generally horizontal boom assembly mounted above the whiteboard that supports a plurality of cameras. The cameras look back at the whiteboard and are actuable to capture images of sections of the whiteboard. The camera images are stitched to form an entire image of the whiteboard.
In the above-described camera-based systems, it is typically desired that all information recorded on the background surface be captured in images acquired by the cameras. Unfortunately, in some instances images of the background surface are captured and processed when an obstacle such as a person, a piece of furniture or other object obscures a portion of the background surface from the fields of view of the cameras. The end result is incomplete images and wasted processing and memory resources. As will be appreciated, improvements in systems of this nature to obviate or mitigate the above disadvantage are desired.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel system and method for capturing images of a target area on which information is recorded.

System and method for capturing images of a target area on which information is recorded


A novel process for producing bexaammine cobalt(III) nitrate from a cobalt(II) salt is disclosed. The product is useful in formulating gas generant compositions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a low-energy intensive process of producing a hexaammine cobalt(III) nitrate complex, Co(NH.sub.3).sub.6 (NO.sub.3).sub.3, from a cobalt(II) salt, and in particular to the production of a hexaammine cobalt nitrate complex which is capable of rapidly oxidizing or decomposing into significant quantities of gases.
2. Description of the Related Art
Hexaammine cobalt nitrate complex Co(NH.sub.3).sub.6 (NO.sub.3).sub.3, (hereinafter referred to as "HACN" for the purposes of brevity) comprises a cationic metal template of cobalt(III), six neutral ammonia ligands and sufficient nitrate oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex.
HACN is associated in the art with its ability, when combined with other ingredients, to undergo rapid combustion or decomposition into significant quantities of gases, such as nitrogen gas and water vapor. The combustion or decomposition of HACN-based formulations into significant quantities of gases can be accomplished almost instantaneously by initiating the gas generation reaction with the application of heat or with the use of suitable conventional igniter devices.
The ability of HACN-based formulations to rapidly form gases, and the capability of HACN-based formulations to generate such gases with conventional devices, makes HACN commercially important as, for example, a gas generant component in automobile air bag supplemental restraint systems. In order to comply with automobile manufacturer applications and criteria, HACN gas generant compositions are most often retained in air bag gas generators in the form of pellets or particles. The near instantaneous generation of gases from HACN containing pellets or particles is sufficiently rapid to operatively deploy a collapsed, inflatable air bag within the fraction of a second that elapses from the time when a car is impacted in an accident to the time when the driver or passenger would otherwise be thrust against the steering wheel or dashboard.
The escalation of the commercial significance of gas generant ingredients such as HACN is manifest by the appearance of air bags in many, if not most, new automobiles as the result of government regulations and consumer demand. This increasing commercial demand, however, has placed a greater burden on the development of a synthesis route for preparing HACN and HACN-based compositions in a cost effective and efficient manner.
Various synthesis routes for preparing HACN are known in the art. One synthesis route is described in some detail in Inorganic Syntheses, Volume 2, page 218 (McGraw-Hill, 1946), the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In accordance with this process, HACN is prepared from starting materials such as cobalt(II) nitrate. The cobalt(II) nitrate (0.25 mole of the hexahydrate) is dissolved in water (100 ml) to form an aqueous solution. Then ammonium nitrate (1 mole), activated carbon (0.166 mole) and concentrated ammonia solution (2.5 moles NH.sub.3), are sequentially added to the cobalt solution. The solution is then oxidized by bubbling air through the mixture until the solution turns yellow-brown and a yellow-brown solid forms. This yellow-brown solid is washed with a small amount of ice-cold water and is then dissolved on a steam bath in hot (70.degree. C. to 100.degree. C.) water (1300 to 1500 ml) which is slightly acidified with nitric acid. The activated carbon is then removed by hot filtration. The filtrate is treated with concentrated nitric acid (200 ml) and allowed to cool. The precipitated HACN is again washed with water and alcohol and dried at 100.degree. C. Typical yields of HACN achieved by this process are 88% to 90%.
The activated carbon in the previous literature reaction method is added at a concentration of at least 2.3 wt. % carbon based on the theoretical yield of HACN.
According to F. A. Cotton and G. Wilkinson, Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, pages 773-774 (4th Ed., John Wiley & Sons, 1980), the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, a sufficient concentration of the activated carbon is required as a surface-active catalyst to avoid replacement reaction products, such as, for example, [Co(NH.sub.3).sub.5 (NO.sub.3)].sup.2+.
Another literature preparation for hexaammine cobalt(III) salts is described (in "Practical Inorganic Chemistry") (2.sup.nd Ed., G. Pass & H. Sutcliffe, Chapman and Hall, 1982), the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This method employs large amounts of carbon (7.6 wt. %) and hydrogen peroxide as the oxidizing agent. The method further requires that the reaction be heated to an elevated temperature near boiling, for example, 70.degree. C. to 90.degree. C., for a sufficient period to completely oxidize the cobalt(II) salt. Additionally the reaction mixture is then cooled to nearly 0.degree. C. to precipitate the HACN product containing the activated carbon. This carbon-containing product is then isolated and purified by dissolution in a hot (70.degree. C. to 90.degree. C.) nitric acid solution, which is then hot filtered to remove the carbon catalyst. The filtrate is then cooled to nearly 0.degree. C. to precipitate the purified HACN product.
The above-described synthesis routes are plagued by several disadvantages. Since only minor amounts (approximately 1%) of carbon are acceptable as contaminants in the intermediate HACN product for use in a gas generant composition, the hot filtration of the activated carbon is necessary to provide a commercially-acceptable product. The yield of HACN from these synthesis routes is generally no greater than 90% to 95% theoretical. Further, the literature routes are very energy intensive inasmuch as the route requires heating during both the reaction step and the hot filtration step. The energy demands are compounded by the crystallization or isolation steps, one of which is interposed between the reaction step and the hot filtration step. The isolation steps can involve cooling the solutions to freezing temperatures of, for example, about 0.degree. C. In addition to its high energy demands, the practice of this process is also associated with the production of a significant amount of potentially environmentally harmful waste. For example, it has been reported that as much as 20 grams of waste are produced per gram of HACN obtained. Additionally the particle size of the HACN isolated is rather large, typically greater than about 200 microns. For use in gas generant compositions these large HACN particles must undergo a subsequent size reduction step; resulting in a further decrease in yield and additional processing.
A need therefore exists to provide a process for producing HACN which saves energy by avoiding multiple alternating heating and cooling steps, which can be performed with a lesser amount of activated carbon and less expensive reagents, which reduces the amount of the potentially environmentally harmful waste, and in which the resultant HACN product is directly obtainable, in high yield, in particles of acceptable size and purity for use in gas generant compositions.

Process for the production of hexaammine cobalt nitrate


This invention is a method for making a bipolar plate by selecting at least one resin from the group consisting of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyphenylsulfone, a polymer resistant to sulfuric acid, and combinations of any thereof. The method may include adding conductive fibers in an amount of from about 20% to about 50% by volume, to the bipolar plate.

Bipolar plates are used as electrodes to construct bipolar batteries, such as traditional lead-acid batteries used in automotive. Typically, a bipolar plate must have current density, sometimes also referred to as a conductivity, of at least 0.15 amps/cm2 (1 amps/in2). More preferably, a bipolar plate should have a current density above 0.25 amps/cm2 (1.5 amps/in2). Current bipolar plate technologies make the lead-acid battery heavy, expensive, and prone to failure. With the advent of electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, many car companies and automotive suppliers have attempted to improve the lead-acid batter. What the market needs is an improvement to the fabrication and performance of the bipolar plates used as electrodes in bipolar batteries.


Disclosed is an ink jet ink composition suitable for printing on substrates such as glass and metal. The ink jet ink composition comprises two or more organic solvents at least one of which is an alcohol, three or more binder resins comprising nitrocellulose, a thermoplastic polyurethane, and a polyvinylbutyral resin, two or more adhesion promoters, and a soluble colorant. Also disclosed is a method of printing images on such glass and metal substrates. The ink jet ink composition provides improved print quality and reduced need for cleaning the nozzle.

Ink jet printing is a well-known technique by which printing is accomplished without contact between the printing device and the substrate on which the printed characters are deposited. Briefly described, ink jet printing involves the technique of projecting a stream of ink droplets to a surface and controlling the direction of the stream so that the droplets are caused to form the desired printed image on that surface.
The technique of ink jet printing or non-contact printing is particularly well suited for application of characters onto irregularly shaped surfaces, including, for example, glass, metal, or plastic containers, generally used for holding beverage, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, liquor, and health care products.
In general, an ink jet ink composition should meet certain requirements to be useful in ink jet printing operations. These relate to viscosity and resistivity of the ink, the solubility and compatibility of the components, and/or the wettability of the substrate. Further, the ink should be quick drying and smear resistant, and be capable of passing through the ink jet nozzle(s) without clogging, and permit rapid cleanup of the machine components with minimum effort. The printed message or image should also resist abrasion and in some cases mild solvents.
Certain substrates such as glass and metal present challenges to ink jet printing. The quality of some of the attempted ink jet ink compositions is such that there is a need to improve one or more properties such as moisture penetration, adhesion, isopropanol splash resistance, and ice bucket rub resistance. Certain ink jet ink compositions also cause ink buildup on the printer nozzle plate, thereby requiring frequent clean up and maintenance.
Thus, there exists a need for an ink jet ink composition for printing on glass and metal substrates having improved performance characteristics, such as reduced ink buildup on the printer nozzle plate and solvent resistance, ice bucket rub resistance, and rub resistance of the printed images.
The invention provides such a composition. The advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

Ink jet ink composition and method for printing


A method and unit for feeding collars for packets of cigarettes to a continuous packing line, whereby the collars, picked up successively and in steps by a transfer device, are transferred rapidly by the transfer device to a continuously-moving supply assembly, which feeds the collars successively to the packing line after squarely folding two lateral wings of each collar; the collars being fed on to the packing line with the lateral wings crosswise to a traveling direction of the line.

The present invention relates to a method of feeding collars for rigid packets of cigarettes to a continuous packing line.
Machines for packing cigarettes in rigid packets are known to feature packing lines comprising a pocket conveyor for successively step-feeding groups of cigarettes, already enclosed in respective protective wrappings, in a traveling direction crosswise to the longitudinal axis of the cigarettes and through a collar supply station.
The collars are normally fed to the supply station by a supply unit comprising a supply assembly for receiving the collars in steps, folding the wings of each collar squarely with respect to a central panel of the collar, and successively feeding the folded collars in steps to the pocket conveyor, so that each collar is oriented with the wings facing a respective pocket and substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction of the pocket conveyor.
In an attempt to increase the output speed of packing machines, while at the same time reducing vibration and noise, the recent tendency is to replace step-operated with continuous packing lines.

Method and unit for feeding collars for rigid packets of cigarettes to a continuous packing line


A control apparatus for a vehicle includes an engine installed on the vehicle as a drive source, an electric motor installed on the vehicle as a drive source, the electric motor being configured to run the vehicle even in a condition where the engine is stopped. The control apparatus includes a controller configured to start the engine after a given delay time elapses, if a starting condition based on an operation of a driver is satisfied, the controller being configured to keep the engine stopped if the starting condition ceases to be satisfied before the delay time elapses after the starting condition is satisfied.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a control apparatus for a vehicle, and in particular to a technology for starting an engine during running of the vehicle on which the engine and an electric motor are installed as drive sources.
2. Description of Related Art
A vehicle on which an electric motor for running the vehicle is installed, in addition to an engine, is known in the art. The vehicle of this type is able to run using only the electric motor while keeping the engine stopped. When large driving force is required, such as when the operation amount of the accelerator pedal is increased, the engine is started so as to achieve the required driving force.
As described in paragraph [0010], etc. of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-16442 (JP 2005-16442 A), the engine is started after the output voltage of a converter is increased in advance up to a drive voltage at which a starting motor can produce given torque before starting of the engine. According to the technology described in JP 2005-16442 A, the engine start-up time can be reduced, as described in paragraph [0043].


Using a nozzle unit (32), a guide unit (33) and a holder unit (35), the nozzle unit (32) having a nozzle (36) for feeding a flat linear member (W) and positioning mechanism (38) for positioning the nozzle, the guide unit (33) having a guide member (82) adapted to engage and guide the linear member (W) and positioning mechanism (73) for positioning the guide member, the holder unit (35) holding removably the deflection yoke (H) for winding thereon of the linear member (W) and capable of rotating the deflection yoke about the axis of the yoke, the guide member (82) is brought into engagement at a corner portion of a winding path with the linear member (W) fed from the nozzle (36) thereby allowing the linear member to be bent and around the deflection yoke (H) and while the linear member (W) is wound once around the deflection yoke (H), the deflection yoke is rotated 360 degrees about the axis thereof and at the same time the nozzle (36) is rotated in the same direction as the rotating direction of the deflection yoke to prevent excess twist.

In winding a linear member around a deflection yoke (also called a bobbin) it is necessary that the linear member be wound orderly along winding grooves formed in the deflection yoke. However, if the linear member used is circular in section, it is dispersed and becomes unstable positionally, thus resulting in that overlap of the linear member is apt to occur. Once there occurs overlap, the winding thickness of the linear member increases and therefore the diameter of the deflection yoke must be increased accordingly, thus causing lose of the deflection efficiency.
In view of the point mentioned above, it has recently been proposed to use a flat linear member having a flat section. In this case, there is used a flat linear member having a width matching the width of each winding groove formed in a deflection yoke, and by merely stacking the linear member at the same place it is possible to wind it around the deflection yoke in an orderly manner without dispersion.
Examples of the flat linear member include such a flat linear member assembly W1 as shown in FIG. 22A, which is obtained by assembling and fusion-bonding linear members 11 of a circular section into a flat shape, and such a flat linear member assembly W2 as shown in FIG. 22B, which is obtained by assembling and fusion-bonding linear members 12 of a square section into a flat shape.
When a linear member is wound round a deflection yoke, a single winding thereof causes the linear member to be twisted once. Winding of a flat linear member is as shown in a conceptual diagram of FIG. 23. As shown therein, when a flat linear member W is wound round a deflection yoke, it is bent at four corner portions and is twisted 90 degrees at each of the corner portions. It follows that one round results in a twist of 360 degrees of the linear member W about its longitudinal axis. This twist gives rise to no special problem in the use of a linear member having a circular section, but must be eliminated in the case of winding a flat linear member in an orderly manner.
Automatic winding of a linear member around a deflection yoke also requires the twist eliminating work.
The present invention has solved the above conventional problem. It is an object of the invention to permit a flat linear member as a deflecting coil to be wound automatically around a deflection yoke without causing twist of the linear member.
It is another object of the present invention to realize automatic winding of a flat linear member in high efficiency and high accuracy without causing twist of the linear member.
It is a further object of the present invention to utilize the equipment and method of the invention for wide-angle deflection or for improving the deflection efficiency of high-frequency scan.

Device and method for winding deflection yoke with wire


An Erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) is placed in a laser cavity to clamp the gain of the amplifier. The laser cavity is preferably formed to minimize the effects of relaxation oscillations and of spectral hole burning. In a preferred embodiment, the laser cavity supports a lasing wavelength which makes the saturation energy at the laser wavelength less than that at the signal wavelengths. In an erbium doped fiber implementation, the laser wavelength is shorter than that of the signal wavelengths and is separated from them by no more than approximately 75% of the width of the spectral hole. The compounding of relaxation oscillations may be substantially eliminated by varying the length of the fiber within each laser cavity within a system to change the photon round-trip time within each cavity.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to rare-earth doped fiber amplifiers, and, more particularly, to automatic gain control of such amplifiers.
2. Description of the Related Art
Optical fiber communication systems have evolved rapidly over the past twenty years, with substantial increases in both bit rate and repeater spacing. Although, to this point, intensity modulation systems have found most widespread use, coherent systems, that is, systems which mix a weak optical signal with a relatively strong local optical oscillator hold forth the promise of substantial improvements in capacity, bit error rate and repeater spacing distances. Coherent systems could closely approach quantum limit performance. Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) systems and frequency division multiplexing systems are examples of coherent system. Suitable amplifiers will be required for such systems. One candidate is the rare-earth doped fiber amplifier which typically employs Erbium as the doping material and is therefore commonly referred to as an Erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA). With the addition of multiplexing capabilities, the amplifier could act as a system node, in addition to acting as an amplifier.
Although suitable in many ways, a conventional EDFA would experience gain transients with the deletion or addition of one or more channels, due for example, to channel failure or bursty traffic. These transients would be reflected in the remaining channels and could cause substantial degradation in the system's bit error rate.

Erbium-doped fiber amplifier with automatic gain control


A three-dimensional structure forming a space in which a wiring-side portion of a device electrode is located is arranged on a rear plate. A surface potential of the three-dimensional structure is defined so that an electric field intensity of the space becomes weaker than an average electric field intensity expressed below,average electric field intensity=Va/d,

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electron beam apparatuses using electron-emitting devices, in particular to an electron beam apparatus having features in an electrode configuration of a rear plate.
2. Description of the Related Art
A usage mode of the electron-emitting device conventionally includes an image display apparatus. A flat electron beam display panel having a configuration in which an electron source plate (rear plate) including great number of cold cathode electron-emitting devices and a face plate including an anode electrode and a light emitting member are faced to each other in parallel and the space in between is exhausted in vacuum is known. The flat electron beam display panel achieves lighter weight and larger screen compared to a cathode-ray tube (CRT) which is currently being widely used. The flat electron beam display panel also provides an image of higher luminance and higher quality compared to a flat display panel using liquid crystals and other flat display panels such as plasma display and electroluminescent display.
In the electron beam display panel, a voltage is applied between the anode electrode and the device to accelerate the electrons emitted from the cold cathode electron-emitting device. High voltage is advantageously applied to obtain maximum light emitting luminance. The electron beam might diffuse before reaching the face plate depending on the type of device. Thus, the distance (inter-substrate distance) between the rear plate and the face plate is preferably short in order to realize a display of high resolution.
However, since high electric field is inevitably generated between the substrates when the inter-substrate distance becomes short, a phenomenon in which the electron-emitting device gets damaged by discharge is likely to occur.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-209991 (US2006/164001A1) discloses an electron beam apparatus that prevents melting and disconnection of device electrodes and that prevents creeping discharge by flowing discharge current to an additional electrode arranged at the end of the device electrode.

Abstract: where Va is application voltage of an anode electrode, and d is an interval between a rear plate and the face plate. The device electrode includes a high-temperature portion where temperature locally rises when current flows through the device electrode. The high-temperature portion is positioned in the space or at a distance of less than or equal to 20 μm from the space.


In an electrical connector assembly, housings are locked with each other by locking a rear holder provided in a first connector with a cooperating second connector. In a rear holder main body 52 of a rear holder 51 there are formed a plurality of resilient clamping lances 53 which clamp connection terminals 67 inserted into respective terminal receiving holes 62 formed in a housing main body 61. At a middle upper portion of the rear holder 51 there is provided a resilient locking arm 54, and a locking claw 55 is formed on the locking arm. When the housing main body 61 is inserted into a housing main body 71 of a cooperating connector, connection terminals 67 and 72 are coupled with each other. The locking claw 55 provided on the locking arm 54 of the rear holder 51 is engaged with a locking portion 73 of the housing main body 71 of the cooperating second connector.

In generally known electrical connectors, connection terminals are installed in a housing main body such that the connection terminals are held in position by means of clamping lances formed integrally with the housing main body to prevent the connector terminals from being drawn backwardly. In order to improve the locking, there has been proposed to couple a rear holder to a rear portion of the housing main body and to lock the connector terminals by clamping lances formed integrally with the rear holder.
After coupling mutually cooperating connectors with each other, these connectors are locked by means of locking mechanisms provided on the housing main bodies of the connectors. In general, the rear holder does not have any role for mutually locking the connectors, and therefore the locking of the rear hold could not be performed sufficiently. Upon coupling the mutually cooperating connectors with each other, if a relatively large force is applied to the rear holder, the rear holder might be removed from the housing main body.
Furthermore, since a locking arm for locking the housing main bodies of the mutually cooperating connectors with each other is provided on one of the housing main bodies, this housing main body is liable to be large in size and a height of the housing main body is increased.
The present invention has for its object to provide an electrical connector, in which the above mentioned problems can be effectively removed and upon coupling first and second connectors with each other, a rear holder of the first connector can be positively locked to a housing main body of the first connector by locking the rear holder to a housing main body of the second connector.

Electrical connector having locking mechanism for locking connector housings


A memory system includes a resistance variable memory device, and a memory controller for controlling the resistance variable memory device. The resistance variable memory device includes a memory cell connected to a bitline, a high voltage circuit adapted to generate a high voltage from an externally provided power source voltage, where the high voltage is higher than the power source voltage, a precharging circuit adapted to charge the bitline to the power source voltage and further charge the bitline to the high voltage, a bias circuit adapted to provide a read current to the bitline with using the high voltage, and a sense amplifier adapted to detect a voltage level of the bitline with using the high voltage.

1. Field of the Invention
The subject matter disclosed herein is concerned with semiconductor memory devices. In particular, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to memory devices that use variable resistance memory devices, and methods of reading data using such memory devices.
A claim of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 is made to Korean Patent Application 2005-115629 filed on Nov. 30, 2005, and Korean Patent Application 2005-127038 filed on Dec. 21, 2005, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
2. Description of Related Art
Semiconductor memories are devices capable of selectively storing and recalling data. Semiconductor memory devices are roughly classified into random access memories (RAMs) and read-only memories (ROMs). RAMs are a class of memory that includes dynamic RAMs (DRAMs) and static RAMs (SRAMs). ROMs are a class of memories that include programmable ROMs (PROMs), erasable PROMs (EPROMs), electrically EPROMs, and flash memory devices.
A particular form of programmable ROM that has been growing in popularity is known as "phase-changeable" RAMs (or "PRAMs), which are memory devices that use chalcogenide alloys to store data. One reason for the popularity of PRAMs is that they can be fabricated by simple manufacturing processes relative to other nonvolatile devices, which gives PRAMs an advantage in providing large-capacity storage devices at low cost.
FIG. 1 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing a unit cell of a phase-changeable memory device. Referring to FIG. 1, the unit cell 10 includes a memory element 11 and a selection element 12. The memory element 11 is connected between a bitline BL and the selection element 12. The selection element 12 is connected between the memory element 11 and a ground.
The memory element 11 contains a phage-changeable material, such as Ge—Sb—Te (GST), that can vary in resistance based on its physical state. The physical state of a phase-changeable material can take either a generally crystalline or generally amorphous state, and for the present example the state of the phase-changeable material (GST) (and thus its resistance) can be controlled based on a current supplied through the bitline BL.
The selection element 12 of the unit cell 10 is an NMOS transistor NT. Note that the gate of the NMOS transistor NT is coupled to a wordline WL. When a predetermined voltage is applied to the wordline WL, the NMOS transistor NT is turned on to supply a current to the memory element 11 through the bitline BL. While in FIG. 1 the memory element 11 is connected between the bitline BL and the selection element 12, the selection element 12 may be connected between the bitline BL and the memory element 11.
FIG. 2 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing another unit cell 20 of a phase-changeable memory device. Referring to FIG. 2, the unit cell 20 includes a memory element 21 and a selection element 22 with the memory element 21 connected between a bitline BL and the selection element 22. The present memory element 21 is the same as the memory element 11 shown in FIG. 1. The present selection element 22 is composed of a diode D.
In operation, when a voltage difference between the anode and cathode of the selection element 22 (diode D) becomes higher than the diode's threshold, the selection element 22 is turned on to supply a current to the memory element 21 through the bitline BL. Accordingly, the resistance of the memory element 21 can be measured during read operations, and heat can be applied during write operations.
FIG. 3 is a graph showing the operational characteristics of the GST phase-changeable material used in the unit cells 10 and 20 shown FIGS. 1 and 2. Referring to FIG. 3, the reference numeral 1 denotes a characteristic curve representing a change of the GST phase-changeable material to an amorphous state, while the reference numeral 2 denotes a characteristic curve representing a change of the GST phase-changeable material to a crystalline state.
Referring to reference curve 1, the GST phase-changeable material can turn to its amorphous state by heating the GST phase-changeable material to a temperature higher than its melting point Tm using a controlled current for a time T1 and then quenching the temperature. The amorphous state, also known as the 'reset state', is used to store a data '1' within the GST phase-changeable material.
Referring next to reference curve 2, the GST phase-changeable material can turn to its crystalline state by heating it up to a temperature higher than its crystallization temperature Tc and lower than the melting temperature Tm using a controlled current for a time T2 (typically longer than T1) and then cooling GST phase-changeable material relatively slowly. The crystalline state is called the 'set state' and is used for storing a data '0'. Note that the resistance of the GST phase-changeable material is higher in the amorphous state than in the crystalline state.
A normal phase-changeable memory device having a plurality of memory cells can accept an external power source voltage VCC to precharge its bitlines BL and/or supply read current to the bitline BL. For read operations, a phage-changeable memory device generally employs a precharging circuit, a bias circuit, and a sense amplifier. The precharging circuit preliminarily charges the bitline BL up to the power source voltage VCC. The bias circuit supplies the read current to the bitline BL from the power source voltage VCC. The sense amplifier compares a voltage of a sensing node with a reference voltage, and reads data from the memory cell.
However, during a read operation a "sensing margin" of the sense amplifier can inadvertently be reduced or the power source voltage VCC can decrease below a predetermined voltage level (e.g., 1.5V). A sensing margin is the voltage difference between the reset and set states at the sensing node in a memory cell. For embodiments where the selection element uses an NMOS transistor (e.g., memory cell 10 of FIG. 1) and the power source voltage VCC is 1.5V, the sensing-node is maintained at about 1.5V if the memory cell is configured in the reset state. However, the sensing node will be reduced from the power source voltage VCC to the ground level if the memory cell is configured in the set state.
On the other hand, in the case where a selection element of a memory cell is formed from a diode (e.g., memory cell 20 of FIG. 2), the sensing node will be maintain at about 1.5V when the memory cell 20 is maintained in the reset state, but the sensing node will be reduced to the threshold voltage of the diode when if the memory cell is configured to the set state. For this reason, the sensing margin of a phase-changeable memory device employing a diode D as a selection element is reduced by the threshold voltage of the diode D. The sensing margin is further reduced when the threshold voltage of the diode D rises due to factors arising from the diode's fabrication process.
Therefore, is can be advantageous to improve the sensing margin of phase-changeable memories that use diodes as selection elements during read operations.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Memory system including a resistance variable memory device


A color filter cross-talk compensator is provided for a multi-color reflective display system having a controllable display cell with multiple adjacent color filters that transmit generally different components with overlaps between them, ambient light being transmitted into the display cell and reflected back through it. The color filter cross-talk compensator receives image data that correspond to a display image to be rendered and generates cross-talk compensated color component drive signals that are delivered to the display cell (e.g. L.C.D). The cross-talk compensated color component drive signals compensate for the overlapping color components transmitted by the color filters for the different color components. A color filter cross-talk compensation method is also provided.

Flat panel systems include controllable display cells, such as liquid crystal display cells, that impart image information onto light transmitted from a light source. The light passes through the display cell to an analyzer (e.g., a polarizer) that resolves the light into a display image that is provided at a display output.
Transmissive display systems include a high-intensity backlight that functions as the light source and cooperates with the display cells to provide a reasonably high brightness display. Such display systems are employed in a variety of electronic devices including, for example, portable personal computers and other computing devices. Such electronic devices in portable operation rely upon a battery power source, and the current draw of a high-intensity backlight imposes a severe limit on the duration of battery-powered portable operation.
Reflective display systems, including high-resolution, multicolor reflective display systems, utilize ambient light to generate display images. No backlight is used. Ambient light received at the viewing surface of a reflective display system passes through a display cell to a reflector, and is reflected back through the display cell to the viewer with an imparted display image. Electronic devices such as portable computers with reflective display systems avoid the battery-powered operating time limitations characteristic of devices with transmissive display systems.
Without a high-intensity backlight, a reflective display system will typically be designed to maximize the amount of ambient light that can be used to maximize the display brightness. In a multicolor display with color filters for generating multiple primary color components (e.g., red, green, and blue), the spectral ranges of light transmitted by each color filter are typically maximized. This can result in significant overlaps in the spectral ranges transmitted by the nominal color filters for the different primary color components.
While improving display brightness, such overlaps in color filter spectral ranges can decrease the accuracy with which colors are rendered by a reflective display system. In particular, overlapping spectral ranges means that pure color components cannot be rendered because of the spectral overlap or "cross-talk" between the color filters. Nevertheless, the improvements in image brightness provided by wide spectrum, overlapping color filters has made such calorimetric inaccuracies an acceptable characteristic of reflective display systems.

Reflective displays with color filter cross-talk compensation


A method for providing wireless access to one or more wireless devices using an automation system control panel is described. In one embodiment, a communication link is established between an automation system control panel and one or more automation components. Settings are applied to configure the automation system control panel for use as a wireless access point providing two-way communication with one or more electronic devices. Applying settings includes receiving input directly at a graphical user interface of the automation system control panel, the graphical user interface further providing access to control the one or more automation components. The automation system control panel is wirelessly connected to one or more electronic devices via a wireless access point interface using the settings applied at the graphical user interface.

With the advances in computing and communication technologies, consumers are increasingly provided with different options for accessing communication networks (e.g., the Internet, a LAN, etc.). Whereas in the past a consumer may have a home or office computer dedicated to interacting with a particular network, the same consumer may now have two, three or even more devices that the user may use to connect to a single network. For instance, in addition to a home computer that is connected to the Internet or another communication network, a consumer may also have a laptop, a smart phone, a tablet computing device, an e-reader, or other similar devices, each of which can connect to, and communicate through, the communication network.
Electronic devices may also make use of different wireless technologies to communicate in a communication network. As an example, so-called smart phones may use certain mobile communication networks (e.g., CDMA, GSM, LTE, HSPA+, etc.) to communicate with a service provider who then provides access to the Internet or another network. A security or home automation system may use a mesh network protocol (e.g., Z-Wave, Zigbee, etc.). Other devices may use still other technologies, including WiFi (i.e., IEEE 802.11 technologies). Each communication protocol may have different advantages or disadvantages with respect to range, infrastructure cost, bandwidth, and the like.
As an example, home automation systems are increasingly being used by consumers to provide home security and to automate other functions within a home or commercial setting. For instance, a home owner may use a home automation system to arm different security sensors, and/or to control functions such as lighting, heating, audio and entertainment systems, and the like. In such a system, a control panel may be used. The control panel may include a short-range, low-power, low bandwidth radio. Only some home automation components (e.g., sensors, cameras, etc.) may be in range of the control panel, however, the home automation components may communicate with each other to forward communications to or from a control panel.
In contrast, a home, office, hotel, or other network for accessing the Internet may utilize a higher bandwidth. WiFi is often the preferred communication protocol for such networks. In general, a network at a physical location may include a modem connected to an Internet service provider. A router may then connect to the modem to allow multiple devices to connect to the Internet. One or more wireless access points may also be connected to the router. The access points may include WiFi radios to communicate wirelessly with different computing devices. Thus, a laptop, desktop, tablet, e-reader, smart phone, or other computing device with WiFi could connect to the access point and ultimately to the Internet (e.g., through the router and modem).
While access points may provide large numbers of devices with access to a single network connection, setting up an access point is often complicated and inconvenient, particularly for novices. For instance, access points typically do not include displays or other user interfaces. As a result, a user may be required to connect a computer to the access point using a hard-wired connection. The user may then be required to install software, or navigate to a particular location that allows use of firmware on the access point, so as to input relevant settings (e.g., IP address, SSID, security information, channel, band, etc.) that allow other devices to connect wirelessly to the access point.

Using a control panel as a wireless access point


A charge information calculating apparatus according to the present invention has a configuration provided with inputting means for inputting information, and charge calculating means for calculating introduction expenses of facilities required for working as a franchisee that provides automobile repairing services by a specific repairing method. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a charge information processing apparatus for calculating introduction expenses of facilities required for working as a franchisee that provides automobile repairing services by a specific repairing method.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a charge information processing apparatus for calculating charges required for working as a franchisee that offers automobile repairing services by a specific repairing method, and a franchise system provided with the charge information processing apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, services for repairing automobiles with a specific repairing method are provided by franchised automobile repairers (franchisees). According to the automobile repairing services, since a specific repairing method is standardized, a customer can be offered a certain level of repairing services whichever automobile repairer the customer selects to have an automobile repaired as long as the repairer is franchised.
In general, in order to work as a franchisee, an existing automobile repairer that is not franchised is required to conclude a predetermined agreement (a franchise agreement) with a franchise head office and pay introduction expenses for facilities required for working as a franchisee that provides automobile repairing services by a specific repairing method to the franchise head office (1).
In addition, there are other charges which the existing automobile repairer is required to pay to the franchise head office, namely, an instruction fee for the specific repairing method (2), a royalty (3), and prices of repairing instruments and repairing materials that are required for implementing the specific repairing method (4). The existing automobile repairer is allowed to work as the above-mentioned franchisee through the payment of these charges (1) through (4).
The above-mentioned charge (1) is usually presented to the existing automobile repairer as an estimation or the like before concluding an agreement. In addition, the charge (1) is usually processed as sales of the franchise head office after concluding the agreement.
As described above, since the charge (1) is required in many cases, a charge information processing apparatus for calculating the charge (1) is desired.
In addition, facilities that should be introduced are different depending on the scale of a repair shop owned by the existing automobile repairer and thus, the charge (1) is not fixed. Therefore, a charge information processing apparatus for calculating the charge (1) corresponding to the scale of the repair shop owned by the existing automobile repairer is desired.
Moreover, in addition to the charge (1), the above-mentioned charges (2) through (4) are simultaneously presented to the existing automobile repairer as estimations or the like before concluding the agreement. In addition, the charges (2) through (4) are usually and simultaneously processed as sales of the franchise head office after concluding the agreement.
As described above, since all the charges (1) through (4) are simultaneously required in many cases, a charge information processing apparatus for calculating all the charges (1) through (4) is desired.

Charge information processing apparatus, franchise system provided with the charge information processing apparatus, charge calculating method, recording medium, and program


An apparatus and method is disclosed for forming a nano structure on a substrate with nano particles. The nano particles are deposited through a nano size pore onto the substrate. A laser beam is directed through a concentrator to focus a nano size laser beam onto the deposited nano particles on the substrate. The apparatus and method is suitable for fabricating patterned conductors, semiconductors and insulators on semiconductor wafers of a nano scale line width by direct nanoscale deposition of materials.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to nano-technology and more particularly to the process of nano manufacturing through the use of a nano size dispenser and a nano size laser beam.
2. Background of the Invention
It has been recognized widely that nanotechnology will lead to the era of nanoelectronics enhancing the performance of current microelectronics. Nanolithography and nanoscale device fabrication are important steps for this advance in nano manufacturing. Over the past several years, numerous nanolithography techniques have been investigated, e.g., deep ultraviolet (DUV), extreme ultraviolet (EUV), X-rays, tip of an atomic microscope (AFM), tip of a near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM), micro-contact printing, evanescent near-field optical lithography (ENFOL) and evanescent interferometric lithography (EIL). Both ENFOL and EIL techniques create an evanescent optical field directly below the contact mask with the promise of λ/20 resolution, where λ is the laser wavelength. Other nanolithography techniques include dip-pen patterning, embossing, self-assembly, electron beam as well as focused ion beam direct-writing and immersion interferometric nanolithography. Only a few of these techniques are being considered for nanomanufacturing. The acceptance of a given technique as a nanomanufacturing tool in the semiconductor industry is largely determined by its cost-effectiveness. Therefore there is a progressive need for developing cheaper and more efficient tools. Often new tools with novel capability allow rapid prototyping as well as fabrication of new products. The following patents represent some of the contribution in the art in nano technology.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,481 to Licoppe, et al. discloses a gas photonanograph for the production and optical analysis of nanometer scale patterns. The photonanograph has a gas expansion chamber equipped with a gas supply for producing patterns and provided at a first end with microcapillaries for the discharge of the gas, an optical fibre, which is sharp at a first end and which is to be positioned facing the sample to be treated, a light source coupled to the second end of the optical fiber, the latter being transparent to the light emitted by the light source, and detecting and processing apparatus for monitoring a light signal reflected by the sample. The photonanograph permits the localized etching or deposition of materials for microelectronics or microoptoelectronics.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,200 to Sugaya et. al. relates to inspection apparatus and method in which, based on images under a plurality of focus conditions formed by way of an optical system to be inspected, namely, using images under a plurality of defocal conditions, tendency in positional change or change of asymmetry between the images is calculated so as to specify at least one of aberration condition and optical adjustment condition of the optical system to be inspected as well as to exposure apparatuses and overlay accuracy measurement apparatuses provided with the inspection apparatus. In addition, the present invention relates to an image-forming optical system suitable to an alignment apparatus which is applicable to the exposure apparatuses. This image-forming optical system comprises a correction optical system for intentionally generating asymmetric aberration or symmetric aberration in the image-forming optical system and a decentering mechanism for decentering the correction optical system to cancel asymmetric aberration or symmetric aberration in the image-forming optical system.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,754,299 to Sugaya et. al. relates to inspection apparatus and method in which, based on images under a plurality of focus conditions formed by way of an optical system to be inspected, namely, using images under a plurality of defocal conditions, tendency in positional change or change of asymmetry between the images is calculated so as to specify at least one of aberration condition and optical adjustment condition of the optical system to be inspected as well as to exposure apparatuses and overlay accuracy measurement apparatuses provided with the inspection apparatus. In addition, the present invention relates to an image-forming optical system suitable to an alignment apparatus which is applicable to the exposure apparatuses. This image-forming optical system comprises a correction optical system for intentionally generating asymmetric aberration or symmetric aberration in the image-forming optical system and a decentering mechanism for decentering the correction optical system to cancel asymmetric aberration or symmetric aberration in the image-forming optical system.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,861 to Aravinda Kar et al. discloses a one-step rapid manufacturing process used to create three dimensional prototyping parts. Material such as metal, ceramics and the like powder, and wire, and the like, is delivered to a laser beam-material interaction region where it is melted and deposited on a substrate. The melted and deposited material is placed on a XYZ workstation. Three dimensional parts are created by moving the XYZ workstation relative to the laser beam while simultaneously feeding powdered alloys, first in the XY and then in the Z plane. Beam shaping focusing optics can be used to tailor the intensity distribution of the laser beam to the requirements of the deposition layers, and can be used to create parts with desired mechanical or thermodynamic properties. Additional beam splitting and recombining optics can be used to allow powder to be fed at a perpendicular angle to the substrate.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,526,327 to Aravinda Kar et al. discloses a one-step rapid manufacturing process used to create three dimensional prototyping parts. Material such as metal, ceramics and the like powder, and wire, and the like, is delivered to a laser beam-material interaction region where it is melted and deposited on a substrate. The melted and deposited material is placed on a XYZ workstation. Three dimensional parts are created by moving the XYZ workstation relative to the laser beam while simultaneously feeding powdered alloys, first in the XY and then in the Z plane. Beam shaping focusing optics can be used to tailor the intensity distribution of the laser beam to the requirements of the deposition layers, and can be used to create parts with desired mechanical or thermodynamic properties. Additional beam splitting and recombining optics can be used to allow powder to be fed at a perpendicular angle to the substrate.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,621,448 to Lasky et al. discloses a system and method for imaging objects obscured by a covering layer of snow. The system preferably utilizes a continuous-wave radar generating short-wavelength radio-frequency (RF) signal beam-scanned over angular displacements following a scanning pattern toward a target area. Reflections of the RF signal from objects buried beneath the snow are registered by an array of RF detectors whose signal magnitudes are summed arid correlated with scan direction to generate a signal providing spatial object information, which by way of example, is visually displayed. The radio-frequency beam may be scanned over the scene electronically or by either mechanically or electromechanically modulating antenna direction or the orientation of a beam deflector. The system is capable of generating multiple image frames per second, high-resolution imaging, registration of objects to a depth exceeding two meters, and can be implemented at low cost without complex signal processing hardware.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention is to advance the art by providing an apparatus and a method for forming a nano structure on a substrate.
Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for forming a nano structure such as electrical conductors on a semiconductor substrate.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus and a method for forming a nano structure incorporating a nano particle dispenser for depositing the nano particles onto a substrate.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus and a method for forming a nano structure incorporating a nano size laser beam for impinging upon the deposited nano particles on the substrate.
The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed as being merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by modifying the invention within the scope of the invention. Accordingly other objects in a full understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention and the detailed description describing the preferred embodiment of the invention.


The present invention relates to a backlight module and a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, and the backlight module comprises: a back plate disposed at the bottom of the backlight module; light emitting diode (LED) light sources disposed on the back plate; and a diffusion plate disposed on a light output surface of the backlight module. There are different distances between the LED light sources disposed in different areas of the back plate and the diffusion plate. By adopting different height of LED light sources in different areas of the back plate, the display quality of the backlight module and the LCD device according to the present invention can be increased.

A liquid crystal display (LCD) has been widely applied in various kinds of electric products, and most of the LCDs are backlight type LCD, which comprise an LCD panel and a backlight module. According to different incident positions of light sources, the backlight module can be divided into two types, a side-light type and a direct-light type, so as to provide the backlight sources to the LCD panel.
As shown in FIG. 1, a structural schematic view of a traditional direct-light type backlight module 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein numeral 101 is a back plate, and numeral 102 is a light emitting diode (LED) light source. The LED light source 102 is evenly distributed on the back plate 101. For human's eye, the brightness perception is weak and the color perception is strong in a center area of a display panel, but the brightness perception is strong and the color perception is weak in side edge areas of a display panel. Hence, when an LCD device adopting the above-mentioned backlight module 100 is used for image display, the user may be feel the brightness is worse in the center area of the display panel, so as to influence the display quality.
As a result, it is necessary to provide a backlight module and an LCD device to solve the problems existing in the conventional technologies.

Backlight module and liquid crystal display device

SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


An active vibration noise control apparatus uses an adaptive control process, which predicts rear road wheel noise canceling sounds by correcting a front road wheel reference signal or a rear road wheel reference signal with a corrective filter, based on different characteristics of front road wheel suspensions and rear road wheel suspensions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an active vibration noise control apparatus for canceling vibration noise based on an input from a road surface with canceling sounds, and more particularly to an active vibration noise control apparatus for canceling vibration road noise according to an adaptive control process.
2. Description of the Related Art
Active noise control apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "ANC apparatus") are known in the art as apparatus for controlling acoustics in relation to vibration noise in vehicular passenger compartments. According to a general ANC apparatus, speakers in a vehicular passenger compartment output canceling sounds in opposite phase with the vibration noise to reduce the vibration noise in the vehicular passenger compartment. An error representing a deviation between the vibration noise and the canceling sounds is detected as residual noise by a microphone, which is positioned near the ears of a passenger in the vehicular passenger compartment, and is used to determine the canceling sounds. Some ANC apparatus reduce noise (muffled engine sounds), which is generated in the vehicular passenger compartment as the engine operates (vibrates). See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0247137 (hereinafter referred to as "US 2004/0247137 A1"), Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 06-083369 (hereinafter referred to as "JP 06-083369 A"), and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2007-216787 (hereinafter referred to as "JP 2007-216787 A")}.
According to JP 06-083369 A, vibrations of front road wheels are detected by a pickup (1) located near the front road wheels. Canceling sounds for canceling vibration noise caused by vibrations of the front road wheels are generated based on an output signal (reference signal) from the pickup (1). The output signal (reference signal) from the pickup (1) is delayed by a delay circuit (4) depending on vehicle speed. Canceling sounds for canceling vibration noise caused by vibrations of the rear road wheels is generated based on the delayed reference signal (see, for example, Abstract, FIG. 1, and paragraphs [0018] through [0026]).
According to JP 2007-216787 A, vibrations applied from the front road wheels to the vehicle body are detected by acceleration sensors (14, 16) located near the front road wheels. Vibrations applied from the rear road wheels to the vehicle body are estimated based on detected signals from the acceleration sensors (14, 16) and a vehicle speed sensor (26). Canceling sounds are generated and output based on estimated vibrations applied from the rear road wheels to the vehicle body and vibration noise detected by a microphone (30) (see, for example, Abstract and FIG. 1).

Active vibration noise control apparatus


A digital voltage level translator circuit for interfacing circuitry operating at different voltages is described. An inverting digital voltage level translator circuit (11) has an input (12) and an output (13). The input is coupled to a transmission gate (18), an inverter (17), and a gate of a n-channel enhancement MOSFET (22). Transmission gate (18) is enabled by the inverter (17) when the input (12) is at a zero logic level. An output of transmission gate (18) is coupled to a gate of a p-channel enhancement MOSFET (21) and an output of a pull-up circuit (19). A zero logic level at the input (12) enables MOSFET (21) through transmission gate (18) and disables MOSFET (22) generating a one logic level at output (12). A one logic level at the input (12) enables MOSFET (22) transitioning output (13) to a zero logic level. Output (13) to a control input of pull-up circuit (19) and a zero logic level enables pull-up circuit (19) disabling MOSFET (21).

This invention relates, in general, to translator circuits, and more particularly to translator circuits which interface digital circuits operating at different voltage levels.
Integrated circuit technology, in general, is shifting towards lower operating voltages. Wafer processing advances allow for the fabrication of smaller devices which increase transistor densities within a given area. The smaller devices cannot withstand the standard operating voltage used in the industry. For example, CMOS digital circuitry currently operates at 5 volts. In the future this supply voltage standard could drop to a voltage somewhere between 2.7 and 3.3 volts. Other factors besides wafer processing issues such as reduced power dissipation, new semiconductor processes/materials, or battery operated applications may further fuel a push to lower operating voltages.
It is critical that circuits operating at the two different voltage supply standards (3 or 5 volts) can still interface with one another. The new lower voltage standard would be extremely difficult to integrate into mainstream integrated circuit sales if they were not compatible with the current voltage standard. A translation circuit which interfaces circuitry operating at two different voltage levels must meet several requirements to minimize impact it has on a circuit design. Some of these requirements of the translation circuit are 1) speed (must add minimal delay to system), 2) area (must not take up a significant portion of the design), 3) simplicity (the translator must not be a yield problem), and 4) power dissipation. Most translator circuits currently used fail in one or more of these areas. Thus, it would be of great benefit if a translator circuit could be designed which is fast, uses minimal silicon areas, is simple, and does not dissipate an appreciable static current.

Digital voltage level translator circuit


The present disclosure is directed to casing accessories for use with multi-component wall systems. Some of the casing accessories of the present disclosure can include a mounting bracket to attach the accessory to a wall structure and a channel formed in part by a spacer that can be adjusted to adjust the channel width in order to encase components of multi-component wall systems that can vary in width from one installation to another. In another aspect, some of the casing accessories can include one or more drainage canals that direct water from one part of the casing accessories to another. In another aspect, some of the casing accessories can impede fire propagation through multi-component wall systems.

A recent development in the construction industry is the growing popularity of continuous insulation, which is designed to extend across structural members in a continuous manner and configured to minimize thermal bridging. Some popular types of continuous insulation include rigid foam, mineral wool, biomass, and wood insulation, any of which can be installed on the exterior side of the structural members of a building construction. With the advent of continuous insulation as a frequent requirement in wall construction of new building products, various issues have arisen including those relating to the effectiveness of fire protection, moisture management, the maintenance of edge integrity of the wall assembly after installation, and the management of variations in wall assembly thickness during installation. For wall systems incorporating continuous insulation, moisture management becomes an important issue due to the lack of openings in the continuous layer that would otherwise allow for movement of moisture from interior to exterior portions of the wall assemblies. Variation in the thickness of different insulation panel products result in installed wall assemblies varying in thickness from one building to another. For manufacturers of wall systems and accessories, such as starter tracks, variations in wall thickness from one installation to another necessitate the need to produce different versions of a given accessory in order to accommodate the varying thicknesses, thereby potentially increasing manufacturing and inventory costs. Furthermore, wall assemblies containing continuous insulation often are thicker than wall assemblies containing traditional types of insulation resulting in thicker assembly edges that are more prone to wear and tear.
Other challenges arise in the area of wall assemblies and construction. For example, fire safety has always been an issue in construction. With the advent of modern materials and construction techniques, the need for construction features and components that can tend to resist the spread of fire has persisted. Furthermore, the constructability of wall systems has been and continues to be a target for improvements. Oftentimes, adjustments to wall assemblies at the time of installation are necessary to achieve the desired appearance, performance and durability of the finished product. Yet current designs of wall systems often do not provide the necessary flexibility to achieve such adjustments efficiently or effectively. Additional challenges include water management, not just in installations with continuous insulation panels, but other wall systems that are exposed to weather.
Consequently, there is a need for wall accessories that can address one or more of these and related issues. The present disclosure addresses this need and provides additional aspects that can prove useful in the construction industry.


A high-speed modulo exponentiator device employs a computation algorithm and integrated circuit ("IC") hardware implementation to perform the modulo exponentiation function of the form C=B.sup.E (Modulo M) as a series of modulo multiplication operations, which in turn are performed as a series of simple addition, multiplication and distributed modulo operations. The intermediate data maintain a bit length in the range of the bit length of the modulus value. The simplified operations are implemented via register add and shift operations in an arithmetic logic circuit. The arithmetic logic has a bit slice architecture which plural bit slices are combined to form the basic carry-save elements of the exponentiator device. The exponentiator device may be cascaded with other devices for handling numbers of longer bit lengths. Improved techniques are used for optimizing the multiplication time and for pipelining the transfer of data between cascaded elements.

Cryptographic developments in the last decade have identified public key systems as very desirable from an operational viewpoint. In public key systems, data to be secured is encrypted with an enciphering key, and decrypted with a deciphering key that is different from and not computable from the enciphering key. In a major class of such public key encryption systems, such as the RSA (Rivest, Shamir, Adelman), Diffie-Hellman, and SEEK (Secure Electronic Exchange of Keys) methods, data to be secured (or a message coded in numeric form) B is enciphered using a public key (E,M) to obtain a ciphertext C, as follows: EQU C=B.sup.E (Modulo M)
In this operation, the ciphertext C is the remainder of B.sup.E when divided by M. As is preferred, all quantities are large integers which may be several hundred bits long, and M is the product of two large prime numbers p and q.
The deciphering operation to retrieve the data or message B is similar except that a private key (D,M) is used, as follows: EQU B=C.sup.D (Modulo M)
Here D depends on p and q, and it is extremely difficult to compute D from E and M as it is to factor M. As an example of the RSA method, the word "IT" can be encrypted using the numeric code representation for letters A=01, B=02, . . . Z=26, so that the word "IT" is represented by the number 0920. Then with M=47 * 59=2773, and E=17, the ciphertext C=920.sup.17 ; (Modulo 2773)=948. Using p=47 and q=59, a value D=157 can be derived as the private key by which the original message can be calculated as 948.sup.157 ; (Modulo 2773)=920, which is decoded as the word "IT".
Modular arithmetic plays a large part in public key encryption systems because it uses smooth and continuous functions to obtain discontinuous values which jump around in a haphazard way. While the encryption method may be known, the security of this form of cipher rests mainly in the difficulty, if not impossibility, of computing the enciphering or deciphering values. The code breaker's work increases much more rapidly with increasing length N of the numbers used than does the work of an authorized sender or receiver. For example, if the code breaking work is proportional to N.sup.N whereas the encrypting/decrypting work is proportional to N.sup.3, then doubling N from 10 to 20 makes an authorized user's work 8 times greater but the code breaker's work 4010 greater.
For further information regarding such public key systems and modular arithmetic encryption functions, reference is made to the article entitled "The Mathematics of Public Key Cryptography" by Martin Hellman, published in Scientific American Magazine, August 1979, Vol. 241, No. 2, pages 146 to 157.
A described above, using a public key for encryption and a secret key for description prevents a third party from extracting processed information from a communication system. But also, using a secret key for encryption ("signing a message") and a public key for decryption ("reading the signature") prevents a third party from inserting bogus information into a communication system.
The implementation of such public key encryption systems depends upon the ability to perform the mathematical modulo exponentiation function quickly and within given hardware constraints. Existing silicon-based circuit devices typically can perform a 512-bit computation in tens or hundreds of milliseconds (ms). The rather long computation time makes this encryption technique suitable only for key management and low-rate data applications. Such existing devices also exhibit severely degraded performance when they are cascaded to support a higher precision arithmetic. Furthermore, secure data transmission, a rapidly growing application, requires authentication of lengthy packets which could greatly increase the computation time. High data rate applications and real-time performance in image or voice communication systems would require at least a tenfold reduction in current exponentiation computation times in order to be feasible for implementation.


A new scheduling method and policy for shared (server) resources, such as the CPU or disk memory of a multiprogrammed data processor. The scheduling is referred to as Move-To-Rear List Scheduling and it provides a cumulative service guarantee and well as more traditional guarantees such as fairness (proportional sharing) and bounded delay. In typical operation, a list is maintained for a server of processes seeking service from the server. Processes are admitted to the list only when maximum capacity constraints are not violated, and once on the list, are served in a front-to-back order. After receiving service, or upon the occurrence of other events, the position of the process on the list may be changed.

When using single-tasking operating systems, computer processors typically execute computer programs or program subroutines serially, i.e. no computer program or program subroutine can begin to execute until the previous one terminates. Inefficiencies inherent in such single-tasking operating system led to the development of multitasking or multithreaded operating systems. In these latter operating systems, each computer program is divided into one or more processes (sometimes referred to as program threads or streams of execution), each performing a specific task. Because a single processor can execute only one such process at a time, execution of a process is advantageously suspended awaiting some event, or because of such an event.
However, multitasking operating systems, unlike single-tasking operating systems, can cause a processor to execute another process of the suspended (or a different) computer program. Multitasking operating systems have been used in multiprocessor environments to permit processes of the same or different programs to execute on different processors. Particular application programs may require special treatment in respect of user control or real or perceived priority of execution.
In order to support multiple real-time applications on a single platform, operating systems advantageously provides Quality of Service (QoS) assurances based on the provisioning of system resources among applications to achieve desired levels of predictable performance. Traditional QoS parameters include fairness, delay, and throughput. Such QoS assurances often take the form of reservations of system resources, such as percentages or fixed quantities of central processing unit (CPU) cycles or time slices, or of allocations of disk memory accesses. Other QoS assurances are commonly provided in the separate field of data communications. These include specified packet delay or desired bandwidth.
Providing QoS assurances in real-time multiprogramming operating system environments have, however, continues to prove difficult, in part because performance of a single application typically is affected by the total load on the system. Some real-time operating systems are capable of delivering performance guarantees such as delay bounds, but in doing so require that applications be modified to take advantage of the real-time features. These and other QoS efforts have focused on one or more operating system parameters or QoS criteria, but not on an overall QoS approach that insures adequate performance in the most demanding real-time environments, e.g, allocation of resources in a high-capacity, high-efficiency video server.
Similarly, QoS guarantees offered in data communication systems, e.g., in allocating the bandwidth or time intervals on a high-speed data link to a number of competing input data streams tend to emphasize one or more of packet delay, delay jitter, throughput and fairness. Typically, a QoS requirement for such link scheduling contexts is specified by a single dimensionless weight or rate.


The present invention relates to a topical or cosmetic system that includes a first element capable of acting as an electron donor and a second element capable of acting as an electron acceptor. Such first and second elements are spaced apart by a predetermined distance across a skin surface. The system also includes a third element extending over the predetermined distance across the skin surface, while the third element contains an electrically conductive medium for electrically connecting the first and second elements, thereby generating an electrical current that flows across the skin surface from the first element through the conductive medium to the second element in the absence of any power source. The present invention also relates to methods of using the above-described system for preventing or treating skin damage.

It has long been recognized that there is a normal transcutaneous electric potential associated with mammalian skin (see, e.g., Robert Edelberg, in, The Biophysical Properties of the Skin, Harry Elden (ed.), Chapter 15, Wiley Interscience, 1971). This potential is to a great extent influenced by the presence of sweat glands and hair, and thus the strength of the potential may differ both spatially and temporally on the skin. However, even in nonglandular areas of the skin, there is a fairly strong, measurable current produced across the epidermis, in essence forming an intrinsic skin battery. Although most measurements have been conducted on non-human mammals, considerable evidence indicates that the same type of battery exists on human skin as well (Barker et al., Am. J. Physiol. 242: R358-R366, 1982). Such batteries have been known to exist in amphibians, where they apparently serve a function in sodium uptake and appendage regeneration. However, their purpose in a nonaquatic vertebrate was not readily apparent. Based on observations of fairly strong voltage gradients at the margins of wounds, Barker et al. and others have suggested that in mammals the skin currents may be important in the process of wound healing.
Further evidence of the importance of electrical currents in the maintenance of healthy skin has been shown in the successful use of electrotherapy in treatment of skin damages. For example, Carley and Wainapel (Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 66: 443-446, 1985) have shown that treatment of indolent ulcers with low intensity direct current significantly increased the healing rate of those treated individuals relative to individuals treated with conventional therapy, with a concomitant reduction in pain and discomfort in those treated with electrotherapy. Similarly, Grace Chao et al. (Connective Tissue Research, 48: 188, 2007) noted the effects of applied DC electric field on the ligament fibroblast migration and wound healing processes, and Alvarez O M et al. (J. Invest. Dermatol., 81(2): 144-148, 1983, August) demonstrated that the healing of superficial skin wounds was stimulated by external electrical current.
Therefore, it appears that the maintenance of an electric current on the skin is associated with the continued well-being of undamaged skin, and that application of an electrical current to damaged skin can be highly beneficial to the healing process of such damaged skin. In addition to the reported treatment of ulcers, there are a number of other skin conditions involving irritation or inflammation which could also potentially benefit from preventive and/or therapeutic application of a low intensity current. However, the means for delivery of electrical current to skin reported in the medical literature typically involve the use of external power source and monitoring devices, which would be prohibitively expensive and complicated for the treatment of less serious skin damages, which are not life-threatening but nonetheless painful and irritating.
Although dermal patches featuring ultra-thin power supplies and electrodes printed or laminated onto elastic and flexible plastic substrates have become commercially available in recent years, such dermal patches are mostly designed for aiding transdermal delivery of active cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredients into the skin. FIG. 1 illustrates a typical dermal patch used for conventional transdermal delivery of active cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredients into the skin, which contains a printed, ultra-thin micro battery connected to an anode and a cathode that are in direct contact with the skin surface. The electrical potential differences between the anode and the cathode, as provided by the micro battery, generate an electric current that flows from the anode through the skin to the cathode, which in turn asserts repulsive electromotive forces on charged active cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredients on the skin surface, i.e., the positively charged anode will repel positively charged active cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredients into the skin, while the negatively charged cathode will repel negatively charged active cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredients into the skin.
However, the current intensity achieved by such conventional dermal patch is typically in the milli-ampere (mA) range, which may cause irritation or inflammation of the skin. Further, because the electric current generated by such conventional dermal patch flows through the skin, the current intensity is significantly affected by various factors, such as the pH, moisture content, and resistance of skin, which can vary widely from person to person and even for the same person at different times of the day. In addition, the conventional dermal patches still require presence of power supplies, which significantly increase the complexity and costs of manufacturing and present additional modes of failure.
In contrast with the conventional devices described hereinabove, the present invention provides a simple and novel system for consistently generating a mild electrical current that flows across the skin surface, instead of through the skin, in a sustainable manner without the need for any external power source. Inventors of the present invention have discovered that such mild cross-flow electrical current is surprising and unexpectedly effective for preventing or treating skin damage and improving skin quality, even in absence of any cosmetic or skin care actives.

Microcurrent-generating topical or cosmetic systems, and methods of making and using the same


A fenestration unit comprising a frame having a center, a sash coupled to the frame, an interior pane coupled to the sash, a spacer coupled to the interior pane, an exterior pane coupled to the sash and the spacer, the exterior pane including an inward-facing surface, and a peripheral shield disposed on the inward-facing surface of the exterior pane such that, when viewed at direct angle, the peripheral shield hides the spacer, the sash, and at least part of the frame.

In various architectural elements and fenestration units, such as windows and doors, it may be more aesthetically desirable to have larger viewing areas that are unobstructed by the opaque members of the fenestration units. For example, it may be desirable to maximize the viewable size of the transparent pane and minimize the viewable size of the opaque frame.

Enhanced field of view for fenestration units