An apparatus and method for determination of change in volume of a body part or body organ on a real-time basis. In a breastfeeding application, an inflatable cuff is positioned on a nursing breast and allows direct access to the nipple by the breastfeeding infant. The inflatable cuff includes an outer shell portion and an inner inflatable bladder. The pressure in the bladder is monitored regularly by a pressure sensor, during a breastfeeding session. When the pressure drops below a preselected pressure, a controller directs a pump to pump air into the inflatable bladder to maintain the preselected pressure. The volume of added air is monitored during the breastfeeding session. Various calibrations are used to correlate the amount of added air, to the volume of breast milk withdrawn from the breast. The volume of breast milk withdrawn during breastfeeding is calculated and displayed throughout the breastfeeding session.

It is important to monitor the change in volume of an animal's organ over a period of time or during a physiological or other event, or other session.
Breastfeeding is medically important to infants' wellbeing and development. It is important to verify that a sufficient volume of milk is ingested by the infant during the breastfeeding session. A deficiency in natural mother milk requires supplementation. It is useful to monitor the amount of breast milk ingested by an infant on a real-time basis during a breastfeeding session as the volume of milk ingested is indicative of the amount of nutrients ingested by the infant and may indicate the appropriate time to cease the breastfeeding session. Especially with smaller infants, it is important to accurately monitor the volume of milk ingested by the infant during a breastfeeding session.
Ensuring that an infant has ingested a sufficient volume of mother milk is also important for a mother's mental and emotional well-being and to eliminate other issues as potential causes of an infant's uneasiness. For example, if an infant cries for an unknown reason, the mother can more easily identify the cause for crying once the mother has eliminated hunger as a reason for the crying. In addition to a mother's concerns, there are several medical situations where having knowledge about the amount of milk the infant ingests is critical for the infant's development and health, such as with premature babies or infants suffering from growth retardation, diarrhea or other causes for loss of fluids or nutrients.
Direct breastfeeding by an infant develops an emotional and psychological bond between mother and child and is desirable. One method for determining an amount of volume of milk ingested by an infant is to pump the breast milk into bottles where it can be measured accurately and then feeding the infant from the bottle. This method removes the intimacy of direct breastfeeding and requires the use, cleaning and storage of bottles, pumping devices, artificial nipples, heating devices and other associated products.
Availability of a device that is able to measure the amount of milk ingested by an infant by nursing, non-invasively and without interfering with the natural nursing process is highly desirable for mothers and healthcare facilities. It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and system that provides for direct nursing by the infant and which provides immediate and continuous feedback regarding the volume of breast milk withdrawn from the breast and therefore ingested by the infant during the breastfeeding session.
It is also medically important to be able to monitor the change in volume in other organs or other body parts such as may be swollen due to edema or lymphedema.
The disclosure addresses these and other needs.

Apparatus and method for real-time measurement of changes in volume of breast and other organs


A manufacturing method of a light-emitting diode is provided. The light-emitting diode manufactured by the steps of coating solution containing p-type or n-type impurities on a porous silicon layer, thereby forming a p/n junction through a thermal treatment has excellent light-emitting efficiency. Also, the process is simple compared to an implantation method, and further the manufacturing is since the thermal treatment can be performed at a relatively low temperature.

The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of a light-emitting diode, and more particularly, to a method for manufacturing a diode having excellent light-emitting efficiency at a relatively low temperature.
Currently, lightweight liquid crystal displays having low power consumption are widely in use, however, there are difficulties in obtaining large screen displays and colorization thereof. Due to these limitations in the liquid crystal display, interest in the light-emitting diode (LED) has increased.
In the light-emitting diode, visible rays are emitted when an electric field is applied to the diode, which is a phenomenon called electroluminescence (EL). In the case of a forward bias p/n junction, a hole and an electron are combined near the junction. Here, free electrons of high energy should be able to combine easily with the hole, with emitting energy. In all p/n junction diodes, a part of the energy is emitted in the form of heat or light. Here, the LED uses an emission property of visible light.
The diode essentially comprises a porous silicon layer and a contact layer, in which the material used for the contact layer is a metal, an indium tin oxide (ITO), silicon carbide or a conductive polymer.
Enhanced diodes have a structure in which a p/n junction is provided in the porous region. The porous silicon has the advantage of excellent quantum efficiency, which is defined as the ratio of emitted photons to applied electrons. Also, the light-emitting efficiency of the diode is considerably enhanced when impurities are implanted into the porous layer. For example, a p-type semiconductor is manufactured by doping a group III element such as boron, aluminum, gallium or indium, into the porous silicon in an appropriate ratio, and an n-type semiconductor is manufactured by doping impurities such as phosphorus, arsenic or antimony.
According to the conventional method, the diode having a p/n junction in a porous region is manufactured by forming a p/n junction using implantation or diffusion and then making the p/n junction porous by an appropriate process, or by making a silicon porous and then doping impurities on the porous layer to form a p/n junction.
However, when making the p/n junction porous, the p/n junction is transformed to deteriorate the light-emitting efficiency of the diode. Meanwhile, in the case that impurities are doped into the porous layer, a diffusion or implantation method is used. Here, the diffusion method requires a heat treatment at 900.degree. C. or higher, and the implantation method includes a complicated two-step process.

Manufacturing method of light-emitting diode


A camera device (2) for detecting a surrounding region (7) of a vehicle includes an optronic unit (3) configured to capture an image sequence of the surrounding region. The optronic unit includes a wide-angle lens and a high-resolution image sensor. The optronic unit is configured to reduce the resolution in images in the image sequence, in particular by pixel binning, alternatingly differently and asymmetrically in successive images of the sequence.

In order to produce driver assistance devices such as traffic sign recognition or a lane departure warning system, camera systems require a horizontal viewing angle of approx. 50 degrees and a vertical viewing angle of approx. 30 degrees. However, new functions such as cross traffic or traffic light recognition notably require a much larger viewing angle in order to be able to detect objects located in the peripheral area of the image during tailgating. In contrast, highly automated driving or a lane departure warning system, for example, also requires recognition of objects and roadway structures at a great distance, necessitating a corresponding resolution.
Since, even in the medium term, image-processing, embedded processors will not be able to process the high resolutions of approx. 8 megapixels directly, i.e. in real time, it is necessary to reduce the resolution. In order to solve this problem, methods are known, in accordance with which 4 pixels are combined in each case (pixel binning) such that a full field of view is available at half resolution in the image. Alternatively, an extract of the field of view can also be simply input, in each case, at full resolution. It is always the case that only one of these images can be input during each time bin resulting from the frame rate of the imager (e.g. 33 frames per second (fps)). That is to say, if a larger horizontal field of view at a high resolution is required (e.g. for a crossroads situation on a country road), the integral parts thereof (that is to say, for instance, the left partial image, the right partial image) have to be input individually, which takes a correspondingly longer period of time. By contrast, a central unbinned image does not offer a sufficiently large field of view for the situation which has been indicated by way of example, such that only the binned image at half the frame rate and with half the resolution can be used. Both methods increase the latency of a system connected to the detection (e.g. emergency braking system), which has an effect on the performance thereof.

Camera device and method for detecting a surrounding region of a vehicle


The inert gas generating system includes a compressed air source, a cooling air source, and a separation module. The separation module includes first and second inlets and outlets. The first inlet is coupled to the compressed air source. The first outlet is coupled to the first inlet via a bundle of hollow fiber membranes. The second inlet is coupled to the cooling air source, and the second outlet is coupled to the second inlet via a space surrounding the bundle of hollow fiber membranes.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to cooling systems. More specifically, the invention relates to a system and method for cooling a nitrogen enriched air stream as it passes through an air separation module (ASM) of an On-board Inert Gas Generating Systems (OBIGGS).
2. Description of Related Art
The energy requirements of most modern aircraft are supplied by combusting aviation gasoline, which is typically stored in fuel tanks within an aircraft's wings. Such fuel tanks also contain an explosive fuel/air mixture in the area above the fuel, otherwise known as the ullage. Accordingly, many systems have been developed to reduce the danger of accidentally igniting this air/fuel mixture.
One way of addressing such a danger is to replace the explosive air/fuel mixture with a nonflammable inert gas, usually nitrogen. The On-board Inert Gas Generating System (OBIGGS) does just this, by separating nitrogen from local, ambient air and replacing the fuel/air mixture in the ullage with this nitrogen.
Military aircraft have used OBIGGS systems for many years to protect against fuel tank explosions caused by extreme aircraft operation and exposure to small arms fire. However, military aircraft are not the only aircraft that would benefit from OBIGGS. For example, investigations into the cause of recent air disasters have concluded that unknown sources may be responsible for fuel tank ignition and explosion. Subsequently, OBIGGS has been evaluated as a way to protect commercial aircraft against such fuel tank explosions caused by any ignition source.
Prior OBIGGS systems have proved relatively unreliable, heavy, and costly for both initial acquisition and non-military operation. Accordingly, a need exists for a reliable, simple, light, and inexpensive OBIGGS system for commercial aircraft application.
Moreover, the inert gas introduced into the ullage must be at a relatively low temperature. To ensure that the inert gas is at a sufficiently cool temperature, current OBIGGS systems typically pre-cool the air entering the ASM of the OBIGGS system using bulky and expensive heat exchangers. Such a heat exchanger is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,556,180. Accordingly, a system and method for cooling the inert air before it is introduced into the ullage, while eliminating the use of bulky and costly heat exchangers, would be highly desirable.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Cooling system for an on-board inert gas generating system


Three dimensionally large metallic structures comprised of submicron grain sizes are produced by a process which includes directing a supersonic powder jet against a substrate such that the powder adheres to the substrate and to itself to form a dense cohesive deposit. The powder jet may be comprised of refractory metal powders. The powder may be deposited by a supersonic jet and may be extruded by Equi channel angular extrusion.

Metallic materials having a submicron, or nanocrystalline grain structure are of great interest due to their unique properties which include extended ductility and very high yield strengths. Much work has been done with thin films, coatings, and powders to make nanocrystalline structures, but the means of making three dimensionally large structures still remains elusive.
High energy milling is probably one of the most common ways of manufacturing metal powders having a submicron size grain structure. One problem with this approach is the powder frequently becomes heavily contaminated with microscopic particles that result from the wear of the mill, attriter or grinding media used in the process
Another technique pioneered by Purdue University and now being commercialized by Nanodynamics Inc. involves compacting machining chips created at high deformation rates. The cold work induced in the machining process results in nanocrystalline grain sizes in the chips. Like high energy milling this technique suffers contamination from the machining process and also requires the use of expensive secondary operations (Hot Isostatic Pressing, extrusion, explosive compaction, etc.) to consolidate the loose powder or chips into a bulk solid. Many times, if not carefully controlled, this secondary processing can damage the initial microstructure during consolidation.
Equi-channel angular extrusion (ECAE) is a high shear process where the metal or alloy is forced through a die changing the direction of flow. Very high strains are produced resulting in grain size refinement. However, the metal may have to be passed through the die multiple times (3-4) to produce a submicron grain size making the process work and cost intensive.
Others such as A. C. Hall, L. N. Brewer and T. J. Roemer, "Preparation of Aluminum coatings Containing Homogeneous Nanocrystalline Microstructures Using the cold Spray Process", JTTEES 17:352-359 have shown that thin coatings made from submicron grain sized powders retain this submicron grain size when the coatings are made by cold spray. In certain instances with aluminum they have even reduced the submicron grain size.

Low-energy method of manufacturing bulk metallic structures with submicron grain sizes


Fetal cells may be obtained from amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, percutaneous umbilical cord sampling or in vitro fertilization embryos or products of conception, but are preferably from maternal peripheral blood. Fetal cells may be enriched by density gradient centrifugation. Fetal cells may also be enriched by removing maternal cells with an antibody to a cell surface antigen, e.g. anti-CD45, either immobilized or by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Fetal cells are also distinguishable from maternal cells by staining, e.g. with a labeled antibody to cytokeratin or to fetal hemoglobin, or for fetal hemoglobin by hematoxylin/eosin, or by in situ hybridization to detect one or more fetal mRNAs, e.g., of fetal hemoglobin or fetoprotein. Amplification may be used in conjunction with the in situ hybridization. Fetal cells circulating in maternal blood may be separated by flow cytometry, sorting on their intrinsic light scattering properties. Fetal nucleated erythrocytes may be identified by a label for fetal hemoglobin. Fetal cells may be treated to determine genetic characteristics or abnormalities, infectious agents or other properties by nucleic acid hybridization. Genetic abnormalities may include deletions, additions, amplifications, translocations or rearrangements. Multiple abnormalities may also be detected simultaneously, and they may be visually distinguished by color. Kits are provided for the disclosed procedures.

The sex of a human fetus and certain fetal chromosomal abnormalities are conventionally detected or confirmed by directly examining the chromosomes in fetal cells by cytogenetic analysis or by testing for specific sequences of DNA within the chromosomes using nucleic acid analysis. These tests require the collection and culturing of living cells obtained through an outpatient surgical procedure involving some risk to the mother or fetus. Cells, which have been shed from the fetus, may be obtained by amniocentesis. Amniocentesis involves inserting a needle through the abdominal wall into the uterus and withdrawing a small amount of amniotic fluid. An alternative procedure involves sampling the tissue of chorionic villi from the surface of the placenta by inserting a catheter through the cervix or abdomen. However, spontaneous miscarriage or other serious complications may occur in about 0.5% of amniocentesis procedures and about 1% of chorionic villus procedures. Fetal cells collected by amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling are grown in culture for several days and then examined for abnormalities.
Various kinds of fetal cells have been characterized. Fetal cells include, but are not limited to, fetal erythrocytes, lymphocytes or trophoblasts. Trophoblasts include cytotrophoblast or syncytiotrophoblast cells and cells which may be sampled from embryos produced by in vitro fertilization techniques. As used herein, the term "erythrocytes" includes erythroblasts, normoblasts and reticulocytes, as well as erythrocytes, unless the contrary is clear from the context.
It is known that a small number of fetal cells circulate in the mother's blood. About one in 4,000 to 7,000 fetal erythrocytes in the maternal blood circulation is a fetal nucleated red blood cell. Methods for detecting certain of the fetal cells and/or separating them from the mother's blood have been reported. See, e.g., S. C. Yeoh et al., Prenatal Diagnosis 11:117-123 (1991); U. W. Mueller et al., Lancet 336:197-200 (1990) (isolation of fetal trophoblasts by murine monoclonal antibodies); J. O. Price et al., Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 165:1731-37 (1991) (fetal nucleated erythrocytes were flow sorted on the basis of four parameters: cell size, cell granularity, transferrin receptor, and glycophorin-A cell surface molecule); PCT Publication No. WO 91/07660 to Childrens Medical Center Corp. (a method for isolating fetal nucleated erythrocytes by means of an antigen present on the cell surface of the fetal erythrocytes); PCT Publication No. WO 91/16452 of Cellpro Incorporated; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,117 (a method for selectively recovering fetal cells from a maternal blood sample where cells of the sample are combined with a first and second antibody labeled with different fluorochromes).
Nucleic acid hybridization techniques are based on the ability of single-stranded DNA or RNA to pair, i.e. hybridize, with a complementary nucleic acid strand. This hybridization reaction allows the development of specific probes, or populations of probes, that can identify the presence of specific genes (DNA) or polynucleotide sequences of the transcription of those genes (RNA).
By the use of specific nucleic acid (RNA or DNA) probes, genetic markers for the gender or other genetic characteristic of the fetus and for infection and other disease states may be detected. Certain genetic diseases are characterized by the presence of genes absent in normal tissue. Other disease conditions are characterized by the expression of RNAs or RNA translation products (i.e. peptides or proteins) which are not expressed in normal cells. Some disease states are characterized by the absence of certain genes or portions of genes, or the absence or alteration of expression of gene products or proteins. Moreover, it is often desired to characterize the gender of animal fetuses, such as bovine fetuses, as well as human.
For background on nucleic acid genetic testing, see e.g., P. G. McDonough, Sem. Perinatol. 9:250-256 (1985), and W. G. Butler, et al, Fertility & Sterility 51:375-386.
Solution hybridization methods require the destruction of the cell and the isolation of the nucleic acids from the cell before carrying out the hybridization reaction. These methods sacrifice cellular integrity, spatial resolution and sensitivity of detection. Where relatively few cells are available for isolation, as with fetal cells circulating in maternal blood, solution hybridization is not feasible.
Amplification of nucleic acids, such as by the polymerase chain reaction, is a known technique, but with certain known drawbacks preventing optimal speed and efficiency. For example, such techniques may cause lysis of cells, may produce false positives due to sensitivity of the technique, and may lead to loss of specificity where high levels of amplification are required to detect a target that is present in low copy number. Moreover, hybridization of the amplified target is required in any event, so that multiple time-consuming steps are performed when amplification is used.
In situ hybridization provides a technique for the determination and quantitation of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) in tissues at the single-cell level. Such hybridization techniques can detect the presence or absence of specific genes in cells and may also be utilized to detect the expression of gene products at the single-cell level.
In situ hybridization procedures are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,326 and copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/668,751. The disclosure of each patent, patent application and journal publication identified in this patent application is incorporated by reference.
Despite the aforementioned knowledge, the prior art remains deficient. A truly rapid, sensitive, efficient and practical method of determining fetal gender and of detecting fetal genetic abnormalities on a routine basis without invading the mother's womb is lacking. Thus, the present invention fulfills a long-felt need and desire in this field.

Amplification of mRNA for distinguishing fetal cells in maternal blood


A light transmissive optical component comprising an electroactive material layer structure having a controlled deformation. When actuating the component, different relative thickness changes are implemented at different regions of the electroactive material layer thereby providing a non-uniform change in an optical function between those different regions.

There are many situations in which light output from a system is to be processed, for example to change a light color, light output direction or light intensity.
There various devices which process a light output to create these changes in optical properties. Generally, an overall change is implemented by an optical component.
There are situations in which a non-uniform change in optical properties is desired across an area. This can be achieved using an array of control devices, but this results in a complicated structure.
By way of example, for automotive headlights it is desirable to be able to tune different optical effects. These effects may include light intensity, color, diffusivity, refractive index, and the distribution of these effects within a light beam. Depending on conditions like weather, darkness, orientation with respect to the road, other traffic etc. it is beneficial to be able to tune some or all of these effects.
Furthermore, depending on the position in the light beam it is beneficial to have larger or smaller changes.
WO 2005/085930 discloses an adaptive optical element in the form of a lens formed of an electroactive polymer material, in which the lens shape is electrically controlled. U.S. 2007/263963 discloses an alignment system in which actuators control the shape of an optical prism for controlling the direction of a light beam.
It would be desirable to be able to control an optical property in a non-uniform way across an area, but with a simple device structure.


Reversible optical connectors, and associated devices and methods are provided. In one embodiment, a connector for a communication cable includes a housing comprising a cavity, and a first plug and a second plug coupled to a distal portion of the housing. The first and second plugs are connected to the housing such that the first and second plugs are independently rotatable with respect to the housing. The connector further includes a latch actuator coupled to the housing and configured to disengage one or more latches from an outlet. By rotating the plugs 180 degrees and turning the connector over, the relative arrangement or position of the two plugs can be switched or reversed. The plugs can be rotated or reversed without completely disassembling the connector, in some embodiments. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure can improve workflows for a user or operator that in a high-density networking setting.

Some conventional connector mechanisms for optical fibers include latches that are depressed by a user, typically using the thumb or finger, to cancel the latch connection with a corresponding adapter. Accordingly, two separate motions are used to disconnect a connector from an adapter or outlet: a downward press, and a proximal pull. These motions involve positioning the user's hands around the connector near the base of the connection. In recent years, high density mounting configurations have become more prevalent in, for example, data centers and network servers. In high density mounting configurations, many connectors are connected to a server, bus, hub, local terminating cabinet, or switch, in close proximity to one another. Accordingly, it may not be convenient, practical, or possible for a user to position her hands around the connector near the adapter, as space is limited.
Further, many connectors include multiple plugs positioned side-by-side to facilitate multiple channels of communication. Occasionally, it is desirable to switch the arrangement of plugs on a single connector. This may not be possible or practical to do without disconnecting or separating the connector from its corresponding optical fiber, switching the arrangement, and reconnecting the connector to the optical fiber. In that regard, conventional optical connectors may not be suitable for disassembly and reassembly. Accordingly, present connectors lack flexibility to be changed to fit the particular application and are poorly-suited for high-density mounting situations.

Reversible optical connectors and associated devices, systems, and methods


Ancillary or secondary displays usable with various electronic devices are described herein. In some implementations, the ancillary display may include a dual hinge to allow the ancillary display to act as a cover for a portion of an associated electronic device. In some implementations, the ancillary display may include a magnetic connector capable of providing a mechanical coupling with an electronic device. The magnetic connector may also provide a pathway for the transmission of data and/or power between the ancillary display and the electronic device.

Various electronic devices are utilized for the consumption of content, such as music, movies, images, electronic books, and so on. In many cases, a user may employ multiple electronic devices to consume such content. Purchasing and transporting the multiple electronic devices can be quite burdensome. For example, the high cost associated with purchasing the multiple electronic devices and/or the excessive storage space required for a user to transport the multiple electronic devices. As such, there remains a need for auxiliary equipment such a display which can act as a cover or supplement the functionality of an associated electronic device.


A method for operation of a compressor supplied by a power converter having an operating condition (BV) for the compressor (12) supplied by a power converter, generated from a measured actual rotational speed (n) of the compressor and a given effective current component (iW) of a measured power converter output current (I) using a stored speed-dependent pump characteristic curve (SG) monitored for validity such that on determining invalidity, as per a stored speed-dependent instantaneous curve, a control signal (SSG) for reducing a torque (M) is generated. A method for operation of a compressor supplied by a power converter is then achieved with which the duration and the intensity of surge conditions is significantly reduced.

The invention relates to a method for operation of a compressor supplied by a power converter.
Under normal circumstances, the power consumption, torque and rotational speed of compressors, for example centrifugal compressors, turbocompressors, follow fixed proportionalities. The profile of these parameters can be described using families of characteristics. In particular, a diagram of pressure against volumetric flow is used to illustrate an operating state of the compressor. FIG. 1 illustrates such an H-Q diagram. Under normal conditions, the compressor is operated only in a permissible region of the family of characteristics. The region is permissible with the exception of the hatched region SB of this family of characteristics. The hatched region SB marks an impermissible region SB for the compressor which must be avoided without fail. If a compressor is operated in this impermissible region SB, this may result in the compressor being damaged or destroyed. Entry into this impermissible region SB is defined by a so-called pump limit characteristic curve SG which is also referred to as a surge limit. If a compressor enters this impermissible region SB for whatever reasons, the "pumping" fault, also referred to as surge, is present.
The "pumping" fault (surge) involves the pressure of the compressor exceeding a particular value that depends on the volumetric flow Q. That is to say, in the H-Q diagram shown in FIG. 1, the pump limit characteristic curve SG is crossed, with the result that the operating point of the compressor is in the hatched region SG in the event of a fault. Flow separation at the compressor blades results in the case of such a fault. The result is that the differential pressure H collapses, as a result of which part of the volumetric flow Q flows backward through the compressor. However, the reduction in the differential pressure H also means that the impermissible region SB for the compressor is left again. However, the same conditions as before the fault are thus attained and the process is repeated cyclically. The compressor pumps as a result of changing back and forth between the permissible region and the impermissible region. The result of this pumping is that the compressor blades begin to vibrate. This considerably increases the risk of a blade breaking. In addition, this pumping of the compressor results in great pressure fluctuations in the pipe system connected to the compressor. The surge limit SG which characterizes the limit characteristic curve of the permissible region is dependent on the gas density and, with a given compressor material, on the temperature of the gas.
In order to be able to determine this "pumping" fault, operating parameters such as pressure difference H, volumetric flow Q, gas density GD or gas temperature GT have hitherto been measured. These parameters are supplied to a compressor controller which uses them to determine an operating point in the H-Q diagram. A predetermined pump limit characteristic curve ("surge limit") is stored in this compressor controller. When this pump limit characteristic curve is approached in the case of compressors having a constant rotational speed, the differential pressure H is reduced using a mechanical actuator at the compressor inlet. Such a mechanical actuator is an inlet guide blade apparatus having an actuating time in the range of seconds. In the case of compressors having a variable rotational speed, the rotational speed is decreased.
One disadvantage of this previous method is that the "pumping" fault is detected only when flow separation has already started at the compressor blades. That is to say, damage to the blades has already begun. In the case of a multistage compressor, the entire volumetric flow Q and the entire differential pressure H first of all change only slightly, with the result that the state is detected only when it is highly pronounced. In the case of a single-stage compressor, the undesirable operating point occurs suddenly, with the result that conventional detection and control cannot react quickly enough. This results in the compressor having to be completely overhauled after a predetermined limited number of faults. Therefore, despite complicated metrology and control technology, it is only possible to determine that a "pumping" fault has occurred. Timely detection and a countermeasure resulting therefrom are not possible.

Method for preventing power surge in a compressor supplied by a power converter by direct torque control


The present invention comprises: an electrode assembly in which a separator is interposed in between a first electrode and a second electrode; a case for accommodating the electrode assembly; a cap plate for sealing an opening at the upper end of the case, wherein a first terminal electrically connected to the first electrode of the electrode assembly is integrally formed with the cap plate; at least one stepped portion protruding upward from the cap plate; and a plate terminal arranged on the exterior of the cap plate, wherein the plate terminal is provided with, on a bottom part thereof, a recessed groove having a size and a depth corresponding to the size and the height of the stepped portion. A secondary battery, according to one embodiment of the present invention, is provided with the protruding stepped portion on the cap plate so that the terminal can be fixed so as to prevent shifting to the left or to the right.

In general, unlike a primary battery that cannot be charged, a secondary battery can be recharged. A low-capacity secondary battery comprised of one single cell is used as the power source for various portable small-sized electronic devices, such as cellular phones or camcorders. A high-capacity secondary battery in which several tens of cells are connected in a battery pack is used as power sources for motor drives, such as those in electric bicycles, electric scooters, hybrid vehicles or electric vehicles.
The secondary battery is manufactured in various shapes, and representative shapes include a prismatic shape, a cylindrical shape, and a pouch shape. The secondary battery is configured such that an electrode assembly is housed in a case with a separator and a cap plate is coupled to the case. In addition, electrode tabs and positive and negative electrode terminals are connected to the electrode assembly and are exposed and protruded to the outside through the cap plate.


An image processing apparatus includes a detecting unit for detecting a position of a facial feature in a face image, a principal component analysis performing unit for performing principal component analysis on the position of the facial feature in a registered image that is a pre-registered face image, a first evaluation value calculating unit for calculating a first evaluation value that is used to evaluate the position of the facial feature in a target image relative to the principal component obtained in the principal component analysis operation, and a first determining unit for determining whether or not the face in the target image matches the face in the registered image by comparing the calculated first evaluation value with a first threshold set based on the position of the facial feature in the registered image relative to the principal component.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to image processing apparatuses, image processing methods, programs, and recording media. In particular, the present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method for processing face images, a program causing a computer to execute the method, and a recording medium having the program recorded thereon.
2. Description of the Related Art
Face image authentication techniques that allow authentication of whether or not face images match faces of pre-registered persons are known.
Authentication of whether or not face images match faces of pre-registered persons becomes difficult, when facial expressions of the target persons to be authenticated change. Accordingly, an authentication level is adjusted in some cases. For example, some techniques do not employ images of facial features that change as the facial expressions change in face images of the target persons to be authenticated for the authentication. Other techniques lower criteria (i.e., thresholds) used for the authentication while taking a risk of authenticating other persons as the subject persons by mistake into account so as to decrease an error of determining the subject persons as other persons.
A person identification device is known (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-110813). The person identification device includes a characteristic storage unit in which a face image of a person is pre-stored, a first input unit that receives face image data used for performing authentication of the person, arithmetic processing means that performs, after detecting characteristics of the face image of the person from the face image data, arithmetic processing on the characteristics, a second input unit that determines whether or not the arithmetic processing result matches with the face image of the person and receives facial expression data of the person on the basis of the matched data, arithmetic processing means that performs, after detecting characteristics of the facial expression from the facial expression data, arithmetic processing on the characteristics, and an authentication unit that determines whether or not a result of the arithmetic processing of the image data fed from the second input unit matches with the facial expression of the person and outputs matched data.

Image processing apparatus, image processing method, program, and recording medium


A manufacturing process monitoring apparatus capable of determining a manufacturing process is anomaly, without requiring any threshold value for determining the as anomaly is provided. The manufacturing process monitoring apparatus includes a data conversion unit configured to convert process data of a manufacturing facility, a feature value analysis unit configured to analyze the converted data based on information on feature values, a data restoration unit configured to restore data for each of a plurality of categories based on the information on the feature values and information on the analyzed result, a similarity calculation unit configured to calculate a similarity for each of the plurality of categories based on the data used when being analyzed and the restored data, a category determination unit configured to determine a category of the data based on the similarity for each of the plurality of categories, a category classification unit configured to classify the category to which the process data belongs, and a process state diagnostic unit configured to diagnose a state of the manufacturing process based on a result of comparison between the determined category and the classified category.

Patent Literature 1 discloses an abnormality diagnosis apparatus for a manufacturing facility. The abnormality diagnosis apparatus analyzes and restores collected process data based on feature values extracted from normal data. The abnormality diagnosis apparatus calculates the anomaly degree based on original process data used in the analysis and the restored process data. When the anomaly degree exceeds a preset threshold value, the abnormality diagnosis apparatus determines diagnosis as anomaly.

Manufacturing process monitoring apparatus

TOSHIBA MITSUBISHI-ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION


A method for purifying phosphorus to insure a low sulfur content involves intensively mixing phosphorus and concentrated sulfuric acid to form an emulsion, breaking the emulsion by contact with water or dilute sulfuric acid, and then immediately separating the phosphorus and diluted sulfuric acid. The separated phosphorus is then stored in water until further processing is desired and is characterized by a sulfur content as low as about 50 ppm.

The invention relates to a method for purifying phosphorus, as a result of which the area of application of products produced from phosphorus can be expanded due to a low sulfur content.
Generally, organic impurities up to 0.3% are contained in technical grade white phosphorus. These impurities interfere with further processing and must therefore be removed before subsequent reaction. According to GDR patent 76,482, removal of the interfering organic impurity is possible by a treatment of the phosphorus with sulfuric acid. The phosphorus to be purified is intensively mixed briefly with highly concentrated sulfuric acid in a special apparatus. During this mixing, an emulsion is formed. In order to separate the concentrated sulfuric acid rapidly from the emulsion, the latter is passed into warm water. A rapid separation of the emulsion is required in order to avoid explosive reactions between phosphorus and sulfuric acid. Due to its higher specific weight, the purified phosphorus sinks countercurrently to the warm water that is being passed in and, to remove occluded sulfuric acid, is passed through a packed column and is subsequently collected in a tank of about 20 m.sup.3 capacity that is disposed below the column. Here the phosphorus is stored, frequently for several days, before it is used.
The approximately 5 to 10% sulfuric acid solution, which furthermore results from the emulsion, is largely removed as effluent from the plant. Due to back-mixing which sets in, the concentration of the sulfuric acid in the column and in the tank increases very quickly. Here also, it reaches concentrations of about 5 to 10%.
The purifying effect achieved with this procedure is good. For some applications, however, the relatively high increase in the sulfur content of the phosphorus, which is purified in this manner, results form the reaction of the sulfuric acid with the phosphorus during the purification procedure and is a disadvantage. In general, concentrations of 500 ppm and, in rare cases, concentrations even as high as 2,000 ppm are achieved. In a side reaction, a small portion of the sulfuric acid is reduced by the phosphorus and therefore leads to an increase in the sulfur content of the phosphorus. In certain applications, the high sulfur content leads to undesirable side reactions. For example, hydrogen sulfide is formed as a by-product during the processing of the phosphorus to phosphane. It is also disturbing that such phosphorus, upon contact with water, gives off poisonous hydrogen sulfide and thereby makes handling and transport more difficult.

Method for decreasing the sulfur content of phosphorous


A camera (2) has a main body (4) defining a pair of film chambers on opposite sides of an exposure opening (18) comprising a first chamber (14) for receiving a film cassette having a central spool to which film is secured and a second chamber (16) for receiving a second film container into which film is pre-wound prior to use, a drive shaft having an end which extends into the first chamber (14) for engaging the spool, an electric motor (30) disposed between the chambers operably connected to the drive shaft to drive the shaft in one direction, and a shutter mechanism with a shutter release assembly operably connected to the motor control.

The present invention relates to a motorised camera and in particular to a camera of simple construction of the type generally sold to a customer pre-loaded with film and which is provided with motorised film advancement.
In the early 1990's cameras known variously as disposable or single-use cameras, or referred to by some as lens-fitted photographic film packages, became increasingly popular. These are cameras of simple construction and low cost which are usually pre-loaded with film by the manufacturer. It is usually arranged that the film is unwound from a standard film cassette or patrone on assembly of the camera, and as pictures are sequentially taken the film is wound back into the cassette. Once the user finishes the film, the user returns the entire camera to the photolab for developing of the film. The manufacturer may then either discard the camera in its entirety, or subject to appropriate checks that the camera is still functional, re-load the camera. Alternatively the manufacturer may re-use specific components of the camera. As the awareness of problems of environmental contamination increases, as well as for economic reasons, consumers are less willing to tolerate disposable products. Various cameras of this general type have been proposed including adaptations allowing them to be re-used at least several times by the user.
Of particular concern with such cameras is ease of re-loading of film. It has previously been proposed by the applicant to provide the film for such cameras in the form of a film assembly comprising a standard film cassette or cartridge and a second film take-up cassette into which the majority of film is pre-wound. The applicant's U.S. Ser. No. 09/495,223 describes a method of film winding of such a film assembly and loading of such a film assembly into such a camera.
One of the drawbacks of such cameras from the point of the user is the requirement to manually wind on the film after each exposure, which necessarily takes time and is awkward, particularly for those of limited manual dexterity. Motorised film advancement is well-known for more costly types of cameras such as compact cameras and single lens reflex types, but in such cameras arrangements of considerable complexity are generally provided being inappropriate for cameras of the simple type as mentioned.
The present invention seeks to provide a motorised camera which overcomes these drawbacks.


The present invention provides methods for the assessment of the metastatic potential of cells by measuring the effect of the cells on the impedance of an electrode. Accordingly, the present invention similarly provides methods for establishing indicators of metastatic potential based on a cell's effect on impedance. Such methods may be employed in vitro or in vivo. In some embodiments, the electrode is coated with endothelial or epithelial cells.

(1) Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to the field of cellular monitoring and more specifically to methods for assessing cellular metastatic potential through impedance monitoring.
(2) Related Art
The growth of large solid tumors is dependent on an aberrant cell exhibiting uncontrolled proliferation and expressing the genes required to recruit endothelial cells to undergo angiogenesis, allowing the mass to grow beyond the constraints of passive diffusion (10). Notwithstanding, these behaviors alone do not result in multiple tumor formation—the hallmark of most malignant cancers. For secondary tumor formation via a blood-borne route, some tumor cells leave the primary mass, disrupt the basement membrane of capillary endothelial cells, affect the retraction of the endothelial cells, move through the intercellular junctions, and enter the circulatory system. After moving some distance from the primary tumor, these cell then attach to or become arrested near distant endothelial cells, traverse the spaces between these cells, disrupt the basement membrane structure, and migrate into the underlying tissue (4). Uncontrolled proliferation again ensues to form a new secondary tumor. As these activities are repeated, multiple tumors are established and, if unheeded, ultimately result in the death of the organism.
This complex in vivo metastatic behavior involves the regulation and expression of many genes involved in such diverse activities as endothelial cell binding (14), cell signaling resulting in endothelial retraction (11), the synthesis and secretion of proteolytic enzymes (1), and cell locomotion (3). These various activities can be isolated and individually observed in vitro. In addition, these components can be collectively studied using tissue culture methods similar to those introduced by Kramer and Nicolson (13). Here, a cell monolayer of bovine endothelial cells was first established and then exposed to cell suspensions of a variety of both tumorigenic and nontumorigenic cells.
Cell behavior was studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy as well as phase-contrast timelapse microscopy. When endothelial cell monolayer were challenged with highly metastatic cell lines, such as the B16 melanoma cells, observations were recorded that showed the binding of the cells to the endothelial cell layer, the retraction of the endothelial cell junctions, and finally, the penetration of the cells through the endothelial monolayer.
This in vitro sequence of activities has been suggested to represent similar invasive activities that take place during the metastatic process in vivo. The assay provides striking images of the behavior of the metastatic cell but, by nature, is difficult to quantify and cannot provide information in real time regarding the dynamics of the process. Since its introduction, this type of assay has been modified and used extensively to monitor transendothelial migration of tumor cells in vitro. Although many of these approaches have involved qualitative microscopic observations, others have employed radio or fluorescent labeling of the tumor cells to yield quantitative measurements. Such labeling, however, often utilizes hazardous probes or requires the use of specialized equipment in order to produce quantitative data. A need exists, therefore, for a safe and simple quantitative method of assessing metastatic cellular behavior.
Such a quantitative method is the electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS™, Applied BioPhysics, Troy, N.Y., USA) method first described by Giaever and Keese (6) in 1984. Since then, the method has been used to provide information regarding real-time changes in cell morphology, including cell substrate interactions, cell motility, and cell layer barrier function (7-9, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19).
The purpose of the research leading to the present invention was to determine the efficacy of such an ECIS™-based assay in assessing the metastatic potential of a cell. Concomitant methods would include, for example, methods for testing the efficacy of anti-cancer therapies and methods for establishing indicators of metastatic potential.

Real-time impedance assay to follow the invasive activities of metastatic cells in culture


A pool/spa skimmer includes a housing, a face plate, and a flexible weir gate. The housing and plate are dimensioned to allow water to flow in a vertical column. The interior of the housing has a curved wall so that when a column of water passes through the open gate and into the housing, a whirlpool effect is realized. A vertical filter cartridge is mounted on a rotational bearing so that it can spin about its axis. The inlet of a pump is coupled to the cartridge via the bearing and is also coupled to a second water inlet via a vacuum operated valve. When the filter is clean, water is drawn through it and the filter spins about its axis due to the whirlpool effect. When the filter reaches a threshold dirt covering, water is no longer drawn through it and the vacuum operated valve.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates broadly to water filtration. More particularly, this invention relates to a skimmer having a replaceable cartridge filter.
2. State of the Art
Conventional skimmers for pools and spas include a weir which is hinged at the bottom and provided with a float at the top. Behind the weir is a sump in which a filter or a basket is placed. A filter pump is coupled to the sump and draws water from the pool or spa over the weir and into the sump through the filter or basket. The floating weir assures that the pool/spa water is drawn from the surface into the sump. This causes floating waste to be drawn across the surface of the water and into the skimmer.
In skimmers which have baskets rather than filter cartridges, the owner can see waste accumulate in the basket and will know to empty the basket periodically. Skimmers which utilize replaceable filter cartridges are different. A good example of such a skimmer is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,637,873 issued Jan. 20, 1987 to DeSousa et al. A cylindrical filter cartridge is disposed vertically in the skimmer housing below the weir. It is difficult or impossible to determine visually whether the filter needs to be replaced. In addition, because of the way the filter cartridge is disposed in the skimmer housing, it is possible that the outer surface will become unevenly coated with waste, thereby requiring replacement more frequently than if the filter were evenly coated.

Skimmer with rotatable filter cartridge for spas and pools


A system and method for the transmission of additional special marker symbols in a signal space constellation allows the communication of additional control information with minimal additional power to transmit the additional symbol. Additional symbols can include xe2x80x9cStart of Messagexe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cEnd of Filexe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cEnd of Transmissionxe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cIncrease Data Ratexe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cDecrease Data Ratexe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cSave Statexe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cClearxe2x80x9d, or any additional command signal desired to be transmitted.

The present invention relates generally to data communications, and more particularly, to a system and method for communicating special marker symbols in a signal space constellation.
The field of data communications typically uses a modem to convey information from one location to another. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology now enables modems to communicate large amounts of data. Modems communicate by modulating a baseband signal carrying digital data, converting the modulated digital data signal to an analog signal, and transmitting the analog signal over a conventional copper wire pair using techniques that are known in the art. These known techniques include mapping the information to be transmitted into a multidimensional signal space constellation. In some instances, a one dimensional signal space constellation can be employed, such as in the case of pulse amplitude modulation (PAM). The constellation can include both analog and digital information or only digital information.
In the above mentioned communications system it would be beneficial to allow the transmission of additional special marker symbols in a signal space constellation. These special markers can be used to convey a number of command and control functions from one communication device to another. Constellations typically encode exactly N-bits in a constellation with 2N points. A need exists for the ability to transmit additional special marker symbols in a signal space constellation.
The present invention makes the convenient and efficient transmission of additional special marker symbols possible. The present invention provides a system and method for transmitting a plurality of additional symbols in a signal space constellation. The invention incorporates a marker encoder configured to encode an additional special marker into an additional symbol. This additional symbol, representing any one of a number of additional commands, such as xe2x80x9cStart of Messagexe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cEnd of Filexe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cEnd of Transmissionxe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cIncrease Data Ratexe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cDecrease Data Ratexe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cSave Statexe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cClearxe2x80x9d is added to a value of 2N and then transmitted in a signal space constellation in accordance with techniques that those skilled in the art will appreciate. The present invention includes a transmitter configured to transmit the additional symbol in a signal space constellation and a receiver configured to receive the signal space constellation containing the additional special symbol. A subtractor configured to subtract the value of 2N from the received signal so as to decode the additional symbol is also included in the receiver. A marker decoder configured to decode the additional symbol into the additional special marker is also included. Any number of additional special marker symbols may be transmitted.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a marker encoder receives special marker symbols such as xe2x80x9cEnd of Filexe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cStart of Messagexe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cEnd of Transmissionxe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cIncrease Data Ratexe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cDecrease Data Ratexe2x80x9d, or xe2x80x9cClearxe2x80x9d and supplies them in the form of an encoded symbol xe2x80x9cbxe2x80x9d, which is added to a value of 2N and supplied as an N+1 bit word to the register alternatively with the N bit word. The N bit word is supplied from an ISA bus to an N+1 bit register which separates the N+1 bit word into N most significant bits (msb""s) and 1 least significant bit (lsb). The encoded symbol xe2x80x9cbxe2x80x9d occupies the lsb positions such that larger numbers of special marker symbols are easily accommodated.
An International Standards Architecture (ISA) bus is an industry standard which eliminates the need for signal interfaces and is well known in the art. Based upon the data rate capacity of the channel, groups of 16 or 32 bit words are converted into frames of N bit words where N is determined by the data rate capacity of the channel. In order to allow the transmission of fractional bit rates as is known in the art of data communications, the register can optionally include a modulus converter or other means, such as constellation switching or shell mapping to enable the transmission of fractional bit rates. The N msb""s are next supplied to a mapper, which maps the signal into a signal space constellation. Optionally, an N bit word is supplied first to a scrambler. The scrambler performs an operation on the N bit word that results in a scrambled N bit word. While in the preferred embodiment the special marker symbols are not scrambled, they can be.
Next, the signal is operated upon by a phase encoder which is designed to develop a rotation vector using the 1 lsb supplied by the register. In the case of PAM, only one lsb is phase encoded. This rotation vector is combined in a rotator with the mapped N bit vector representing the N msb""s to form the signal space constellation of the present invention and creates a phase rotated positive or negative signal. Optionally, the phase encoder includes a differential encoder which encodes the 1 lsb of the N+1 bit word to develop 1 differential bit. This differential bit is added to the lsb""s supplied from the register and become part of the rotation vector.
The phase rotated signal is then modulated using either carrierless amplitude/phase (CAP) modulation or any coded or uncoded modulation scheme such as trellis coding, quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), or pulse amplitude modulation (PAM), and then transmitted over a communication channel comprising a conventional wire pair. In the case of PAM modulation, the signal space is one dimensional instead of multidimensional as in QAM, however, the concepts of the present invention are equally applicable thereto. At a receiver, the transmitted phase rotated signal is received and demodulated in accordance with techniques that are known in the art of modem communications. A phase decoder which includes a phase slicer operates on the received signal and supplies a signal to a vector rotation operator which provides a derotation vector. The derotation vector is combined with the signal space constellation in a rotator which recovers the mapped N bit vector representing the N msb""s. Optionally, the output of the phase slicer is supplied to a differential decoder which develops 1 differential bit in order to recover the 1 lsb of the N+1 bit word. The 1 differential bit is subtracted from the output of the phase slicer and input to the lsb of a register.
The signal space constellation is then sliced, as is known in the art, in order to recover the mapped N msb""s in a register. As in the transmitter, the register can include a device such as a modulus converter, or other means such as constellation switching or shell mapping in order to allow the transmission of fractional bit rates. Lastly, the N msb""s are combined with the lsb and, if scrambled, the N bit word is descrambled in order to output an unscrambled N bit word.
The register supplies the N+1 bit word to a subtractor where a value of 2N is subtracted from the N+1 bit word. This output is then supplied to a marker decoder which will separate the special marker symbol from the received N bit word.
Various modulation techniques may benefit from the concepts and features of the present invention. For example, the present invention will function equally well using carrierless amplitude/phase (CAP) modulation, or any coded or uncoded modulation such as trellis coding, QAM or PAM.
The invention has numerous advantages, a few of which are delineated hereafter, as merely examples.
An advantage of the present invention is that it permits the transmission of special marker signals as symbols added to a signal space constellation.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for seamless data rate changing by designated special symbols. As data rate increases, N increases and unique special marker symbols are retained by adding 2N.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for very fast multi-point synchronization by using a simple designated special Start of Message xe2x80x9cSOMxe2x80x9d marker to signal the arrival of a new message. The special marker symbols are high power symbols developed by adding 2N to a power indexed signal constellation. They have maximum margin for distinguishing them from the idle channel signal which precedes each multi-point transmission, thus making them easy to distinguish.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it is simple in design, reliable in operation, and its design lends itself to economical mass production in modems.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional features and advantages be included herein within the scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.

System and method for transmitting special marker symbol


A table saw having a horizontal worktable, an open bottom base below the worktable enclosing a rotating blade that cuts wood objects on the worktable surface, and a stand for supporting the base from the floor. The table saw further including a sawdust collector for removable attachment to the base. The sawdust collector including a flexible catch bag with an opening at its top to receive the sawdust, a connection at the bottom for attachment to a vacuum device, and a zipper at the bottom for batch-wise collection and continuous discharge of sawdust. The outer peripheral edge of the top opening has a fastening structure, such as VELCRO, that permits the sawdust collector to be removably attached to a corresponding fastening structure of the table saw.

Users of table saws have long coped with flying sawdust particles by cutting wood outdoors, wearing masks, building makeshift bins, building plastic enclosures around their work area or using canvas bags attached to the underside of the table saw. Cutting wood outdoors is limited by weather conditions which can disrupt work schedules when indoor cutting is not permissible. Moreover, sawdust particles dropping to the ground are easily tracked into living areas of the home and become lodged in carpets and in furnishings where they can create an unhealthy environment. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), table saws create a significant amount of wood dust which is known to cause health problems including eye and skin irritation, allergy, reduced lung function, asthma, and nasal cancer. Wood dust is known to be a human carcinogen.
Therefore, a need exists for a sawdust collector that is easily attached and removed from a table saw and permits the user to work indoors without producing significant amounts of sawdust.
A number of products have been designed to collect sawdust generated by table saws. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,367,665 issued to Terpstra, et al. on Jan. 11, 1983 discloses a sawdust collector bag detachably connected to and closing the bottom of the base for collecting downwardly directed sawdust, and an elaborate blower and conduit structure for withdrawing fine sawdust through the top of the saw blade guard and from the back side of the table saw. The blower and conduit configuration renders table saws to be difficult to move and essentially non-portable. In typical saw operations, most of the sawdust not dropping straight down, flies straight out across the table in a direct path from the downward circulating saw blade and under the guard at a very rapid rate of speed. Little sawdust flies up into the saw guard because of the direction of the blade's rotation and the location of the wood being cut. If the blade direction was to be reversed, this apparatus may work well but may also render the table saw inoperable. Further, since over 85% of sawdust is directed downward, and most of the remaining 15% leaks through the vents in the base, it is not likely that the blower and conduit mechanism are of any real value. The detachable bag has to be removed to empty the sawdust from it as it is not connected to the motorized dust collector. This unit is very expensive to manufacture.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,489,909 issued to Terpstra, et al. on Dec. 25, 1984 discloses a sawdust collector bag arranged for convenient detachable connection to walls of an open stand using retaining clips. This is essentially the same bag as discussed above for the '665 patent, but with a new means of connecting and detaching the bag from the table saw unit. This bag is floor length and must be removed from the stand and manually emptied.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,576,072 issued to Terpstra, et al. on Mar. 18, 1986 discloses a sawdust collection apparatus which includes a specially formed and hinged, table top saw guard and sawdust collector to which a vacuum hose is connected in a manner to admit air bleeding such that air particles are drawn into the collector while excluding small pieces of wood. The design also includes a deflector mounted on the swinging saw cradle below the table in the saw base for directing sawdust downwardly to a collector bag, foamed synthetic material for sealing various openings in the saw base and a removable bracket for supporting the vacuum hose above the saw table. This apparatus has many parts when in combination collect very little sawdust as noted above with reference to the '665 patent.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,144,781 issued to Kreitz on Mar. 20, 1979 discloses a funnel-shaped flat-bottomed shroud positioned at the rear of the worktable and connects to a vacuum. The collector adjusts along the table base such that it aligns with the saw blade even when doing bevel cuts. This invention is specifically designed for radial arm saws and is not adaptable to table saws.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,225 issued to Schank on Dec. 10, 1996, discloses a workbench consisting of a top working surface containing holes that allow sawdust and chips to land in a plenum which slopes to a vacuum connection. The vacuum connection is a bifurcated input manifold allowing the operator to select between applying the vacuum to the plenum or applying the vacuum to a hose containing a vacuum cleaning tool for cleaning the surface of the work bench. A table saw with the stand removed, could be placed on the work bench but the work bench would require a re-design so that the operator could reasonably be able to work close enough to the work surface to make accurate cuts. If a redesign were practical, sawdust particles from the saw would deflect upward off the work bench surface between and around the holes of the plenum.
A product currently sold to the public is the Craftsman Table Saw Sawdust Collection Kit Model 9-29962, is a plastic box type unit, V shaped on two opposing sides designed as a conduit to vacuum hoses. This unit is specifically designed for Craftsman table saws and must be used with a vacuum. It does not have a sawdust drop option and can only be installed and removed by separating the table saw from the stand. It can not be installed into the base of the table saw and must be installed in units having a stand.
A second product on the market is Craftsman item 00922100000 which is a collection bag designed for Craftsman table saws. It attaches to a bracket installed between the table saw and the table saw stand. The dust collection bag must be removed for emptying and does not have a vacuum connection.
A third product on the market is named Less-Mess which is a floor length snap on sawdust collection bag designed for table saws with stands. The sawdust collection bag must be removed for emptying, does not have a vacuum connection and does not have any other means for continuous evacuation of sawdust.
Fine Woodworking Magazine profiled a build-it-yourself sawdust collection system for table saws in its December 2000 issue in an article entitled Dust-Proof Your Contractor's Saw. This device is a plywood box mounted to the underside of a table saw stand, one side of which has a dust port which must be connected to a motorized sawdust collector. The design is very similar to the aforementioned Craftsman Table Saw Sawdust Collection Kit Model 9-29962 but has a back plate for table saws having external motors. While this design requires attaching a motorized sawdust collector to it, it would be possible to use a vacuum adapter to enable the attachment of workshop vacuums. It does not have a sawdust drop option, must be attached to a table saw stand and is not easily removed.


A common control channel for base station (“BS”)/consumer premise equipment (“CPE”) communication in areas of overlapping coverage by wireless regional area network (“WRAN”) cells operating on different working channels is disclosed. A common control channel is selected from among the various working channels sensed in each of a plurality of overlapping WRAN cells so as to enable BS/CPE and BS/BS communication. Once chosen, each CPE within the overlapping area communicates with the controlling BS via an enhanced coexistence beacon protocol messages. These messages include timing and other synchronization information.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention relate, in general, to systems and methods for communication among components within wireless regional area networks and particularly to the selection of common control channels among overlapping wireless regional area network cells.
2. Relevant Background
In a wireless network comprising multiple overlapping cells in which the cells are working on different channels, frames must be synchronized; this is called multiple-channel synchronization ("MCS"). In addition to frame synchronization, control information must also be transmitted among multiple overlapping cells. Dynamic Frequency Hopping ("DFH") is an example of MCS meaning it requires such frame synchronization and control information exchange. DFH incorporates non-traditional dynamic channel allocation with slow frequency hopping. One significant application of DFH is found in the operation of what is referred to in the art as a Wireless Regional Area Network ("WRAN").
A WRAN cell consists of a Base Station ("BS") and the associated customer Premise Equipments ("CPEs") that communicate to the BS via a fixed point-to-multi-point radio air interface (i.e. an antenna). Overlapping WRAN cells working on the same channel coordinate operations via coexistence beacon protocol ("CBP") messages. CBP is a best-effort protocol based on coexistence beacon transmissions to cope with self-interference issues and avoid interference with incumbent DFH community users. To operate, WRAN cells must satisfy two apparently conflicting requirements: (1) assure the Quality of Serivce ("QoS") satisfaction for WRAN services and (2) continue to provide reliable and timely frequency spectrum sensing. Current sensing requirements state that incumbent signals shall be detected by WRAN devices with no more than a 2 second delay. Thus, a WRAN cell must perform sensing on a working channel at least every 2 seconds. Since a channel that is to be sensed cannot be used for data transmission, a cell operating consistently on a single channel must interrupt data every 2 seconds for sensing. Such a non-hopping mode leads to periodic interruptions and can significantly decrease system throughput and impair QoS.
Generally, the key concept behind this intelligent type of frequency hopping is to adjust or create frequency hopping patterns based on interference measurements. DFH uses slow frequency hopping and adaptively modifies the utilized frequency hopping pattern based on rapid frequency quality measurements, sometimes referred to as QoS measurements. This technique combines traditional frequency hopping with dynamic channel allocation where a channel is one frequency in a frequency hop pattern. The continuous modification of frequency hop patterns is based on measurements representing an application of dynamic channel allocation to slow frequency hopping. Modifications are based on rapid interference measurements and calculations of the quality of frequencies used in a system by all CPEs and BSs. The target of these modifications is tracking the dynamic behavior of the channel quality as well as of interference.
DFH differs from conventional frequency hopping in the way the patterns are built. Instead of using random or pre-defined repetitive hopping patterns, DFH patterns are generated for active users on the fly. In this manner, the hopping patterns can be adjusted to adapt to interference changes. In DFH communication, components of a WRAN cell (the CPEs) hop over a set of channels. During operation on a working channel, sensing is performed in parallel on the intended next working channels. After 2 seconds, a channel switch takes place: one of the intended next working channels becomes the new working channel, and the channel previously used is vacated. Hence, an interruption is no longer required for sensing. Obviously, efficient frequency usage and mutual interference-free spectrum sensing can only be achieved if multiple neighboring overlapping WRAN cells operating in the DFH mode coordinate their hopping behavior. This coordination must include frame synchronization.
A DFH community is a non-empty set of neighboring WRAN cells following a common protocol that supports a coordinated DFH operation. This coordinated operation ensures mutual interference-free channel sensing and minimizes channel usage while applying DFH phase-shifting. A DFH community has one leader and, possibly, some community members. A DFH community also requires MCS if it is to exist among other DFH communities.
As previously discussed, CBP is a best-effort type of transmission that copes with self-interference issues among overlapping WRAN cells. The basic mechanism of CBP works as follows. BSs of neighboring cells schedule a coexistence window at the end of every Media Access Control ("MAC") frame (synchronized among BSs). During a coexistence window, neighboring BSs communicate using coexistence beacons. CBP was developed for constant channel assignment. Alternatively, in DFH community mode the channel assigned for transmission to individual cells varies with time.
FIG. 1 shows a high level view 100 of two overlapping WRAN cells 110, 120 operating on different working channels as is known in the prior art. Each WRAN cell 110, 120 includes a base station 140, 130 and operates on its own working channel. In this case the left most WRAN cell 110 operates on channel C1 and the right most WRAN cell 120 operates on channel C2. Within the overlap area 150 two CPEs 115, 125 exist. As is known in the prior art, each of these CPEs continues to operate on the working channel of the WRAN cell with which it is associated. In this example, the first CPE 115 operates on channel C1 while the second CPE 125 operates on channel C2. Within this overlap area 150 the CPEs are not synchronized thus presenting an opportunity for collisions and reduced performance. Furthermore, since the CPEs 115, 125 are operating on different working channels, they cannot communicate to one another to aid in coexistence using CBP despite their close proximity.
So while CBP works well with synchronization of overlapping WRAN cells operating on the same channel and can facilitate self coexistence among these overlapping cells, it cannot be used for multiple-channel synchronization. Frame synchronization among neighboring systems and control information exchange operating on different channels remains a challenge.

Communication between overlapping WRAN cells working in different channels


This invention discloses a semiconductor power device that includes a plurality of power transistor cells surrounded by a trench opened in a semiconductor substrate. At least one active cell further includes a trenched source contact opened between the trenches wherein the trenched source contact opened through a source region into a body region for electrically connecting the source region to a source metal disposed on top of an insulation layer wherein a trench bottom surface of the trenched source contact further covered with a conductive material to function as an integrated Schottky barrier diode in said active cell. A shielding structure is disposed at the bottom and insulated from the trenched gate to provide shielding effect for both the trenched gate and the Schottky diode.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to the semiconductor power devices. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved and novel manufacturing process and device configuration for providing the MOSFET device with shielded trench gates with cells provided with Schottky source contact for improving performance of high frequency power switching, H-bridge and synchronization rectification applications.
2. Description of the Related Art
In order to reduce the power consumptions and to increase the switching speed of a power semiconductor power device, it is desirable to further reduce the on-resistance and the gate capacitance. Integration of an Schottky diode in a semiconductor power device such as a metal oxide silicon field effect transistor (MOSFET) has been implemented. FIGS. 1A and 1B show the standard MOSFET devices that integrate the Schottky diodes to bypass the body diode thus improving the behavior of a MOSFET device. Improvements in the MOSFET device performances enhance the H-bridge and synchronization rectification applications. Specifically, FIG. 1A shows FIG. 1A shows a MOSFET with an integrated Junction Barrier controlled Schottky (JBS) area. The integrated JBS may be a Schottky diode array with a P-N junction grid interspersed between the Schottky contacts. The P-N junction will pinch-off the channel regions under the Schottky contacts to inhibit the formation of large reverse leakage current once a threshold reverse-biased voltage is applied. The shielding effect caused by the depletion layer also improves the breakdown voltage. However, there is a tradeoff that there is an increase of the series resistance. Also, since the presence of P-N junction in the integrated JBS regions takes up a large portion of surface area, for practical considerations, it may be required to reduce the overall Schottky contact areas dedicated to the forward conduction. Under the circumstance, there is an increase of the on-state forward voltage cause by this reduction of the overall Schottky contact area. In FIG. 1B, the integrated trench MOS barrier Schottky (TMBS) is implemented. The integrated TMBS includes Schottky diode array interspersed with MOS trench. The charge coupling between the majority charge carrier in the mesa-shaped portion of the epitaxial/drift region and the metal on the insulated sidewalls of the trenches causes a redistribution of the electric filed profile under the Schottky contact which improves the breakdown and reduces reverse leakage current.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,675,713 discloses a method of using the source Schottky junction as the body contact for a semiconductor power device. U.S. Pat. No. 4,983,535 discloses a fabrication method to manufacture a DMOS device with a source implemented with a refractory metal Schottky barrier located on top of the body region. However, these devices still have the limitations of using metals of relatively high barrier height. The device performance cannot satisfy the modern applications that require further reduction of the on resistance and higher drive currents.
FIG. 2 shows an improved DMOS submitted as a co-pending Application by co-inventors of this Patent Application. The DMOS has an improved configuration. Specifically, in proximity of the gate trench and adjacent to the source, there is a source-body contact trench with an anti-punch through implant disposed along the trench wall. An integrated Schottky diode is formed by depositing a high barrier height metal at the bottom of the source-body contact trench to function as the integrated Schottky contacts. A low barrier height metal is further deposited overlaying the high barrier height metal to provide ohmic contact for source and body. The DMOS device as shown in FIG. 2 provides the advantage of integrating a Schottky in every cell with no loss of die active area to form such a Schottky as in older approach. However, the high barrier height metal as required to achieve acceptable low leakage current in the off state presents a disadvantage due to the higher costs of depositing both the high barrier height metal and the low barrier height metal to meet the requirements of Schottky and source-body ohmic contact.
Additionally, the above device configurations as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2 are still limited by a relatively high gate-to-drain capacitance (Cgd) caused by the coupling between the trenched gate and the drain disposed on the bottom portion of the substrate. For power transistors including MOSFET and IGBT, new device configurations and manufacturing processes have been disclosed implemented with different gate structures including a shielded gate trench (SGT) structure to reduce the speed-limiting capacitance between the gate and the drain of these switching power devices. The technologies as disclosed are still confronted with technical limitations and difficulties. As there are growing demands for high frequency switch power devices, an urgent need exists to provide effective solutions for resolving these technical difficulties and limitations.
Baliga discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 5,998,833 a DMOS cell as shown in FIG. 1C. A source electrode is placed underneath the trenched gate to reduce the gate-to-drain capacitance. The gate of the DMOS cell is divided into two segments. The gate-to-drain capacitance is reduced because the contributions to capacitance from the gate-drain overlapping areas are eliminated.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,062, a MOSFET device as shown in FIG. 1D is disclosed where the switching behavior of a transistor configuration is improved by providing a shielding electrode in an edge region. The shielding electrode surrounds at least sections of an active cell array. There is a capacitance between an edge gate structure and a drain zone. The shielding electrode located in the edge region reduces the gate-drain capacitance CGD of the transistor.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,891,223, Krumrey et al. disclose a transistor that includes transistor cells disposed along trenches in a semiconductor substrate with two or more electrode structures disposed in the trenches. Furthermore, metallization structures are disposed above the substrate surface as shown in FIG. 1E. The trenches extend into an inactive edge region of the transistor. An electrical connection between the electrode structures and corresponding metallization are established in the edge regions.
The above patented-disclosures including transistor configurations still have a common difficulty. The source electrode disposed on the trench bottom is connected to the source voltage through an edge area of the semiconductor power device. This inevitably increases the source electrode resistance. Furthermore, the extra masks needed to create such connection also increase the cost of manufacturing.
Therefore, a need still exists in the art of power semiconductor device design and manufacture to provide new manufacturing method and device configuration in forming the power devices such that the above discussed problems and limitations can be resolved.

Shielded gate trench (SGT) MOSFET cells implemented with a schottky source contact


There is provided an image forming device that does not require an original image scanning operation upon copying of an original for the second time or later in a device for preventing illegal copying with the use of paper fingerprint information. Upon registration of the paper fingerprint information, original image data is scanned from the original. Also, the paper fingerprint information is scanned. The image forming device associates the original image data and the paper fingerprint information with each other to register them in an information processing device. Upon copying, paper fingerprint information scanned from an original is transmitted to the information processing device to request the device to determine whether or not the paper fingerprint information has been registered. If the paper fingerprint information has been registered is received, the original image data registered in association with the paper fingerprint information is retrieved from the information processing device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device that, in order to guarantee originality of a document, uses a paper fiber pattern (hereinafter referred to as "paper fingerprint information") of paper as identification information on the paper to identify the paper, and on the basis of a result of the identification, controls image processing.
2. Description of the Related Art
There has been proposed a method for preventing an original from being illegally copied on the basis of identification information embedded in the original when the original of an important document such as a contract or certificate is copied. According to the method, it is determined, for example, on the basis of the identification information whether or not the number of times the original has been copied is equal to or more than a predetermined number of times, and if the copying has been performed the predetermined number of times or more, a warning message is issued to a user to make the user select whether to forcedly perform or cancel copying. However, in this method, a digital watermark, IC chip, barcode, or the like should be used to preliminarily add (embed, attach, print, etc.) the identification information to (in, to, on, etc.) the original. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that an original not preliminarily added with identification information cannot be applied with this method.
On the other hand, there has also been a method for preventing illegal copying by using paper fingerprint information of paper as individual paper identification information. Paper is made by entanglement of fine natural fibers, and a degree of the entanglement is random, so that a possibility of existence of pieces of paper having the completely same paper fiber pattern is supposed to be extremely low. Accordingly, the paper fiber pattern can be treated as the paper fingerprint information. The paper fingerprint information has a different characteristic for each sheet of paper, similar to a human fingerprint. As a result, if the paper fingerprint information is used as the individual identification information, it becomes unnecessary to add the identification information to an original with the use of means such as a digital watermark. Also, the paper fiber pattern is not deformed even by being bent to some extent, i.e., it is high in durability, and it changes little with time, so that the paper fingerprint information can be used as the individual identification information for a long term.
In the above method for preventing illegal copying based on the paper fingerprint information, when the paper fingerprint information of the paper is scanned with a scanner, it is necessary to scan the paper with the amount of light for scanning being smaller than that for scanning an image on the paper. That is, when the paper fingerprint information is scanned with the scanner, brightness of a light source should be lower than normal. Accordingly, in the method for preventing illegal copying based on the paper fingerprint information, the scanning operation for the image and that for the paper fingerprint information should be performed separately upon copying of an original, so that there arises a problem of reduction in copying efficiency.

Device for controlling image processing based on paper fingerprint


The invention relates to a dry sump type or semidry sump type lubricating system of an engine in which a lubricating method executes an operation while keeping an inner side of a crank chamber in a dry state. An oil drain port is formed in a bottom surface of each of individual crank chambers partitioned into the cylinders, and a scavenging oil pump is provided so as to suck out oil to an oil reservoir portion which is isolated from each of the individual crank chambers. An oil collecting chamber communicating with a suction portion of the scavenging oil pump is provided in a lower side of the bottom wall in the crank chamber, and the oil drain port is communicated with the oil collecting chamber.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a lubricating system of an engine, and more particularly to a dry sump type or semidry sump type lubricating system of an engine which is operated while keeping an inner side of a crank chamber in a dry state.
2. Description of the Related Art
A dry sump type lubricating system of an engine corresponds to a system in which an oil tank is installed as an oil reservoir portion separately from a crank case, and a predetermined amount of oil is reserved in the oil tank. On the other hand, a semidry sump type lubricating system utilizes a lower portion of a transmission room within a crank case as the oil reservoir portion, for example, by forming a partition wall between a crank chamber and the transmission room, without installing the separate type oil tank, and reserves the oil in the oil reservoir portion. Such semidry sump type lubrication system is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H06-288466. Comparing with the dry sump type lubricating system, since it is unnecessary for the semidry sump type lubricating system to install the separate type oil tank, it is possible to save a cost and an arranging space for the oil tank, and it is possible to achieve a compact structure of the engine.
Either of the dry sump type lubricating system and the semidry sump type lubricating system is structured such that the oil is pressure fed to each oil supply positions of the engine from the oil reservoir portion by a feed oil pump, the oil after being used for lubrication coming down to the crank case or a bottom portion of an oil pan is forcibly pumped out to the oil reservoir portion by an additional oil pump (a so-called scavenging oil pump), and an inner side of the crank chamber is always kept in a dry state. Accordingly, it is possible to do away with a friction loss caused by agitation and splashing of the oil by the crank shaft (a crank web or the like), it is possible to improve an engine output, and it is possible to pressure feed and supply the oil to each oil supply position in a stable state.
In the dry sump type lubricating system or the semidry sump type lubricating system, it is necessary to quickly discharge the oil coming back to the crank chamber during the engine operation. However, in the case of a multi-cylinder in-line engine in which plural cylinders are arranged along the crank shaft, since the crank case is partitioned into plural crank chambers by a partition wall or more corresponding to cylinders, it is required that the oil can be quickly discharged from each of the crank chambers.
Conventionally, in order to discharge the oil in each crank chamber, an oil drain port is formed in a bottom surface or a side surface of one of plural crank chambers, and a communication hole is formed in the partition wall between the crank chambers. In other words, the oil coming back to the bottom surface of each crank chamber from the crank shaft or the like is collected to one crank chamber having the oil drain port via the communication hole of the partition wall, and is discharged from one oil drain port.


A computer-implemented user interface method includes displaying on a mobile device desktop a background image and one or more foreground items over the background image, receiving a user input to pan across the desktop, and panning the background images and one or more foreground images in a parallax manner relative to each other.

People spends hours at a time with their electronic devices—computers, telephones, music players, and the like. They like best those devices that are intuitive to use and whose interactions best meet their expectations regarding how machines should work. They interact with electronics through inputs and outputs from the devices, where the outputs generally are provided audibly and/or on a flat graphical display screen, and the inputs may occur via touch screens, joysticks, mice, 4-directional keypads (e.g., d pads), and other such input mechanisms.
Fine distinctions in user interfaces can make a world of difference in a user's experience with a device. Intuitive user interface interactions may be at a premium for mobile devices, where display sizes are generally limited, as are input mechanisms (e.g., full size keyboards may be hard to implement because of space constraints, or may be hard to use when a user cannot easily use both hands with their computing device).

Panning application launcher with target based folder creation and icon movement on a proximity-sensitive display


An optical arrangement for light beam shaping in a light microscope has a first and a second liquid crystal region, each of which has a plurality of independently switchable liquid crystal elements with which a phase of incident light is changeable in a settable manner. A first polarization beam splitter is arranged in such a way that incident light is split in a polarization-dependent manner into reflection light, which is reflected in the direction of the first liquid crystal region, and transmission light, which is transmitted in the direction of the second liquid crystal region. The first or a second polarization beam splitter is arranged such that the reflection light and transmission light are combined onto a common beam path after phase modulation by means of the liquid crystal regions.

In a light microscope, light beam shaping may be desired in the excitation and/or detection beam path. For example, aberrations and other imaging errors can be corrected in the detection beam path by way of light beam shaping. Spatial light modulators (SLMs), which comprise a liquid crystal matrix, offer a particularly high degree of flexibility.
Such a generic optical arrangement for light beam shaping in a light microscope comprises a first liquid crystal region, which has a plurality of liquid crystal elements which are switchable independently of one another and with which a phase of incident light is changeable in a settable manner. Analogously, a method for light beam shaping in a light microscope comprises phase modulating light by means of a first liquid crystal region that has a plurality of liquid crystal elements which are switchable independently of one another.
In this way, the light phase can be changed variably over the cross section of the light beam. This allows the wavefront of the light beam to be shaped variably. This is particularly advantageous for an aberration correction or for a variable depth examination using extended depth of field (EDoF) methods.
However, problems result from the fact that a liquid crystal matrix can only phase-modulate light of a specific polarization direction. By contrast, light of a polarization direction perpendicular thereto does not experience any changeable phase change due to the liquid crystal matrix. Unpolarized light is therefore usually first linearly polarized, wherein 50% of the light intensity is lost. Especially in the case of fluorescent light, a 50% reduction in the amount of detectable light constitutes a considerable drawback.

Optical arrangement and method for light beam shaping for a light microscope