The present invention includes a system and method of controlling a remotely located welding-type power source. A communications system includes a user interface to accept a user input at a portable location and a gas purging device to systematically purge pressurized gas from a gas line connecting the portable location to a remote location based on the user input. The communications system also includes a sensor to sense pressure changes in the gas line at the remote location and a processor configured to convert the sensed pressure changes to a representation of the user input.

The present invention relates generally to communications systems and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for data communications over pressurized gas. Specifically, the invention relates to a transceiver or transmitter and receiver configured to communicate data over a gas supply line to control a remote device.
There are a variety of welding-type processes that require both power cables and gas lines. An example of where such a system would be particularly useful is in welding systems where power and gas supplies are remote from the welding location. Specifically, Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding systems include a tungsten electrode to generate a welding arc and an inert shielding gas to protect and improve the weld. Additionally, Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding, formerly known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), combines the inert shielding gas of TIG welding processes with a continuous, consumable wire electrode.
These welding systems are useful in welding a variety of metals and alloys, for example, steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. Therefore, welding systems have been utilized in a wide variety of applications from remote field pipe line construction and repair projects to industrial shipbuilding applications. In many of these applications, the welding location is often well removed from the stationary position of both the shielding gas supply and the power source. Accordingly, welding systems have been developed that include a portable welding torch and/or a portable wire feeder system that is transportable to a welding location. These portable torches and wire feeders can be moved to a location desirable for performing the welding process while the large, bulky, and heavy power source and shielding gas supply remain fixed at a remote location. Accordingly, shielding gas and power must be delivered from the remote power source and shielding gas supply to the portable wire feeder and welding torch.
While these welding systems allow improved mobility so that an operator can move about more freely, these systems typically do not allow the operator to manipulate the operational parameters of the welding system from the welding location without the addition of a control cable specifically dedicated to such a purpose. Therefore, before traveling to the welding location, an operator inputs an initial set of operational parameters to the power source through a user interface located on the power source. However, once the operator has reached the remote welding location, the operator may need to augment the operational parameters. In this case, the operator must either return to the power source to make the necessary adjustments or communicate the requested modifications to an assistant. If the operator is working alone, the operator must travel from the welding location back to the remote power source, input the augmented operational parameters into the power source, and then travel back to the welding location. On the other hand, should the operator have an assistant, operator travel to and from the power source may be alleviated but include the added cost of additional personnel and the consumption of additional man hours. As such, assistants are not typically utilized and instead of traveling to and from the power source, in practice, the adjustment is often not made. Instead, the operator elects to force the welding process to conform to the present parameters rather than the desired parameters. This can result in less than optimal weld quality.
To alleviate the need to repeatedly travel to and from the welding location and power source or communicate to an assistant, some welding systems have included a remote control to communicate over a cable running between the remote control and the power source. In this case, augmented operational parameters may be input into the remote control and then communicated across a communications link back to the remote power source. Such a link would preferably be incorporated into the cables carrying welding power so that the operator need only pull one cable and a gas supply line to the remote location. While these remote control systems allow the operator to communicate changes in operational parameters remotely, a significant drawback to these cable-based remote controls is that the control cable is relatively fragile. As such, since welding machines are commonly used at construction sites, such as shipyards, where it is not uncommon for the cables and lines to be periodically relocated or surrounded by heavy equipment operating in the same area, such communications cables are readily prone to damage. These remote control communications cables can become damaged by being crushed or snagged by surrounding machines and/or traffic. Furthermore, should the communications cable become damaged, this may, in turn, cause damage to the wire feeder and/or the welding power source if internal power conductors come in contact with sensitive circuitry via a short to the internal communication cables.
As such, many welding systems have been developed to allow remote communication of changes to the operational parameters without introducing an additional communications link between the remote control and the power source. For example, some remote controlled systems include a radio-frequency (RF) transmitter remote control. This approach has several disadvantages. First, electric arc welding may create RF interference that negatively affects the communication between the remote transmitter and the receiver at the power source. Second, if the system is used inside metal structures such as tanks, ships, or large aircraft, the radio link can be lost due to the shielding effect of the metallic surroundings. Third, if multiple welding stations use a radio link for remote control, each remote control system, both transmitting and receiving ends, typically requires a unique identifier to prevent cross-talk or mis-transmission of control signals between the welding machines. That is, since the transmitter and receiver nodes are not connected by a wire, the possibility exists that a transmitter and receiver from two different machines may inadvertently communicate. In this case, the welding systems may operate incorrectly due to this cross-talk or miss-transmission of control signals.
Alternatively, some remote control systems have been integrated with wire feeders such that the remote control can communicate with the power source via the positive and negative electrode of the welding power cable. In this case, the welding power cable serves the dual purpose of supplying welding power to effectuate the desired welding process as well as functioning as the communications link to allow the integrated remote control of the wire feeder to communicate with the remote power source. Additionally, systems that employ high-frequency (HF) starting may induce noise within the welding power cable that can interfere with any communications traveling along the welding power cable.
Therefore, it would be desirable to design a communications system that is capable of accurately controlling a remotely located welding power source without introducing additional communications conduits or components that significantly affect the portability of the wirefeeder or welding torch of the welding system. Additionally, it would be desirable to design a welding system that is virtually impervious to RF or other electrical interference.

System and method for data communications over a gas hose in a welding-type application


A selecting device according to voice includes output unit for outputting guide voice for guiding a selection item, voice recognition unit for recognizing a selection instruction for selecting the selection item that is issued during the output of the guide voice by output unit or within a certain time after the completion of the output, and interaction-control and result-selection unit for selecting the selection item instructed to be selected when voice recognition unit recognizes the selection instruction. When a voice for selecting a selection item is raised during the output of the guide voice by output unit or within the certain time after the completion of the output, voice recognition unit can select the selection item, and the selection item can be selected even during the output of the guide voice.

As a selecting device according to voice, conventionally, a device that identifies a controlled object according to the voice, then sequentially outputs selection items of the controlled contents, and makes a user select a selection item is known (for example, Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. H03-293400).
The device disclosed by Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. H03-293400 is operated as follows. When a user controls a switch to put the voice control system into an operable state, and says the name of an apparatus to be controlled in this state, the device recognizes the name and sequentially sounds the control items of the apparatus having this name by voice synthesis. By saying "YES" when the device sounds the appropriate control item, the user can thus make the device execute a control matching with the item.
The following device is also disclosed (for example, Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. H06-149534). When a user converts a screen of a personal computer into a large screen using a projector, and says one of the items displayed on the large screen based on the screen contents, the device highlights the item. When the user operates the execution button, the device displays the detail contents of the item. The user can monitor and control the detail contents of the item.
However, Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. H03-293400 or Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. H06-149534 does not specifically disclose a method of receiving the voice of the user that coincides a selection item presented by the system. In a usual voice recognition method, therefore, the voice recognition is difficult during output of the selection items with synthetic voice, and the output method of the selection items by the system is limited to voice. For example, selection of music, images, or the like cannot be directly performed according to voice.

Device in which selection is activated by voice and method in which selection is activated by voice


A light fixture is disclosed including a receptacle for receiving a light source and a support for the receptacle. At least one baffle supported adjacent the light source inhibits passage of light from the light source past the at least one baffle. An enclosure surrounds the light sources and engages the support in such a way that airflow from outside the enclosure to the light source is substantially prevented. A display case is also disclosed having a product support within a frame for supporting the product to be displayed within the display case and a light fixture for receiving and supporting a light source. At least one baffle element is positioned adjacent to light fixture and between the fixture and the product support for reducing the amount of light from the light source that passes from the light source outside of the display case.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to lighted display cases and more particularly to display cases having light sources that direct light inside the case and toward products, such as might be supported by display case shelves.
2. Related Art
In the past, a variety of shelves have been used inside display cases for the purpose of displaying different items in supermarkets, or other retail establishments. Items for sale are typically placed on the shelves in rows or columns. For example, dairy products in a supermarket may be placed on shelves inside a refrigerated display case with the earlier dated dairy products, which need to be sold first, located near the front and middle of the shelves where the products maybe easily selected by customers. However, problems are encountered in illuminating products arranged in such manner. Products located near the middle of the display shelves are difficult to illuminate when vertical florescent lamps or other lights located near the ends of the shelves are used to light or illuminate the interior of a display case. In such a case, the products located near the lights receive more light or illumination than products located near the front and middle of the shelves. As a result, products near the middle of the shelves are insufficiently illuminated. Additionally, the contrast or uniformity with which the products are illuminated varies significantly from the end of the shelf adjacent the lamp to the middle of the shelf.
When products are positioned on shelving near the light sources in a display case, undesirable glare or excessive bright regions are formed about the products. This localized area of illumination adversely affects the ability to more uniformly illuminate all products at the front of the shelf. Moreover, products located at one part of the shelf may receive more or less attention from a customer than another part of the shelf. Additionally, glare is a source of distraction that diverts the attention of a viewer or consumer away from a displayed product. Attempts to reduce the glare by decreasing the illumination results in even less lighting for the product located near the middle of the shelves. Another common distraction to a consumer or viewer is the heightened contrast or lower uniformity created by the uneven amount of illumination across a display case shelf, when lighting is located near the ends of the shelf. When viewing a series of adjacent display cases, the alternating high and low intensity lighting across the display case shelving is both distracting, and projects an image of non-uniformity. This uneven effect is particularly undesirable when displaying stock of the same product or item across the front of the shelf.
Undesirable glare on the product near the lights may be eliminated by moving or positioning the product or items further towards the rear of the case, away from the immediate area of the light. However, valuable forward display and shelf space is unused by moving product away from the lights. By shifting product in this way, the displayed items would also be located further away from a viewer and appear distant rather than on the shelving up close near the front portion of the displayed case. Similarly, such varied spacing would affect the viewer's perception of the product in the different locations.
With the use of lenses, various of these problems may be reduced or entirely eliminated. Even where they may be reduced, it may be preferable to further reduce such effects, or to achieve even more desirable results with an alternative lighting system. For example,. it may be desirable to further reduce possible glare which may be seen by a viewer or customer outside the display case. Additionally, it may be desirable to selectively distribute light over the shelf as a function of the location along the shelf to be illuminated. Additionally, a fully enclosed light source may improve illumination of product on a shelf with appropriate redirection of light along with improving the performance of the lamp by maintaining the lamp at an optimum operating temperature.


The liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes picture element regions each include a transparent region for providing a transmission mode display and a reflection region for providing a reflection mode display. In each of the picture element regions, the first electrode includes a solid area formed of a conductive film and a non-solid area with no conductive film provided, the liquid crystal layer, in the presence of an applied voltage, forms liquid crystal domains each in a radially-inclined orientation by an inclined electric field generated in the vicinity of the solid area. The second substrate includes a stepped portion having an upper tier located in the reflection region, a lower tier located in the transmission region and a side surface connecting the upper tier and the lower tier to each other, and the side surface of the stepped portion is located in the reflection region and is covered with the second electrode.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device, and more particularly to a liquid crystal display device having a wide viewing angle characteristic and being capable of producing a high quality display.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, liquid crystal display devices, which are thin and light in weight, are used as displays of personal computers and mobile information terminal devices. However, conventional twisted nematic (TN) type and super twisted nematic (STN) type liquid crystal display devices have a narrow viewing angle. Various technical developments have been undertaken to solve the problem.
A typical technique for improving the viewing angle characteristic of a TN or STN type liquid crystal display device is to add an optical compensation plate thereto. Another approach is to employ a transverse electric field mode in which a horizontal electric field with respect to the substrate plane is applied across the liquid crystal layer. Transverse electric field mode liquid crystal display devices have been attracting public attention and are mass-produced in recent years. Still another technique is to employ a DAP (deformation of vertical aligned phase) mode in which a nematic liquid crystal material having a negative dielectric anisotropy is used as a liquid crystal material and a vertical alignment film is used as an alignment film. This is a type of ECB (electrically controlled birefringence) mode, in which the transmittance is controlled by using the birefringence of liquid crystal molecules.
While the transverse electric field mode is an effective approach to improve the viewing angle, the production process thereof imposes a significantly lower production margin than that of a normal TN type device, whereby it is difficult to realize stable production of the device. This is because the display brightness or the contrast ratio is significantly influenced by variations in the gap between the substrates or a shift in the direction of the transmission axis (polarization axis) of a polarization plate with respect to the orientation axis of the liquid crystal molecules. It requires further technical developments to be able to precisely control these factors and thus to realize stable production of the device.
In order to realize a uniform display without display non-uniformity with a DAP mode liquid crystal display device, an alignment control is necessary. An alignment control can be provided by, for example, subjecting the surface of an alignment film to an alignment treatment by rubbing. However, when a vertical alignment film is subjected to a rubbing treatment, rubbing streaks are likely to appear in the displayed image, and it is not suitable for mass-production.
In view of this, the present inventor, along with others, has disclosed, in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-43525, yet another approach for performing an alignment control without a rubbing treatment, in which a plurality of openings are provided in one of a pair of electrodes opposing each other via a liquid crystal layer therebetween so that the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules is controlled by an inclined electric field produced at the edge portions of these openings. With this approach, a stable orientation with a sufficient degree of continuity in the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules can be obtained across the entirety of each picture element, thereby improving the viewing angle and realizing a high-quality display.
Liquid crystal display devices capable of producing a high-quality display both outdoors and indoors have been proposed in the art (see, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 11-101992). A liquid crystal display device of this type is called a "transmission-reflection liquid crystal display device", and includes, in each picture element region, a reflection region where an image is displayed in a reflection mode and a transmission region where an image is displayed in a transmission mode.
However, optimal configurations have not yet been found for cases where the alignment control using an inclined electric field is applied to a transmission-reflection liquid crystal display device.


An apparatus includes a transducer including a plasmonic funnel having first and second ends with the first end having a smaller cross-sectional area than the second end, and a first section positioned adjacent to the first end of the plasmonic funnel, and a first waveguide having a core, positioned to cause light in the core to excite surface plasmons on the transducer.

Heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) generally refers to the concept of locally heating a recording medium to reduce the coercivity of the medium so that an applied magnetic writing field can more easily direct the magnetization of the medium during the temporary magnetic softening of the medium caused by the heat source. The heated area in the storage layer determines the data bit dimension. A tightly confined, high power light spot is used to heat a portion of the recording medium to substantially reduce the coercivity of the heated portion. Then the heated portion is subjected to a magnetic field that sets the direction of magnetization of the heated portion. In this manner the coercivity of the medium at ambient temperature can be much higher than the coercivity during recording, thereby enabling stability of the recorded bits at much higher storage densities and with much smaller bit cells. Heat assisted magnetic recording is also referred to a thermally assisted magnetic recording.
Near-field transducers can be used to focus light to a small spot. An efficient means for concentrating light with a near-field transducer would be beneficial in HAMR recording heads.

Plasmonic funnel for focused optical delivery to a magnetic medium


A method achieves highly constant energy in the operation of a loom and shedding machine with separated drive technology, and ensures the run-up in one weft insertion for the loom and if necessary also for the shedding machine. The control arrangement controlling the electric motor drive of the loom and shedding machine includes a computer arrangement which, depending on machine and/or weaving technical data, determines the applicable size of the moment of inertia of a non-inherent inertial mass with which at least the shedding machine is to be equipped, and the at least one non-inherent inertial mass is arranged in such a manner, so that the determined size of the moment of inertia becomes effective in the operation of the shedding machine.

For the compensation of rotational speed fluctuations of the loom, a drive arrangement for a loom and a shedding machine is known from DE-U 200 21 049.1, wherein at least the main drive shaft of the loom has an additional rotating inertial mass or flywheel mass for the compensation of the rotational speed fluctuations. This additional inertial mass, however, has a negative effect on the acceleration process during the start-up of the loom. This is problematic for applications with high operating rotational speed, especially if the run-up for the loom is required "in one weft insertion" for ensuring the woven fabric quality, that is to say the dynamics already of the first reed beat-up must correspond to the dynamics of the following reed beat-ups. If an additional inertial mass must also be accelerated, this quickly increases the drive power that is to be installed, to a level that is no longer economically justifiable.
In other looms with electric motor direct drive, an inertial mass connected with the main drive shaft is omitted or avoided, in order not to delay or to make-difficult the acceleration process during the start-up of the loom. The avoidance or omission of an additional inertial mass, however, as already discussed above, leads to considerable rotational speed fluctuations per weaving cycle. For the compensation of the rotational speed fluctuations, it is obvious to influence the fluctuations in the rotational speed of the electric motor drive through corresponding controlling or regulating of the supply of electrical energy. Such influencing, however, leads to considerable loading of the drive train of the loom and of the shedding machine. Moreover, such a rotational speed compensation does not lead to an operating manner with energy constancy; the resistive or dissipative heat losses and loading for the motor and power electronics are very high.
It is further known from DE-U 200 21 049.1 to separate the loom and the shedding machine with respect to the drive technology, that is to say to allocate at least respectively one electric motor drive to the main drive shaft of the loom and to the drive shaft of the shedding machine. Associated therewith is the advantage that a rigid synchronization between loom and shedding machine is no longer present; at any time it is thus fundamentally possible to flexibly embody the tuning or adaptation of the operating behavior of loom and shedding machine corresponding to the weaving requirements, that is to say to select the synchronicity of both drive systems with respect to basic tuning or adaptation (for example shed closure at what loom position angle) and with respect to the permissible tolerances within broad limits. This embodiment of the drive synchronicity as desired within broad limits, however, in turn leads to considerable loading of the drive train of the loom and/or shedding machine; and similarly, due to the necessary control or regulating efforts, the resistive or dissipative heat losses and loading of the motor and the power electronics become very high. These disadvantages become still greater because the loading of the electric motor drive of the shedding machine is dependent on the motions of the shedding means (shafts; lifters), thus dependent on the weave pattern or generally dependent on the weaving application.
Now, due to the omission of the previous rigid coupling between loom and shedding machine, however, influences for the tuning or adaptation of the operating behavior of both machines become necessary in such a manner so that the so-called weft insertion window, with reference to the respective operating rotational speed, becomes as large as possible and/or reproduces itself as exactly as possible weft for weft in its time duration and/or development (that is to say how it opens or closes). This requirement arises very essentially in connection with gripper looms, wherein a gripper running character that is poorly tuned or adapted to the weft insertion window leads, for example, to the occurrence that the grippers do enter into the shed at the correct time point, but leave it too late. Thus, the gripper heads and/or the gripper rods rub on the warp threads of the shed that is already closing again. This can unduly heat the heads or rods, but also the warp threads. Moreover, this forced opening of the shed by the above mentioned gripper elements can produce defect locations in the woven fabric.

Method for operating a drive assembly of a loom and shedding machine comprising divided drive technology


The purpose of the present invention is to provide a recipe creation device, with the goal of using past recipe data in order to highly efficiently create recipes. As an embodiment with which to achieve this goal, there is provided a recipe creation device comprising an arithmetic processing device that, on the basis of design data for a semiconductor element, establishes measurement conditions or inspection conditions by a semiconductor measurement device or a semiconductor inspection device, wherein the arithmetic processing device is configured to be able to access a database in which the measurement conditions or inspection conditions, and the pattern information of the semiconductor element, are stored in associated form, and the measurement conditions or inspection conditions are selected through a search using pattern information of the semiconductor element.

Semiconductor devices have been becoming large-scaled and high-integrated. With the advance of a fine processing technique, both of logic devices and memory devices have been diversified, and the number thereof has also been increased. A device requires design layout data in which a shape thereof is described, and the number of design layout data has also been increased due to an increase in the number of devices.
In a device manufacturing process, a pattern is measured by using a critical dimension SEM (CD-SEM), but a recipe in which measurement procedures are written is required to be created.
In order to save the time and effort to create a recipe, PTL 1 discloses a recipe creation method of automatically generating a recipe by using design data for a semiconductor device. More specifically, a recipe creation method is disclosed in which the type of dimension to be measured is set on the basis of position information and design data of a circuit pattern which is a measurement target, and a measurement target region is set according to the type.

Recipe creation device for use in semiconductor measurement device or semiconductor inspection device


A method is provided comprising, receiving, by a computer system comprising a processor and a tangible, non-transitory memory, particle parameters, creating, by the computer system, particle elements in accordance with the particle parameters, and building, by the computer system, a pattern using the particle elements.

Seamless surface coverings (sometimes referred to as chemical surface covering materials) may be used for wall or floor covering and provide a clean, seamless solution for wall and floor covering found in residential, commercial and industrial areas. Currently, both commercially and residentially, there are many different types of chemical surface covering materials that yield a seamless surface on a substrate that is both durable and decorative. Chemical surface covering materials may be used on a variety of substrates, such as concrete, wood, and the like. These chemical surface covering materials typically consist of a clear (or pigmented) hardening material and a plurality of particles. Most commonly, the hardening material, such as polyester, urethane, polyurethane, polymethylmethacrylate, methylmethacrylate (MMA), polyaspartic, polyurea, or epoxy compounds, is applied in viscous form to a substrate. Then, a group of particles is broadcast or distributed on top of the hardening material, and the coating is allowed to cure. Alternatively, or in combination with the above, particles may be mixed with the hardening material to create a composite slurry that is then distributed over a substrate to provide a durable and decorative coating. A top coat may then optionally be applied. Once cured, the resultant surface covering is nearly or completely seamless. Examples of floor covering materials that incorporate some combination of hardening materials and particles include, but are not limited to, quartz floors, decorative chip floors, decorative flake floors, mica floors, and terrazzo floors.
The particles used may vary in size (e.g., length, width, and depth), geometry, color, and relative proportion to one another. Examples of particles used in seamless surface covering applications include, but are not limited to, color chips, color flakes, color quartz, mica, glass, stones, and rocks (generally referenced as aggregate or decorative media). As it is difficult to predict what pattern a plurality of particles will assume prior to application to a substrate, it may be difficult for a consumer to visualize or imagine what a finished surface covering might look like for a given plurality of particles. One may produce "swatches" or samples of a particle pattern, though this approach only captures a small portion of the near infinite possible configurations, limiting the ability to accurately simulate a particle pattern
Thus, there is a need to model particle patterns without having to perform an installation of a seamless surface covering.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Systems and methods for particle pattern simulation


A self-timed link between two elements in a computer system is initialized. Each element sends an initialization request to the other. If successfully received, the elements exchange signals with oscillation-free segments over multiple clock cycles. If successful, the elements indicate to each other that initialization is complete. Optionally, a link operation parameter can be sent with the initialization complete indication for post-initialization link control.

1. Technical Field
The present invention generally relates to initializing a link in a computer system. More particularly, the present invention relates to initializing a self-timed link between two elements in a computer system.
2. Background Information
Given a system in which the only means of communication between two elements is a self-timed link, before the link can be used, it must be initialized. However, because of the nature of the link, the initialization must be accomplished without relying on clean data transitions. A general description of a self-timed link can be found in two U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,377, issued to Capowski et al. on Apr. 30, 1996, and entitled "Input-Output Element has Self Timed Interface Using a Received Clock Signal to Individually Phase Aligned Bits Received From a Parallel Bus"; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,088, issued to Halma et al. on May 28, 1996, and entitled "Shared Channel Subsystem has a Self Timed Interface Using a Received Clock Signal to Individually Phase Align Bits Received From a Parallel Bus". Both of these patents are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Thus, a need exists for a way to initialize a self-timed link.

Method for initializing a self-timed link

International Business Machines Corporation


A personalized capsule used for physical therapy that has an elongated horizontally extending bed on a portable base, which is designed to support a person in a horizontal position. The bed is covered with an overlying cover that encapsulates the person on the bed, while leaving the head exposed, and provides selected heat, bed vibrations, lamps, and heated air to warm the entire body to desired levels for physical therapy purposes. The dry heat provided by the heating system aides in improving circulation, and also temporarily relieves aches and pains as well as relaxing muscles. The cover is provided with window openings covered by transparent windows so that the patient can be observed. The windows pivot open for manipulation or other treatment of the patient without opening the entire cover.

The present invention relates to a personalized enclosure which has a bed for supporting a patient, and a cover which encloses the body below the neck. A flow of heated air is used for raising the body temperature while the bed is vibrated selectively for temporarily providing a state of well being. The enclosure cover has large access windows for observing the patient and for access for moving or adjusting the patient for comfort and treatment.
In the prior art, it is well known to provide an individual compartment or capsule for a personalized sauna which will permit a patient to lie on a bed that can be selectively vibrated while heat is provided, and which is used for providing a feeling of well being for the person lying in the bed. Total enclosure is usually provided, as shown in U. S. Pat. No. 5,101,809. Additionally, attachments can be made for providing bright light therapy to this type of a capsule, as shown in co-pending application Ser. No. 08/340,788, filed Nov. 16, 1994. The application just mentioned uses the addition of color and other light stimuli for controllable light therapy.

Physical therapy heated personal capsule


The invention relates to a method for introducing an application medium into a weakening gap (5) of a cover (4), such as a covering film or covering skin, wherein a cover (4) is provided which already has a weakening gap (5) formed completely over the length thereof on a first side (6), an application device (2) is positioned toward the first side (6), at a distance from the cover (4) and above the weakening gap (5), wherein a support is arranged in a supporting manner on a second side (7) of the cover (4), facing away from the application device (2), and an application of the application medium into the weakening gap (5) by the application device (2) is carried out. The invention further relates to an application device (1) for this method.

For particular fields of application, it is necessary to introduce into laminar elements weakening gaps for instance in the form of weakening cuts which, for example, define a predetermined breaking point. One field of application is the production of instrument panels for motor vehicles with an integrated airbag, wherein upon triggering of the airbag the instrument panel is broken open at the designated site, in particular the weakening sites, so that the airbag can emerge.
The term "film" or "skin" which is used is understood to mean plastic skins, plastic films or corresponding laminar workpieces, in which the aim is to incise the material from one side so that a defined residual wall thickness is produced, independently of the possibly locally fluctuating wall thickness and the tolerances of a relative movement from tool to tool which is robotically guided or is carried out by other automated moving devices, such as for example CNC machines. A high degree of accuracy of the cut, a high degree of process reliability and a good process documentation are important especially in the introduction of a weakening into the skins of automobile instrument panels in the region of the airbag, which are to be regarded as safety components.
The introduction of separating media/application media is always necessary whenever is must be assumed that the film base material tends to be subject to a self-healing effect. This means that the weakening cut closes again under the influence of environmental factors such as temperature, ageing or chemical reaction, or else without external influential factors. This effect can occur very quickly, i.e. in a short space of time from the separating process, or else only after years. Covers/films based on polyurethane and also PVC are particularly affected.
In order to prevent this effect of the reclosing of the weakening, the flanks of the cut a frequently moistened with a separating medium. This medium acts as a spacer between the flanks of the cut. A further reason for the use of separating medium can also be a preventing of the adhesion of the PU material which is used in the instrument panel construction. Through the fact that the flanks of the cut are moistened with the separating medium, the PU material which is used can also not adhere to these flanks of the cut and in the immediate vicinity of the weakening gap, or the flanks of the cut can not stick to one another and thereby influence the weakening effect (predetermined breaking point effect) of the cut.
Likewise, however, the present method can also be used to seal the weakening course. This means that no separating medium, but rather a targeted adhering by a suitable adhesive or a sealing lacquer is carried out. This is used when the invention is primarily intended to prevent the penetration of PU material into the weakening cut in the subsequently process step of the instrument panel construction.
Generic prior art is already sufficiently known. In this context, for instance DE 10 2005 050 940 B3 discloses a device for incising a weakening line into a film. The device comprises a blade with a blade tip pointing in the cutting direction, with a blade holder and with a channel for the delivery of a liquid behind the blade tip into the weakening line.
A device formed purely for the introduction of a weakening cut into a film or skin is known from DE 10 2006 034 287 B3.
A method known from the prior art for introducing a separating medium is consequently embodied so that the separating medium is applied during the cutting process via the cutting blade or small dosing tubes carried along on the cutting head, in the region of the immediate cutting process. This means that the cutting blade or respectively the cutting head is inserted with the small dosing tubes directly as an applicator of the separating medium.
However, it has been found to be disadvantage here that the input of separating medium is directly connected with the cutting process. This arrangement leads to all disturbances from the application of separating medium having a direct influence on the cutting process and the evaluation of the component. In addition, the weakening gap can only be moistened with separating medium when the medium is applied via the blade in connection with the cutting process. Therefore, disadvantages arise in the possibilities for process monitoring, in the process management and in the programming of the application and a dosing technique which is more susceptible to malfunctioning.

Method for introducing an application medium into a weakening gap of a cover, and preferred application device


A socket for an electric component may have a socket main body, a plurality of contact pins disposed within the socket main body, a socket cover, a slide plate disposed inside the socket main body to be movable up and down, and drive levers which are provided between the socket main body and the bottom face of the socket cover. The drive levers press both end portions of two opposing sides of the slide plate by a down-movement-operation of the socket cover to lower the slide plate. The socket may also include sub-levers provided between the socket main body and the bottom face of the socket cover for pressing one or plural positions of other opposing two sides of the slide plate, which oppose to each other in a direction perpendicular to the two opposing sides pressed by the drive levers to lower the slide plate.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a socket for an electric component, which is adapted for detachably accommodating an electric component such as an IC package or the like to connect the same to a circuit board, e.g., a printed circuit board, and more particularly to a socket for an electric component, which is provided with a plurality of contact pins arranged in a socket main body and a slide plate for permitting each of the plurality of contact pins to be brought into contact with or separated apart from each of connection terminals of the electric component through displacement of the contact pins, and is capable of reducing an amount of deformation of the slide plate for equalizing the amount of movement of the slide plate.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, this type of the socket for an electric component, in particular, an open-top-type socket includes therein, as shown in FIG. 11, a socket main body 1 having an accommodating portion for accommodating an electric component, a plurality of contact pins (not seen in FIG. 11 because disposed inside the socket main body 1) which are mounted in the socket main body 1 and connectable to/separable from connection terminals of the electric component, a socket cover 2 mounted on the top of the socket main body 1 movably in a vertical direction, a slide plate (not seen in FIG. 11 because disposed inside the socket main body 1) which is vertically movably disposed within the socket main body 1 so as to displace the contact pins, so that the contact pins come in contact with/disconnect from the connection terminals of the electric component, and drive levers 3, 4 which are provided between the socket main body 1 and the bottom face of the socket cover 2 to press both end portions of two opposing sides of the slide plate when the socket cover 2 is lowered, thereby lowering the slide plate. In the meantime, the drive levers 3, 4 are provided in a pair on each of the opposing two sides of the socket main body 1, whereby two pairs of the levers are provided.
The IC package as an electric component has a number of solder balls projecting from the bottom face of the package main body to be used as connection terminals such that the solder balls are arranged in a matrix configuration In a vertical direction and a transversal direction. The slide plate is formed into, for example, a rectangular shape in its plan view and a contact pin is inserted into each of a number of pin holes bored in a substantially entire surface excluding the peripheral region and then, when this slide plate is moved vertically, i.e., up and down, each contact pin is urged to do displacement from its original position.
When the IC package is accommodated in the socket main body 1 and connected to the socket for an electric component, the socket cover 2 mounted on the top of the socket main body 1 is vertically moved to rotate the drive levers 3, 4 pivoted on the inner wall portion of the socket main body 1. Pressing portions 3a, 4a provided on the intermediate portion of the drive levers 3, 4 press the slide plate to move the slide plate vertically, so that the contact pins are urged to make displacement by the vertical motion of the slide plate in order to resultantly open/close the contact portion at the tip end of each contact pin thereby bringing it into contact with the connection terminal of the electric component (see, for example, Japanese Laid-open (Kokai) Patent Application Publication No. 2002-8809).
However, because in the conventional socket for an electric component, as shown in FIG. 12, the slide plate 5 that is rectangular in its plan view is lowered by pressing both end portions 6a, 6b; 7a, 7b of opposing two sides 6, 7 thereof, the descent amount of, particularly, a central portion of other opposing two sides 8, 9 not pressed directly by the drive levers 3, 4 must be relatively small, so that the slide plate 5 is often deformed in a curved manner with that portion having the form of a ridge. This is because the slide plate 5 receives a resistance against the descent thereof, due to sliding contact of the number of contact pins inserted in substantially the entire surface of the slide plate 5 with the same slide plate 5.
If the slide plate 5 is deformed in this way, the moving distance thereof in the vertical direction becomes unequal between the opposing two sides 6, 7 and the central portion therebetween, so that the contact portions at the tip ends of the contact pins disposed at the central portion of the slide plate 5 fail to be sufficiently opened, thereby often causing a contact failure between the contact pin and the connection terminal of the electric component. In addition, in recent years, the IC package is highly integrated and as the number of the connection terminals on the bottom face of the package main body has been increased, the number of the contact pins is also increased, thereby presenting multiple pin configuration trend. In this case, as the contact pins are formed into the multiple pin configuration, the resistance against the above-mentioned descent due to sliding contact of the slide plate 5 with the contact pins is increased so as to increase the deformation of the slide plate 5 and therefore, a contact failure occurs between the contact pin and the connection terminal of the electric component. Accordingly, the conventional socket for an electric component cannot often cope with the multiple pin configuration trend of the contact pin.


A grounding block electrical connector is provided with a housing, electrical contact terminals, a housing insert, retainer clips, and a top cap. The housing is a one-piece metal member with a receiving cavity, top rivet posts, bottom rivet posts, and drainage holes. The contact terminals have contacts located in the receiving cavity and an integral busing strip. The busing strip is electrically and mechanically connected to the housing by the bottom rivet posts. The housing insert is located in the receiving cavity and has holes with the contacts located in the holes. The top cap is fixedly connected to the top of the housing over the receiving cavity by the top rivet posts. The housing insert has posts extending from its top surfaces that are located in post apertures of the top cap to thereby hold the insert at a stationary position in the receiving cavity.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electrical connectors and, more particularly, to a grounding block electrical connector.
2. Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 3,471,822 to Van Baelen discloses a terminal junction system for electrical conductors with a connector that has a housing, a contact strip, a retainer, a seating insert, and a cover plate. U.S. Pat. No. 3,397,384 to Lawrence discloses an electrical terminal held together by rivets and having a bus bar. U.S. Pat. No. 4,138,187 to Brygger discloses vent holes on a flexible section. U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,388 to Beamenderfer et al. discloses signal contacts joined to a ground bus and rivets formed integral with a housing block used to project through pilot holes in the ground bus. U.S. Pat. No. 4,602,830 to Lockard discloses an electrical connector with an insulator block positioned in an overmolded housing and a forward housing member. U.S. Pat. No. 3,725,852 to Blanchet discloses an electrical connector with an inner cap, an outer cap, and a cover. U.S. Pat. No. 28,710 to Finkelstein discloses a molded socket for an electrical harness. The following U.S. Pat. Nos. are also cited for general interest: 5,104,329; 4,767,346; 4,871,321; 5,040,998; 5,102,353; 5,112,251; 4,568,133; 4,585,285; 4,531,796; 4,655,518; 2,892,173; 3,182,278; 4,220,385; 4,356,344 and 4,725,242.


The invention concerns a detecting apparatus (12) for imaging at least two areas of a brain of a subject (10), the detecting apparatus (12) comprising: —a holder comprising: —a frame (14) devoted to be cemented on the skull of the subject (10), the frame (14) delimitating an inner portion (18) which is transparent to ultrasound waves, —a removable imaging device comprising: —a platform (16) delimitating an inner space (28), the inner space (28) facing the inner portion (18), —a fixing element (30) adapted to temporary fix and lock the platform (16) to the holder, —an ultrasound probe (32), and —a moving stage (34) holding the ultrasound probe (32) and being adapted to move the ultrasound probe (32) within the inner space (28).

In vivo brain activity recordings provide a unique contribution to neuroscience to unravel the underlying mechanisms of complex behaviors and pathologies. Ideally, it is desired to capture instantly both neuronal processing and metabolic events, which form two major facets of global brain equilibrium, in the most natural conditions, that is when the subject is awake and freely moving.
Practice is a compromise between the size of imaging field, time resolution, sensitivity, separability of processing and metabolism, and physical constraint on the animal. Electrophysiology and more recently optical techniques can record neuronal activity in the mobile animal, yet sampling is limited, respectively, by electrode size and light diffraction.
Conversely, functional magnetic resonance imaging records brain-wide metabolic adaptation, with tradeoffs in sensitivity and resolution, at the cost of subject immobilization or animal sedation.
Functional ultrasound imaging based on ultrafast Doppler offers a way to monitor brain hemodynamics and functional connectivity in rodents with high spatiotemporal resolution and unique sensitivity.
It is known several medical systems to interact with a skull, and notably applying ultrasound waves.
Document DE 41 31 430 A1 discloses that a probe holder including a handpiece for the probe, which compared to the holding plate, is located so that it can be swiveled as required in the probe holder. The probe holder also has a guide piece with a lateral attachment. The attachment has at least one flat edge, for engaging in an open slot at the holding plate. The guide piece has an external thread, for the screwing on of a retaining nut. The dial of the nut is larger than the width of the opening of the holding plate. The guide piece has a spherical cover with an opening. Such probe holder is used in medical ultrasonic diagnosis. This probe holder is designed so that it can be matched to individual patient, provides wide range of adjustment, easy and exact adjustment also reliable over long periods. Parts made of plastic can be cost effectively produced.
Document US 2011/251489 A1 describes an ultrasound monitoring systems and components used in ultrasound monitoring systems, such as Transcranial Dopper (TCD) systems. Components include framework systems for mounting, locating and maintaining one or more ultrasound probes in contact with an anatomical surface, adjustable probe mounting systems, and probe interface components providing an acoustically transmissive interface between a probe mounting system and the emissive face of the ultrasound probe.
Document DE 94 05 271 U1 concerns an ultrasound probe.
Document WO 2007/044469 A1 relates to system and method for delivering radiation therapy to a target inside the head of a patient. A first reference coordinate system is defined in relation to anatomical landmarks on the patient's head which are visible externally and in images of the patient. The coordinates of a target are translated from the first reference coordinate system to a second reference coordinate system. The second reference coordinate system is defined in relation to an external locator device that is attached to the patient's head. The system comprises a treatment cap, locator device, sensor, ultrasound transducer, holder, and a variety of computer readable media. Angles are calculated to direct radiation to the target from the external locations selected with the locator device. Further, a treatment cap is produced that fits around the patient's head and holds interface units at certain positions and orientations. Each interface unit includes a movable transducer holder that holds a radiation source, and by rotating the transducer holders by the calculated angles, radiation is delivered to the target.
Document US 2011/112405 A1 discloses a dermatological cosmetic treatment and imaging system and method. In some embodiments, the system includes a hand wand with at least one finger activated controller, and a removable transducer module having an ultrasound transducer. In some embodiments, the system can include a control module that is coupled to the hand wand and has a graphical user interface for controlling the removable transducer module, and an interface coupling the hand wand to the control module. The interface may provide power to the hand wand or may transfer a signal from the hand wand to the control module. In some embodiments, the cosmetic treatment system may be used in cosmetic procedures on at least a portion of a face, head, neck, and/or other part of a patient.
Document EP 0 409 822 A1 proposes a neurosurgical auxiliary apparatus or a brain surgery adapter for neurosurgical procedures carried out through a craniotomy opening, such as imaging and/or tumor resection. The brain surgery adapter comprises an adapter frame (arranged to be clamped and sealed to the edges of the craniotomy opening; a preferably turnable imaging plate which comprises a slide space and which is arranged to be fitted in the frame and locked in position; and an ultrasonic transducer which is fitted in a transducer socket provided in the slide space of the imaging plate. When the adapter according to the invention is used, the ultrasonic transducer need not be supported manually. The adapter defines a closed liquid space, and it can also be provided with instruments for performing a neurosurgical operation, such as tumor resection. Imaging are carried out by means of the brain surgery adapter according to the invention in a determined imaging plane and the obtained images are accurately determined and comparable with each other irrespective of the fact that the tissue adapts itself during the tumor resection.
However, in all the previous mentioned systems, it is not possible to guaranty that the probe can be moved back and forth from one position to another in stereotactic coordinates and without manual intervention on a moving subject.

Detecting apparatus and associated imaging method

INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE RECHERCHE MEDICAL (INSERM)

UNIVERSITE PIERRE ET MARIE CURIE (PARIS 6)

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE

ECOLE SUPERIEURE DE PHYSIQUE ET DE CHIMIE INDUSTRIELLES DE LA VILLE DE PARIS


This invention relates to a golf practice aid which allows the golfer to estimate the distance and direction of a struck ball, while using a limited space, not compromising the feel and rotation of the ball and allowing for the golf ball to come to rest near its original striking position. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a mass freely rests upon a flat surface. A horizontal bar is inserted and secured through a hole through the mass, extending equidistantly from the center of gravity of the mass. A cord is secured to spaced-apart points on the bar, preferably at opposite ends of the bar. A golf ball is secured to the cord, by virtue of the cord passing through a hole through the center of the golf ball, with keepers to prevent the golf ball from sliding any significant distance along the cord. The hole through the golf ball preferably is large enough to allow the ball to spin on its axis around the cord when struck. The ball is placed at the apex of the extended cord and is struck in the direction of the mass. The distance and direction of the ball are assessed by the movement of the mass, rotation of horizontal bar and finish position of the ball.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an aid used to practice the striking of a golf ball with a golf club.
In order to perfect the golf swing it is necessary to observe the direction and distance of the golf ball once it is struck. Ideally this observation is done at a driving range where the golfer is able to watch the entire flight of the ball, examining its trajectory, direction and distance. Often, however, the inconveniences (i.e. location, retrieval of golf balls, expense) associated with driving ranges prevent the golfer from using them. As such, golfers turn to portable golf practice devices. The primary advantage of the portable golf practice aids is that the devices can be used in a limited space. One disadvantage associated with the portable devices is that because the ball typically is held captive, by a netting or cord attachment to the ball, ball flight and ball direction are not as easily observed. Another disadvantage is that when the ball is attached to a cord, the flight, rotation and feel of the ball are compromised.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various portable golf practice aids are disclosed in the prior art. One type of such aids includes an apparatus for striking a golf ball into a netting. The disadvantages of this type of device are that the ball must be retrieved from the netting each time it is struck, and it is difficult to examine the flight direction and distance of the ball.
Another such device includes a golf ball which is permanently attached to a rod, by a short cord or chain, which rotates upon striking the ball. Again the disadvantage to this type of device is that it is difficult to observe the ball flight distance and direction.
Another common portable device uses a tethered ball apparatus, where the ball is attached to a cord and the cord is fixed to the ground by attaching it to a stake or some other fixed object in the ground. Examples of this type of device are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,116,059 (Pelletier), 3,494,621 (Windall) and 5,560,604 (Watts). This type of practice device has several disadvantages associated with it. Firstly, a surface that is suitable for grounding a stake or other fixed object is required, thus making use of such a type of device indoors or on concrete rather difficult if not impossible. Secondly, if using a cord that is fixed to the ground, the cord itself must be highly durable in order to absorb the forces associated with striking a ball, while at the same time being light in weight in order to maximize the realism associated with the ball flight once struck. This has been difficult to achieve. Thirdly, the anchoring of the cord to the ground and the attachment to the ball are difficult to maintain due to the forces associated with striking the golf ball. The prior art discloses an attachment where the cord is secured to the ball by a single link. In such a single link attachment, the characteristics of composition and/or mass and/or shape of the golf ball may be significantly changed to permit the link to be joined to the golf ball. Another disadvantage to this type of attachment is that because the ball is secured to the cord, it is not allowed to spin freely, thus further diminishing the realism associated with ball flight and motion. In order to spread the force of the golf ball away from the connections at the stake and the ball, many of these tethered ball devices use an elastic or partially elastic cord. The safety hazards associated with using an elastic tethered cord are significant. When the ball is struck, the elastic cord to which the ball is attached extends to its maximum length at which point it rebounds to the original striking position or further at a high velocity, potentially causing danger to the golfer.
Other prior art, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,604 (Watts) discloses an attachment mechanism where the cord is inserted through a hole in the center of the ball and is spliced to another part of the cord forming a loop. The advantage to this attachment mechanism over the balls which are attached at one point to the cord is that having the aperture extend through the center of the ball does not cause as rapid a deterioration and distortion of the ball as the single attachments. This patent, however, discloses an attachment that does not allow the ball to spin freely around the cord, thus lessening the realism associated with striking the ball.
Another invention, shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,298,232 (Carboni) discloses a golf practice aid using a ball attached to a tethered cord which itself is attached to a heavy mass, consisting of a heavy block, anchoring block and trailing bar, which are not fixed to the ground. When struck, the ball flies to the end of the cord's length at which point the energy of the ball is transmitted to the heavy block apparatus, which is dragged slightly forward and left or right depending on the direction of the ball. The movement of the block and trailing bar gives the golfer an indication of the approximate distance and direction the ball flies. The trailing bar's lateral movement is limited by a fixed guide, thus limiting the assessment of lateral ball flight. Full analysis of the golf swing requires an aid which reliably assesses a wide range of lateral movement of the golf ball.


A process for producing propylene oxide, which comprises the following steps:                oxidation step: a step of obtaining cumene hydroperoxide by oxidizing cumene;        epoxidation step: a step of obtaining propylene oxide and cumyl alcohol by reacting cumene hydroperoxide obtained in the oxidation step with propylene; and        conversion step: a step of obtaining cumene by subjecting cumyl alcohol obtained in the epoxidation step to hydrogenation-containing reaction and recycling the cumene to the oxidation step,        wherein a concentration of 1,2-epoxy-2-phenylpropane contained in the reaction mixture after the oxidation step, is 1% by weight or less.

A process in which propylene is converted into propylene oxide using cumene hydroperoxide obtained from cumene as an oxygen carrier, cumyl alcohol produced together with propylene oxide is subjected to hydrogenolysis to obtain cumene and this cumene is used repeatedly, is disclosed in Czechoslovakia patent CS140743 and JP2001-270880 A. Though these processes are composed of the oxidation step, epoxidation step and hydrogenolysis step, it is difficult to say that they are necessarily sufficient in industrial efficiency.


A method of fabricating a focal plane array having an integral slot shield which comprises fabricating a focal plane array having a plurality of detector elements. A layer of electrically insulating material, preferably a spun on epoxy, having a planar top surface is then formed over the array. A reflective layer is then formed over the layer of electrically insulating material and the electrically insulating layer and reflective layer are etched only in the regions thereof over the detector elements to form slots over said detector elements. The electrically insulating layer is etched with a directional etchant. The etched layer of electrically insulating material defines side walls in the slots, material from the side walls being removed to define non-planar sidewalls. The non-planar side walls preferably have an essentially sawtooth shape.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to focal plane arrays and, more specifically, to a slot shield for a focal plane array and method of fabricating the slot shield.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
When detecting incident energy transmitted from a remote source and primarily infrared energy, it is often desirable that the remote source not be aware that the energy it is transmitting is being detected. A problem in this regard is that focal plane arrays (FPAs), a principal devices used to receive incident energy and primarily infrared energy, tend to reflect the received energy along the incident energy path. It follows that the reflected energy can often be detected by the original transmitter whereby the original transmitter becomes aware that someone is detecting the energy being transmitted. In order to minimize the possibility that the transmitter will be aware that detection is taking place, it is necessary that the energy received by the detector either be absorbed, be reflected along a path other than the incident path or a combination thereof.
To minimize reflection along the incident path, focal plane arrays generally are provided with a slot shield on the surface thereof. Slot shields are generally a layer of reflective material, disposed on the surface of the FPA with a slot therein over the detector region to permit IR to pass through the slot to the detector. The purpose of the slot shield is to prevent or at least minimize reflection of incident energy impinging upon the detector along its incident path so that reflected energy cannot be picked up by the original transmitter thereof along its incident path. The shield portion of the slot shield which defines the slot is formed from a specular, absorptive material, generally doped silicon. The slot shield operates on the theory that most of the energy impinging upon the detector is travelling at an acute or obtuse angle relative thereto and that such energy will therefore be reflected along a path other than the incident path.
In accordance with the prior art fabrication procedures for slot shields, the slot shield was fabricated from thin layers of silicon, then secured with an epoxy and aligned on a previously fabricated infrared focal plane array. Problems encountered with prior art infrared focal plane array slot shields are poor suitability to mass production in that a great deal of labor is involved in their fabrication, low fabrication yield, possible device damage during mount and alignment and restricted placement tolerance due to alignment capability. It is therefore apparent that an improved procedure for fabrication of slot shields for focal plane arrays is highly desirable.

Infrared focal plane array with integral slot shield using spin-on epoxy and method of making same


A power management controller for conserving power in a device implementing power conservation states and a calendar-scheduler is disclosed. The calendar-scheduler records calendar-based events with associated time-of-occurrences. The controller is constructed and arranged to determine a maximum duration of time the device can remain in a reduced-power state while insuring the device can perform operations associated with a calendar-based event when that event occurs.

Personal computing has gone, and is still going, through radical changes. Vast increases in computing complexity and faster processing speeds are now available in smaller packages at lower cost. There is, however, a corresponding increase in power consumption to operate modern processor-based devices. This is particularly problematic in portable processor-based devices such as laptop computers and personal data assistants (PDAs) which cannot easily incorporate larger and/or heavier batteries. To extend battery life many such devices implement multiple power conservation states each having a different rate of power consumption, transitioning the device to lower power-consuming states when possible.
Unfortunately, device availability is reduced when the device assumes a state in which limited or no device operations can be performed. In addition, transitioning between certain states requires the performance of tasks that can take considerable time, further decreasing device availability. To avoid this latter loss of device availability, some conventional approaches retain data in processor memory. However, maintaining memory power can unnecessarily consume power, accelerating battery depletion.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A flip-chip bonded VCSEL CMOS circuit for preventing rearwardly emitted photons from the VCSEL from interfering with CMOS operation. The CMOS has bonding pads affixed thereto and spaced apart to define a region. The VCSEL is mounted to the bonding pads so that a lower mirror of the VCSEL is positioned between the bonding pads and in close proximity to an upper, major surface of the CMOS. A blocking layer is provided and is positioned within the region defined by the bonding pads to absorb or reflect rearwardly emitted photons from the VCSEL. In another embodiment, the blocking layer is removed and a photon detector is formed in the CMOS for collecting the rearwardly emitted photons for use in determining, inter alia, VCSEL laser power.

I. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to a flip-chip Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) bonded to a CMOS circuit. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved flip-chip bonded VCSEL CMOS circuit having a mechanism for preventing rearwardly emitted light of the VCSEL from entering the CMOS. The present invention also pertains to a flip-chip bonded VCSEL CMOS circuit having an integrated silicon monitor detector.
II. Description of the Related Art
Optical interconnections based on VCSELs can be used to advantageously provide high bandwidth optical interconnections over fiber optical cable for data communications applications. By virtue of their ability to be produced in arrays and tested in parallel, and the relative ease in coupling the laser emissions to multi-mode fiber, VCSELs have been recognized as an efficient, low cost alternative to edge-emitting semi-conductor lasers and can accommodate data rates of 1 Gbit/s. However, VCSEL sources are typically driven electrically from separate (off-chip) drivers which significantly increase the power dissipation of the driver-VCSEL package and adversely affect the bandwidth of the link.
The efficiency and performance of VCSEL sources can be increased by flip-chip bonding VCSEL devices directly to CMOS. Based on known hybrid flip-chip bonding techniques, it is possible to create three-dimensional optoelectronic-VLSI structures, with the flip-chip bonded optical devices placed directly above the silicon CMOS circuitry.
FIG. 1 depicts a known flip-chip bonded VCSEL CMOS circuit 10. The circuit contains a VCSEL 12 which operatively emits laser light h.nu., as shown, and a CMOS device 14 that powers the VCSEL. CMOS 14 contains a p-doped semiconductor substrate 16 in which a PMOS transistor 18 and an NMOS transistor 26 are formed. Each transistor has a source region (PMOS-20, NMOS-28), a drain region (PMOS-22, NMOS-30) and a gate (PMOS-24, NMOS-32).
As is known by those having ordinary skill in the art, a first metal layer 35 forms source terminals 36 and drain terminals 37 for the PMOS and CMOS devices. Gate terminals 24 and 33 are formed on a gate oxide layer 32, and insulation layers 34, 38 insulate the gate, source and drain terminals from each other. Additional metallization layers 40, 44 provide electrical communication with the source terminals 36 and drain terminals 37, respectively. These layers are insulated by insulating layers 42, 48, to form an upper major surface 50 of the CMOS device 14. Bonding pads 46 are formed on major surface 50 and are in communication with metal layers 40, 44 and, hence, with source and drain terminals 36, 37. The bonding pads are spaced apart from each other and define a region. The bonding pads are coupled to VCSEL bonding pads (not shown) via soldering, for example, and provide electrical communication between the VCSEL and CMOS. VCSEL 12 has a p-terminal 57 and an n-terminal 58 which are mounted to the bonding pads 46, as for example soldering 52, so that the p-terminal 57 is connected to the CMOS source terminals 36 and the n-terminal 58 is connected to the CMOS drain terminals 37. An epoxy layer 59 is also provided for further securing VCSEL 12 to CMOS 14. VCSEL 12 has an upper mirror or aperture 54 through which the laser light h.nu. is emitted, and a lower mirror or aperture 56 positioned proximate the CMOS major surface 50 for generating the laser light.
A major design consideration in producing large arrays of VCSEL devices is the mirror technology used to manufacture the mirror surfaces 54 and 56 on the VCSEL. While there are several emerging mirror technologies based on EPI-layer growth or deposition, reliable production of a 100% reflecting surface (to act as one of the reflectors in the micro-cavity) is difficult. Due to the lack of complete surface reflectivity in VCSELs, light may emit from both facets of the VCSEL cavity, e.g. forwardly emitted light h.nu. through upper mirror 54 and rearwardly emitted light 51 through lower mirror 56. The pressure of rearwardly emitted light becomes particularly relevant when a dense three-dimensional structure is sought, which places the laser above or near a CMOS circuit as in the flip-chip bonded VCSEL of FIG. 1. This is because the gate terminals that control the flow of CMOS current are more likely to absorb stray photons that are emitted through lower mirror 56, thus causing degradation of CMOS operation. As the flip-chip bonded VCSEL is driven by the CMOS, degradation of CMOS operation will also degrade VCSEL performance.

Flip-chip bonded VCSEL CMOS circuit with silicon monitor detector


Embodiments include controlling a processor to perform operations, the operations comprising accessing a digitized image of a region of tissue (ROT) demonstrating cancerous pathology; extracting a set of radiomic features from the digitized image, where the set of radiomic features are positively correlated with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression; providing the set of radiomic features to a machine learning classifier; receiving, from the machine learning classifier, a probability that the region of tissue will experience cancer recurrence, where the machine learning classifier computes the probability based, at least in part, on the set of radiomic features; generating a classification of the region of tissue as likely to experience recurrence or non-recurrence based, at least in part, on the probability; and displaying the classification and at least one of the probability, the set of radiomic features, or the digitized image.

Outcomes in patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer (ES-NSCLC) remain poor despite curative intent surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy. ES-NSCLC includes stage 1 and stage 2 NSCLC. With increased use of low dose chest computed tomography (CT) screening for lung cancer, there may be an increase in the number of patients diagnosed with ES-NSCLC. Thus, there is a need for clinically validated biomarkers to predict risk of recurrence.

Predicting recurrence and overall survival using radiomic features correlated with PD-L1 expression in early stage non-small cell lung cancer (ES-NSCLC)


There is disclosed a hand-held labeler which can feed and apply a relatively long label or tape to merchandise or packaging. In one embodiment the feeding of the label web is accomplished by using a feed wheel that is driven both during the feeding stroke of a manual actuator and during its return stroke. The print head is driven toward and away from a platen during each cycle and the advance of the feed wheel is interrupted as the print head nears printing cooperation with the platen and the intervening label. In another embodiment some of the advance of the feed wheel is through a one way clutch.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the art of hand-held labelers.
1. Brief Description of the Prior Art
The following U.S. patents are made of record: U.S. Pat. No. 3,330,207 to DeMan granted Jul. 11, 1967 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,116,747 to Hamisch, Jr. granted Sep. 26, 1978.


A method of fabricating a dielectric film comprising atoms of Si, C, O and H (hereinafter SiCOH) that has improved insulating properties as compared with prior art dielectric films, including prior art SiCOH dielectric films that are not subjected to the inventive deep ultra-violet (DUV) is disclosed. The improved properties include reduced current leakage which is achieved without adversely affecting (increasing) the dielectric constant of the SiCOH dielectric film. In accordance with the present invention, a SiCOH dielectric film exhibiting reduced current leakage and improved reliability is obtained by subjecting an as deposited SiCOH dielectric film to a DUV laser anneal. The DUV laser anneal step of the present invention likely removes the weakly bonded C from the film, thus improving leakage current.

The continuous shrinking in dimensions of electronic devices utilized in ULSI (ultra large scale integration) circuits in recent years has resulted in increasing the resistance of the BEOL metallization as well as increasing the capacitance of the intralayer and interlayer dielectric. This combined effect increases signal delays in ULSI electronic devices. In order to improve the switching performance of future ULSI circuits, low dielectric constant (k) insulators and particularly those with k significantly lower than silicon oxide are needed to reduce the capacitances. Dielectric materials (i.e., dielectrics) that have low k values are commercially available. One such commercially available material, for example, is polytetrafluoroethylene ("PTFE"), which has a dielectric constant of about 2.0. Most commercially available dielectric materials however are not thermally stable when exposed to temperatures above 300° C. Integration of low k dielectrics in present ULSI chips requires a thermal stability of at least 400° C.
The low k materials that have been considered for applications in ULSI devices include polymers containing atoms of Si, C, O and H, such as methylsiloxane, methylsilsesquioxanes, and other organic and inorganic polymers. For instance, a paper (N. Hacker et al. "Properties of new low dielectric constant spin-on silicon oxide based dielectrics" Mat. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. 476 (1997): 25) describes materials that appear to satisfy the thermal stability requirement, even though some of these materials propagate cracks easily when reaching thicknesses needed for integration in an interconnect structure when films are prepared by a spin-on technique. Furthermore, these prior art precursor materials are high cost and prohibitive for use in mass production. Moreover, most of the fabrication steps of very-large-scale-integration ("VLSI") and ULSI chips are carried out by plasma enhanced chemical or physical vapor deposition techniques.
The ability to fabricate a low k material by a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technique using previously installed and available processing equipment will thus simplify its integration in the manufacturing process, reduce manufacturing cost, and create less hazardous waste. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,147,009 and 6,497,963 describe a low dielectric constant material consisting of atoms of Si, C, O and H having a dielectric constant not more than 3.6 and which exhibits very low crack propagation velocities.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,312,793, 6,441,491, 6,541,398 and 6,479,110 B2 describe a multiphase low k dielectric material that consists of a matrix phase composed of atoms of Si, C, O and H and another phase composed mainly of C and H. The dielectric materials disclosed in the foregoing patents have a dielectric constant of not more than 3.2.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,437,443 describes a low k dielectric material that has two or more phases wherein the first phase is formed of a SiCOH material. The low k dielectric material is provided by reacting a first precursor gas containing atoms of Si, C, O, and H and at least a second precursor gas containing mainly atoms of C, H, and optionally F, N and O in a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition chamber.
Despite the numerous disclosures of methods of fabricating low k SiCOH dielectric films, the prior art SiCOH films contain a high content of C atoms (typically about 10–20 atomic % or greater) that increase the leakage currents of the device containing the SiCOH film. The increase in leakage current, in turn, degrades the insulating property of the film and therefore adversely effects the films reliability. Thus, there is a need for providing SiCOH films that have improved leakage current using a method that does not effect the dielectric constant and/or the reliability of the SiCOH film.

DUV laser annealing and stabilization of SiCOH films

International Business Machines Corporation


A connector assembly for connecting an upper circuit board to a lower circuit board is disclosed. The upper circuit board includes a series of fastener holes for a fastening device allowing attachment to the lower circuit board. The connector assembly has a support bracket with access holes aligned with the holes of the upper circuit board. The support bracket is configurable to be positioned over the upper circuit board. The connector assembly has a moveable cover bracket having a series of access holes. The cover bracket is suspended between the support bracket and the cover bracket. The cover bracket is moveable between an open position aligning the access holes with the access holes of the support bracket, and a closed position. In the closed position, the cover bracket blocks access between the access holes of the support bracket and the holes of the upper circuit board.

Computer servers are computer devices generally designed for certain specialized functions. Servers generally include common components such as processors, memory, a cooling system, and a power system. Generally, servers have a chassis that has walls of a certain height that may be standardized for insertion of the chassis in racks in a data center. The chassis generally holds a motherboard with the basic components such as the processors, dual in-line memories (DIMMs), storage devices, fans, and power supplies. Servers can be specially designed to enhance performance of certain functions. For example, an application server may have relatively more processors for processing applications, or a storage server may have more storage devices for more storage capability. However, it is often desirable to expand the functions of the server though additional components, such as network interface cards, memories, or processors.
Modern servers are designed to allow a user the flexibility of adding or enhancing functions in a computer system through adding circuit boards with additional hardware for enhanced functionality. The additional circuit boards that may be inserted in the server chassis over an existing circuit board, and include functional components that may be electrically connected to the other server components through the existing circuit board. A server chassis generally has a horizontally oriented motherboard at the bottom of the chassis. Additional circuit boards can be inserted on connectors extending from the motherboard.
For example, an upper expansion circuit board may be placed on a lower circuit board that may be a motherboard for a server. The lower circuit board may include a number of rectangular shaped board-to-board connectors. Each of the board-to-board connectors may be electrically connected to corresponding connectors on the bottom side of the upper circuit board. A series of spacers extend from each corner of the board-to-board connectors. The spacers help support the upper circuit board. Each spacer is a cylinder that has a hole to receive a fastening mechanism such as a screw. Thus, where there are four board-to-board connectors, there are sixteen total spacers; thereby requiring sixteen screws to attach the upper circuit board with the lower circuit board.
Assembly of the upper circuit board to the lower circuit board is accomplished by lowering the upper circuit board so the connectors mate with the board-to-board connectors on the lower circuit board. Once the board-to-board connectors of the lower circuit board are mated with the connectors on the bottom of the upper circuit board, a locking mechanism may be engaged to insure electrical connection. A lever or other mechanism may be used to join various connection mechanisms such as pins and slots. The last step is to insert screws to fix the upper circuit board to each of the spacers of the lower circuit board. Thus, in the case of four board-to-board connectors, each with four spacers, sixteen screws are required.
However, when disassembling the circuit boards, it is difficult to ensure a user removes all sixteen of the screws before activating the unlocking mechanism to disassemble the upper circuit board from the lower circuit board. Users often do not know which screws should be installed or disassembled when assembling or disassembling a complicated pattern of screws on the upper circuit board. A user may reference a manual or review descriptions in a standard operation procedure (SOP) file for the circuit boards, but consulting such references increases the time for the disassembly operation. Mistakes in removing the wrong screw may potentially damage the structure due to improper operation. Alternatively, if a user fails to remove one of the screws, the upper circuit board may be damaged when the user attempts to pull it away from the lower circuit board.
Thus, there is a need for a quick connection mechanism to disconnect two stacked circuit boards that ensures all screws are removed. There is another need for a mechanical device in a connection assembly that prevents the use of lever locking mechanism until all the screws have been removed. There is another need for a connection mechanism that indicates whether the disassembly of a circuit board from another circuit board can proceed.


Treatment compositions and a method are provided for the removal of a plurality of heavy metals and radioactive isotopes from wastewater. The treatment compositions comprise an alkali; adsorbents, such as montmorillonite and illite clays; catalysts, such as polyelectrolytes and sodium carbonate; one or more flocculants, such as a metal salt and calcium hydroxide; zirconium as a chelating and complexing agent; and boron as a neutron absorbent. The selected composition is introduced into and mixed with the wastewater, which is then filtered to produce a sludge containing the contaminants.

This invention relates to wastewater treatment and, particularly, to the removal of a plurality of heavy metals and radioactive isotopes from wastewater to produce a sludge containing the contaminants. Many industries produce wastewaters containing heavy metals and/or radioactive material. Environmental laws regulate the discharge of wastewater containing heavy metals and/or radioactive isotopes. Wastewater containing heavy metals are generated by a wide variety of industries, such as metal finishing, automobile manufacturing, electronics manufacturing, textile industry and others. Wastewaters containing radioactive isotopes are generated by the mining of ore, refining of ore, milling, wash-downs, fuel preparation, cooling waters, as well as hospitals and research facilities. A combination of heavy metals and radioactive material is often present in run-off ponds at mining areas.
The problem is the considerable volume of wastewater containing heavy metals and/or radioactive material throughout the world and the lack of effective and economical treatment and, more particularly, the removal of heavy metals and the removal of radioactive isotopes from the wastewater, separately or in combination.
The present invention obviates these inherent problems by providing an effective wastewater treatment method capable of removing a plurality of diverse heavy metals and radioactive isotopes from wastewater and fixing or adsorbing same onto a usually stable sludge, thus rendering the water free of heavy metals and radioactive material. These waters can then be safely discharged or, in many cases, recycled, which results in additional savings to industry and in the protection of natural resources, the public health and the environment.

Compositions to remove heavy metals and radioactive isotopes from wastewater


A support mask apparatus secured to a head of a user and a supporting structure to enhance sleep quality by supporting the head in a stationary and neutral position is provided. The support mask includes an opaque protective member placed over eyes of the user, an elastic strap with a first end coupled to a left edge of the protective member and a second end coupled to a right edge of the protective member, the elastic strap able to be secured around the head of the user, a flexible cord with a first end coupled to the left edge of the protective member and a second end coupled to the right edge of the protective member, and an adjustment mechanism operably connected to the flexible cord. The adjustment mechanism enables the user to securely fasten the flexible cord around the supporting structure.

The embodiments herein relate generally to eye masks or sleep masks used by individuals to enhance sleep quality.
Individuals often wear sleep masks over their eyes to improve sleep quality in bright light locations. One common problem faced by these individuals is the diminished sleep quality experienced when traveling on moving vehicles such as airplanes, automobiles, trains, or the like. Motion of these vehicles causes the individual's head to sway side to side, up and down. This prevents the individual from falling asleep and/or negatively affects sleep quality. This motion causes the individual's head to deviate from a neutrally aligned position, thereby causing the individual to suffer neck pain and/or injuries.
Several head restraint masks exist to secure a user's head to a seat such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,607,245 and 8,239,987, and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2014/0041091. However, these head restraint masks are difficult and/or awkward to use because they comprise bulky components or are not easily adjusted. Further, due to the bulky design, individuals may be unwilling to use these masks on a public vehicle due to the fear of being embarrassed.
As such, there is a need in the industry for a travel support sleep mask apparatus that effectively secures the user's head in a stationary position and addresses the limitations of the prior art.

Travel sleep mask apparatus to support the head of a user


A system and method is disclosed for providing a dry-wet-dry etch procedure to create a sidewall profile of a via in a semiconductor device. A first vertical anisotropic dry etch process is applied to etch through a first portion of a dielectric layer. An isotropic wet etch process is then applied to etch a sloping surface in the sidewalls of the via cavity. A second vertical anisotropic dry etch process is then applied to extend the sloping sidewalls of the via cavity down to a substrate of the semiconductor device. The smooth sloping surfaces of the sidewalls are formed without a prior art concave surface of the type that interferes with a via fill process.

When a semiconductor circuit is manufactured it is necessary to form a plurality of via cavities between individual layers of the semiconductor circuit in order to provide conduits for electrical communication between metal layers of the semiconductor circuit. In order to facilitate the efficient filling of the via cavities with metal fill material (e.g., aluminum) the sidewalls of the via cavities should have an appropriately shaped profile. That is, the shape of a via cavity should not interfere with a subsequent via fill process.
Prior art methods of forming a via cavity, however, often leave one or more sharp edges in the sidewall profile of the via cavity. Other prior art methods of forming a via cavity create via cavity sidewalls that have a concave profile. The presence of sharp edges or the presence of a concave profile in a via cavity sidewall tends to catch portions of the fill material and cause the fill process of via cavity to be incomplete. That is, voids in the fill material may be caused by the sharp edges in the sidewalls of the via cavity. Voids in the fill material may also be caused by the presence of a concave profile in the sidewalls of the via cavity.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a system and method that is capable of providing a via cavity in a semiconductor circuit that has an optimally shaped sidewall profile. There is also a need in the art for a system and method that is capable of providing a via cavity having a sidewall profile that facilitates a subsequent via fill process.

System and method for providing a dry-wet-dry etch procedure to create a sidewall profile of a via


In a windshield unit for a saddle-ride type vehicle provided at the front center of a vehicle body with an air duct for directing the air flow from the front of the vehicle toward the upside, a screen is provided at the front center of a vehicle body with an air duct adapted to lead the air flow from the front of the vehicle toward the upside, a straight portion of the air duct rising in front of an occupant so that a left-right width of a rear wall rearwardly of the straight portion may be narrower than the left-right width of a front wall forward of the straight portion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a windshield unit for a saddle-ride type vehicle.
2. Description of Background Art
A windshield unit (screen) is known for a saddle-ride type vehicle that is provided at the front center of a vehicle body with an air duct adapted to allow an air introduction port opening forward of the vehicle to communicated with an air blowout port opening upward of the vehicle. See, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-36062.
This windshield unit directs the air flow from the front of the vehicle toward the upside through the air duct to suppress the height of a windshield and further to enhance a windshield effect, compared with a general windshield unit not having the air duct.
However, the windshield unit described above increases the thickness corresponding to that of the air duct. In particular, there is a possibility that left and right lateral walls of a portion rising in front of an occupant are likely to come into sight through the windshield. It is desired to improve such a point.

Windshield unit for saddle-ride type vehicle