A head 2 has a through hole 7 into which compressed air is supplied and flows, and a discharge electrode 11 is disposed inside the through hole 7. When a voltage required for discharging is applied to the head 2 made of a conductor and the discharge electrode 11, a corona C is generated at a tip end 11a of the discharge electrode 11, whereby flowing air is ionized. By a cylindrical housing tube portion 17 made of an insulator and receiving most of the discharge electrode 11 and a tapered guide portion (transfer fluid guiding member) 18 formed at a downstream-side end thereof, an air flow is biased and guided on a side of an outer circumference thereof so as not to rush directly against the corona generating region. Thus, even when air supply pressure is increased, an ion balance can be stabilized without almost changing pressure or a flow rate in the corona generating region.

In manufacturing or assembling electronic parts such as semiconductor chips, if static electricity is generated in the electronic parts or jigs for manufacturing and assembling the same, it is not possible to smoothly manufacture or assemble the electronic parts. Thus, an ion generating apparatus also called an ionizer or ion generator is used to blow air which has been subjected to ionization, i.e., ionized air to members requiring removal of electrostatic charge. The members which require electrostatic charge removal, namely, removal of static electricity include a pipe for guiding air or liquid and an operating portion in a machine such as a robot or parts feeder, in addition to the aforementioned electronic parts. The ionized air is supplied to surfaces of such members, whereby electrostatic charge thereon is neutralized.
The ion generating apparatus used in such applications has a blow type, in which the ionized air is guided to a predetermined place requiring removal of electrostatic charge through a tube or pipe, and a fan type in which the ionized air is blown from a blowing port using a fan. The blow type ion generating apparatus has a head made of a conductor and having a through hole for guiding air therein, and a discharge electrode made of a conductor and disposed inside the through hole, wherein an insulating member is attached to an inner face of the through hole. A fitting is attached to the head, and the ionized air is supplied to a predetermined charged place through a hose or pipe or the like connected to the head via the fitting. On the other hand, the fun type ion generating apparatus has a duct for forming an air guide passage, and a discharge electrode disposed inside the duct, wherein the ionized air is guided through the duct to the predetermined charged place.
Regardless of the above types, a basic structure for generating ions is such that several kV or more AC voltage (or pulsed DC voltage) is applied to the discharge electrode to produce a corona discharge, whereby air flowing in an air flow passage is ionized by an electric field of the corona discharge.
However, in order to generate a large amount of ionized air, an increase of a flow rate of air in the air flow passage becomes necessary, whereby the pressure or flow rate in the air flow passage is increased, which results in any fear of making the corona discharge around the discharge electrode unstable. As described above, when the corona discharge becomes unstable, a ratio of positive ions to negative ions, that is, an ion balance is easily biased also in the ionized air generated and thus there is the problem that electrostatic charge removal performance or the like is reduced.
An object of the present invention is to provide an ion generating apparatus capable of stabilizing an ion balance even in generating a large amount of ionized air.


A system for the abatement of industrial process emissions comprises a horizontal regenerative catalytic oxidizer (RCO). The system utilizes at least two regenerative chambers and at least two catalytic chambers in a controlled abatement process. Pollutants injected into the RCO from the process emissions are catalytically oxidized. The horizontal configuration of the RCO reduces the size of the RCO per cubic foot of emissions treated, and also simplifies maintenance requirements in removing and replacing, or regenerating, the catalyst. Chutes and valves situated above and below the catalyst provide maintenance means without the associated contamination concerns typically caused by catalytic migration throughout vertically configured RCOs.

The present invention relates generally to the abatement of contaminant laden industrial process emissions and more particularly, to a system which utilizes a regenerative catalytic oxidizer (RCO) to perform the abatement process.
Regenerative catalytic oxidizers recover and transfer heat remaining in the cleansed exhaust gas to emissions entering the oxidizer thereby minimizing the amount of supplemental energy required to raise the emission to its ignition temperature. Characteristically, flow control valves are used to direct the emissions to one or more regenerators for preheating prior to thermal or catalytic oxidation.
Industrial process emissions typically contain particulates and major gaseous air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NO.sub.x) and carbon monoxide (CO), all of which contaminate the environment when vented to the atmosphere. Regenerative catalytic oxidizers (RCO) utilize a catalytic material to effect oxidation of the VoCs and CO at lower peak temperatures than, for example, treatment by thermal oxidation. The catalytic material is located in the higher temperature zones of the RCO, adjacent to a combustion chamber wherein a burner or supplementary heat source is used to heat the catalyst. An RCO also utilizes heat storage media, usually located in the lower temperature zones at the gas entrance and exit ports, thereby facilitating fluid heat transfer as the heated gas is passed through.
The system typically consists of multiple beds of heat storage and catalyst materials. These beds are connected to a common chamber where a heater, such as a burner, is utilized to heat the gas to the desired operating temperature, normally in the range of 600.degree. F. (.apprxeq.315.degree. C.) to 1000.degree. F. (.apprxeq.540.degree. C.), thereby effecting catalytic conversion of the VOCs, and CO, and producing water and CO.sub.2.
As the catalyst becomes aged due to repeated reaction of gases, the exhausted catalyst must either be regenerated or be replaced. Shape is critical when considered in a maintenance context. If regenerative cleaning is a design consideration, random catalysts such as spherical or saddle shaped catalytic particles are preferred. The commonly designed honeycomb configuration is not readily regenerated by water or other cleaning agents given the entrainment of these fluids due to blockages within the catalytic bed.
RCOs generally utilize a vertical orientation of components resulting in vertical flow in and out of the reactor. Such vertical orientation is less than desirable for several reasons. Due to channeling and inefficient utility related to a vertical emission flow regime, a vertically orientated RCO must be significantly sized per cubic foot of process emissions treated. In addition, because the catalyst is generally disposed immediately above the heat media, percolation of the catalytic material through the heat media can cause blockages and inefficient heat exchange within the heat exchange bed. Furthermore, again due to possible heat media contamination, the vertical design makes catalyst regeneration, or removal and replacement, difficult.

Horizontal regenerative catalytic oxidizer


A tunable optical filter comprising an index grating produced in a waveguide defining a longitudinal direction of propagation of an incident optical signal, said grating being defined by a plurality of optical parameters, is characterized in that the optical guide contains semiconductor nanoparticles and in that the index grating is made up of a refractive index variation in the guide that is at least partly induced by a Kerr effect linked to the 3rd order dielectric susceptibility (χ3) of said nanoparticles, at least one of said parameters of said index grating being modified by application of an optical control signal coupled into the guide and propagating longitudinally in said guide.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of the present invention is that of optical filters disposed in optical waveguides.
2. Description of the Related Art
Optical filters, such as Bragg gratings written optically into optical waveguides, are finding increasingly important applications in optical systems, in which they are used for applications such as wavelength selection, gain equalization, and chromatic dispersion compensation, for example.
A waveguide conventionally comprises an optical core, the function of which is to transmit and possibly to amplify an optical signal, surrounded by optical cladding, the function of which is to confine the optical signal within the core. To this end, the refractive index n1 of the core and the refractive index n2 of the cladding are such that n1>n2. Thus the core and the cladding form a waveguide. As is well known in the art, the propagation of an optical signal in a monomode waveguide is divided between a fundamental mode guided in the core and secondary modes guided over a certain distance in the core+optical cladding combination, the modes also being known as cladding modes. The cladding is itself surrounded by an external medium whose refractive index n3 is either greater than or less than n2. The core+cladding combination associated with the external medium also forms a waveguide. A waveguide may consist of an optical fiber or a planar guide.
The core and/or the cladding of the guide may be doped, for example with germanium (Ge), to render it photosensitive for writing a Bragg grating. A Bragg grating conventionally comprises a periodic disturbance to the refractive index in the guide, which forms an index grating. This index disturbance is obtained by localized irradiation of the guide through a phase mask which determines the period Λ of the grating. The intensity and the modulation of the irradiation during writing define a Bragg grating characterized by the Bragg relation λB=2Λ·neff, where Λ is the period of the grating and neff is the effective index of the fundamental mode guided in the core of the optical fiber.
This relation characterizes a short-period Bragg grating. A short-period grating perpendicular to the axis of the fiber constitutes a reflective spectral filter centered on the Bragg wavelength λB, conventionally used in filtering applications or in multiplexing applications for adding or dropping a transmission wavelength. The Bragg gratings are associated with one or more components with a plurality of input-output channels, for example optical circulators or couplers.
Numerous forms of Bragg grating have been developed. Thus chirped gratings, in which the period Λ varies along the grating, are conventionally used in chromatic dispersion compensation applications.
Slanted Bragg gratings (SBG) and long-period gratings (LPG) are conventionally used in gain equalization applications. Such gratings are designed to enable coupling of the fundamental mode into the cladding modes, enabling filtering without reflection at the coupling wavelengths and eliminating the need for optical isolators.


An apparatus for use with a wafer prober and a probe card comprising a stiffening member having a feature defining a first plane. The stiffening member is mountable atop the central portion of the probe card. A reference member is provided to mount to the wafer prober and has an underside with a feature defining a second plane. When the feature of the stiffening member defining the first plane is urged against the feature of the reference member defining a second plane the probe tips of the probe card are substantially planarized relative to the wafer prober.

Manufacturers in the electronics industry use automatic test systems or testers to test various electronic components, integrated circuits (ICs) and other devices under test (DUTs) to cull out defective devices. For example, data patterns are delivered to an integrated circuit with specific timing and voltage settings through timing generators and pin electronic channels to test the functionality of the integrated circuit. Data is then read from the integrated circuit to ensure that the device responds correctly. A variety of parametric timing tests may also be performed to validate correct operation of the integrated circuit as well as adherence to its specifications. Generally, it is desirable to test integrated circuits at several points during the manufacturing process, including while they are still part of a wafer or substrate.
Equipment used in wafer testing can include a wafer prober and an automated test system. A conventional wafer prober has a movable chuck which serves to transport the wafer to a position underlying a probe card mounted to the top deck of the wafer prober by being clamped at its periphery. A probe array is typically provided on the underside of the probe card for engaging the bonding pads of one or more die on the wafer. A plurality of contact elements, electrically coupled with the probe array, are usually provided at the periphery on the top of the probe card. The automated test system includes one or more testers which overlie the top deck of the wafer probe and have an electrical interface for electrically engaging the contact elements of the probe card.
Unfortunately, changes in temperature and mechanical forces experienced by the probe card during testing can result in distortion of the probe card, thus deflecting the generally unsupported central portion of the probe card where the probe array is located. The larger the probe card, the more deflection can occur in the probe card. Such distortion of the probe card can result in undesirable alignment errors between the probe array of the probe card and the chuck, thus compromising the accuracy or completeness of the testing of die carried by the chuck.
In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to minimize distortion of the probe card, particularly in the vicinity of the probe array mounted to the underside of the probe card.

Apparatus for planarizing a probe card and method using same


A liquid separator for a respiratory gas sample analyzer includes a closed container having a liquid trap filter chamber integral with the container. The liquid trap filter chamber includes an inlet compartment and an outlet compartment. The inlet compartment is interposed between a sample inlet port and a sample outlet port and includes a gas permeable, liquid impermeable filter element for separating liquid from a gas sample, the liquid separated from the gas sample passing to a collection chamber. The outlet compartment includes a further gas permeable, liquid impermeable trap filter element which is interposed between the collection chamber and a low pressure port, for preventing the flow of liquid through the output compartment to the low pressure port.

This invention relates to gas/liquid separators for use with respiratory gas analyzers, and more particularly, to gas/liquid separator including a liquid trap filter for removing liquid from a respiratory gas sample.
Respiratory gas analyzers monitor exhaled air from a patient. It has long been recognized that means must be provided for removing excess moisture from the exhaled air prior to analysis. One technique for removing excess moisture from respiratory gas samples utilizes the effects of surface tension and capillary action to separate water from gas samples. Known gas/liquid separators, or water traps, employing this technique include a separation chamber which has a geometrical configuration designed to draw water away from a gas sample outlet and direct the water to a collection chamber. Examples of such prior art water traps are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,579,568 and 4,713,095 to Ricciardelli. However, these prior art water traps can become filled, and the sample inlet line that conducts exhaled air to the water trap can become blocked with condensed moisture.
Another water trap, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,924,860, employs a separation chamber having a geometrical configuration similar to the one disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,713,095. This water trap additionally includes self-sealing filters which positively seal the exit ports of the water trap in the event the water trap becomes over filled and can no longer perform its water trap function. In one embodiment, one self-sealing filter is disposed in a sample outlet conduit and a further self-seating filter is disposed in a vacuum conduit. The self-sealing filters comprise a porous matrix including means for rendering the porous matrix substantially non-porous when exposed to water, thereby blocking the exit ports of the water trap.

Gas/liquid separator including a liquid trap filter


An athermalized optical system and method are disclosed. A thermally compensating portion of the optical system is employed to compensate for mechanical and optical thermal effects in the entire optical system. In the preferred embodiment, the optical system comprises an imaging system having a laser diode light source, a collimating lens, a rotating mirror, a scan lens and a media transport. Temperature compensation of the imaging system is obtained by varying the spacing between the laser diode and the collimating lens to decollimate the laser light beam as a function of the system wide temperature effects.

The present invention relates to temperature compensation of optical systems and, more particularly, to the use of the thermal characteristics of a laser beam source module to compensate for temperature effects on the entire optical system in which it is used. The laser beam source module comprises a semiconductor laser diode, a collimating lens and the mechanical structure to provide proper spacing and support of the components.
It is well known that the imaging performance of an optical system is dependent on temperature. Increases and decreases in ambient temperature changes the physical dimensions of both the lens elements as well as the mechanical components of the optical system. Also, the refractive properties of the lens elements change with changes in ambient temperature. For systems using semiconductor laser diodes, there is an additional temperature dependency, namely, that the emitted wavelength is a function of the ambient temperature. These wavelength variations affect the imaging performance of systems that depend on the relationship of refractive index to wavelength.
Many prior art techniques have successfully compensated for some or all of the above temperature dependent factors in an optical device to maintain its original imaging performance. Most of these techniques are expensive and incorporate complicated linkages or use of fluids. Representative examples of systems that maintain beam collimation are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,720,168, 4,855,987 and 4,815,059. U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,790 illustrates an optical apparatus that maintains a fixed mechanical distance between two surfaces such as, a lens and an image plane, so that the distance between them is independent of ambient temperature. The predetermined distance is maintained between the two surfaces by actively heating or cooling the apparatus. The temperature compensation technique of the '790 patent is similar to those described in the '168, '987 and '059 patents only it is reversed in the sense of maintaining a fixed focus and not necessarily collimation.
Temperature compensated devices often are incorporated in larger and more complicated systems. In such systems, the temperature compensated device compensates for itself while the rest of the optical system suffers from all of the temperature dependent factors mentioned above.
It is, accordingly, a general object of the invention to provide an athermalized optical system.
It is another object of the invention to provide an athermalized optical system in which a thermally compensated system component compensates for mechanical and optical thermal effects of the entire optical system.
It is still another object of the invention to provide an athermalized optical system that maintains focus on the last surface of the system taking into account all of the effects of temperature in the system.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an athermalized imaging system having a laser beam generating module, a collimator, a rotating mirror, scan lens and media transport.
It is a feature of the invention that the athermalization of the optical system can be accomplished in an inexpensive manner using a minimum of standard structural materials.
It is another feature of the invention that the athermalization is achieved without "actively" moving or sliding parts, without expensive linkages and without heating or cooling components of the optical system.


With a receiver according to the present disclosure, a phase of the other modulated wave is adjusted so that a relative phase of the other modulated wave to a reference modulated wave is to be minimum and, then, a notch of the reference modulated wave is compensated with a frequency component of the other modulated wave. Thus, with the receiver according to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent notches generated due to fading, and to improve a communication quality.

In the fifth generation mobile communication system (5G), in order to increase the capacity in wireless transmission, the band for wireless transmission has been widened. However, this increases the possibility that a plurality of notches due to fading is included in one modulated wave.
In addition, in order to improve the communication quality and reliability, a reception method called space diversity has been widely employed recently. In space diversity, by selecting or combining a plurality of modulated waves received through a plurality of antennas separated spacially, the communication quality and reliability are improved. However, space diversity if employed is significantly affected by fading, and the solution to this problem is required to widen the band for wireless transmission.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H8-172385 discloses a solution to this problem. The diversity receiver disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H8-172385 prevents, in the Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) transmission system, the transmission quality from deteriorating by compensating a lack of a frequency component of a received signal with the same frequency component of another received signal.
However, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H8-172385 does not disclose the Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) transmission system. Specifically, since the FSK transmission system is employed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H8-172385, in calculating the combining ratio of a plurality of received signal, the phase of each received signal is not adjusted for each frequency. Thus, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H8-172385 is inadequate for obtaining the optimal combining ratio of a plurality of received signals in the QAM transmission system, and has a problem that the communication quality cannot be sufficiently improved.

Receiver, reception method, and non-transitory computer readable medium storing reception program


An inexpensive warm-up apparatus for an internal combustion engine having a simple structure and eliminating the need of forming a hole in a heat storage material retainer or the need for a seal around the hole or an electrical circuit. A heat storage material retainer (14) accommodating a latent heat type heat storage material (X) is arranged in a water jacket (13). The heat storage material retainer (14) has a nucleation device (2) that accelerates phase transition of the heat storage material in a supercooled state. The nucleation device includes a nucleation portion (24) for nucleating the heat storage material (X) in the supercooled state for phase transition, a hammer (25) supported in a movable manner, a target member (23) for applying impact to the nucleation portion by abutting against the nucleation portion when the hammer moves forward, and a lock mechanism (26) for restraining the hammer in the standby position by making use of the volume increase that occurs as the heat storage material undergoes phase transition to the liquid phase when receiving heat. The lock mechanism is released by vibrations generated when the internal combustion engine is started. The lock mechanism causes the hammer to abut against the target member to activate the nucleation device and nucleate the heat storage material.

In general, when starting an internal combustion engine, if the internal temperature of the internal combustion engine, particularly, the cylinder wall temperature or the combustion chamber temperature, is low, friction loss occurs during movement of the piston and exhaust gas compositions deteriorates.
Therefore, in the prior art, a latent heat type heat storage material is accommodated in an internal combustion engine. There has been a proposal for a warm-up apparatus that stores heat generated by the operation of the internal combustion engine in the heat storage material and releases the heat stored in the heat storage material when the internal combustion engine is next started to accelerate warming of the internal combustion engine (refer to, for example, patent document 1).
A warm-up apparatus in the prior art includes a nucleation device having a pair of electrodes inserted into a heat storage material. Voltage is externally applied to the electrodes to activate the nucleation device. This nucleates the heat storage material, which is in a supercooled state, so as to accelerate phase transition and release heat from the heat storage material.
However, in the warm-up apparatus of the prior art, voltage is externally applied to the electrodes to accelerate the phase transition of the heat storage material. This requires insertion holes for inserting the electrodes into the heat storage material from the outer side and an electrical circuit for applying voltage to the electrodes. Therefore, an operation for forming holes extending through the heat storage material and seals arranged around the holes become necessary. Furthermore, an electrical circuit is also required. This inevitably increases the cost of the warm-up apparatus.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 11-182393

Warm-up apparatus for internal combustion engine


Provided is an information processing apparatus that automatically controls the execution order of print jobs. For example, the image forming apparatus is an information processing apparatus for processing the print jobs. A time deviation calculation unit sets a window of a specific length in the print queue in which the print jobs are stored. A time deviation calculation unit calculates total print time and deviation of the print time of the print jobs in the window. The print control unit controls the execution order of the print jobs in the window based on the total print time and the deviation calculated by the time deviation calculation unit. The output unit outputs the print jobs in the execution order controlled by the print control unit.

The present disclosure particularly relates to an information processing apparatus for processing a print job, an image forming system, and a job processing method.
Typically, there has been an image forming apparatus such as a multifunctional peripheral (MFP) capable of printing a document or an image. In the image forming apparatus, jobs which are data for a plurality of outputs are stored in a queue in the order of acquisition from other terminal(s) and output in the order of acquisition. However, in particular, when there is a print job with a long print time in the queue and then a print job with a short print time, the output is delayed. This keeps a user who expects outputting to be completed soon.
Here, in a typical image forming apparatus, a print server apparatus that performs processing when output processing of each print job is requested by a plurality of users is disclosed. This apparatus notifies other users of the requested change content when requested to change the output information and output order of the print job or to stop the output processing acquired from another computer. In addition, this apparatus acquires a notification from each user as to whether or not to permit the change processing based on the notified change content. As a result, when the changing, or the like, in the output order of each print job is requested, the other users can confirm the change content and perform other works, appropriately. Therefore, work efficiency can be improved.

Information processing apparatus, image formation system, and job processing method that automatically controls execution order of print jobs


An integrated throttle position validation sensor includes electrically independent throttle position and position validation components responsive to a single mechanical input applied to a protective sensor housing. By suitable mounting to the throttle control device, the mechanical input corresponds to accelerator pedal position. Within the sensor housing a potentiometer moves with the mechanical input whereby a variable voltage throttle position signal is generated. Also, within the housing a separate validation switch responsive to the mechanical input provides an independent representation of throttle control device position in the form of, for example, a bi-state validation signal. The sensor integrates previous separate throttle control position and position validation functions into a single environmentally secure housing which requires no calibration. The integrated sensor is more reliable and less costly than previously available separate throttle control and idle validation functions.

The present invention applies to engine control systems and particularly to throttle control systems.
Many vehicle throttle control systems now use electrical circuitry to deliver an electrical signal from the accelerator or throttle control device, e.g., an accelerator pedal or hand control lever, to an electronic control system, e.g., fuel delivery system. For example, a voltage signal provided to the electronic fuel control system corresponds to accelerator pedal or hand control position. When an "in-range" voltage level arrives at the electronic fuel control system, the electronic fuel control system responds by injecting a corresponding volume of fuel into the engine fuel system.
In some applications, an accelerator control device failure can result in an invalid in-range throttle condition, i.e., an unintended in-range voltage level. Under such condition, even though the accelerator control device is at, for example, an idle position, the electronic fuel control system receives an erroneous throttle control signal and undesirably injects fuel into the engine fuel system. Loss of engine throttle control, and possibly unintended vehicle acceleration, can result.
To avoid such an error condition, a separate idle validation switch has been added to the accelerator control device as backup protection against such a failure. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,958,607 issued Sep. 25, 1990 to Lundberg and entitled Foot Pedal Arrangement For Electronic Throttle Control Of Truck Engines shows a throttle control arrangement in FIG. 1 including separately mounted a micro-switch responsive to a given position of the pedal for delivery of a idle validation signal to a computer controlling engine throttle functions. Typically, this switch provides a function wherein one side of the switch delivers a logic signal corresponding to valid idle operation and the other side validates throttle active operation. The switch slidably mounts to the accelerator control device in such a way that actuation of the accelerator control changes the switch position from its idle validation position to its throttle validation position according to a given, and often very precise, calibration. The electronic fuel control system ignores the throttle control signal until it receives a throttle validation signal by way of the switch.
Accordingly, if an erroneous in-range throttle signal arrives at the electronic fuel control system, unintended fuel delivery is avoided because the electronic fuel control system has not yet received a throttle validation signal.
The idle validation switch attaches to the accelerator pedal or hand control as a separate component. The switch slidably and separately mounts to the accelerator control device in such manner to provide the switching point at a particular pedal or hand control lever position. It is necessary to adjust or calibrate the point at which the switching occurs to coincide with a specified throttle signal level, i.e., a point of transition between idle and throttle operation. This insures that the switch is in the idle valid mode when the driver releases the accelerator control device, and that the engine will have a smooth idle to power transition when the driver applies the throttle. Switch transition points are typically specified by the engine manufacturer.
Installation of the separate idle validation switch can be difficult because of the sensitive calibration required to meet the engine manufacturer's specifications, and the complex test procedures needed to insure that proper switch functioning occurs. Additionally, the switch must meet stringent environmental quality standards to function reliably in typical operating environments.
The calibration requirements of the separately mounted idle validation switch of Lundberg can expose a trucking concern to potentially thousands of dollars in costs in the event of switch failure. Consider a situation where a truck driver encounters a failure of such throttle equipment while in route. The truck driver would likely tow the truck to an authorized repair service and not only obtain the parts necessary to replace the pedal assembly, but also employ a qualified repair person to accomplish the necessary calibration between the separate idle validation switch and the throttle position sensor. As may be appreciated, the time and money lost in accomplishing such repairs can be significant.
These factors result in an expensive throttle control with validation switch and, in some cases, marginal product reliability. The resulting product is also virtually impossible to service in the field without extensive expert calibration. In some cases the entire accelerator control assembly is necessarily replaced. Such difficult field service further adds to the overall cost of such throttle validation systems.

Integrated throttle position sensor with independent position validation sensor


A new and distinct cultivar of Calibrachoa plant named ‘Balcablav’, characterized by its light lavender-colored flowers, medium green-colored foliage, and moderately vigorous, mounded-trailing growth habit.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Calibrachoa plant botanically known as Calibrachoa×hybrida and hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name 'Balcablav'.
The new cultivar originated in a controlled breeding program in Elbum, Ill. during December 2003. The objective of the breeding program was the development of Calibrachoa cultivars with attractive flower coloration, medium green-colored foliage, and a moderately vigorous, mounded-trailing growth habit.
The new Calibrachoa cultivar is the result of cross-pollination. The female (seed) parent of the new cultivar is the proprietary Calibrachoa×hybrida breeding selection designated 2085-1A, not patented, characterized by its medium lavender-colored flowers, medium green-colored foliage, and mounded, trailing growth habit. The male (pollen) parent of the new cultivar is a Calibrachoa×hybrida mixed pollen source from plants having various colored flowers, medium to dark green-colored foliage, and prostrate to mounded growth habits. The new cultivar was discovered and selected as a single flowering plant within the progeny of the above stated cross-pollination during August 2004 in a controlled environment at Elbum, Ill.
Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar by terminal stem cuttings since August 2004 at Arroyo Grande, Calif. and West Chicago, Ill. has demonstrated that the new cultivar reproduces true to type with all of the characteristics, as herein described, firmly fixed and retained through successive generations of such asexual propagation.


A slim optical disc drive including a deck having a protrusion on which a spindle motor that rotates an optical disc and an optical pickup sliding along a radial direction of the optical disc drive are mounted, a lower case installed so that the deck slides into and out of the lower case and having a penetration corresponding to the protrusion, and a cover that covers the penetration.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a slim optical disc drive.
2. Description of the Related Art
Optical disc drives generally radiate light beams onto recording surfaces of compact discs (CDs) and digital video discs (DVDs) using optical pickups sliding along a radial direction of the CDs and DVDs to record data on and reproduce data from the CDs and DVDs. In particular, slim optical disc drives are manufactured very thinly so as to be mounted into portable devices such as notebooks and the like.
FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional slim optical disc drive. Referring to FIG. 1, a deck 20 is installed so that it slides into and out of a lower case 10. The deck 20 includes a spindle motor 30, which spins an optical disc D, and an optical pickup 50, which irradiates light toward the optical disc D while sliding in a radial direction of the spinning optical disc D to record data on and reproduce data from the optical disc D. A main control board 60 is installed on the lower case 10 to control the operation of the optical disc D. The main control board 60 is connected to the optical pickup 50 and the spindle motor 30 via a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) 70. As the deck 20 slides into and out of the lower case 10, the FPC 70 flexibly folds and unfolds within a space between the deck 20 and the lower case 10. For this, a portion of the FPC 70 is adhered onto the lower case 10.
In order to manufacture the slim optical disc drive, the deck 20 has to slide into and out of the lower case 10 while keeping very narrow gaps with the lower case 10. Therefore, key factors to determine the thickness of an optical disc drive are the optical pickup 50 mounted on the deck 20, a motor 40 that slides the optical pickup 50, and the thickness of the spindle motor 30. This is because the total thickness of the optical disc drive may increase to maintain a gap between the deck 20 and the lower case 10 when these parts are put into the optical disc drive.
However, in a case where the optical disc drive has to reproduce data from a CD-ROM and record data on and reproduce data from a CD-RW and a DVD, the thickness and size of the optical pickup 50 increases. Also, the optical disc drive may use thicker parts due to various manufacturing problems. In this case, a space between the deck 20 and the lower case 10 cannot accommodate the total thickness of the optical disc drive. Thus, a portion of the deck 20 in which the thick parts are to be installed may protrude slightly downward.
Since the space between the deck 20 and the lower case 10 are quite narrow, the protruding portion of the deck 20 may interfere with the lower case 10 when the deck 20 slides into and out of the lower case 10. To avoid this interference, the space between the deck 20 and the lower case 10 has to be widened, which causes an increase in the thickness of the optical disc drive.


Embodiments are directed towards automatic provisional evaluation of utility program performance. Treatment facilities may be determined depending characteristics of a project. A performance profile corresponding to each treatment facility may be generated based on historical information corresponding to each treatment facility. Current usage information and current weather information for each treatment facility may be determined. Pre-treatment usage information that corresponds to each treatment facility may be determined based on the performance profile and the current usage information and the current weather information. A program evaluation report may be generated that includes program realization information. Program realization information may be based on an aggregation of project savings information that corresponds to the treatment facilities. Project savings information may be modified based on confidence weights. A program evaluation report may include information from one or more comparison facilities.

Utilities, such as, electrical utilities, water utilities, or the like, are often required to implement efficiency programs, such as energy efficiency programs that may be designed to reduce the energy consumption or peak demand of their consumers. Often the utilities are required to commit to specified efficiency (e.g., energy reduction) targets. In some cases, utilities that fail to meet these reduction targets may be subject to sanctions and/or fines imposed by one or more regulatory agencies.
Efficiency programs, such as energy efficiency programs may take many forms and may involve multiple projects. Some of these projects may include retrofitting existing facilities to reduce demand for and/or consumption of services, such as electricity, water, natural gas, or the like. Projects may be directed to some or all of the various types of facilities that receive services from the utility, such as, single family housing, multi-family housing, commercial buildings, manufacturing facilities, or the like. Efficiency programs may be required to undergo an evaluation to determine if they met the efficiency targets that were promised or expected by the utility or required by the body regulating the utility. If the programs fail to meet the promised or expected reduction targets, the utility may be subject to additional regulatory scrutiny or potentially even fines or other sanctions.
Given current approaches, it may be difficult for utilities to evaluate programs while the programs are being implemented. Thus, utilities usually wait until a program is completed before determining if the program's targets have been met. Accordingly, it may be difficult for utilities to determine whether their programs need to be modified to meet their targets during the implementation, or how they might improve the performance of programs at meeting the relevant targets. Thus, utilities may be liable for severe fees and sanctions if the programs fall short, or they may over-engineer the program/projects to mitigate the risk of falling short of their targets. Thus, it is with respect to these considerations and others that the invention has been made.

Real time provisional evaluation of utility program performance


According to several embodiments, a composition of matter includes: a three-dimensional structure comprising photo polymerized molecules. At least some of the photo polymerized molecules further comprise one or more protected click-chemistry compatible functional groups; and at least portions of one or more surfaces of the three-dimensional structure are functionalized with one or more of the protected click-chemistry compatible functional groups.

In the field of additive manufacturing, many techniques exist to create structures with precise control over the features of the structure. Recently, techniques based on photo-activation of precursor components, such a projection microstereolithography (PμSL) have received significant attention. To date, such techniques have been demonstrated and proven effective for making structures that consist of crosslinked polymers in nearly any shape or configuration.
However, the structures created via these photo-activation-based additive manufacturing techniques consist of the crosslinked polymers, i.e. inert plastic. While creating such structures consisting of crosslinked polymers is itself advantageous from a manufacturing standpoint, this does not provide any chemically- and/or biologically-relevant applicability to the resulting structures.
Accordingly, it would be highly beneficial to provide techniques and suitable materials that are capable of generating structures with the precise control afforded by photo-activation-based additive manufacturing, while also enabling the resulting structure to have further functionality that is chemically- and/or biologically relevant to a variety of industrial, pharmaceutical, etc. applications.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Click-chemistry compatible structures, click-chemistry functionalized structures, and materials and methods for making the same

Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC


Methods are provided for processing a substrate for depositing an adhesion layer between a conductive material and a dielectric layer. In one aspect, the invention provides a method for processing a substrate including positioning a substrate having a conductive material disposed thereon, introducing a reducing compound or a silicon based compound, exposing the conductive material to the reducing compound or the silicon based compound, and depositing a silicon carbide layer without breaking vacuum.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the fabrication of integrated circuits and to a process for depositing dielectric layers on a substrate and the structures formed by the dielectric layer.
2. Description of the Related Art
One of the primary steps in the fabrication of modern semiconductor devices is the formation of metal and dielectric layers on a substrate by chemical reaction of gases. Such deposition processes are referred to as chemical vapor deposition or CVD. Conventional thermal CVD processes supply reactive gases to the substrate surface where heat-induced chemical reactions take place to produce a desired layer.
Semiconductor device geometries have dramatically decreased in size since such devices were first introduced several decades ago. Since then, integrated circuits have generally followed the two year/half-size rule (often called Moore's Law), which means that the number of devices that will fit on a chip doubles every two years. Today's fabrication plants are routinely producing devices having 0.35 μm and even 0.18 μm feature sizes, and tomorrow's plants soon will be producing devices having even smaller geometries.
To further reduce the size of devices on integrated circuits, it has become necessary to use conductive materials having low resistivity and to use insulators having low dielectric constants (dielectric constant<4.0) to also reduce the capacitive coupling between adjacent metal lines. One such low k dielectric material is spin-on glass, such as un-doped silicon glass (USG) or fluorine-doped silicon glass (FSG), which can be deposited as a gap fill layer in a semiconductor manufacturing process. Another low k dielectric material is silicon oxycarbide that can used as a dielectric layer in fabricating damascene features.
One conductive material gaining acceptance is copper and its alloys, which have become the materials of choice for sub-quarter-micron interconnect technology because copper has a lower resistivity than aluminum, (1.7 μΩ-cm compared to 3.1 μΩ-cm for aluminum), a higher current and higher carrying capacity. These characteristics are important for supporting the higher current densities experienced at high levels of integration and increased device speed. Further, copper has good thermal conductivity and is available in a very pure state.
One difficulty in using copper in semiconductor devices is that copper is difficult to etch to achieve a precise pattern. Etching with copper using traditional deposition/etch processes for forming interconnects has been less than satisfactory. Therefore, new methods of manufacturing interconnects having copper containing materials and low k dielectric materials are being developed.
One method for forming vertical and horizontal interconnects is by a damascene or dual damascene method. In the damascene method, one or more dielectric materials, such as the low k dielectric materials, are deposited and pattern etched to form the vertical interconnects, i.e. vias, and horizontal interconnects, i.e., lines. Conductive materials, such as copper containing materials, and other materials, such as barrier layer materials used to prevent diffusion of copper containing materials into the surrounding low k dielectric, are then inlaid into the etched pattern. Any excess copper containing materials and excess barrier layer material external to the etched pattern, such as on the field of the substrate, are then removed and a planarized surface is formed. A dielectric layer, such as an insulative layer or barrier layer is formed over the copper feature for subsequent processing, such as forming a second layer of damascene structures.
However, it has been observed that between the copper planarization and the subsequent dielectric layer deposition, the copper material may be subjected to an oxidation reaction through exposure between processing chambers or processing tools. The exposure to an oxidizing environment results in the formation of surface oxides on the copper material. The oxides inhibit the adhesion of subsequent layers, for example, the dielectric layer, that are deposited thereover.
Therefore, there remains a need for a process for improving interlayer adhesion between low k dielectric layers.

Adhesion improvement for low k dielectrics to conductive materials


The present invention is directed to a method and system for selecting a wireless network for offloading network traffic from another network. In one embodiment, a method and system for offloading network traffic in a wireless user terminal from a first network, such as cellular network, onto a second network, such as a WiFi network, includes determining a measure of the relationship between the user of the wireless user terminal and the owner of the access point for the second network. The measure of the relationship can be used to provide an indication of the likelihood that the owner of the access point will grant access to the user of the wireless user terminal.

1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to a method and system for selecting a wireless network access point for offloading network traffic from another network. More specifically, the method and system for offloading network traffic includes determining a measure of the relationship between the user of the wireless user terminal and the owner/operator of the access point for the second network that can be used to provide an indication of the likelihood that the owner/operator of the access point will grant access to the user of the wireless user terminal.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In so called "walled garden" environments, such as cellular networks (voice and data), the network is fully owned and operated by cellular operator and the cellular operator controls all aspects of access to the network. Conversely, the ownership and management of local wireless networks, such as WiFi networks, are owned and operated by many separate entities (individuals and companies) and thus form a fragmented and heterogeneous collection of wireless networks. While cellular data network resources tend to be limited (both in terms of bandwidth and access locations) and in many locations utilized to capacity, local wireless resources tend to be readily available and underutilized. In many situations, it may be desirable to enable a wireless user terminal, such as a smart phone or cellular connected device to offload some or all of its voice and/or data communication functions to a local wireless network, such as a WiFi network. This enables cellular network carriers to expand their user capacity without the added expensive of cellular resource equipment (e.g., cellular network towers and transceivers, microcells, etc.).
However, because the local wireless networks are fragmented and heterogeneous, there are many different technologies (e.g., IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n, WiMAX), access methods (e.g., WPA, WPA2 WEP, Captive Portal) and many different and diverse owners/operators, obtaining access to these diverse networks can be a complicated and tedious process.

Method and system for selecting a wireless network for offloading


A control device for a self-exciting current source electric power converter comprising a plurality of the self-turn-off devices connected in a bridge, and n-sets (n=a multiple of 2) of the electric source electric power converters, which convert AC into DC, or, convert DC into AC, wherein said converters are divided into two groups, an electric power regulating circuit, which controls the AC current of each converter, is provided for each group; an active current command value and the reactive electric power command value of all the electric power converters are inputted into the input side of the electric power regulating circuit respectively; at the same time, a positive arbitrary reactive power shift value (+Q) is added to one of the reactive electric power command values; a negative arbitrary reactive power shift value (-Q) is outputted to the other reactive electric power command values; and the both reactive power shift values are offset each other.

1. Field of the Present Invention
The present invention relates to a control device for self-exciting current source power converter.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 is the drawing showing the constitution of main current of self-exciting current source power converter of the prior art.
In FIG. 1 the reference 101 indicates an alternating current load and references 102-104 indicate capacitors. References 105-108 indicate unit converters (hereinafter mentioned simply as converters), which are connected to AC load by unifying the respective AC terminals commonly to perform a parallel operation.
Also the capacitors 102-104 are used for absorbing the switching surge of the converters 105-108. The devices 109-132 are the self-turn-off devices forming the converters 105-108. Hereinafter, the cases, in which gate turn-off thyristors (hereinafter called GTO) are used as self-turn-off devices, are explained.
References 133-140 indicate the DC reactors which make DC smooth. References 141-144 indicate the DC electric sources. Each of the electric sources 141-144 is provided with a function to regulate the DC current, and the respective currents are equally regulated.
FIG. 2 shows the block diagram of the regulating circuit of the prior art for regulating the power converter of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2, reference 149 indicates a circuit generating the current command value for the converters 105-108, reference 150 indicates a triangular wave generator, reference 152 indicates a comparator, and reference 153 indicates a logical circuit generating AC output commands for the converters 105-108.
FIG. 3 shows wave-diagrams, when the power converters of FIG. 1 is regulated by the regulating circuit of prior art shown in FIG. 2. Hereinafter the power converter of prior art is explained by referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The circuit generating electric current command value 149 generates a amplitude command value (1) and a phase angle command value. The amplitude command value (1) is given to the comparator 152.
The phase angle command values are given to both the phase angle detecting circuit 150 and the triangular wave generator 151. The signals (2)-(5) are the output signals forming triangular waves from the triangular wave generator 151, which period corresponds to 60.degree. of the phase angle command values. Also, each of the triangular waves (3)-(5) delays by 15.degree. each other compared to the triangular wave (2). The comparator 152 compares the amplitude command value (1) with the triangular waves (2)-(5), and the range, in which the amplitude command value is larger than the triangular waves, is regarded as output command. The output command is given to the logical circuit 153, and its phase identification determined by the output of the phase detecting circuit 150 and the AC output command for the converter is generated.
In other words, (6) is the U-phase output command of the converter 105 and (7) is the X-phase output command for the converter 105, (8) is the U-phase output command for the converter 106, (9) is the X-phase output command for the converter 106, (10) is the U-phase output command for the converter 107, (11) is the X-phase output command for the converter 107, (12) is the U-phase output command of the converter 108, and (13) is the X-phase output command for the converter 104.
By ON-OFF controlling the GTO of the converters 105-108 according to the output commands mentioned in the above, the current of the wave-form shown in (14) is obtained as U-phase output current. The same regulation as in the above is performed also for the V-phase and W-phase by delaying the respective phases by 120.degree. each.
As described in the above, when the operation is performed by delaying the phase of the current of the GTO by 15.degree. each by connecting the AC terminals of the converters 105-108 in parallel, the wave form of the composite wave of the waves from the respective converters becomes trapezoid wave containing the high frequency harmonic waves of the lower orders such as 5th and 7th order.
Also, in case of the self-exciting current source power converters in FIG. 1, as the electricity may be commutated in an arbitrary phase, the active electric power and the reactive electric power may be controlled independently, however, in case of the self-turn-off devices such as GTO, a minimum ON-time (or minimum OFF-time, for example 200 .mu.s) has to be held as shown at (a), (b) and (c) of FIG. 6. Therefore, a pulse which is shorter than the minimum holding time maynot be outputted, and the power maynot be outputted in the inoperable range (d), i.e., in the range of 0 PU (Zero-par-unit).

Control device for self-exciting current source power converter


A battery cover adapted for correct assembly on a battery is disclosed. The battery cover has an outer surface including a longitudinal centerline and a transverse centerline perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline. A first bushing is provided having an aperture with a first dimension that mates with a corresponding first dimension of a positive cast-on-strap post. A second bushing is also provided having a second dimension that mates with a corresponding second dimension of a negative cast-on-strap post. The first bushing and second bushing are carried by the battery cover and positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal and transverse centerlines. A secondary battery is also provided.

It is known to provide a terminal for an external electrical contact on a secondary battery (e.g., an electrical contact on the outside of a battery housing). In some configurations, a terminal post is provided into and/or through a bushing molded into a cover of the battery housing to help couple the terminal to internal components of the battery. A bushing may also be inserted in a cover and extend above the battery cover. It is also known to provide a bushing and/or cover that may be used to help seal the internal components of the battery from the environment.
Unfortunately, current terminals, terminal posts, bushings and/or battery covers are prone to be improperly assembled on top of the battery housing and internal components. As a result, batteries can be damaged during assembly. In addition, even if properly assembled, many current battery terminals are easily improperly connected to formation or charging cables which are provided to activate or charge the assembled battery. Improper connection of the formation cables can also damage the battery.


A down-hole tool comprises a generally tubular body for connection in a drill string, the body typically having an upper tubular member and a lower tubular member interconnected to be axially secured and relatively rotatable, and a frangible element securing the upper and lower members together rotationally and adapted to rupture at a predetermined load

This invention relates to a downhole tool for use in a drill string to prevent breakage of the drill string by over torquing.
When rotating drill strings in wells, the lower drill string outside diameter may be typically only about 50 to 100 millimeters. If the drill bit becomes stuck in the hole this is not immediately apparent to the operator who will continue applying torque at the drilling derrick. This can lead to breakage of the drill string deep in the hole which requires a long and expensive fishing operation to retrieve.
The present invention provides a downhole tool comprising a generally tubular body for connection in a drill string, the body comprising an upper tubular member and a lower tubular member interconnected to be axially secured and relatively rotatable, and a frangible element securing the upper and lower members together rotationally and adapted to rupture at a predetermined load.
Preferably, the tool further includes signalling means for signalling to an operator that the frangible element has been ruptured.
The signalling means may generate a signal to the operator in the form of any one or more of the following group; change in torque, change in weight, change in pressure, mud pulse.
The tool may comprise a substantially radial passage allowing for the circulation of fluid from an axial bore through the tool to the exterior of the tool when the frangible element has been ruptured.
The effect of this arrangement is that, if excessive torque is applied to the drill string as a result of for example the drill bit sticking, the frangible element ruptures to uncouple the upper and lower members rotationally. The rupture also opens the passage to allow drilling fluid to flow into the annulus bypassing the drill bit. The bypass of drilling fluid alerts the operator to the incident by virtue of the significantly reduced drilling fluid pressure.
The tool may include means for re-establishing drilling fluid flow through the drill bit after the frangible element has been ruptured, thereby assisting in removing the drill string by continuing the removal of cuttings from the annulus.
In one arrangement, the lower part of the upper tubular member is of reduced diameter and is encircled by the lower tubular member, said passage being formed by radial bores in the overlapping parts of the upper and lower tubular members. Preferably a plurality of passages are provided, typically three or four passages circumferentially equispaced, each having a frangible element in the form of a shear plug.
The tool may include a valve member moveable from a first position permitting fluid flow through the passage to a second position obturating the passage.
The valve member is typically a cylindrical sleeve mounted in the bore of the upper tubular member for sliding movement. The cylindrical sleeve may be secured in its first position by a shear pin, or by a spring-loaded detent or a friction element. The second position of the sleeve may conveniently be defined by abutment surfaces on the sleeve and tubular member.
In one embodiment, the cylindrical sleeve is movable from. its first position to its second position by a ball passed down the drill string bore seating in the sleeve. In a particularly preferred form, the sleeve has axially spaced apertures, upper apertures being aligned with the passages in the first position and lower apertures communicating with the bore of the lower tubular member in the second position, and the ball is an extrudable ball.
The invention encompasses other forms of valve member and operation; or example the valve member could be actuated to its second position by a wireline operation or by signalling, such as mud pulse signalling, to a control circuit within the tool.
The passage may be formed in both the upper tubular member and the lower tubular member, whereby communication between the axial bore of the tool and the exterior of the tool occurs by aligning the respective upper and lower members appropriately.


A protective glove is disclosed that provides a user with protection against radial luxation or subluxation of the user's thumb during activities in which the user's thumb can be subjected to forces that may dislocate the thumb in relation to the hand. In one preferred embodiment, the protective glove is a ski glove that includes a bracing element to prevent injurious movement of a snow skier's thumb when a ski pole used by the skier forcefully reacts to movement of the ski pole as the pole is inserted or dragged within the snow upon which the skier is skiing. In other embodiments, the present invention may also be utilized by as user participating in activities such a skiing, rodeos, football, hockey, polo, baseball, and lacrosse.

This invention relates to an apparatus for protecting the fingers of the hand of a user engaged in activities that could result in the dislocation of at least one of the fingers of the user's hand, and in one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is a glove used by snow skiers that protects the thumb of the skier's hand from being dislocated as a result of the forces generated by the ski poles or other ski equipment used by the skier while snow skiing.
The disruption of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb's metacarpophalangeal joint, sometimes identified as "skier's thumb," is a unique type of sports injury. Such injuries include instances where the thumb is completely dislocated (radial luxation of the thumb), or when the thumb is only partially dislocated (radial subluxation of the thumb). In either case, the dislocation can injure the ulnar tendons that connect the thumb to the main bone structure of the forearm.
This type of injury is most common to snow skiers and usually occurs when a ski pole used by the skier unexpectedly hooks into the snow or on object hidden under the snow while the skier is skiing down a slope. The ski pole reacts to this hooking action by tending to move backward in relation to the skier and the skier's hand and fingers. Because this ski pole reaction is unexpected, the skier may not have time to brace the skier's hand and fingers prior to the ski pole movement. In other situations, bracing of the skier's hand may not be able to sufficiently counteract the force of the ski pole as it is kicked backward. The result of such strong and unexpected motions of the ski pole is usually the radial luxation or radial subluxation of the thumb. This occurs when the majority of the reactive pressure of the ski pole is transmitted through a ski glove worn by the skier to the thumb of the skier's hand that is holding the ski pole.
This acute type of thumb injury can also occur when a skier falls while his or her wrist is strapped to a ski pole. During the fall, the tendency is to try to release the pole and extend the hand to break the fall, thereby leaving the thumb extended with the pole resting in the web space between the thumb and the index finger. This results in hyperextension of the thumb and the thumb is usually deviated to the side at the moment of impact. The result is an injury to the ligament on the inside of the thumb that is responsible for stabilizing the thumb during pinch and grip.
Skier's thumb now accounts for a significant number of skiing injuries. In severe cases where ligaments have been completely torn, this injury must be surgically repaired. The ultimate stability of the thumb's ligament is important because of its contribution to the grasping function of the thumb. People with skier's thumb may be able to return to work and even skiing in a short period with proper rehabilitation. However, in the worst situations, the injury can only be repaired through surgery followed by period of extensive rehabilitation.
The occurrence and the severity of such injuries can be reduced by the skier's use of a ski glove that serves the usual purposes of assisting the skier in holding the ski pole, while simultaneously providing a brace for the thumb to prevent the thumb from fully or partially dislocating.


A display device includes a display panel for displaying a white image; an electrochromic layer stacked on the display panel; a voltage application unit for applying a driving voltage to the electrochromic layer; and a display unit for displaying the white image on the display panel. The electrochromic layer allows a spectrum of light to be transmitted therethrough to be controlled in accordance with the driving voltage applied thereto; and the voltage application unit controls the driving voltage to be applied to the electrochromic layer in synchronization with display of the image on the display panel by the display unit, thus to control the spectrum of the light to be transmitted through the electrochromic layer.

Organic EL display devices including an organic light emitting diode (OLED) which uses organic electroluminescence (EL) are splendid in power consumption, lightweightedness, thinness, moving picture characteristic and viewing angle characteristic. Recently, organic EL display devices have been actively developed and put into practice.
As organic EL display panels for providing color display, the following two types of organic EL display panels are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2005-85683; and Patent Document 2: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2011-35087).
(1) A three color type organic EL display panel in which red (R), green (G) and blue (B) light emitting elements are used as organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) to provide color display.
(2) A color filter type organic EL display panel in which an organic light emitting diode (OLED) for emitting white light is used and the white light is transmitted through red (R), green (G) and blue (B) color filters to provide color display.
The above-described three color type organic EL display panel has the following problems. One problem is that at least three sub pixels are required for one pixel, which makes it difficult to provide high-definition display. Another problem is that a structure including RGB light emitting elements for providing high-definition display requires costly production facilities in order to obtain sufficient large process margins.
The above-described color filter type organic EL display panel also has a problem that there is a limit to the definition improvement and it is difficult to reduce the cost.
The present invention for solving the above-described problems of the conventional art has an object of providing a display device capable of displaying a high-definition color image easily without using color filters or red (R), green (G) or blue (B) sub pixels.
The above-described and other objects and novel features of the present invention will be made apparent by the description in this specification and the attached drawings.


The present invention is directed to reaction products prepared from at least one Michael addition donor material including two or more active methylene hydrogens; and at least one material capable of reacting with a Michael addition donor, the material having one Michael addition acceptor and at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, vinyl ether, amino, aminoalkyl, carboxy, carboxyalkyl, cyano, and cyanoalkyl groups; or reaction products prepared from (a) at least one Michael addition donor material comprising at least one Michael Addition donor group selected from the group consisting of cyano functional groups and phosphono functional groups; and (b) at least one material capable of reacting with the at least one Michael addition donor group, the material having at least one Michael addition acceptor, wherein the above reaction products are capable of forming free radicals upon exposure to actinic radiation; as well as compositions, and processes for making and using the same.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to reaction products of Michael addition donor(s) and monoacrylate(s), the reaction product including at least one photolabile group, photopolymerizable compositions including the same, and methods related thereto.
2. Brief Description of Related Technology
Radiation curable adhesives and coatings containing (meth)acrylate monomers and oligomers and other free-radically polymerizable materials are widely used in applications where the cured material may come into contact directly or indirectly with food, drugs or medical devices. In such applications, it is desirable to ensure, to the extent that toxic or otherwise hazardous compounds are used in such products, that migration, evaporation or extraction of such materials from the cured material is controlled or ameliorated. A particular source of contamination in UV/visible light-cured products has been identified as residual unreacted photoinitiators and their decomposition products, such as benzaldehydes. Consequently, most commercially available photoinitiators are prohibited from use in such applications, examples of which include foil-laminating adhesives for food packaging, coil coatings for kitchen appliances and certain drug delivery/packaging systems.
For certain applications, users have employed electron beams (EB) instead of photoinitiator additives to cure such formulations. EB radiation is readily adsorbed by (meth)acrylate monomers and has sufficient photonic energy to initiate curing directly without the need for added photoinitiators. However, EB equipment is extremely expensive and can be used and justified only in certain applications in which production cost is not a primary consideration. Consequently, there is a need to develop UV and visible light curing additives and systems that produce cured materials having low extractables.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,945,489 and 6,025,410, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0080162 and European Patent Application No. EP 1 342 737 disclose the reaction of an acetoacetate compound with an excess of a multi-functional acrylate to give an acrylated terminated oligomer containing a β-diketonic group incorporated into the polymer backbone. U.S. Pat. No. 6,673,851 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0073757 disclose subsequent reaction of such oligomers with a primary and/or secondary amines.
These oligomers undergo rapid UV initiated polymerization without the need for added photoinitiator, have good properties and are claimed to be suitable for flexible packaging adhesives, flexographic inks and screen-printing applications.
The process is, however, difficult to control at a manufacturing level and generally can result in non-uniform compositions with a variable content of gel particles. The reaction involves the stepwise addition of a multi-functional Michael donor (e.g. acetoacetate derivative) with a stoichiometric excess of a multifunctional Michael acceptor (e.g. diacrylate or polyacrylate) in the presence of a basic catalyst (e.g. tetramethylguanidine). The procedure can require care to avoid gelation, which can occur if the ratio of the equivalents of donor and acceptor groups, r, exceeds a value such that the fractional conversion required for gelation, alpha (α), is equal to or less than one, according to Equation 1:r=1/α2(fa−1)(fb−1)  Equation 1where fa and fb are the functionalities of the donor and acceptor groups. See C. Macosko and D. Miller, Macromolecules 1976, 9(2), 199. When the ratio r (also referred to as the stoichiometric imbalance; [donor]<[acceptor]) is chosen such that at full conversion of the Michael donor groups, the value of α>1, then gelation will not occur. For example, the ratio of acrylate to acetoacetate groups is generally required to be >2.5/1 for mono acetoacetates (difunctional) and triacrylates. Since the reaction is exothermic, it is usually required to slowly add the stoichiometrically deficient amount of donor species to a solution of the acceptor and catalyst at a rate that prevents a runaway thermal reaction. It is also required to ensure that very efficient mixing takes place during the addition to prevent the build-up of local high concentrations of the donor species, which would result in the formation of gel particles. At the initial stages of the reaction few difficulties are encountered, but as the oligomerization reaction proceeds, the viscosity increases significantly and efficient mixing becomes very difficult to achieve.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0029991 discloses UV curable acrylate terminated oligomers such as polyester acrylates, acrylate capped epoxy oligomers, polyacrylic acrylates, acrylate capped polyether polyols, acrylate terminated urethane oligomers or mixtures thereof. The acrylate terminated oligomers are prepared by first reacting a polyisocyanate with an acrylate having an isocyanate reactive group and then reacting the acrylate-isocyanate reaction product with an excess of polyol. The reaction conditions are held until no isocyanate functionality is detectable by titration in the reaction mixture. The acrylate capped urethane oligomer is then reacted with a Michael addition donor to form the UV curable oligomeric adhesive composition. The reaction is carried out in the presence of a base capable of promoting the Michael Addition reaction. On completion of the reaction, an acid can be added to the product to minimize viscosity buildup over time thus improving shelf life. In the production of such urethane resins, hydrogen bonding can undesirably increase the viscosity of the resin and mixing difficulties and residual basic catalyst can promote undesirable urethane reactions that limit the shelf-life of the resin.
There has been an ongoing desire to find photoinitiated adhesive compositions having good impact strength and toughness, because photocure mechanisms are ordinarily more rapid than heat cure mechanisms and can avoid heat degradation of the overall device, part and/or substrate.

Photosensitive compounds, photopolymerizable compositions including the same, and methods of making and using the same


An additive gel for fuels that reduces the soot content in lubricating oil and/or emission in an engine. Further a process employing an additive gel for fuel in a fuel system to decrease the amount of soot in the lubricating oil of an engine and/or decrease the emissions from an engine.

The present invention relates to a novel gel composition that is an additive for fuel that results in a decrease in the amount of soot in a lubricating oil in an engine and/or a decrease in the amount of emissions particularly soot, hydrocarbons and/or nitrogen oxides, (NO, NO2, N2O collectively NOx) from an engine.
A complication facing modern compression ignited and spark ignited engines is the build up of soot in the lubricating oil due to oxidation and nitration by-products of the unburnt fuel or the lubricating oil itself and environmentally unfriendly emission. The buildup of this soot thickens the lubricating oil and can cause engine deposits. In severe operating conditions, the oil can thicken to the point of gelling. When the soot levels get to high, the increase in oil viscosity results in poor lubrication at critical wear points on the engine. This poor lubrication results in high wear, the formulation of higher amounts of piston deposits, a loss in fuel economy occurs and increased exhaust emissions. The net result is a shorter effective life of the lubricating oil and exhaust emissions.
Another complication in facing modern and future engines is the need for these engines to meet upcoming emission legislation. One solution has been to use exhaust after treatment systems to reduce emissions for the engine.
It is desirable to decrease the concentration of particles of soot in an engine oil using a novel gel composition as an additive to fuel. It is further desirable to decrease the emissions of soot, hydrocarbons and/or NOx from an engine using a novel gel fuel additive.
It has been found that a gel fuel additive in contact with the fuel of an engine can decrease the soot content in the oil of the lubricating system of the engine. It has been further found that an gel fuel additive can reduce the emissions from an engine in particular soot, hydrocarbons and/or NOx emissions.
This invention provides a way to provide enhanced performance to lubricating oil and to reduce engine emissions into the environment.

Gel additives for fuel that reduce soot and/or emissions from engines


Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of tools and techniques for determining predicted-text suggestions based on communication contexts. According to one exemplary technique, text that recurs in one or more past communications is determined. The one or more past communications being associated with at least one context attribute. Also, a text entry is stored in a text suggestion dictionary. The text entry comprising the text and metadata associating the text with the at least one context attribute. Additionally, using the text suggestion dictionary, at least one predicted-text suggestion that includes the text is determined for a current communication associated with a communication context.

As mobile devices have become increasingly smaller in size, various user interfaces have been developed for users to enter information. In the past, some traditional input technologies have provided text prediction that has relied on large preinstalled or static dictionaries that consume storage resources. Although text prediction has been done in the past, these traditional input technologies are limited, in part, due to static dictionaries.

Communication context based predictive-text suggestion


A method of water-proofing a connected portion of electric wires is disclosed which improves the efficiency of water-proofing and prevents the connected portion from becoming enlarged after working. An injector 10 filled with a water-proof insulation adhesion agent 11 is disposed above a tapping roll 7 of a known tape winder so that a nozzle 9 of the injector 10 is directed to the roll 7. A water-proof sheet 1 cut in a desired size is fed on the tapping roll 7. A predetermined amount of the adhesion agent is dropped on the sheet 1 from the nozzle 9 to form a deposit 2 of the adhesion agent. A supplementary sheet 4 made of a water-proof insulation material is applied to the connected portion 3 and then the connected portion 3 with the supplementary sheet 4 is put on the deposit 2 to form a sandwich type construction in which the portion 3 is disposed between the sheets 1 and 4. Then, the connected portion 3 is pushed down into a slot 8 of the tapping roll 7. The sheets 1 and 4 are wound around the connected portion 3 to seal it by rotating the roll 7.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method of water-proofing a connected portion of electric wires in, for example, a wire harness and the like in which stripped ends of the wires are directly coupled with each other.
2. Statement of the Prior Art
In a wire harness and the like, a connected portion of stripped ends of electric wires is subject to water erosion since a water-proof tape is merely wound around the connected portion and water is able to penetrate through gaps between turns of the wound tape into the connected portion by capillary action. In order to prevent water erosion, there are several methods of water-proofing the connected portion of electric wires.
For example, Japanese Patent Public Disclosure No. 64-6307 (1989) discloses a water-proof method in which a connected portion of electric wires is inserted in dies and melted rubber, plastic or the like is squeezed into the dies and hardened to embed the connected portion therein. Japanese Patent Publication No. 59-35510 (1984) discloses a water-proofing method in which a connected portion of electric wires is wound with a butyl rubber material and further wound by a tape or the connected portion is disposed between butyl rubber materials, then pressed by a press machine and further wound by a tape.
In addition, Japanese Utility Model Public Disclosure No. 62-123072 (1987) discloses a water-proofing method in which a connected portion of electric wires in covered with a thermal-shrinkage tube and the tube is heated to closely contact with the connected portion. Japanese Utility Model Public Disclosure No. 61-62376 (1986) discloses a water-proofing method in which a connected portion of electric wires is surrounded by split insulation covers, the covers are connected with each other at the abutted portion by an adhesive, and then bound with a belt.
Although the above prior art methods effect substantial water-proofing action, they have the following drawbacks. The method of 64-6307 requires a different die for each size and form of electric wire to be connected and high equipment costs for pressing and cooling processes. Further, the method comprises complicated steps and is difficult to work. Also, the method of 59-35510 makes the connected portion bulkier and heavier because it is covered with a butyl rubber material, which in turn requires additional time for pressing by a press machine or winding of tape.
In addition, in the method of 62-123072, it is difficult to pass the electric wire through the thermal-shrinkage tube, for example in the wire harness, and to effect mass production. The method of 61-62376 involves a high cost due to the provision of the insulation cover and makes the connected portion bulky.

Method of water-proofing a connected portion of electric wires


A small slender container and an applicator that may be used to store small quantity of substance, such as creams, lotions, and make-ups in a sealed environment and easily and sanitarily dispenses its content for application as desired is disclosed. The content of the slender container may be permanently sealed with an opening means or may be sealed with a high viscosity substance such as silicone. The container and applicator comprises of a small slender container with a sealed first end and a second end with a high viscosity substance sealed within the container and an applicator that is inserted into the container to simultaneously extract and inject the content into the applicator. The applicator may then be used to apply the contents to the desired location. After application, the sealed compartment and the applicator are disposed of.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a small sealed container and an applicator. More specifically, the present invention relates to a small slender container designed to be used with an applicator such as a cotton swab.
2. Description of Related Art
Small containers in the general form of an elongated tube may be used to distribute and/or apply small quantities of products such as creams, lotions, and make-ups. The small container's contents are generally difficult to extract, particularly if the viscosity of the content is high. Therefore, either the remaining contents are disposed of or some form of applicator or extractor must be used to extract the contents.
Often, an applicator is required to retrieve and accurately apply the content of the container to the desired location. The applicator is generally a separate component that is inserted into the container to retrieve the content and then applied to the desired location. Some applicators are incorporated into the cap of the container such that when the cap is removed, the applicator is exposed and can be used to retrieve and apply the content of the container. Other applicators are completely separate from the container such that it is not a part of the container.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,035, Slender Tubular Container with Opening and Closing Means, is one of applicant's patented containers and is one example of a container with applicator for liquids. A more effective design is required for high viscosity contents.


A method for controlling a turbo decoding time in a high-speed packet data communication system. In a mobile communication system which receives a control message from a packet data control channel, at the same time receives packet data from the packet data channel, performs demodulating and turbo-decoding of the packet data during a predetermined response (ACK/NAK) time delay using a demodulation result of the packet data control channel, creates a result of the turbo decoding in the form of a response (ACK/NAK) signal, and transmits the turbo decoding result, the method includes the steps of a) demodulating the control message when simultaneously receiving the control message and the packet data, and demodulating and decoding the packet data, and b) if the response time delay expires while decoding the packet data, interrupting a decoding operation of the turbo decoder.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mobile communication system, and more particularly to a method for providing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) in a high-speed packet data communication system.
2. Description of the Related Art
Typically, when there is a need for a mobile communication system to perform high-speed data transmission, the mobile communication system adapts a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) scheme to increase transmission efficiency (i.e., transmission throughput). Particularly, the HARQ scheme has been frequently adapted to a specific channel (e.g., a forward channel for a mobile communication system) in which channel status is abruptly changed and other service traffic channels are contained. With the increasing development of high-speed data transmission services, many developers have conducted intensive research into new mobile communication technologies for adapting a new HARQ scheme using a variable code rate Error Correction Code (ECC) instead of a conventional HARQ scheme using a fixed code rate ECC.
Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000) First Evolution Data and Voice (1x EV-DV) system adapts two channels to perform packet data transmission, i.e., an Forward Packet Data Channel (F-PDCH) for use in payload traffic, and an Forward Packet Data Control Channel (F-PDCCH) for controlling the F-PDCH. The F-PDCH is a channel for transmitting an Encoder Packet (EP) serving as a transmission data block, and a maximum of 2 channels may be available for the F-PDCH, such that the F-PDCH can simultaneously transmit individual EPs to two terminals using a Code Division Multiplexing (CDM) scheme.
A method for transmitting EPs over the above F-PDCH will hereinafter be described in detail.
Each EP is encoded by a turbo encoder, and is divided into 4 subpackets having different Increment Redundancy IR patterns using a Quasi-Complementary Turbo Code (QCTC) symbol selection process. The subpacket functions as a basic unit for an initial transmission mode or a re-transmission mode. For the initial transmission or re-transmission mode, IR patterns of individual subpackets are distinguished from each other according an Subpacket Identifier (SPID). A subpacket-based modulation scheme (e.g., Quaternary Phase Shift Keying (QPSK), 8 Phase Shift Keying (PSK), or 16 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) and a transmission slot length (e.g., 1, 2, or 4 slots) are determined according to forward channel quality information of a terminal and a variety of resource conditions (e.g., the number of Walsh codes allocatable to the F-PDCH and power information, etc.) of a Base Station (BS).
F-PDCCH having information associated with demodulation and decoding of the F-PDCH is multiplexed along with the F-PDCH over an orthogonal channel different from that of the F-PDCH in the same slot period as in the F-PDCH, and is then transmitted to a mobile station (MS). The information associated with demodulation and decoding of the F-PDCH contains ARQ Channel ID (ACID) information for classifying ARQ channels, EP-SIZE information for indicating an EP's bit size, and EP-NEW information for discriminating between two successive EPs contained in the same ARQ channel.
A method for receiving transmission packet data and packet data control information will hereinafter be described in detail.
The Moblie Station (MS) decodes the F-PDCCH, and determines if the transmission packet is its own packet. If it is determined that the transmission packet is the MS's packet, the MS demodulates and decodes the F-PDCH. If the current reception subpacket is a predetermined packet created by re-transmission of a previously-received EP, the MS performs code combining with code symbols of the previously-received EP in such a way that a decoding operation is performed. If the decoding process is successfully performed, the MS transmits an Acknowledgement (ACK) signal over an Reverse—ACK/NAK transmission Channel (R-ACKCH) to command the BS to transmit the next EP. Otherwise, if the decoding process is unsuccessful, the MS transmits the NAK signal to command the BS to re-transmit the same EP. A physical layer HARQ operation unit associated with a single EP is typically called an ARQ channel. The CDMA2000 1x EV-DV standard has disclosed that a maximum of 4 ARQ channel operations are made available at one time, and this is denoted by "N=4 Fast HARQ channel".
The CDMA2000 1x EV-DV standard controls the MS to inform the BS of a predetermined ACK/NAK time delay and the number of ARQ channels available at one time, and this is considered to be the most important implementation issue of the MS. The ACK/NAK time delay is needed for the MS to perform a packet reception operation and transmit the ACK/NAK signal. The ACK/NAK time delay supported by the MS may be one slot (i.e., 1-slot) of 1.25 msec or two slots (i.e., 2-slots). The number of ARQ channels may be 2, 3, or 4.
The CDMA2000 1x EV-DV standard has adapted a QCTC scheme as an encoding scheme available for a high-speed HARQ. The QCTC scheme provides a variable code rate, and guarantees the improvement of soft-combining operation created by the HARQ. According to the CDMA2000 1x EV-DV standard, packet data transmission/reception is established by a physical layer HARQ operation structure. This physical layer HARQ operation structure indicates that some parts of all HARQ operations move to a physical layer such that it can acquire a high response rate and a high processing rate, whereas an ACK/NAK response associated with a conventional data re-transmission process and its associated HARQ operation have been performed in an upper layer. Considering function and role aspects, the physical layer HARQ may be contained in a MUX layer existing in a Media Access Control (MAC) layer. The physical layer determines if data re-transmission is performed, such that a processing time consumed for the same data can be shortened. If the upper layer transmits the NAK signal, it is impossible for the upper layer to perform soft-combining of the same data. However, if the physical layer transmits a NAK signal, it can perform soft-combining of code symbols associated with the same EP, resulting in increased use efficiency of channel resources. Preferably, the HARQ protocol is transferred to a predetermined place under the MUX layer contained in the MAC layer such that the physical layer can perform the HARQ operation. The physical layer HARQ implemented under the MUX layer is also called a Fast HARQ. A conventional RLP-based ARQ control scheme creates a considerable round trip delay of a minimum of 200 msec for a predetermined period of time during which an NAK signal is received after performing one-packet transmission and then a re-transmission packet associated with the NAK signal is transmitted. Contrary to the above RLP-based ARQ control scheme, the physical layer HARQ control scheme creates a very low round trip delay of a minimum of a few milliseconds.
As stated above, provided that the conventional HARQ control operation for use in the upper layer is performed under the MUX layer, a high-speed HARQ response and process needed for high-speed data transmission is made available. However, this solution is merely a logical solution available in the range of a standard specification, such that it has the following disadvantages in real cases.
Most mobile communication systems currently implement the upper layer having the MUX layer using a software program stored in a Central Processing Unit (CPU), however, the CPU for use in the MS does not have a good processing speed and capacity. Therefore, if the HARQ protocol requesting such a rapid response is implemented with the MS's CPU, overload unexpectedly occurs in the CPU's clocks, such that the MS may be operate incorrectly.
N independent HARQ controllers and N independent turbo decoders are needed to support an N-channel HARQ. The number of HARQ controllers and the number of turbo decoders increase in proportion to the value of 'N', resulting in increased power-consumption and complexity of the MS. In conclusion, there must be implemented new technology capable of supporting the N-channel HARQ using a minimum number of HARQ controllers and a minimum number of turbo decoders.

Method for controlling turbo decoding time in a high-speed packet data communication system


A device for preventing door slamming including a housing that has a bore formed therein, a control element that slides in the bore, the control element having a bore formed therein, a plunger that slides in and out of the bore of the control element, the plunger being biased against a distal end of the bore of the control element by a biasing device, and a stopper element received in the plunger and extending into the control element, wherein a slamming force applied on the plunger dislodges the stopper element from the plunger so that the stopper element becomes lodged in the control element and the housing, thereby preventing the control element from sliding in the bore of the housing.

Slamming doors is a well known problem with most hinged doors. Slamming can cause damage to the door or door jamb. A careless slam of the door can sometimes cause injury to an innocent person whose fingers are caught in the gap between the door and the door jamb. Slamming can also create unwanted noise that disturbs sleeping people.
Various devices for preventing door slamming are known, such as hydraulic dampers that use viscous damping to cushion the door slam or stoppers or bumpers that prevent the door from being closed.