In a network development support system, it is supported that logical hierarchic structure, physical parameters, and logical parameters of a network are integrally designed in an environment in which relationships therebetween can be confirmed. Definition of logical hierarchic structure of the network is accepted in the form of a tree of containers in a container tree window. Physical and logical parameters are accepted in physical and logical object windows, respectively. The physical and logical object windows are created in association with containers of the container trees.

The present invention relates to a technology to support a network designer in a network developing job and, in particular, to a technology to help the network designer easily develop a large-scale network.
For a physical construction in which a plurality of information apparatuses are connected to each other via a transmission path to function as a network, it is necessary to set to each of the information apparatuses physical parameters such as a network address and a machine name.
Conventionally, the physical parameters are sequentially installed in each information apparatus via a keyboard or the like of the apparatus.
However, when deciding the physical parameters to be installed in each information apparatus, it is required to recognize the construction of the overall network so as to understand meaning of each physical parameter. Furthermore, in the installation of the physical parameters in each information apparatus, there is required professional knowledge related to operations of the information apparatuses. In consequence, conventionally, each information apparatus is required to be operated by, for example, an expert to install physical parameters therein. Therefore, such jobs as the construction of a large-scale network have been attended with difficulty.
According to a technology described in the JP-A-6-110663, the development of a system such as selection of physical parameters for each information apparatus is carried out in a single apparatus. Designed physical parameters are stored for each information apparatus on a media such as a floppy disk. Additionally, the floppy disk is mounted on each pertinent information apparatus to install the physical parameters therein. Moreover, according to this technology, since the design work is accomplished by use of graphical user interface (GUI) or the like, the system design efficiency is improved.
According to the technology, the system design work including the decision of parameters to initialize each information apparatus can be separated from the job of installing physical parameters in each information apparatus. In other words, the network design engineer need only determine physical parameters of each information apparatus via a single apparatus. The installation of the physical parameters in each information apparatus is effected only by loading the information apparatus with the physical parameters stored in a floppy disk or the like and hence there is not required any experienced knowledge. In consequence, the installation job may be entrusted to an operator other than the system engineer. For example, a system end user may achieve the installation.
Consequently, when compared with the prior art, the network system design and installation can be more easily conducted.
In this connection, to enable a network utilization independent of the physical configuration of the network, there has been recently achieved a job in which a logical hierarchic structure of the network is designed in association with the the physical configuration of the network such that parameters to implement operation of the network according to the logical hierarchic structure are set to each information apparatus.
Furthermore, in addition to the physical parameters described above, logical parameters represented by, for example, a user name of each information apparatus are also required for the information apparatuses in the network.
For the logical parameters and logical hierarchic structure, the design work is desirably separated from the installation job.
In this regard, the physical parameters, logical parameters, and logical hierarchic structure described above are mutually related to each other while keeping preset independence of each other. For example, the physical parameters are dependent on the physical structure of the network, and the physical parameters and logical hierarchic structure are required to be associated with the physical structure of the network to obtain an optimal utilization efficiency of the network. Additionally, depending on the logical hierarchic structure, the logical parameters such as a user of each information apparatus are possibly related to a certain hierarchic unit in the logical hierarchic structure.
In consequence, these items are required to be integrally designed in a development environment in which the mutual relationships between these items can be confirmed while retaining the preset independence.
In a large-scale network, it is difficult for the designer to precisely recognize the overall image of the network. Therefore, the design of physical parameters, logical parameters, and logical hierarchic structure is favorably accomplished by an expert versed in the physical configuration of the network.
Moreover, in a large-scale network, it is difficult to guarantee integrity between the parameters installed in each information apparatus and each logical hierarchic level.


Multifunctional compounds having acylsulfonamide amine-reactive groups are described that can be used for the capture of amine containing materials.

Amine-containing materials, such as amine-containing analytes, amino acids, DNA fragments, RNA fragments, protein fragments, organelles, and immunoglobins, immobilized on the surface of a substrate can be used in numerous applications. The covalent attachment of amine-containing materials to a substrate can be accomplished, for example, by the reaction of the amine with a reactive group on the surface of the substrate. This amine-reactive functional group can be, for example, an activated acyl derivative, such as an N-hydroxy succinimide ester; or, an active cyclic acyl compound, such as azlactone. A stable amide bond is formed from reaction of the amine with the active acyl group, either with expulsion of N-hydroxy succinimide or opening of the azlactone.
Although a wide variety of amine-reactive compounds of the type described above, with an amine capturing functional group on one end and a different substrate anchoring functional group on the other end of a divalent linking group, can be conveniently synthesized, many such modifications require difficult separations to achieve the necessary selectively substituted compound. For example, longer or oligomeric divalent linking groups, or, especially, branched or multi-functional linking groups, would be difficult to prepare having a single, substrate specific, reactive functional group on only one end of the molecule. An alternative approach involves converting some or all functional groups to amine capture functional groups. Such molecules could be beneficial for efficient attachment, as well as for control of the activity of the immobilized amine-containing material, especially in biological systems.
Additionally, some surfaces may have few or no complementary functional groups for anchoring amine compounds. Such inert surfaces are often conveniently functionalized by treatment with a surface aminating agent, such as amino alkyl silanes or polyethylene imine. Subsequent exposure of these aminated surfaces to solutions of excess di- or multi-functional amine-capture compounds would convert the surface of the substrate into a surface with grafts of amine-reactive functional groups.
Thus, there exists a need for compounds for reaction with amine-functional surfaces having di- and multi-functional amine-reactive, terminal functional groups.


Embodiments of a method are provided for fabricating a non-planar semiconductor device including a substrate having a plurality of raised crystalline structures formed thereon. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of amorphorizing a portion of each raised crystalline structure included within the plurality of raised crystalline structures, forming a sacrificial strain layer over the plurality of raised crystalline structures to apply stress to the amorphized portion of each raised crystalline structure, annealing the non-planar semiconductor device to recrystallize the amorphized portion of each raised crystalline structure in a stress-memorized state, and removing the sacrificial strain layer.

In contrast to conventional planar metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors ("MOSFETs"), multi-gate transistors incorporate two or more gates into a single device. Relative to single gate transistors, multi-gate transistors reduce off-state current leakage, increase on-state current flow, and reduce overall power consumption. Multi-gate devices having non-planar topographies also tend to be more compact than conventional planar transistors and consequently permit higher device densities to be achieved. One known type of non-planar, multi-gate transistor, commonly referred to as a "FinFET," includes at least one fin structure formed on a substrate, such as a silicon-on-insulator substrate. The fin structure extends along a first axis between source and drain electrodes. At least one conductive gate stack is formed over the fin structure and extends along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. More specifically, the gate stack extends across and over the fin structure such that an intermediate portion of the gate stack conformally overlays three surfaces of the fin structure (i.e., an upper surface, a first sidewall surface, and a second opposing sidewall surface of the fin structure).
It is well-established that the carrier mobility, and thus the switching speed, of a transistor can be significantly increased by applying a physically-deforming force ("stress") to a transistor's channel region sufficient to induce a physical deformation ("strain") within the silicon lattice. In the context of conventional planar transistors, stress can be applied to the channel region utilizing any one of a number of relatively straightforward straining techniques; e.g., in one common method, a strained layer of silicon nitride (Si3N4) is used as a contact etch stop and deposited over the final gate and source drain structure to apply a shear force thereto sufficient to induce strain within the channel region's crystal lattice; and, in another common method, a layer of silicon germanium (SiGe) is deposited in the source-drain region to apply a shear force thereto sufficient to induce strain within the channel region's crystal lattice. However, the unique topography of FinFETs and other non-planar semiconductor devices (e.g., triFETs) generally renders the implementation of conventional straining techniques excessively difficult. Even when it is practicable to utilize strain layers during the fabrication of a non-planar semiconductor device, any increase in carrier mobility improvement is typically limited; e.g., due to the lack of a confined source/drain, deposition of strained SiGe is predicted to result in a fraction (e.g., approximately half) of the carrier mobility achieved when similar straining techniques are utilized in conjunction with planar MOSFETs.
In view of the above, it is desirable to provide embodiments of a method for fabricating a non-planar semiconductor device, such as a FinFET, wherein stress memory is effectively imparted to one or more fin structures (or other raised crystalline structures) included within the non-planar semiconductor device. Ideally, embodiments of such a fabrication method would introduce strain directly to the fin structures through a multi-surface interface to optimize carrier mobility improvement. Other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent Detailed Description and the appended Claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings and this Background.

Methods for fabricating non-planar semiconductor devices having stress memory


A time calculating device calculates a time which a user of the device requires to run a distance such as a whole distance of a marathon race. The time calculating device is provided with a pulse frequency memory which measures pulse frequencies of the user when the user runs a given distance at least twice at predetermined different paces, and which stores the measured pulse frequencies. The time calculating device is further provided with an age input key for inputting age data of the user, and a distance input key for inputting a distance. A running speed at which the user of an age can keep running continuously is calculated from the pulse frequencies stored in the pulse frequency memory and age data input by the age input key. Further, a time is calculated which the user requires to run the distance inputted by the distance input key at the calculated running speed. The calculated time is displayed on a display unit of the time calculating device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a time calculating device which is capable of calculating a time that a user will need to finish a certain quantity of exercise.
2. Description of the Related Art
An apparatus is known that counts and displays a pulse frequency of a person to examine physical condition of the person. Such an apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,305,401, 4,281,663 and 4,566,461. Further, the above apparatus is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,639, U.S. Ser. No. 07/680,239 filed on Apr. 3, 1991 and U.S. Ser. No. 08/015,636 filed on Feb. 9, 1993, all of which have been assigned to the same assignee of the present invention.
For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,639, there is disclosed an apparatus with a stop watch function, which counts a pulse frequency of a person and a time required for the person to finish a certain quantity of exercise to evaluate his (or her) physical strength. With the apparatus, however, physical strength of the person can be obtained when he has finished exercise, but data can not be obtained before he starts exercise or while he is taking exercise, the data which represents how much of time the user will need to finish exercise of predetermined hardness.


A method for inducing an activity of a user's autonomic nervous system is provided. The method includes steps of: (a) on condition that each of the user's reference heart rate information corresponding to each of active states of the user's autonomic nervous system is obtained, an inducing device, if a specific active state of the autonomic nervous system is selected by the user, acquiring first reference heart rate information of the user corresponding to the specific active state of the autonomic nervous system; and (b) the inducing device supporting a first vibration stimulus with a first period corresponding to the first reference heart rate information to be applied to the user, to thereby allow the user's real-time average cardiac interval to be synchronized with the first vibration stimulus.

In general, the autonomic nervous system contributes to the maintenance of the homeostasis by performing the necessary control functions to maintain the internal environment of the human body through the antagonism of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves.
The sympathetic nerve functions to cope with emergency situations such as tension, fear, and anger, and is related to an increase in heart rate and respiration, dilation of the pupil, suppression of gastrointestinal motility, and relaxation of the bladder.
The parasympathetic nerve is related to the stable state and performs functions such as energy conservation. It is associated with decrease of heart rate and respiration, increase of gastrointestinal motility, and bladder contraction.
In particular, the activities of the abnormal autonomic nervous system are closely related to stress, cardiovascular, nervous system and chronic diseases, and thus maintaining the balance of autonomic nervous system becomes the basis for restoring and maintaining a healthy life.
Accordingly, various methods for stably maintaining the balance of the activity of the autonomic nervous system have been proposed.
In particular, Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2012-0092249 discloses a sleep induction device capable of inducing a user's sleeping state by stimulating at least one of the five senses in consideration of the state of the user and its control method, and Korean Patent Laid-Open No. 10-2010-0039287 discloses a method for improving the concentration and the memory by adjusting the application of the optical flash and the pulse tone synchronized to a patient who needs at least one of concentration, memory, cognitive ability, and stress alleviation.
However, such a conventional apparatus and method maintains the user-desired sate through brain stimulation such as directly stimulating five senses according to the user's sleeping state or applying synchronized light flash and pulse tones within a preset frequency in an audiovisual assimilation for selective capability enhancement. However, since the stimulus is applied according to the preset condition, the user's current state is not accurately reflected, and the desired state cannot be accurately maintained according to the user.
In addition, since audiovisual stimuli, etc. require concentration on the stimulus while the user is awake, it is difficult to be utilized during the user's sleeping time when the reaction to the external stimulus is maintained to the minimum level, or while the user is learning or working.
Further, since the conventional technology stimulates the user's brain, some users may feel uncomfortable and may cause undesired results due to side effects.

Apparatus for inducing activity of user's autonomic nervous system and method thereof

Seoul National University R&DB Foundation


A gene transfer vector comprising adenovirus inverted terminal repeats, at least one adenovirus packaging signal, and an adenoviral VAI gene and/or VAII gene; recombinant adenovirus particles containing the same; a method for producing the same and a method of use of the same to introduce and express a foreign gene in adenovirus target cells, is disclosed.

I. Adenovirus Vectors
Adenoviruses have attracted increasing attention as expression vectors, especially for human gene therapy (Berkner, Curr. Top. Microbiol. Immunol., 158:39-66 (1992)). This is because the virus particle is relatively stable, and can be prepared as a high titer stock (10.sup.9 plaque forming units/ml) without purification. In addition, adenoviruses are useful because they can infect non-replicating cells. Further, adenovirus vectors have been proven safe and effective in humans. However, the following limitations have prevented their general use:
(1) The expression of adenovirus proteins in infected cells is believed to trigger a cellular immune response that precludes long-term expression of the transferred gene (Stratford-Perricaudet et al, Hum. Gene Ther., 1:241 (1990); Ginsberg et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA, 88:1651 (1991); Yang et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA, 91:4407 (1994); Dai et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA, 92:1401 (1995); Jaffe et al, Nat. Genet., 1:372 (1992); Li et al, Hum. Gene Ther., 4:403 (1993); Engelhardt et al, Hum. Gene Ther., 4:759 (1993); Simon et al, Hum. Gene Ther., 4:771 (1993); and Smith et al, Nat. Genet., 5:397 (1993)); and PA1 (2) The insert capacity of currently available adenovirus vectors is limited to about 8.0 kb of foreign DNA (Bett et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA, 13:8802 (1994)). PA1 (i) a first adenovirus inverted terminal repeat, PA1 (ii) a foreign gene, and PA1 (iii) a second adenovirus inverted terminal repeat, PA1 (i) a first adenovirus inverted terminal repeat, PA1 (ii) an adenoviral VAI gene and/or VAII gene, PA1 (iii) a gene foreign to adenovirus, wherein said gene is operably linked to a promoter functional in adenovirus target cells, and PA1 (iv) a second adenovirus inverted terminal repeat,
Hence, broad application of in vivo gene transfer for the treatment of inherited or acquired diseases requires a substantial improvement of existing systems, or the development of new viral or non-viral vector systems.
A. Reduction of Immunogenicity
In order to reduce the expression of adenovirus proteins, and thus reduce immunogenicity, and in order to prevent viral replication, the current adenovirus vectors have deletions in the E1 and/or E3 regions of the adenovirus genome. All of the other essential viral proteins are encoded by the adenovirus vector itself. E1 proteins can be complemented by culturing the E1 adenoviruses in human 293 cells. The E3 region is dispensable for growth of the virus in vitro.
Recent efforts have been directed at the deletion of additional regions (E2, E4) of the adenovirus genome, which encode early viral functions, in an attempt to further reduce viral gene expression after transduction of the target cells with the adenovirus vector (Engelhardt et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA, 91:6196 (1994); Yang et al, Nature Genet., 7:362 (1994); Zhou et al, Gene Therapy and Molecular Medicine, Keystone Symposia on Molecular and Cellular Biology, Steamboat Springs, Colo., Mar. 26-Apr. 1, 1995; Perricaudet et al, Ibid; and Finer et al, Ibid). To propagate these adenovirus vectors, cell lines have been developed that can provide the deleted functions. However, theoretically, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to provide all of the deleted adenovirus functions by a complementing cell line without substantially compromising the high adenovirus titer, which is currently one of the major advantages of adenovirus vectors.
B. Increasing the Capacity of Adenoviruses to Carry Foreign Genes
The lower packaging limit of adenovirus is unknown. However, the upper packaging limit of Ad5 is approximately 38 kb (Bett et al, J. Virol., 67:5911-5921 (1993)). As a result, adenovirus vectors with deletions of both the E1 and E3 sequences, about 6.0 kb in total, have a capacity for insertion of foreign DNA of up to approximately 8.0 kb.
After repeated passaging of permissive cells infected at a high multiplicity of infection (hereinafter "m.o.i.") with different adenovirus serotypes, subgenomic DNAs preferentially containing the left end of the adenovirus genome are packaged into adenovirus particles, and can be partially separated from wild-type adenovirus particles by cesium chloride (CsCl) density gradient centrifugation (Hammarskjold et al, Cell, 20:787-795 (1980)). In addition, after repeated passaging of permissive human KB cells infected at a high m.o.i. with Ad12, hybrid viruses containing symmetrically duplicated chromosomal DNA of the KB cell line flanked by a 700-1150 bp DNA fragment from the left terminus of Ad12 are produced (Deuring et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA, 78:3142-3146 (1981); Doerfler, Curr. Top. Microbiol. Immunol., 101:127-193 (1982); and Deuring et al, Gene, 26:283-289 (1983)). These hybrid viruses can be partially separated from Ad12 by CsCl equilibrium density gradient, and also can be propagated over years together with Ad12. However, the purity of these particles appears to be very low.
SV40/Ad5 hybrid viruses containing a total of 35 kb which comprise 5.5 copies of the SV40 genome and only 3.5 kb DNA from the left end of Ad5 have also been reported (Gluzman et al, J. Virol., 45:91-103 (1983)). The smallest genome size among the different types of Ad5/SV40 hybrid viruses is about 25 kb (Hassell et al, J. Mol. Biol., 120:209-247 (1978)).
It has recently been determined that the sequences required in cis for replication and packaging of adenovirus DNA comprise less than 500 bp (Grable et al, J. Virol., 64:2047-2056, (1990); and Hearing et al, J. Virol., 61:2555-2558 (1987)).
All of the cis-elements for packaging and replication are contained in 380 bp from the left end of the genome and 103 bp from the right end of the genome (Sussenbach et al, In: Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology, Vol. 109, Doerfler, Ed. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, pp. 53-73 (1983); Tamanoi et al, In: Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology, Vol. 109, Doerfler, Ed. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, pp 75-87 (1983); Hearing et al, supra; and Grable et al, supra).
It was postulated in the present invention that an adenovirus vector could be prepared in which all of the regions of the adenovirus genome were deleted, except for the packaging signal, and the inverted terminal repeats, containing the replication signal. Thus, it was postulated in the present invention that it is possible to accommodate up to 37 kb of foreign DNA into defective adenovirus vectors by supplying all of the proteins in trans from a helper virus or cell line. As a result, it was postulated in the present invention that it would be possible to deliver multiple or large genes containing tissue-specific or inducible promoters, as well as marker genes, in one vector, in cis. Such a vector would not encode any viral proteins, and thus would not be toxic or immunogenic to the host. Hence, the above-discussed problem of the immune response of the host arising from expression of viral proteins from the known adenovirus vectors might also be diminished.
Helper-dependent adenovirus vectors encoding the SV40 T antigen have been previously reported (Mansour et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA, 82:1359-1363 (1985); and Yamada et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA, 82:3567-3571 (1985)). However, these vectors, which were used to overproduce the polyoma T antigens (Mansour et al, supra) and the HSV thymidine kinase gene (Yamada et al, supra), had to be selected for by their growth in monkey cells. The T antigen provides a helper function, which overcomes the block to adenovirus growth in simian cells. However, since the T antigen of the tumor virus, SV40, is able to transform cells to a cancerous state (Hunter, Sci. Amer., 251:70-79 (1994)), it cannot be used in any application in humans.
It was postulated in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/488,014, filed Jun. 7, 1995, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, that the use of a selection step could be avoided by a gene transfer vector comprising, in 5' to 3' orientation, the following elements:
wherein one or both of element (i) and element (iii) additionally comprise an adenovirus packaging signal; and that CsCl centrifugation could be employed to purify recombinant adenovirus containing the same, wherein the recombinant adenovirus is obtained by co-transfection of said gene transfer vector and adenovirus genomic DNA (see also, Mitani et al, Proc. Natl. Acad., Sci., USA, 92:3854-3858 (1995); Kochanek et al, Proc. Natl. Acad., Sci., USA, 93:5731-5736 (1996); and Clemens et al, Gene Therapy, 3:965-972 (1996)).
However, with the above-discussed gene transfer vector, there is the disadvantage in that multiple serial passages are required to obtain sufficient quantities of recombinant adenovirus. This is because the percentage of recombinant adenovirus produced is still a small percentage of the total amount of adenovirus produced upon co-transfection of the gene transfer vector with the adenovirus genomic DNA.
The present invention has overcome the above-described problem, without increasing the immunogenicity of the recombinant virus due to the production of adenovirus proteins, by incorporating into the gene transfer vector an adenovirus VAI gene and/or VAII gene, and the use of adenovirus genomic DNA which has a defective VAI gene and/or VAII gene during co-transfection. The VA genes encode small RNAs of 150-170 nucleotides in length, synthesized by the host RNA polymerase III. Ad2 expresses two VA RNAs, a major species VAI and a minor species VAII--although not all adenoviruses are endowed with two such RNAs (Ma et al, J. Virol. 67: 6605 (1993)). In Ad2 infected cells, VAI and VAII RNAs are expressed in equal amounts early in the infection cycle, whereas in the late phase of infection, the transcription rate of VAI RNA is strongly induced. VA RNAs are very stable and accumulate to high levels, possibly because of their compact secondary structure (Mathews, In: Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology, Vol. 199, Doerfler and Boehm, Eds. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, pp. 173-187 (1995); and Pruzin et al, In: Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology, Vol. 199, Doerfler and Boehm, Eds. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, pp. 201-226 (1995)). VAI RNA plays an important role in late viral protein synthesis in adenovirus infected cells (Thimmappaya et al, Cell, 31:543 (1982)). In cells infected with adenovirus having a deletion of the VA genes, initiation of translation of late viral proteins is strongly reduced (Schneider et al, Cell, 37:291 (1984)). VAI RNA binds to interferon and double-stranded RNA inducible eIF-2.alpha. kinase, and thus prevents its activation. In its activated form, this kinase inhibits translation by phosphorylation of the translation initiation factor eIF-2.alpha. (Thimmappaya et al, supra; Babich et al, Mol. Cell. Biol., 3:1212 (1983); Schneider et al, supra; and Siekierka et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA, 82:1959 (1985)). Thus, adenovirus genomic DNA with defective VA genes alone has poor amplification capacities.

Gene transfer vector, recombinant adenovirus particles containing the same, method for producing the same and method of use of the same


A current-saving differential wideband driver circuit comprises a differential input amplifier for amplifying a differential input signal to produce a differential intermediate signal being comprised of a first intermediate signal and a second intermediate signal, a first transimpedance amplifier comprising a first inverting input, a first non-inverting input, and a first output, and a second transimpedance amplifier comprising a second inverting input, a second non-inverting input, and a second output. The first intermediate signal is applied to the first non-inverting input, the first output is connected to the first inverting input of the first transimpedance amplifier via a first feedback resistor for negative current feedback, the second intermediate signal is applied to the second non-inverting input, and the second output is connected to the second inverting input of the second transimpedance amplifier via a second feedback resistor for negative current feedback. The differential wideband driver circuit further comprises a third feedback resistor connected between the first and second inverting inputs for setting a gain factor for the wideband driver circuit and an amplified differential output signal is present at the first and second outputs.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a differential driver circuit which can be used particularly as a line driver circuit for the data transmission by two-wire telephone lines on the basis of an XDSL method.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Driver circuits for XDSL applications are subjected to particularly high linearity and bandwidth demands in order to transmit a large volume of data at a low error rate over two-wire telephone lines. To this end, known circuit arrangements for operational amplifiers, as described in U. Tietze, Ch. Schenk, Halbleiterschaltungstechnik [semiconductor circuitry], Springer Verlag, Heidelberg, ISBN 3-540-42849-6, for example, are frequently produced using fast complementary bipolar technologies and BiCMOS technologies.
One particular challenge is to ensure that the respective power loss of driver circuits which drive differential data signals which are to be amplified into a two-wire telephone line is low. This is particularly difficult for XDSL signals which are to be transmitted, since their crest factor of typically 5.2 to 6.8 is relatively high.
The crest factor denotes the peak value of a waveform, divided by the RMS voltage of the waveform. The RMS voltage or the RMS value is that DC voltage which draws the same power in a load as the (irregular) AC voltage waveform. By way of example, a sinusoidal AC voltage signal has a crest factor of √{square root over (2)}≈1.4. Since XDSL signals have AC voltages of up to 30 MHz and a very irregular waveform, their crest factor is correspondingly high.
An appropriate driver circuit for xDSL signals therefore needs to be designed such that peak values which occur in the data signal to be amplified are also reliably amplified. This means that, in the case of line drivers with amplifier stages of type A for example, a respective bias current for the amplifier stages needs to be chosen to be of a magnitude such that peak values which occur, which may also occur just with a very low probability of approximately 10−7, can reliably be output in amplified form. A constant bias current provided at such a level therefore results in an undesirably high power loss in the driver circuit.
Proposals have been made in the past to reduce the power loss, such as in "A 744 mW Adaptive Supply Full-Rate ADSL CO Driver", ISSCC 2002, J. W. Pierdomenico, S. Wurcer, B. Day. This document proposed increasing the required operating voltage for the amplifier stages or operational amplifiers used when necessary, that is to say when peak values of the signal to be transmitted occur.
An appropriate circuit arrangement based on the prior art is shown in FIG. 3. The circuit arrangement LD is used to amplify a differential input signal IN+, IN− to produce a differential output signal OUT+, OUT−. This is done by providing two driver amplifiers DA1, DA2, each having an inverting and a non-inverting input N, NI and an output A. The respective outputs A are connected to the respective non-inverting inputs N via feedback resistors R1, R3. In addition, a third feedback resistor R2 is connected between the non-inverting inputs N.
The non-inverting inputs NI are supplied with the respective signals IN+, IN− of the differential input signal IN+, IN−. In addition, the two driver amplifiers DA1 each have supply voltage connections V1, V2, to which supply voltage potentials VCCP, VEEP are applied. The supply voltage potentials VCCP, VEEP are delivered by a peak voltage supply SOP, which itself is coupled to standard supply voltages VCC, VEE. In this case, the standard supply voltage VCC, VEE is based on VCC=6V, VEE=−6 V, for example. In addition, the peak voltage supply SOP is supplied with the differential input signal IN+, IN−.
The peak voltage supply SOP monitors whether voltage spikes arise in the input signal IN+, IN−. If this is the case, the peak voltage supply produces supply voltage potentials VCCP, VEEP which are increased over the standard supply voltages VCC, VEE and which are supplied to the driver amplifiers DA1, DA2. This ensures that signal peak values are also reliably transmitted to the differential output signal OUT+, OUT−. To provide the increased supply voltage VCCP, VEEP, the peak voltage supply SOP contains charge pumps. A drawback of the circuit based on the prior art which is shown in FIG. 3 is, in particular, the increased circuit complexity as a result of the peak voltage supply SOP and disregarded linearity demands.
Another problem when amplifying xDSL signals is that the fastest signal transients occur at the time of a peak value. At each internal line node, for example at the inputs of operational amplifiers, parasitic capacitances arise, depending on production, which are usually non-linear. This means that signal distortions are produced for high internal voltage and signal swings on account of these non-linearities.


Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems, methods, devices, and the like for performing financial transactions. In one embodiment, a system is introduced that enables a communication between a user and a wireless personal assistant. The communication occurs through the use of a vocal command which is recognized and authenticated by the wireless personal assistant for the request and transfer of a monetary amount between a user and a contact. The communication occurs using a financial institution associated with the user and linked with the wireless personal assistant for the manipulation of funds from the user account.

Rapid advancements in technology and communications have led to the ubiquitous use of wireless electronics. As such, today's society has grown to become heavily device reliant. This reliance has led to the use of electronics to make monetary transactions for goods and services. For example, a smartphone may now be used to complete a transaction or transfer a monetary amount with a financial institution. However, such monetary transfer often requires the user to be fully engaged and input information to the smartphone, limiting a user's time and ability to multitask. Therefore, it would be beneficial if a system where created that provides a user with the ability to transfer funds and make payments without the need for user input.
Embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures, whereas showings therein are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the present disclosure and not for purposes of limiting the same.

System and method for performing financial transactions using a wireless personal assistant


An improved portable urinal device is provided which consists of a structure for holding urine therein. A mechanism is for channeling the flow of urine discharged from a body of a person. An apparatus is for suspending the urine channeling mechanism above the urine holding structure. A conduit is for fluidly connecting the urine channeling mechanism to the urine holding structure, so that the urine discharged from the body of the person can go directly into the urine holding structure.

1. Field of the Invention
The instant invention relates generally to toilet facilities and more specifically it relates to an improved portable urinal device.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Numerous toilet facilities have been provided in prior art that are adapted to be utilized for the disposal of urination and defecation by the flushing of water therefrom. While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.


In a Time Division Duplex (TDD) system, downlink and uplink communications share the same bandwidth but occupy different subframes. When the downlink has more subframes than the uplink, special treatment on user equipment (UE) ACK/NACK feedback is needed. One uplink may need to ACK multiple downlink subframes. A downlink association without unnecessary ACK/NACK resources sets accounts for subframes for which ACK feedback is not desired. Examples of such subframes include: a blank subframe; an almost blank subframe where only a cell specific Reference Signal (RS) is transmitted; a Time Division Multiplex (TDM) partition in which an evolved NodeB (eNB) only transmits a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) or a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) indicating Semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) at certain downlink subframes; a Downlink Pilot Timeslot (DwPTS) with a certain special subframe configuration where an eNB does not send the PDSCH and the UE is not in SPS active mode in the DwPTS; and a Multi-Media Broadcast over a Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) subframe when the UE is not in SPS active mode in the MBSFN subframe.

1. Field
The present disclosure relates generally to communication, and more specifically to associating an unequal number of downlink and uplink subframes for acknowledgements in a wireless communication network.
2. Background
The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) represents a major advance in cellular technology and is the next step forward in cellular 3G services as a natural evolution of Global system for mobile communications (GSM) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). LTE provides for an uplink speed of up to 50 megabits per second (Mbps) and a downlink speed of up to 100 Mbps and brings many technical benefits to cellular networks. LTE is designed to meet carrier needs for high-speed data and media transport as well as high-capacity voice support well into the next decade. Bandwidth is scalable from 1.25 MHz to 20 MHz. This suits the needs of different network operators that have different bandwidth allocations, and also allows operators to provide different services based on spectrum. LTE is also expected to improve spectral efficiency in 3G networks, allowing carriers to provide more data and voice services over a given bandwidth. LTE encompasses high-speed data, multimedia unicast and multimedia broadcast services.
The LTE physical layer (PHY) is a highly efficient means of conveying both data and control information between an enhanced base station (eNodeB) and mobile user equipment (UE). The LTE PHY employs some advanced technologies that are new to cellular applications. These include Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) data transmission. In addition, the LTE PHY uses Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) on the downlink (DL) and Single Carrier-Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) on the uplink (UL). OFDMA allows data to be directed to or from multiple users on a subcarrier-by-subcarrier basis for a specified number of symbol periods.
LTE Advanced is an evolving mobile communication standard for providing 4G services. Being defined as 3G technology, LTE Rel-8 does not meet the requirements for 4G also called IMT Advanced as defined by the International Telecommunication Union such as peak data rates up to 1 Gbit/s. Besides the peak data rate, LTE Advanced also targets faster switching between power states and improved performance at the cell edge.

Downlink association set for uplink ACK/NACK in time division duplex system


A workpiece attracting device for attracting a workpiece having a curved surface has planar first and second housings securely coupled to each other by fasteners, and a suction pad made of a synthetic resin material and having a flange sandwiched between the first and second housings, and a bellows disposed in a hole defined in one of the first and second housings, the bellows being elastically deformable against the curved surface of the workpiece.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a workpiece attracting device having suction pads for attracting and carrying a workpiece.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various suction pads have heretofore been used to attract and carry workpieces. One example is a bellows-shaped suction pad for attracting workpieces having a curved surface such as glass plates for liquid crystal display units, CRTs, etc.
FIG. 5 of the accompanying drawings shows a conventional workpiece attracting device having bellows-shaped suction pads. As shown in FIG. 5, the conventional workpiece attracting device, generally denoted at 1, comprises a block 2 having a thickness S, and a plurality of bellows-shaped suction pads 5 mounted respectively in holes 4 in the block 2 by respective attachments 3. The workpiece attracting device 1 serves to attract and carry a glass plate 6 having a curved surface.
The bellows-shaped suction pads 5, which will be brought into direct contact with the glass plate 6, are made of rubber, and each have a suction port 7 which is held in communication with a suction passage 8 defined in the block 2 through the attachment 3.
Since the bellows-shaped suction pads 5 are made of rubber, an oily substance oozing from the bellows-shaped suction pads 5 tends to stick to the surface of the glass plate 6, leaving pad marks on the glass plate 6 which tend to lower the quality of the glass plate 6.
When the glass plate 6 is attracted by the workpiece attracting device 1 immediately after the glass plate 6 is removed from a furnace and hence has a high temperature of about 200.degree. C., the bellows-shaped suction pads 5 that are in contact with the glass plate 6 are subjected to a chemical reaction and generate gases which are liable to adversely affect the surrounding environment.
Furthermore, the thickness S of the workpiece attracting device 1 is relatively large, causing the workpiece attracting device 1 to take up a relatively large space. Consequently, demands to effectively utilize more space around the workpiece attracting device 1 cannot be met.


A power-sharing controller module comprises a processor, power manager, and at least one connector for detachably electrically connecting an application module to the controller module. The power manager is operable to manage power from a battery to the application module through said connector and to monitor the voltage of the battery. The processor is programmed to send a power reduction command to the application module in response to the monitored battery voltage moving outside of a permissible range.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to electronic systems, and more particularly to power sharing methods and systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
Electronic devices which capture, create, store, manipulate and/or transfer digital music, sound, images, movies or other encoded data have become more prevalent with the advent of less-expensive semiconductor processing and increased consumer demand. Applications such as portable MP3 (Moving Picture Experts Group layer 3 standard) players, PDAs (electronic personal data assistants), digital cameras and digital voice recorders continue to gain popularity. The general trend for each of these electronic applications is toward miniaturization and improved battery management.
These are several products with advanced battery management. One such product provides for an early warning to critical systems when the power-supply voltage for the system begins to fail. The warning enables the system microprocessor to perform essential tasks before a hard reset must be issued to turn off the system due to low supply voltage. The company also advises that system shutdown may be accomplished using a single threshold voltage detector in combination with a delay timer for the reset signal to ensure that the system voltage supply remains valid long enough to complete the system shutdown routine. (See Maxim Integrated Products, Inc., Low Battery Monitor Delays System Shutdown, P. 1 (Jul. 9, 1998))
Another solution can be found in the MC33351A power management IC (integrated circuit) offered by ON Semiconductor Corporation (with headquarters in Phoenix, Ariz.). This IC features a programmable current level for individual battery cells and two P-channel MOSFET (metal oxide silicon field effect transistor) switches to interrupt the appropriate discharge path FET (field effect transistor) in the event a parameter is exceeded. (See On Semiconductor Unveils Power Management IC, Electronic Component News, ¶4–5 (Nov. 15, 2000)) The IC also provides for a shutdown delay once a threshold is exceeded for a discharge current limit (Id. at ¶5). Similar to the previously described solution, the IC is designed for laptop and other single microprocessor applications.

Power sharing system and method for battery operated controller and application modules

Abstract: A power sharing method comprises supplying power from the battery in the controller module to the application module detachably connected to the controller module. Power supplied to the application module is reduced in response to an adverse power indication to conserve power for the controller module.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


The subject disclosure pertains to separation of conflict resolution from a synchronization system or methodology. Upon detection of a synchronization conflict, a request can be generated by a synchronization component and transmitted to a conflict resolution component that is independent and detached from one or more synchronization components. The conflict resolution component resolves the conflict, generates a resolution response, and transmits the responses back to the requesting synchronization component for implementation, among other things.

Individuals these days employ myriads of computer devices or systems on a regular basis. For example, individuals can have a desktop computer and/or associated file server with which they interact at work. They can also have a laptop computer for working away from the office as well as one or more desktop computers at home. Furthermore, they may have palm-top computers such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), pocket PCs, mobile phones and/or other portable devices they utilize for organizational, communication, and/or entertainment purposes. It is typically desirous for at least some data to be copied to multiple devices to enable convenient access thereto. For instance, often a user copies files from a desktop computer or file server to a portable computer or device for use while the user is away from their office. The user then likely modifies or adds some new files while away from the office and subsequently needs to copy these files to their desktop computer or file server when they return to the office. Similarly, users may wish to copy pictures or music from one device to another (e.g., computer to MP3 player, digital camera to computer . . . ). Still further yet, users may demand that personal preferences and contacts (e.g., address book) be maintained across all or a subset of their computers. Thus, certain files need to be synchronized across multiple computers or devices.
In its simplest form, synchronization is merely the task of causing designated files from multiple devices or systems to become the same or consistent. Typically, this means that the most up to data file versions are used to copy to a store. This process is automated by two-way, peer-to-peer, synchronization software applications. In particular, upon activation, a synchronization application can detect file changes or additions on a first device and copy or replicate new and/or altered files to a second device communicatively coupled to the first device, for instance via a hardwired or wireless connection. This causes the files on the first device to be synchronized with files on the second device. Synchronization can also be performed remotely by accessing a network having a first device such as desktop computer coupled thereto. A second device such as a second desktop computer or laptop computer can be synchronized with the first device utilizing synchronization software.
Periodically conflicts can occur during a synchronization process. In one instance, a conflict can arise when changes to a file and replica are made with multiple synchronization devices. For example, a conflict can occur if a user enters one value for a spreadsheet field on desktop and later enters a different value for the same field on a laptop. When these devices are synchronized, conflicts are detected and subsequently resolved. Conventional conflict resolution schemes rely on one of the parties to synchronization acting as master or primary for conflict resolution and the other party to act as slave or secondary with various other factors such as timestamps and general policies being taken into account at the behest of master.

Separation of conflict resolution from synchronization


In a refraction lens having an aspheric shape formed thereon and having a positive power, a diffraction grating is formed on at least one of the faces of the refraction lens. In order to reduce the curvature of field and the chromatic aberration in a well-balanced manner, the zonal pitch of the diffraction grating is constituted so as to satisfy the following conditional expression.

Conventionally, in answer to needs for compactness and cost reduction of cameras, there is a desire to employ a single lens as a camera lens. However, with a construction based only on a single lens of an aspheric surface, there is little freedom for design parameters, and correction of spherical aberration and coma is possible at best; thus, correction of chromatic aberration and curvature of field is difficult.
Therefore, Patent Document 1 makes an attempt to correct chromatic aberration by adding a diffraction grating on the surface of a single lens.
A diffraction grating has inverse dispersion and anomalous dispersion, and has a large chromatic aberration correction ability. Therefore, using a diffraction grating makes it possible to correct the chromatic aberration which occurs on a single lens.    [Patent Document 1] Japanese National Phase PCT Laid-Open Publication No. 8-508116

Imaging device, and diffraction grating lens for use in the device

Abstract: [                  eq          .                                                    19                ]                                                                      0.21                                                                          m            2                                          v            d                              λ                                f                          h              max                                      <                  Λ          min                <                  0.30                                                                          m            2                                          v            d                              λ                                f                          h              max                                                          (        1        )

Abstract: Herein, Λmin is a minimum zonal pitch 12; m is an order of diffraction; νd is an Abbe number of the lens substrate material with respect to the d-line; λ is a wavelength; f is an effective focal length; and hmax is an effective radius 13 of the face on which the diffraction grating is formed.


A tubing injector apparatus for use with variable diameter tubing. The apparatus comprises a pair of carriages which may be moved transversely and pivotally with respect to one another by actuating hydraulic actuator cylinders. A hydraulic control system uses relief valves to maintain a substantially constant pressure in the actuator cylinders when a tapered connector in the tubing passes between the carriages. A gripper chain in each carriage has gripper blocks to grippingly engage the tubing. A linear beam supports the gripper chain and has a plurality of resiliently biased segments therein to help maintain better contact with the tubing when the tapered connector passes through.

The present invention relates to tubing injectors for running tubing into a wellbore, and more particularly, to a tubing injector that provides a substantially constant pressure-clamping device engaging the tubing and in which the beam is preferably segmented.
After a well has been completed to produce oil and gas, it is necessary to periodically service the well. There are many occasions when the service procedure is carried out using coiled tubing. Such coiled tubing is inserted into the wellhead through a lubricator assembly or stuffing box. Typically, this is necessary because there is a pressure differential at the surface of the well and the atmosphere, which may have been naturally or artificially created, that serves to produce oil or gas or a mixture thereof from the pressurized well. The coiled tubing is inserted by an injector which generally incorporates a tubing guide, or gooseneck, and a plurality of gripper blocks for engaging the coiled tubing and moving it through the injector. One such injector apparatus is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,668 assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
The coiled tubing is relatively flexible and can therefore be cyclically coiled onto or off of a spool, or reel, by the injector, which often acts in concert with a windlass and a power supply, which drives the spool or reel. In the injector, the gripper blocks are attached to movable gripper chains. The gripper chains are movably mounted on linear beams, which provide support for the gripper blocks and gripper chains. The gripper blocks sequentially grip the coiled tubing that is positioned therebetween. When the gripper chains are in motion, each chain has a gripper block that is coming in contact with the coiled tubing as another gripper block on the same gripper chain is breaking contact with the coiled tubing. This continues in an endless fashion as the gripper chains are driven to force the coiled tubing into or out of the wellbore, depending on the direction in which the drive sprockets are rotated.
In the past, such coiled tubing has had a constant cross section. However, maintaining a constant diameter for the coiled tubing can present problems under certain circumstances. For example, it may be desirable to reduce the weight of the string, and this cannot be done if the string has a constant diameter. Further, a larger string causes more drag in the wellbore, particularly when the strings are being used in a horizontal or other deviated position of the well. To address this problem, a tubing string has been developed which has a tapered connection between two lengths of tubing having different diameters. This is accomplished by utilizing a tapered connector which provides an elongated tapering tubing string portion which is connected at opposite ends thereof to a larger tubing portion and a smaller tubing portion. This is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,557, also assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
As coiled tubing is used in deeper and higher pressure wells, there is a need to have a coiled tubing string that is optimized for weight and strength, and the coiled tubing strings with a variable outside diameter described above are now used. Handling the transition from smaller to larger coiled tubing with the tapered connector with current surface and wellhead equipment has created operational and safety challenges.
The beams in the injectors are pressure actuated by hydraulic cylinders. When a larger diameter portion of the coiled tubing is moved into the injector, the beams will be forced outwardly which applies force to the hydraulic cylinders. Because the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic cylinders is virtually incompressible, the force on the hydraulic cylinders increases the pressure therein dramatically. This high pressure situation can either generate more force on the coiled tubing, causing it to be damaged, or subject the hydraulic cylinders to excessive pressure or both. Any of these results is obviously undesirable. Therefore, there is a need to control the pressure used to actuate the beams. The present invention solves this problem by providing a pressure control for the hydraulic cylinders, which actuates the beams so that the pressure stays the same for different sized coiled tubing portions.
Another problem with existing injectors is that they use flat one-piece beams, which are normally parallel. As a different outside diameter portion of coiled tubing enters the injector, the beams will start to open or close so that they are no longer parallel with each other. The result is that it is difficult, if even possible, to keep the chain system in contact with the coiled tubing. The present invention solves this problem by providing a segmented beam, which allows the gripper blocks to stay in contact with the coiled tubing even when a tapered connector is moving through the injector. Each segment or section of the beams is free to move, thus making up the difference in spacing caused by the tapered connector while also maintaining a substantially constant force on the coiled tubing and maintaining a maximum effective gripper length thereon.

Tubing injector for variable diameter tubing


Torque tools of the present invention include: a hydraulic cylinder assembly (40); a drive assembly (600, 60); a flexible linkage connection, or force transfer, assembly formed between the hydraulic cylinder assembly (40) and the drive assembly (600, 60); all of which is formed within or adjacent to a housing assembly (70). They provide large, accurate torque for limited clearance applications. The flexible linkage connection assembly (50) includes a rocker arm assembly (51) and a chain link-pin assembly. The flexible linkage connection assembly (50) maintains the relationship between the line of action of the linear force generated on the rocker arm assembly (51) by the hydraulic piston assembly (44, 50)(ies) and rotary force generated on the ratchet drive socket (9) by the rocker arm assembly (51) via the chain link-pin assembly at close to the optimized position throughout the entire travel of a drive plate assembly (61) of the drive assembly (600, 60). The resulting efficiency increase of converting linear force and displacement into rotary torque and angular displacement allows for generation of large and accurate torque in minimal cross-sections necessary to access hidden, limited clearance and/or inaccessible threaded fasteners.

Numerous industrial bolting applications, such as, for example, gas turbines, include threaded fasteners that require tools which can apply large and accurate torque. Often, access to many of these fasteners requires limited clearance torque tools. Few options exist which are suitable to access such hidden fasteners. Those available options use a hydraulic cylinder coupled to a rigid linkage to convert linear force and displacement into rotary torque and angular displacement. Force transfer with such rigid linkages is optimized only at a single point where the line of action of the force is at a right angle to a line originating at the center of the rotating output member. For a given force the resulting torque generated decreases, eventually to zero, for linear displacement on either side of this single optimized point.
What are needed are improved force transfer linkages for torque tools.

Apparatus for tightening threaded fasteners


A method for estimating carrier frequency offset (CFO) and sampling frequency offset (SFO) in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) system having a plurality of pilot tones. The absolute phase angle for each pilot tone is measured, and estimates of the CFO and the SFO are derived using a weighted least-squares methodology. More particularly, the phase of each pilot tone is measured for a number (n) of symbol times; for each of the pilot tones, the slope of a phase angle change from symbol time to symbol time is estimated using a best least-squares fit of the measured phases to a straight line; and a weighted least-squares best-fit straight line is determined to find an estimated phase angle differential value (α(i)) for each pilot tone; wherein a slope of the best-fit straight line yields an estimate of the SFO, and an intercept with the best-fit straight line yields an estimate of the CFO. The plurality of pilot tones may have frequencies which are symmetrically disposed about a reference frequency, and there may be four pilot tones. The OFDM communications system is suitably a wireless LAN (WLAN) implementing a standard such as IEEE 802.11a or HiperLAN/2. Corresponding apparatus is also described.

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), also referred to as "multi-carrier modulation" (MCM) or "discrete multi-tone modulation" (DMTM), splits up and encodes high-speed incoming serial data, modulating it over a plurality of different carrier frequencies (subcarriers) within a communications channel to transmit the data from one user to another. The high-speed serial information is broken up into a plurality of lower-speed sub-signals that are transmitted simultaneously over the subcarriers in parallel.
Assuming that each subcarrier is a sinusoid, the effect of modulation on the spectrum of the modulated carrier is to expand it outward from a spectral line to a sinc function, centered on the subcarrier frequency and having zero power points ("zeroes") occurring at integer multiples of the modulation frequency (bit rate). A sinc function has the general form:
      sin                                c                    (        x        )              =            sin                    (        x        )              x
In the specific case of a subcarrier ωS being modulated at a bit rate ωM, the frequency spectrum F(ω) is given by:
      F              (      ω      )        =            sin                                              c                          (                                    ω              M                                                  (                              ω                -                                  ω                  S                                            )                                )                      =                  sin                          (                                    ω              M                                                  (                              ω                -                                  ω                  S                                            )                                )                                      ω          M                                  (                      ω            -                          ω              S                                )
which has a peak at ωS and zeroes at integer multiples of ωM, both above and below ωS.
By spacing the subcarrier frequencies at intervals of the symbol frequency (bit rate), the peak power component of each modulated subcarrier lines up exactly with zero power components of the other modulated subcarriers, thereby providing orthogonality (independence and separability) of the individual subcarriers. This scheme can be applied to a large number of subcarriers spaced at the symbol frequency (bit rate), yielding good spectral efficiency with minimal interference between the subcarriers (inter-channel interference, or ICI).
An exemplary channel spacing for an OFDM communication system is illustrated in FIG. 1, which is a graph 100 illustrating spectral power (vertical axis, arbitrary units) versus frequency (horizontal axis, arbitrary units), showing the spectra of three modulated subcarriers 102, 104 and 106. In the example of FIG. 1, the subcarriers 102, 104 and 106 are modulated at a bit rate equivalent to 300 frequency "units", as indicated on the horizontal axis of the graph. The first subcarrier 102 has a center frequency of 100 "units" relative to a reference "zero frequency", and has zero power points (zeroes) occurring at 400, 700 and 1000 frequency units. The second subcarrier 104 has a center frequency of 400 frequency units relative to the reference zero frequency, and has zeroes occurring at 100, 700 and 1000 frequency units. The third subcarrier 106 has a center frequency of 700 frequency units relative to the reference zero frequency, and has zeroes occurring at 100, 400 and 1000 frequency units. Each subcarrier's peak occurs at its center frequency, which aligns only with zero power points of the other subcarriers.
Due to the consistent channel spacing, subcarriers can be referred to by subcarrier number "i", where "i" is an integer which can be positive, negative, or zero. Accordingly, the "ith" subcarrier SCi(t) can be expressed as follows:SCi(t)=cos [(ωc+iωs)t]
where:                ωc is the overall carrier reference frequency for the OFDM channel        ωs is the OFDM channel spacing frequency
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrative of portion of an exemplary OFDM transmission system 200. In the OFDM transmission system 200 of FIG. 2, a high-speed input data stream 202 is presented at an input of a Serial-to-Parallel conversion block 204, which breaks up and encodes the high-speed data input stream 202 into a number of lower-speed data streams 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d. Each lower-speed data stream 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d modulates a respective subcarrier 208a, 208b, 208c, and 208d, to produce a respective modulated subcarrier 210a, 210b, 210c and 210d. The modulation rate (ωM) and subcarrier spacing (ωs) is chosen so that the modulated subcarriers 210a, 210b, 210c and 210d are orthogonal, as shown and described hereinabove with respect to FIG. 1. The modulated subcarriers 210a, 210b, 210c and 210d are then combined in a combining block 212 (shown as a summing element) to produce a composite OFDM output signal 214.
This technique of transmitting data simultaneously over multiple, orthogonal subcarriers permits OFDM-based wireless LANs (WLANs) and other OFDM-based communications networks to operate at higher aggregate data rates than is possible using other schemes with similar receiver complexity. For example, the OFDM-based wireless LAN standard specified by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE Std 802.11a-1999—Supp. to IEEE Std 802.11-1999—"High-speed Physical Layer in the 5 GHz Band"; hereinafter "IEEE 802.11a") can operate at data rates of up to 54 Mbps, approximately double the rate achievable using direct-sequencing techniques. In addition, RF signals that interfere with an OFDM signal will only destroy the portion of the OFDM transmitted signal related to the frequency of the interfering signal. Through the use of error-correcting codes (ECC), the damage associated with the destroyed portion of the OFDM transmitted signal can often be reconstructed.
An inherent advantage of OFDM is its low multi-path distortion (delay spread), resulting from the fact that high-speed data is sent in parallel over a plurality of subcarriers at relatively low data rates. Because of the lower data rate transmissions, individual symbol (bit) times are longer and differential signal delays due to multi-path reception are not nearly as significant as they would be in a single-channel system utilizing a higher data rate, wherein the symbol times would be shorter.
Many wired and wireless standards bodies have adopted OFDM for a variety of applications. For example, OFDM is the basis for the global standard for asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) and for digital audio broadcasting (DAB) in Europe. In wireless networking applications, OFDM forms the basis of IEEE 802.11a and HiperLAN/2, which implement OFDM similarly. Their main differences lie in their available rates and preambles.
The IEEE 802.11a standard specifies an OFDM physical layer (PHY) that splits an information signal across 52 separate subcarriers to provide transmission of data at a rate of 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, or 54 Mbps. The 6-, 12-, and 24-Mbps data rates are mandatory for all IEEE 802.11a compliant systems. Four of the subcarriers are pilot tones (reference tones modulated with a known, repeating data sequence) that OFDM systems use as a reference to disregard frequency or phase shifts of the signal during transmission. A predetermined pseudo-random binary sequence is transmitted over the pilot subcarriers to prevent the generation of spectral lines. The remaining 48 subcarriers provide separate wireless pathways for sending the information in a parallel manner. The resulting subcarrier frequency spacing is 0.3125 MHz (for a 20 MHz channel with 64 possible sub-carrier frequency slots).

Estimating frequency offsets using pilot tones in an OFDM system


Disclosed are novel A2B adenosine receptor antagonists of Formula I:                A compound of the formula:

Adenosine is a naturally occurring nucleoside, which exerts its biological effects by interacting with a family of adenosine receptors known as A1, A2a, A2b, and A3, all of which modulate important physiological processes. For example, A1 adenosine receptor agonists modulate the cardiostimulatory effects of catecholamine, thus slowing the heart rate, and also prolong impulse propagation through the AV node. Thus, stimulation of A1 receptors provides a method of treating supraventricular tachycardias, including termination of nodal re-entrant tachycardias, and control of ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation and flutter. A2A adenosine receptors modulate coronary vasodilation, A2B receptors have been implicated in mast cell activation, asthma, vasodilation, regulation of cell growth, intestinal function, and modulation of neurosecretion (See Adenosine A2B Receptors as Therapeutic Targets, Drug Dev Res 45:198; Feoktistov et al., Trends Pharmacol Sci 19:148–153), and A3 adenosine receptors modulate cell proliferation processes.
Adenosine A2B receptors are ubiquitous, and regulate multiple biological activities. For example, adenosine binds to A2B receptors on endothelial cells, thereby stimulating angiogenesis. Adenosine also regulates the growth of smooth muscle cell populations in blood vessels. Adenosine stimulates A2B receptors on mast cells, thus modulating Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Adenosine also stimulates gastrosecretory activity by ligation with A2B in the intestine. Binding of A2B receptors in the brain leads to the release of IL-6, which provides a protective effect to the cerebrum from ischemia
While many of these biological effects of adenosine are necessary to maintain normal tissue homeostasis, under certain physiological changes it is desirable to curtail its effects. For example, the binding of A2B receptors stimulates angiogenesis by promoting the growth of endothelial cells. Such activity is necessary in healing wounds, but the hyperproliferation of endothelial cells promotes diabetic retinopathy. Also, an undesirable increase in blood vessels occurs in neoplasia. Accordingly, inhibition of the binding of adensoine to A2B receptors in the endothelium will alleviate or prevent hypervasculation, thus preventing retinopathy and inhibibiting tumor formation. Adensosine also plays a role in vascular disease by causing the apoptosis of smooth muscle cells, leading to atherosclerosis and restenosis.
A2B receptors are found in the colon in the basolateral domains of intestinal epithelial cells, and when acted upon by the appropriate ligand act to increase chloride secretion, thus causing diarrhea, which is a common and potentially fatal complication of infectious diseases such as cholera and typhus. A2B antagonists can therefore be used to block intestinal chloride secretion, and are thus useful in the treatment of inflammatory gastrointestinal tract disorders, including diarrhea.
Insensitivity to insulin exacerbates diabetes and obesity. Insulin sensivity is decreased by the interaction of adenosine with A2B receptors. Thus, blocking the adenosine A2B receptors of individuals with diabetes or obesity would benefit patients with these disorders.
Another adverse biological effect of adenosine acting at the A2B receptor is the over-stimulation of cerebral IL-6, a cytokine associated with dementias and Altheimer's disease. Inhibiting the binding of adenosine to A2B to receptors would therefore mitigate those neurological disorders that are produced by IL-6.
Type I hypersensitivtiy disorders, such as asthma, hay fever, and atopic ezcema, are stimulated by binding to A2B-receptors of mast cells. Therefore, blocking these adenosine receptors would provide a therapeutic benefit against such disorders.
There are several compounds presently used in the treatment of asthma. For example, theophylline is an effective antiasthmatic agent, even though it is a poor adenosine receptor antagonist. However, considerable plasma levels are needed for it to be effective. Additionally, theophylline has substantial side effects, most of which are due to its CNS action, which provide no beneficial effects in asthma, and to the fact that it non-specifically blocks all adenosine receptor subtypes.
Additionally adenosine treatment, such as inhaled adenosine, provokes bronchoconstriction in asthmatics, but not in the normal population. This process is known to involve mast cell activation, in that it releases mast cell mediators, including histamine, PGD2-β-hexosaminidase and tryptase, and because it can be blocked by specific histamine H1 blockers and chromolyn sodium. Accordingly, there is an intrinsic difference in the way adenosine interacts with mast cells from asthmatics, and thus A2B antagonists are particularly useful in modulating mast cell function or in the activation of human lung cells.
Accordingly, it is desired to provide compounds that are potent A2B antagonists, useful in the treatment of various disease states related to modulation of the A2B receptor, in particular cancer, asthma and diarrhea. Preferably, the compounds would be selective for the A2B receptor, thus avoiding side effects caused by interaction with other adenosine receptors.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Abstract: wherein:    R1 is optionally substituted alkyl or a group —Y-Z, in which Y is a covalent bond or optionally substituted alkylene, and Z is optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted alkenyl or optionally substituted alkynyl, with the proviso that when Y is a covalent bond Z cannot be alkenyl or alkynyl; and    X is oxygen, sulfur, or NH—,or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, or prodrug thereof. The compounds are particularly useful for treating asthma and diabetic retinopathy.


This invention describes a new method of forming a double layer attenuating phase shifting mask. A first pattern is formed in a layer of attenuating phase shifting material and an alignment pattern is formed in a layer of opaque material. A first resist is used to form the first pattern. A pellicle is used to restrict the deposition of a second resist to the alignment region of the mask only and as a result neither the first resist nor the second resist must withstand dry etching steps. The first resist is removed before the step of forming the first pattern in the attenuating phase shifting material and cleaning before is step is carried out is thereby improved.

(1) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method of forming double layer attenuating phase shifting masks and more particularly to the use of a pellicle to restrict the formation of resist material to particular regions of the mask.
(2) Description of the Related Art
U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,483 to Young describes phase shifting masks using patterned opaque material on a transparent substrate with phase shifting spacers formed at the sidewalls of the patterned opaque material. Self alignment methods are used to form the phase shifting spacers.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,024 to Lin describes a method of repairing missing or unwanted phase-shifting elements in a phase shifting mask. First, second, and third phase shifting layers are deposited having phase shifts of .theta., 2.pi.-.theta., and .theta.. Repairs are carried out by removing one or two layers of phase shifting material.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,951 to Flanders et al. describes an attenuating phase shifting mask and a method of forming the attenuating phase shifting mask. The mask has recessed attenuating regions relative to the fully transmissive regions.
The Invention disclosed in this Patent Application describes a method of forming double layer attenuating phase shifting masks. An attenuating phase shifting layer is patterned to form an attenuating phase shifting pattern. An opaque layer is used to form alignment patterns for aligning the mask to the semiconductor wafer. A pellicle is used to provide a method having relaxed constraints on resists used in forming the mask and improved cleaning capability between critical fabrication steps.

Method of forming multiple layer attenuating phase shifting masks

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.


A method for reducing transitions on a bus is provided that includes receiving an input trace and constructing a Markov source correlating to the input trace. The method also includes identifying an encoding technique, which can either minimize or maximize an objective function associated with the input trace.

The proliferation of integrated circuits has placed increasing demands on the design of digital systems included in many devices, components, and architectures. The number of digital systems that include integrated circuits continues to steadily increase and may be driven by a wide array of products and systems. Added functionalities may be implemented in integrated circuits in order to execute additional tasks or to effectuate more sophisticated operations in their respective applications or environments.
Current computer processors that are associated with integrated circuits have a number of input-output (I/O) pins that dissipate a significant amount of energy. Many of the I/O pins are dedicated to interfacing to external memory chips through instruction address and data address buses or a multiplexed bus, which can be used for both data and instruction addresses. The amount of energy dissipated from the I/O pins can be significant when compared to the total chip power consumption. In addition, a given communication channel (e.g. a bus) may suffer from wear and tear degradations and inadequate bit error rates. These deficiencies provide a significant challenge to system designers and component manufacturers who are relegated the task of alleviating such problems.

System and method for identifying optimal encoding for a given trace


An apparatus for controlling a stepping motor used for moving a carriage having a pickup from a first position to a second position, the apparatus having: a calculating device for calculating a moving distance between the first position and the second position; a setting device for setting an acceleration area to accelerate the stepping motor and a deceleration area to decelerate the stepping motor, on the basis of the moving distance; and a driving device for driving the stepping motor by a one-two-phase excitation method until rotation velocity of the stepping motor increases to a predetermined velocity in the acceleration area, driving the stepping motor by a two-phase excitation method after rotation velocity of the stepping motor increases to the predetermined velocity in the acceleration area, driving the stepping motor by the two-phase excitation method until rotation velocity of the stepping motor decreases to the predetermined velocity in the deceleration area, and driving the stepping motor by the one-two-phase excitation method after rotation velocity of the stepping motor decreases to the predetermined velocity in the deceleration area.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for and a method of controlling a stepping motor used for a carriage driving mechanism of an optical pickup such as a pickup for a CD player and the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
A CD player or the like has a device for moving a carriage of an optical pickup on a recording medium shaped like a disc, such as a CD (Compact Disc) and the like. In such a CD player, in order to move the carriage in the radial direction accurately and quickly, a positioning control is performed, and a stepping motor is used for the positioning control.
Furthermore, a trapezoidal shape driving method is typically used for the positioning control. As shown in FIG. 6, according to the trapezoidal shape driving method, acceleration and deceleration are rectilinearly performed, and a constant velocity period is set between an accelerating period and a decelerating period.
In FIG. 6, an abscissa is the number of steps of the stepping motor from a present position, and an ordinate is the response frequency of the stepping motor. In FIG. 6, "fs" means a maximum response frequency, and "f.sub.0 " means a self-starting frequency.
The acceleration and the deceleration are realized by changing the response frequency of the stepping motor, i.e., an interval of a pulse to be used for exciting the stepping motor, under control of a CPU installed in a control device. The constant velocity driving is realized by making the interval of the pulse constant.
As shown in FIG. 6, the acceleration is performed by increasing the response frequency as high as possible, and then, the constant velocity driving is performed, thereafter, the deceleration is performed by decreasing the response frequency in the same rate as the acceleration. According to this manner, it is possible to move the carriage to a target position quickly.
As an excitation method for driving the stepping motor, a two-phase excitation method can be used. If the two-phase excitation method is used for driving the stepping motor, it is possible to make the response frequency high. Therefore, the two-phase excitation is preferably used for a high velocity driving. However, in the two-phase excitation, as the range of movement corresponding to one pulse is large, a large disturbance arises in an actuator for holding an objective of the optical pickup with aid of a spring. Such a large disturbance is adversely affect the positioning control. Accordingly, the one-two-phase excitation method, which is an excitation method in the middle of the one-phase excitation and the two-phase excitation, is preferably used for the positioning control.
Here, the positioning control using the one-two-phase excitation according to the trapezoidal shape driving method is explained with reference to FIG. 6.
In order to move the carriage from a present position to a target position, at first, a distance between the present address to the target address is calculated, and the total number of steps is calculated on the basis of the calculated distance. In case that 1 step in a microstep method is used as the unit of counting the number of steps, the total number of steps Sa is obtained by dividing the calculated distance by a distance of movement corresponding to 1 step in the microstep method.
Next, the position of the rotor of the stepping motor is adjusted by using the microstep method in order to move the rotor position to a one-two-phase excitation position before the acceleration is performed by using the one-two-phase excitation method. Actually, the number of steps Sb corresponding to a distance from the present position to the one-two-phase excitation position closest to the present position is calculated.
Furthermore, a position adjustment called the landing is performed between the end of the deceleration and the stopping. The number of steps Sc necessary for the landing is set in advance.
Then, in case that 1 step in the one-two-phase excitation method corresponds to 8 steps in the microstep method, the number of the steps Sd necessary for the acceleration, the deceleration and the constant velocity driving is calculated by the following expression. EQU d=(a-(b+c))/8
Next, the number of steps Sd is divided by three to thereby calculate the number of steps Se necessary for the acceleration, the number of steps Sf necessary for the constant velocity driving and the number of steps Sg necessary for the deceleration respectively. When it is determined that the response frequency exceeds the maximum frequency fs if the acceleration is performed by the number of steps Se, the number of steps S1 is set as the number of steps Se and the number of steps Sg respectively. Here, the "S1" is the number of steps required to increase the response frequency to the maximum response frequency fs. In this case, the number of steps "d-(e+g)" is set as the number of steps Sf.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6, the stepping motor is driven on the basis of the numbers of steps Sb, Se, Sf, Sg and Sc. Namely, at first, the rotor of the stepping motor is moved by the microstep method until the number of steps reaches the number of steps Sb. Next, the stepping motor is driven by the one-two-phase excitation method until the number of steps reaches the number of steps Se. During this period, the stepping motor is accelerated according to the predetermined acceleration. Next, the stepping motor is driven by the one-two-phase excitation until the number of steps reaches the number of steps Sf. During this period, the stepping motor is rotated in a constant velocity. Next, the stepping motor is driven by the one-two-phase excitation method until the number of steps reaches the number of steps Sg. During this period, the stepping motor is decelerated according to the predetermined deceleration. Next, the stepping motor is driven by the microstep method until the number of steps reaches the number of steps Sc, in order to perform the landing. Then, the stepping motor is accurately stopped at the target position.
In the above mentioned operation, in the acceleration, the deceleration and the constant velocity driving, the stepping motor is always driven by the one-two-phase excitation method. Therefore, there is a problem that it is impossible to make torque high and it is impossible to make maximum velocity high.
Namely, in the case that the stepping motor is driven by the one-two-phase excitation, there is a difference between torque generated by the one-phase excitation and torque generated by the two-phase excitation, and thereby, the torque frequently changes. Therefore, in case that the one-two-phase excitation is used for driving the stepping motor, it is necessary to make the maximum response frequency lower due to dispersion of a load, as compared with the maximum response frequency in the case that the two-phase excitation is used.
On the other hand, if the stepping motor is always driven by using the two-phase excitation in the acceleration, the deceleration and the constant velocity driving, since the range of movement corresponding to one pulse is large, a large disturbance arises in an actuator for holding an objective of the optical pickup, as mentioned above.

Apparatus for and method of controlling stepping motor


An apparatus and method for configuring a modem in a cellular radio communications system when the modem front end is physically separated from the modem back end. The method includes the steps of inputting the configuration information, comparing that configuration information against default configuration parameters to identify any non-default configuration information, storing that non-default configuration information, and transmitting that non-default configuration information via a radio link to the modem back end on each call-attempt. In this manner, the problem of lost configuration information is overcome, and the modem back end is properly configured for operation with communication software programs on each data call-attempt. The apparatus allows for configuration information to be retained by the modem front end for an entire communication session and the transmission of non-default configuration information to the paired modem back end each time a call-attempt is made. Use of the method and apparatus results in an improved performance to users of modems in a cellular radio communications system, particularly whenever a data call-attempt fails on the first try.

As cellular radio communications systems have become more popular, interest has grown in transmitting data signals from modems over such systems in addition to the more traditional voice signals. Most currently available cellular radio communications systems can accommodate modem data signals, typically by treating modem data signal as a voice signal. Such cellular radio communications systems require that the user (mobile subscriber) carry the complete modem hardware to any mobile location where modem data signals are to be generated or received. In an effort to reduce the amount of equipment that a mobile subscriber must transport, the cellular radio communications system industry has proposed a system wherein some of the modem hardware could be located at other locations in the cellular radio communications system itself, rather than entirely at the mobile location(s).
For instance, enhanced systems described in Telecommunications Industry Association's interim standards IS-130 and IS-135 describe a cellular radio communications system where the logical components of the modem are divided between a modem front end and a modem back end which are physically separated, but connected via a radio link. During operation in such systems, a modem front end is located with the mobile unit. However, the complementary modem back end is not located with the mobile unit, but instead resides elsewhere in the cellular radio communications system. Additionally, multiple modem back ends are grouped together in a pool arrangement at their location. In such a cellular radio communications system, data signals are routed by the intervening parts of the cellular radio communications system to a randomly selected modem back end from the pool. As such, any one given modem front end may be coupled to any one of multiple modem back ends to create an operational modem for a given call-attempt. Each subsequent call-attempt will likely result in the same modem front end being coupled with a different modem back end. Thus, the specific components comprising the operational modem, the complementary modem back end and modem front end pairing, will likely change from call-attempt to call-attempt.
Typical data communications software applications, the computer programs that use modems, may not function properly in cellular radio communications systems governed by IS-130 or IS-135, or similar systems. The problem arises from the variable assignment of modem back ends to a given modem front end from call-attempt to call-attempt. In particular, IS-130 or similar cellular radio communications systems are designed so that modem back ends are reset to a default configuration before being assigned to the next data call-attempt. Thus, any non-default modem configuration information from the previous data call-attempt is lost. In short, these type cellular radio communications systems assume that if non-default configuration of the modem back end is desired, such non-default configuration information will be sent during the set-up of each data call-attempt.
However, many communication software programs were designed using a different set of assumptions. Communications software programs send modem configuration information with the first call-attempt of a communications session. However, when a call-attempt fails (e.g., the destination is "busy") many communications software programs assume that the modem used for the next call-attempt in the same communications session will be in the same configuration state as the modem was left in at the end of the previous call-attempt; the programs therefore do not resend the configuration information unless a change to the configuration state is required. For traditional dedicated modems, like those commonly found internal to or physically attached to personal computers, the assumption of configuration state retention is correct. However, due to the variable assignablity found in cellular radio communications systems operating under IS-130, or any other cellular radio communications system where an single modem front end may be connected via a radio link to more than one modem back end during a multiple call-attempt communications session (collectively, IS-130 systems), the assumptions of communication software programs regarding the configuration status of the modem may not hold. Examples of commonly encountered modem configuration information that would not be retained for the next data call-attempt in IS-130 systems include configurations settings for termination character, line feed character, connection timeout, comma time, automatic disconnect delay, response format, call progress monitor, receive line signal selector, query disconnect timer, cellular results code, data compression reporting, data compression selection, frame check sequence, error control reporting, error control selection, call termination, buffer management, modular reporting, modulation selection, V.18 reporting, and V.18 selection. If these configuration settings are not exactly as the communications program expects, the modem will not function properly. Thus, users of many communication software programs operating in a IS-130 environment may experience difficulty any time their data call is not completed on the first try. In addition, these users may experience difficulty any time they attempt to reach multiple destinations, or the same destination multiple times, within the same communication session if any of these connections require the use of non-default modem configurations.

Method and apparatus for configuring a split modem