A method and system for determining a diameter of a silicon single crystal being pulled from a silicon melt contained in a heated crucible. The melt has a surface with a meniscus visible as a bright area adjacent the pulled crystal. A camera generates an image of the interior of the crucible including a portion of the bright area adjacent the crystal. Image processing circuitry defines a central window region of the image having an elliptical shape at a position corresponding to an approximate center of the crystal and processes the image as a function of its pixel values to detect edges within the central window region. The image processing circuitry further groups the detected edges to define an object in the image corresponding to the crystal, determines a dimension of the defined object and determines an approximate diameter of the crystal as a function of the determined dimension of the defined object.

This invention relates generally to improvements in controlling the Czochralski process for growing silicon crystals and, particularly, to a vision system and method for measuring parameters of the silicon crystals and the silicon crystal growth process for use in controlling the growth process based on the measured parameters.
Most processes for fabricating semiconductor electronic components use monocrystalline, or single crystal, silicon as a starting material. Crystal pulling machines employing the Czochralski process produce the majority of single crystal silicon. Briefly described, the Czochralski process involves melting a charge of high-purity polycrystalline silicon, or polysilicon, in a quartz crucible which is located in a specifically designed furnace. After the silicon in the crucible is melted, a crystal lifting mechanism lowers a seed crystal into contact with the molten silicon. When the seed begins to melt, the mechanism pulls a growing crystal from the silicon melt by slowly withdrawing the seed from the melt.
After formation of a crystal neck, the process enlarges the diameter of the growing crystal by decreasing the pulling rate and/or the melt temperature until a desired diameter is reached. By controlling the pull rate and the melt temperature while compensating for the decreasing melt level, the main body of the crystal is grown so that it has an approximately constant diameter (i.e., it is generally cylindrical). Near the end of the growth process but before the crucible is emptied of molten silicon, the process gradually reduces the crystal diameter to form an end cone. Typically, the end cone is formed by increasing the crystal pull rate and heat supplied to the crucible. When the diameter becomes small enough, the crystal is then separated from the melt. During the growth process, the crucible rotates the melt in one direction and the crystal lifting mechanism rotates its pulling cable or shaft, the seed and the crystal in an opposite direction.
Although the conventional Czochralski growth process has been satisfactory for growing single crystal silicon useful in a wide variety of applications, further improvements in the quality of the semiconductor material are desirable. For example, the Czochralski process is controlled in part as a function of the diameter of the crystal being grown. Thus, an accurate and reliable system for measuring crystal diameter during the different phases of crystal growth is needed to ensure crystal quality.
Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,665,159 and 5,653,799, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, describe a system and method, respectively, for accurately and reliably measuring crystal diameter for use in controlling the growth process of single crystal silicon. Advantageously, the system and method of these patents accurately determine the growing crystal's diameter by processing images of the crystal-melt interface generated by a camera.
Further improvements, however, are still desired. For example, the detection of false targets compromises the ability to measure the crystal diameter. Improvement is also desired to compensate for the different possible camera locations. Likewise, a redundant system is desired to reduce the possibility of a loss of diameter sensing.
In addition, hot zone apparatus is often disposed within the crucible for thermal and/or gas flow management purposes. For example, a heat shield is sometimes used to form a partial thermal cavity in the crucible for conserving heat lost from the free melt surface at the liquid-gas-solid interface. Unfortunately, hot zone apparatus can interfere with accurate and reliable diameter measurements by obscuring the camera's view of the growing crystal.
For these reasons, an improved system and method for the measurement and control of crystal diameter in the Czochralski process is desired.

Method for controlling growth of a silicon crystal


An ink jet recording ink including a pigment; water; and water-soluble compounds. The pigment comprises a resin-dispersed pigment dispersed with a (meth)acrylate-based random copolymer having an acid value of 100-160 mgKOH/g. The water-soluble compounds include at least ethylene urea and a water-soluble compound having a hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity coefficient defined by the following equation (A) of 0.37 or less The total content of the water-soluble compounds is 22-50 mass % with respect to the total amount of the ink The content of the ethylene urea is 11.0 mass % or more with respect to the total amount of the ink, and the proportion of the amount of the ethylene urea in the total amount of the water-soluble compounds is 50% by mass or less,Hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity coefficient=((water activity value of 20% aqueous solution)−(molar fraction of water in 20% aqueous solution))/(1−(molar fraction of water in 20% aqueous solution))  Equation (A).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an ink jet recording ink, and to an ink jet recording method, an ink jet recording head, and an ink jet recording apparatus using the ink jet recording ink. In particular, the present invention relates to a technology suitable for ink jet recording of a thermal system, and among others, a technology effective when applied to a line type recording head.
2. Description of the Related Art
Ink jet recording apparatus have advantages in their low noise, low running cost, easiness of downsizing, easiness of small-lot full-color printing, and the like, and are currently widely applied not only to a printer but also to a copying machine, a printing machine, and the like. The ink jet recording apparatus are widely used for home use, for business use, and for industrial use.
As a recording system for the ink jet recording apparatus, a thermal system and a piezoelectric system are known. Among others, the thermal system, in which ink is ejected by generating an air bubble in ink in a nozzle through heating, has advantages in a relatively simple head structure, high printing speed, high density of print pixels, and the like. Further, a structure of an ink jet recording head (also referred to as a recording head or simply referred to as a head) has also been progressed. In addition to a related-art serial system, in which printing is carried out by horizontally reciprocating the head while a sheet is fed, a line system is becoming adopted, in which a long head corresponding to a width of a sheet is used and printing is carried out under a state in which only the sheet is fed without moving the head. In the line system, a sheet is fed under a fixed long head so that printing can be carried out in a stroke. Thus, the line system is suitable for high-speed printing and is becoming adopted in the fields of large-format printing and printers for industrial use, in which high image quality and high-speed printing are required.
In the ink jet recording method of the thermal system, water evaporates from the ink in the nozzle when heated to increase the viscosity of the ink, which may cause nozzle clogging and sticking of the ink to the head. Thus, there is a problem in that an image defect is liable to be caused due to ejection failure of the ink, dot misalignment, or the like. On the other hand, in the above-mentioned serial system, the inside of the nozzle is always kept in a fresh state by operation of ejecting, toward a cap, ink in the nozzle that is thickened by evaporation (preparatory ejection) every time a scan ends. However, in the case of the line system, the head is fixed, and thus, recovery operation such as the preparatory ejection that is carried out in the serial system cannot be carried out. When nozzle clogging or ink sticking is caused in a head of the line system, it is necessary to stop the printing and recover the state of the head so that ink is normally ejected from a nozzle array. In the case of the head of the line system, when the recovery operation of the head is frequently carried out, the printing needs to be stopped every time the recovery operation is carried out, which reduces productivity. Further, when the ink firmly sticks, even a head of the serial system cannot easily recover by cleaning operation such as preparatory ejection, and thus, it is demanded that a head to which ink sticks be able to recover a normal condition by simple cleaning operation.
In view of the circumstances described above, particularly in ink jet recording using a head of the line system (hereinafter also referred to as a line type head), in order to stably print a satisfactory image without an image defect such as ejection failure or dot misalignment, and without reduction in productivity, ink jet recording ink to be used is required not to cause the image defect due to nozzle clogging even when the ink is exposed to the air.
On the other hand, as a method of inhibiting the nozzle clogging with the ink jet recording ink, use of ink containing no water, such as oil-based ink or solid ink, is conceived. However, from the viewpoint of safety, influence on the environment, and energy saving, aqueous ink is more demanded. Therefore, in the aqueous ink jet recording ink, to inhibit the nozzle clogging, various kinds of proposals have been made thus far as described below.
As the aqueous ink jet recording ink that suppresses clogging of an ejection orifice of a nozzle, for example, an ink characterized by containing ethylene urea and a self-dispersed pigment having a phosphonate group with a modified surface as a functional group has been proposed (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-31350). Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-31350 describes that the ink jet recording ink having the above-mentioned structure achieves both of the reliability that retention of the ink in a cap for covering the recording head is inhibited and thus the sticking recovery property of the ink in the recording head is excellent and the image characteristic that an image excellent in image density and bleeding resistance can be recorded.
Further, as an aqueous ink jet recording ink that suppresses clogging of an ejection orifice, a recording liquid (ink) characterized by having a water activity (Aw) of 0.70 to 0.90 has been proposed (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. S61-157566). Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. S61-157566 describes that, in the above-mentioned structure, a solid content is less liable to be precipitated out of the ink and the ink is less liable to change the physical properties thereof during storage of the ink, and that nozzle clogging is less liable to occur.
Further, an aqueous ink jet recording ink has been proposed, which contains a water-soluble compound exhibiting a hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity coefficient of 0.26 or more as determined by the water activity value thereof, and has defined therein the total amount of an anionic functional group of a self-dispersed pigment and an amount of cesium ions contained in the ink (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-195826). Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-195826 describes that, in the above-mentioned structure, while the ink is promptly permeated in plain paper, an obtained image has a high optical density, and further, nozzle clogging is inhibited.
However, detailed studies conducted by the inventors of the present invention have revealed that, in the technologies described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2012-31350, S61-157566, and 2011-195826, particularly when the line type head carries out printing at high speed in the ink jet recording of the thermal system, evaporation of ink in the vicinity of the nozzle may proceed excessively to cause nozzle clogging with ink. As described above, when an image defect such as ink ejection failure or dot misalignment is caused due to clogging with ink, in the line type head, it is necessary to stop the printing and recover the state of the head so that ink is normally ejected from a nozzle array, and thus, inhibition of clogging with ink is particularly an important subject. Further, demand for higher image quality in ink jet recording in recent years reduces the size of an ink droplet to be ejected so that the opening area of a nozzle tends to be reduced. In terms of this point as well, inhibition of nozzle clogging is an important subject to be addressed. Still further, there has been a demand to develop ink with excellent resolubility and sticking recovery property, which can inhibit sticking thereof to a head and, even when sticking thereof to the head is caused, allows the head to promptly recover a normal condition by simple recovery operation irrespective of the structure of the head.
The above-mentioned problem of clogging with ink is more significant when pigment ink using a pigment as a coloring material is used compared with a case of ink using a dye as a coloring material. Particularly when a resin-dispersed pigment in which a pigment is dispersed in aqueous ink by a polymeric dispersant is used as a coloring material, clogging with ink tends to occur. Particularly in the ink jet recording ink of the thermal system, a block copolymer including a hydrophobic block and a hydrophilic block is hitherto used as a polymeric dispersant for dispersing a pigment, and by using such a block copolymer for dispersing a pigment, ink ejection stability and storage stability are attained. On the other hand, along with development of such ink for industrial use, mainly from the viewpoint of cost efficiency, studies on a polymeric dispersant to be used for dispersing a pigment have been conducted and a random copolymer is becoming available instead of a block copolymer, which is difficult to design and synthesize. However, inhibition of clogging with ink in the case where an ink in which a resin-dispersed pigment using a random copolymer as a polymeric dispersant is used as a coloring material is used in the ink jet recording of the thermal system, in particular, in the case of producing a record with the line type head, has not been fully studied partly because such ink has not been used. The inventors of the present invention have reached an acknowledgement that development of ink jet recording ink capable of stably and effectively inhibiting clogging therewith particularly in the above-mentioned case is urgently required.

Ink jet recording ink, ink jet recording method, ink jet recording head, and ink jet recording apparatus


Mean shift is a nonparametric estimator of density which has been applied to image and video segmentation. Traditional mean shift based segmentation uses a radially symmetric kernel to estimate local density, which is not optimal in view of the often structured nature of image and more particularly video data. The system and method of the invention employs an anisotropic kernel mean shift in which the shape, scale, and orientation of the kernels adapt to the local structure of the image or video. The anisotropic kernel is decomposed to provide handles for modifying the segmentation based on simple heuristics. Experimental results show that the anisotropic kernel mean shift outperforms the original mean shift on image and video segmentation in the following aspects: 1) it gets better results on general images and video in a smoothness sense; 2) the segmented results are more consistent with human visual saliency; and 3) the system and method is robust to initial parameters.

1. Technical Field
The invention is related to a system and method for segmenting image and video data. More particularly, this invention is related to a system and method for segmenting image and video data using an anisotropic kernel mean shift technique.
2. Related Art
Image segmentation refers to identifying homogenous regions in an image, while video segmentation refers to the joint spatial and temporal analysis on video sequences to extract regions in the dynamic scenes. Both of these tasks are misleadingly difficult and have been extensively studied for several decades. Generally, spatio-temporal video segmentation can be viewed as an extension of image segmentation from a 2D to a 3D lattice. Recently, mean shift based image and video segmentation has gained considerable attention due to its promising performance.
Many other data clustering methods have been described in the literature, ranging from top down methods such as K-D trees, to bottom up methods such as K-means and more general statistical methods such as mixtures of Gaussians. In general, these methods have not performed satisfactorily for segmenting image data due to their reliance on an a priori parametric structure of the data segment, and/or estimates of the number of segments expected. The appeal of image and video segmentation using mean shift is derived from both its performance and its relative freedom from specifying an expected number of segments. This freedom has come at the cost of having to specify the size (bandwidth) and shape of an influence kernel for each pixel in advance.
The difficulty in selecting the kernel for mean shift segmentation was recognized in [3,4] and was addressed by automatically determining a bandwidth for spherical kernels.
Rather than begin from an initial guess at the segmentation, such as seeding points as in K-means, mean shift begins at each data point (or pixel in an image or video) and first estimates the local density of similar pixels (i.e., the density of nearby pixels with similar color). Carefully defining "nearby" and "similar" can have an important impact on the results. This is the role the kernel plays. More specifically, mean shift algorithms estimate the local density gradient of similar pixels. These gradient estimates are used within an iterative procedure to find the peaks in the local density. All pixels that are drawn upwards to the same peak are then considered to be members of the same segment.
As a general nonparametric density estimator, mean shift is an old pattern recognition procedure proposed by Fukunage and Hostetler [7], and its efficacy on low-level vision tasks such as segmentation and tracking has been extensively exploited recently. In [1,5], it was applied for continuity preserving filtering and image segmentation. Its properties were reviewed and its convergence on lattices was proven. In [2], it was used for non-rigid objects tracking and a sufficient convergence condition was given. Applying mean shift on a 3D lattice to obtain a spatio-temporal segmentation of video was achieved in [6], in which a hierarchical strategy was employed to cluster pixels of 3D space-time video stack, which were mapped to 7D feature points (position(2), time(1), color(3), and motion(1)).
The application of mean shift to an image or video consists of two stages. The first stage is to define a kernel of influence for each pixel xi. This kernel defines a measure of intuitive distance between pixels, where distance encompasses both spatial (and temporal in the case of video) as well as color distance. All the approaches described above used a simple static radially symmetric kernel for the mean shift procedure.
The second stage first assigns to each pixel a mean shift point, M(xi), initialized to coincide with the pixel. These mean shift points are then iteratively moved upwards along the gradient of the density function defined by the sum of all the kernels until they reach a stationary point (a mode or hilltop on the virtual terrain defined by the kernels). The pixels associated with the set of mean shift points that migrate to the (approximately) same stationary point are considered to be members of a single segment. Neighboring segments may then be combined in a post process.
Mathematically, the general multivariate kernel density estimate at the point, x, is defined by
                                          f            ^                                          (            x            )                          =                              1            n                                                        ∑                              i                =                1                            n                                                                                K                H                                                          (                                  x                  -                                      x                    i                                                  )                                                                        (        1        )            where the n data points xi represent a sample from some unknown density f, or in the case of images or video, the pixels themselves.KH(x)=|H|−1/2K(H−1/2x)  (2)where K(z) is the d-variate kernel function with compact support satisfying the regularity constraints as described in [13], and H is a symmetric positive definite d×d bandwidth matrix. For the radially symmetric kernel, one hasK(z)=ck(∥z∥2)  (3)where c is the normalization constant. A common practice when applying a mean shift procedure on an image or video lattice is to assume a global spherical bandwidth, H=h2I. In this way the kernel density estimator becomes
                                          f            ^                                          (            x            )                          =                              1                                          n                                                  (                  h                  )                                            d                                                                    ∑                              i                =                1                            n                                                                                K                                            (                                                      x                    -                                          x                      i                                                        h                                )                                                                        (        4        )
For image and video segmentation, the feature space is composed of two independent domains: the spatial/lattice domain and the range/color domain. One maps a pixel to a multi-dimensional feature point which includes the p dimensional spatial lattice (p=2 for image and p=3 for video) and q dimensional color (q=3 for L*u*v color space). Due to the different natures of the domains, the kernel is usually broken into the product of two different radially symmetric kernels (superscript s will refer to the spatial domain, and r to the color range):
                                          K                                          h                s                            ,                              h                r                                                                    (            x            )                          =                              c                                                            (                                      h                    s                                    )                                p                                                                            (                                      h                    r                                    )                                q                                                                                k              s                                                  (                                                                                                                                                        x                        s                                                                    h                        s                                                                                                                                  2                            )                                                                    k              ′                                                  (                                                                                                                                                        x                        r                                                                    h                        r                                                                                                                                  2                            )                                                          (        5        )            where xs and xr are respectively the spatial and range parts of a feature vector; ks and kr are the profiles used in the two domains; hs and hr are employed bandwidths in two domains; and c is the normalization constant. With the kernel from (5), the kernel density estimator is
                                          f            ^                                          (            x            )                          =                              c                                                            n                                                        (                                          h                      s                                        )                                                  p                                                                            (                                      h                    r                                    )                                q                                                                                ∑                              i                =                1                            n                                                                                k                  s                                                                  (                                                                                                                                                                                          x                              s                                                        -                                                          x                              i                              s                                                                                h                            s                                                                                                                                                              2                                    )                                                                                k                  r                                                                  (                                                                                                                                                                                          x                              r                                                        -                                                          x                              i                              r                                                                                h                            r                                                                                                                                                              2                                    )                                                                                (        6        )            As apparent in Eqns. 5 and 6, there are two main parameters that have to be defined by the user for the static radially symmetric kernel based approach: the spatial bandwidth hs and the range bandwidth hr. Although manual bandwidth selection can produce satisfactory results on general image segmentation, it has a significant limitation: the algorithm is sensitive to the initial bandwidths. When local characteristics of the feature space differ significantly across the data, it is difficult to select globally optimal bandwidths. As a result, in the segmented image some objects may appear too coarse while others are too fine. Two efforts still using radially symmetric kernels have been reported to address this problem. Singh and Ahuja [12] first determine local bandwidths using Parzen windows to estimate local density. Another variable bandwidth mean shift procedure was proposed in [3], in which the estimator (6) is changed to
                                          f            ^                                          (            x            )                          =                              1            n                                                        ∑                              i                =                1                            n                                                                  c                                                                            (                                              h                        i                        s                                            )                                        p                                                                                (                                              h                        i                        r                                            )                                        q                                                                                k                  s                                                                  (                                                                                                                                                                                          x                              s                                                        -                                                          x                              i                              s                                                                                h                            i                            s                                                                                                                                                              2                                    )                                                                                k                  r                                                                  (                                                                                                                                                                                          x                              r                                                        -                                                          x                              i                              r                                                                                h                            i                            r                                                                                                                                                              2                                    )                                                                                (        7        )            There are now important differences between (6) and (7). First, potentially different bandwidths his and hir are assigned to each pixel, xi, as indicated by the subscript i. Equations [3] and [4] offer a data driven way to select a different set of bandwidth parameters to obtain an optimal tradeoff between bias and variance when estimating {acute over (f)}. Second, the different bandwidths associated with each point appear within the summation. This is the so-called sample point estimator [3], as opposed to the balloon estimator defined in Equation (6). The sample point estimator ensures that all pixels respond to the same global density estimation during the segmentation procedure. Note that the sample point and balloon estimators are the same in the case of a single globally applied bandwidth. Advantages of the variable bandwidth over the fixed bandwidth mean shift were demonstrated on synthetic 1D mixtures of Gaussians in which some Gaussians were more heavily sampled than others [3]. In particular, larger bandwidths are selected in sparse regions to overcome the effects of noise. The differences on general images was discussed briefly and video applications were left for future work.
During the iterative stage of the mean shift procedure, the mean shift points associated with each pixel climb to the hilltops of the density function. At each iteration, each mean shift point is attracted in varying amounts by the sample point kernels centered at nearby pixels. More intuitively, a kernel represents a measure of the likelihood that other points are part of the same segment as the point under the kernel's center. With no a priori knowledge of the image or video, actual distance (in space, time, and color) seems an obvious (inverse) correlate for this likelihood; the closer two pixels are to one another the more likely they are to be in the same segment.
Although the previous mean shift segmentation techniques are very advantageous, there are some disadvantages of using the mean shift segmentation techniques which employ a radially symmetric kernel. Radially symmetric kernels do not adapt well to non-compact (i.e., long skinny) local features. Such features are even prevalent in video data from stationary or from slowly or linearly moving cameras. When considering video data, a spatio-temporal slice (parallel to the temporal axis) is as representative of the underlying data as any single frame (orthogonal to the temporal axis). Such a slice of video data exhibits stripes with a slope relative to the speed at which objects move across the visual field. In particular, a still background will show as vertical stripes in a spatio-temporal slice. The problems in the use of radially symmetric kernels is particularly apparent in these spatio-temporal slice segmentations. The irregular boundaries between and across the stripe-like features cause a lack of temporal coherence in the video segmentation.
Therefore, what is needed is a system and method for segmenting image and video data that accurately segments non-compact objects.
It is noted that in the remainder of this specification, as well as in the paragraphs above, the description refers to various individual publications identified by a numeric designator contained within a pair of brackets. For example, such a reference may be identified by reciting, "reference [1]" or simply "[1]". A listing of the publications corresponding to each designator can be found at the end of the Detailed Description section.

System and method for image and video segmentation by anisotropic kernel mean shift


An electromechanical tool including a casing, a shaft driving a tip in rotation and a rotary transformer. The rotating shaft integrates an electronic circuit configured to measure a physical parameter of the shaft, and the rotary transformer includes a stator fixedly attached to the casing and a rotor affixed to the rotating shaft. The stator integrates a first coil and a first support of this first coil, and the rotor integrates a second coil and a second support of this second coil. The supports are made out of plasto-ferrite material.

There are many electromechanical tools used in industry, in automobile production assembly lines for example. These tools are for example: screwdrivers, impact wrenches or impulse wrenches, drills, torque measurement devices and generally any tool provided with a shaft driven in rotation and extended at one extremity with a terminal element, a screwdriver tip for example. This type of tool is subjected to severe conditions of use: high productivity demands, impacts caused by handling with little precaution, docking with poor shock absorption in the context of automatic machines or again vibrations proper to discontinuous tightening screwdrivers.
These tools can have a torque-measurement means applied to the rotating output shaft. It turns out that the measurement of the torque in these electromechanical tools gives better results if it is applied as closely as possible to the terminal element and therefore to the output shaft of the screwdriver. Torque sensors known as dynamic torque sensors have been developed for this purpose.
In this type of structure, the strain gauges are bonded to the rotating shaft in the form of a Wheatstone bridge and it is not possible to power them and recover their signal with simple wires forming an electrical junction between the rotating shaft and the electronic board of the tool. To respond to this difficulty, solutions using a rotary transformer have been developed to set up the electrical connection between the tool casing and the shaft. A rotary transformer offers high lasting quality, which is not the case with an electrical collector, the brushes of which are subjected to wear and tear. The screwdrivers generally integrate a measurement of torque on the shaft.
A rotary tool using mechanical contactless inductive means to ensure the power supply and communications with the torque measurement means embedded in the shaft comprises especially the following elements:                a casing forming the external envelope of the tools,        a main electronic board supporting the screwdriver control means,        interface elements providing for the mechanical support of the screwdriver when it is in operation and enabling its activation and the display of its status,        motor means which possibly integrate a synchronous electrical motor with a permanent magnet rotationally driving an output shaft,        torque measurement means integrating:                    an electronic board embedded in the output shaft,            a strain gauge bridge bonded to the output shaft                        a rotary transformer comprising a stator fixed relative to the casing and a rotor fixed relative to the shaft and situated so as to be facing the stator, the stator being connected to the main electronic board and the rotor being connected to the embedded board.
The transformer provides for power supply by induction for the board embedded on the rotating shaft. This rotary transformer typically comprises two rings, one for the stator and the other for the rotor, these rings being made out of ferrite. The ferrite powders are composed of iron oxide (with manganese, nickel). The magnetic properties of the ferrite powders are obtained by heat processing. This mode of obtaining is similar to that of the manufacture of ferrite where the ferrite powder provided with its binder is compacted before passage through an oven.
The function of the embedded electronic board is to recover a supply voltage coming from the rotor and transmit it to the gauges after rectification and then to recover the output voltage from the gauges, condition this voltage and transmit it to the rotor. A main electronic board is carried by the casing and works in a complementary manner with the board embedded on the output shaft.
The patent EP0712105 "Electrical power and signal transmission system", filed on Nov. 14, 1994 describes such a solution. This type of structure uses a rotary transformer, the rings of which are made of ferrite to provide for proper circulation of the magnetic field. These components are formed by two coils disposed on a support capable of channeling the magnetic flux. The support is made of ferrite and implemented by sintering. This material gives special performance features to the rotary transformer characterized by its magnetic permeability. The surfaces of the rings facing each other are sized to enable the transmission of the magnetic flux from one ring to the other through the air gap.
Other documents of the prior art partly or totally describe this type of device, and are cited here below by way of technological background documents:                the document DE 1920890 filed on Apr. 3, 1980 illustrates an example of a rotary transformer;        the document EP0159825 filed on Jun. 15, 1984 illustrates a torque sensor using rotary transformers;        the document JPS614676 filed on Mar. 28, 1992 illustrates a pneumatic screwdriver provided with a strain-gauge torque sensor on the output shaft, the power supply of the strain gauges being provided by a first rotary transformer and the recovery of the signal by a second rotary transformer;        the document DE4210201 filed on Mar. 28, 1992 illustrates a pneumatic screwdriver provided with a strain-gauge torque sensor on the output shaft, the power supply and the recovery of the signal from the strain gauges being obtained by a rotary transformer. Signal-processing electronic circuitry is embedded in the rotating shaft to prepare the signal before it is sent to the control means of the tool by the same rotary transformer;        the document DE4307131 filed on Mar. 6, 1993 illustrates a measurement of torque on a screwdriver output shaft, the supply and the recovery of the signal from the strain gauges being done by a rotary transformer;        the document DE19637934 filed on Sep. 1, 1996 illustrates means for measuring torque on the output shaft of an angle screwdriver. A rotary transformer is used to power the strain gauges on the rotating shaft. The signal produced by these strain gauges is sent on to the tool control means by optical means;        the document JP2010184329 filed on Feb. 13, 2009 illustrates a screwdriver using rotary transformers, the geometry of which improves its reliability;        the document WO2007063106 filed on May 1, 2005 illustrates an angle screwdriver comprising means for measuring torque on its output shaft. A rotary transformer is used to power and recover the signal of a strain gauge bridge bonded to the shaft;        the document WO2010144048 filed on Jun. 11, 2009 illustrates a screwdriver comprising means for measuring torque on a rotating shaft. A rotary transformer is used to power and recover the signal of a gauge bridge bonded to the shaft. The ferrite elements are brittle and risk getting split and breaking under impact, for example when the tool is dropped on the ground. Repairing such a tool is a painstaking process because it requires complete dismantling of the rotating shaft.
Making a rotary transformer by sintering ferrite powder dictates a method of sintering specific to each geometry and does not allow the use of a standard machining method.

Portable electrical tool equipped with a rotary transformer provided with coil having plasto-ferrite support


A method of controlling the solid developed mass per unit area and the tone reproduction curve in a printing machine by reading data from a sensor, comparing the data to an acceptable range of data values, where the data is not within the acceptable range of data values, updating a plurality of control actuators, determining whether the discharge ratio is within an acceptable range of discharge ratio values, where the discharge ratio is within the acceptable range of discharge ratio values, applying new control actuators to a power supply in the printing machine, and where the discharge ratio is not within the acceptable range of discharge ratio values, adjusting raster output scanner exposure per an exposure formula.

The present exemplary embodiment relates to tone reproduction curve control in an electrophotographic printing system, and it will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the present exemplary embodiment is also amenable to other like applications.
Electrophotographic copiers, printers and digital imaging systems typically record an electrostatic latent image on an imaging member. The latent image corresponds to the informational areas contained within a document being reproduced. In xerographic systems, a uniform charge is placed on a photoconductive member and portions of the photoconductive member are discharged by a scanning laser or other light source to create the latent image. In ionographic print engines the latent image is written to an insulating member by a beam of charge carriers, such as, for example, electrons. However it is created, the latent image is then developed by bringing a developer, including colorants, such as, for example, toner particles into contact with the latent image. The toner particles carry a charge and are attracted away from a toner supply and toward the latent image by an electrostatic field related to the latent image, thereby forming a toner image on the imaging member. The toner image is subsequently transferred to a physical media, such as a copy sheet. The copy sheet, having the toner image thereon, is then advanced to a fusing station for permanently affixing the toner image to the copy sheet.
In xerographic print engines, a tone reproduction curve (TRC) is important in controlling the image quality of the output. An image input to be copied or printed has a specific tone reproduction curve. The image output terminal outputting a desired image has an intrinsic tone reproduction curve. If the image output terminal is allowed to operate uncontrolled, the tone reproduction curve of the image output by image output terminal will distort the rendition of the image. Thus, an image output terminal must be controlled to match its intrinsic tone reproduction curve to the tone reproduction curve of the input image. An intrinsic tone reproduction curve of an image output terminal may vary due to changes in such uncontrollable variables such as humidity or temperature and the age of the xerographic materials, i.e., the numbers of prints made since the developer, the photoreceptor, etc. were new.
Solid developed mass per unit area (DMA) control is a critical part of TRC control. If the DMA is too low then the images will be too light and customers will be dissatisfied. On the other hand, if the DMA is too high, then other xerographic or image quality problems, such as poor transfer efficiency, fusing defects, or toner scatter on lines, etc., can occur. High DMA will also increase the TCO (Total Cost to Owner). Maintaining a constant DMA or a low variation of DMA has always been a challenge in xerographic process controls design. Low cost reflection sensors, such as black toner area coverage (BTAC) sensors, cannot sense solid DMA due to sensor saturation at high masses. Currently, there are several different kinds of strategies to control DMA.
For example, one strategy has been to use Vdev (development voltage) to control DMA. However, it is hard to control DMA within a small range since it may require a different Vdev to achieve a similar DMA in different environmental zones or with different hardware configurations. Additionally, using measured Ve (image voltage) to calculate Vdev means some toner waste.
Another strategy has been to use a transmission densitometer to measure transmission density (Dt) from the photoreceptor belt in real-time. The Dt is used to infer the DMA. However, the transmission densitometer is about eight to ten times more expensive than that of reflection sensors.
It is obvious that an improved method and system for controlling TRC and DMA by using a low cost reflection sensor, such as a black toner area concentration (BTAC) sensor, in products has significant benefits.

Tone reproduction curve and developed mass per unit area control method and system


A process to inactivate viruses or bacteria by disinfecting whole blood products and blood products, including red blood cells, plasma and plasma fractions is disclosed. The process includes providing a disinfectant composition may also be applied to plasma fractions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to processing and disinfecting human blood products. More particularly, this invention relates to disinfecting whole blood, blood cells, plasma proteins, and plasma so that they may be used safely and effectively for diagnostic, therapeutic or research purposes. 2. Description of the Related Art
Blood products from human and animal donors are widely used for therapeutic, diagnostic and experimental purposes. A persistent problem associated with using blood products from human and animal donors is that these products are subject to contamination by blood-borne viruses and other micro-organisms such as bacteria.
Of particular threat are viruses that appear to cause various forms of hepatitis, including the hepatitis B virus; the non-A, non-B hepatitis virus or viruses. Others of interest are cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus.
Viruses linked with the incurable and often fatal disease known as acquired immune deficiency syndrome or "AIDS" are probably caused by a retrovirus or group of retroviruses previously denominated "HTLV-III" and other HTLV types--and more currently "HIV" "HIV-1" and "HIV-2." The most common cause of AIDS is thought to be HTLV-III, now usually called HIV-1.
Detection and isolation of such cytopathic retroviruses from patients with AIDS, and certain members of groups that are at high risk for AIDS, have been frequently reported. One such report appears in Science 224:500-03 (1984). Such findings are corroborated by P. S. Savin, et al., in an article entitled "Human T-Lymphotrophic Retroviruses in Adult T-cell Leukemia-Lymphoma and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome," J. Clinical Immunol. 4:415-23 (1984). Yet another report is by F. Wong-Staal and R. C. Gallo, "Human T-Lymphotrophic Retroviruses," Nature 317:395-402 (1985).
The threat of hepatitis, AIDS, and bacterial transmission through transfusion and administration of blood products is not limited to blood cells but extends to the administration of plasma and plasma fractions such as Factor VIII concentrates, Factor IX concentrates, gamma globulin, and antithrombin III.
Disinfecting whole blood and blood products, including red blood cells, plasma, and plasma fractions with disinfectants strong enough to significantly inactivate viruses, bacteria and other organisms has generally been discounted because they have been believed to damage cellular blood constituents or inactivate plasma and plasma protein factions. Additionally, the presence of any residual disinfectant in the blood product to be transfused could be hazardous to the recipient of the transfusion.
One disinfectant in use for blood products is beta-propiolactone. Beta-propiolactone, however, is a known carcinogen and hence potentially very dangerous. To the extent that significant residual amounts of this material may remain in the blood product which is actually transfused, the use of propiolactone represents a potential hazard.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,165 relates to using as little as 0.1% formaldehyde and/or phenol to inactivate HTLV-III in blood. However, recently available data and information indicate that red blood cells treated with as little as 0.02% formaldehyde and 0.01% phenol are not viable and not suitable for transfusion.
Applicant's former applications disclose the utility of normal saline and other isotonic solutions of chlorine dioxide for sterilizing certain blood products and tissue products. Quite unexpectedly, chlorine dioxide, a disinfectant strong enough to inactivate blood born viruses and microorganisms, can be utilized to disinfect cellular blood products without destroying the vitality and integrity of the cells.
There is a continuing need to provide systems for disinfecting blood products. In particular, there is a need to disinfect human and animal plasmas fractions so that they can be safely and effectively utilized by a recipient or handled by a user without exposure to harmful viruses and micro-organisms.

Method for disinfecting red blood cells, blood products, and corneas


To provide a cutting tool that includes a coating layer capable of exhibiting optimum cutting performance in each of a cutting edge, rake face, and flank face. A cutting tool (1) includes a substrate (2) that is coated with a coating layer (6) composed of SiaM1-a(C1-xNx), where M represents at least one element selected from Ti, Al, Cr, W, Mo, Ta, Hf, Nb, Zr, and Y, 0.01≦a≦0.4, and 0≦x≦1, and that has a cutting edge (5) at an intersecting ridge line of a rake face (3) and a flank face (4). The Si content ratio in the coating layer (6) on the rake face (3) is higher than that on the cutting edge (5).

Currently, for cutting tools, and members, such as wear-resistant members, and sliding members, requiring high wear resistance, slidability, and fracture resistance, a technique in which a coating layer is formed on the surface of a substrate made of a sintered alloy such as a cemented carbide alloy or a cermet, a sintered body having high hardness such as diamond or cubic boron nitride (cBN), or ceramics such as alumina or silicon nitride has been employed to improve the wear resistance, slidability, or fracture resistance.
Furthermore, coating layers made of nitride mainly composed of Ti and Al and formed using an ion plating method or sputtering method have been actively studied and continuously improved for extending the tool life. In addition to the coating material elements, these surface-coated tools have been variously contrived for corresponding to changes in the cutting environment, such as an increase in cutting speed, and diversification of work materials.
For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose coating films (coating layers) of a surface-coated tool having a surface of a substrate coated by TiAlN or the like by an ion plating method, the coating films having a Ti ratio that is made larger on a cutting edge than on a flat portion by increasing an absolute value of a negative bias applied during layer formation in a later formation stage more than in an initial formation stage.


A computing device can analyze image or video information to determine a relative position of an active user. The computing device can optimize audio or video data capture based at least in part upon the relative location. The device can capture audio using one or more microphones pointing toward the relative location of the active user, and can use other microphones to determine audio from other sources to be removed from the captured audio. If video data is being captured, a video capture element can be adjusted to focus primarily on the active user. The position of the user can be monitored so the audio and video data capture can be adjusted accordingly.

As the variety of available computing devices increases, and as the size of many of these devices decreases, people are increasingly utilizing portable devices such as cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other electronic devices to perform an ever-increasing variety of tasks. Accordingly, there comes a need to adapt the ways in which users interface with these computing devices to perform these tasks. For example, some devices can receive commands to perform an action (e.g., "call home") by voice or audio input, but the accuracy of such input can vary based upon factors such as background noise and the number and strength of sources generating detectable audio, as well as the proximity and locations of those sources relative to the person providing the command. While some devices use a directional microphone to capture audio primarily from a user or specific source, such an approach is not optimal when there are multiple sources of input in different locations, or the source of interest moves over time. Further, while some devices might use a noise canceling algorithm to reduce unwanted ambient sounds, these algorithms do not account for audio or sound from locations around the device that can appear or change at any given time.

Relative position-inclusive device interfaces


This invention concerns a method and apparatus for dispensing minute quantities of fluids and more particularly rapidly dispensing highly precise and repeatable, minute amounts of viscous fluids in a non-contact manner. An impacting element is impacted against a hardened insert on a flexible diaphragm to deflect the insert into a jetting chamber and against an outlet orifice in the jetting chamber. The movement of the diaphragm and insert force viscous fluid in the chamber through the outlet orifice and the impact jets that fluid from the outlet orifice, with the impact force being adjusted to jet the fluid from the orifice in a single drop.

In the semiconductor, electronics and life science industries viscous fluids are frequently dispensed. The demands to miniaturize in these industries require smaller and faster deposition of viscous fluids. Non-contact dispensing, often referred to as jet dispensing, is preferred for many reasons, some of which might be the ability to dispense drops while moving above a surface, the speed of drop formation, and the minute size and precision of the drops produced. Jetting as used herein refers to non-contact dispensing as compared to contact dispensing. Contact dispensing is the process where a fluid drop on the end of a dispensing tip comes into contact with the target substrate while still in contact with the dispensing tip so that the fluid drop "wets" or clings to the substrate and remains on the surface of the substrate as the dispensing tip pulls away. In the case of ink jet technology, inks with a viscosity very near water (<10 millipascal-seconds or mPas) are jetted. In the case of viscous jet technologies, fluids with high viscosities (>50 mPas) can be jetted. Examples of viscous fluids include adhesives, fluxes, oils, lubricants, conformal coatings, paints, slurries, UV inks, proteins, and enzymes.
As known in the industry, to produce a free flying jetted drop, energy must be imparted to the fluid which transfers enough momentum to force fluid through an orifice with the appropriate exit velocity for the fluid to break into a free flying drop. However, due to the different rheology of each fluid, the momentum transfer required and the resulting exit velocity to produce high-quality drops can be different. A high-quality drop of fluid as defined here is a drop that breaks-off cleanly (without satellite droplets separated from the main drop and without leaving behind residue that affects the succeeding drop volume or directionality) from the exit orifice and travels to the surface resulting in a single deposit of fluid on the surface. Given a specific amount of momentum transfer, one fluid can generate high-quality drops but a different fluid can generate poor quality drops, drops that accumulate on the nozzle tip or even fail to generate a drop. Poor quality drops could be caused by small "satellite" droplets that separate from the main drop and form multiple deposits on the surface. Or, poor quality drops could be a result of excessively high exit velocity of the drop which can hit the surface and form splattered droplets surrounding the main drop. In both cases, the resulting jetted drop would not be considered high-quality, nor would the failure to generate an expected drop be considered high-quality. Other measures of high-quality drops could be the repeatability of the drop size, shape of the drop, or other measures. There is thus a need for a method and apparatus to precisely measure, adjust, and control the transfer of momentum to the fluid, and/or the resulting drop exit velocity that would be beneficial for producing repeatable, high-quality jetted drops of viscous fluid. Advantageously, the fluid has a viscosity of greater than about 50 mPas, and more preferably a viscosity of over 150 mPas.
Non-contact jets generally have specific construction which either restricts the flow of material through the exit orifice in the power-off state, a normally-closed construction, or allows the flow of material through the orifice in the power-off state, a normally open construction. Jetting high-viscosity fluid using a flexible diaphragm is known and described in U.S. patent application 61/293,837 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,250. A flexible diaphragm is preferred for many reasons, some of which might be the lack of dynamic fluid seals and ease of cleaning. However, the normally-open construction can allow the fluid to drip from the orifice when the power to the jet is shut off which can cause a loss of fluid and require the time and expense of clean up. There is thus a need for a method and apparatus to close the fluid path automatically when the power is shut off.
When jetting fluid with a flexible diaphragm, the diaphragm material should be chemically compatible with the fluid being jetted. Some chemically aggressive fluids can have an adverse effect on an elastomeric diaphragm usually noted by swelling of the diaphragm material. If swelling occurs, the diaphragm can deflect into the jetting chamber and restrict the flow of fluid into the jetting chamber or to reduce the chamber volume. If flow is restricted or the chamber volume reduced, the quality of the jetted drop can be adversely affected. There is thus a need for a way to determine if the diaphragm material has swollen and has deflected into the jetting chamber. Additionally, the overall life of the diaphragm can be compromised by swelling. There are chemically inert materials that can be used as a diaphragm; however, the cost of these chemically inert materials can be very expensive. There is thus a need for a way to use a low-cost diaphragm material with aggressive fluids and to also minimize the effect of swelling.

Control method and apparatus for dispensing high-quality drops of high-viscosity material


A processing device may parse a group of strokes representing a mathematical expression. The group of strokes may be examined to determine whether the group of strokes satisfies any of a finite set of rules. When the group of strokes, included in a region, satisfies any of the finite set of rules, the region may be partitioned according to a satisfied one of the finite set of rules. The group of strokes included in the region may be further examined to determine whether the group of strokes may be further partitioned according to any of the finite set of rules. After all regions have been examined and no further partitioning of regions may be performed, all mathematical symbols of the mathematical expression may be isolated in at least some of the regions and may be recognized.

Many state-of-the-art processing devices, such as, for example, a tablet personal computer (PC), or other processing device, permit a user to provide input as digital ink. The digital ink may include one or more handwritten strokes, which a processing device may display as ink as the one or more handwritten strokes are input. A handwritten stroke may begin when a writing instrument lands on a writing surface, and may end when the writing instrument is lifted off the writing surface. The writing surface may include a display screen, which may further include a digitizer, and the writing instrument may be an electronic or non-electronic pen, a stylus, a user's own finger, a pointing device, such as, for example, a computer mouse, or another writing instrument.
A user may input one or more handwritten strokes, as digital ink, to form a two-dimensional structure. The two-dimensional structure may include a mathematical expression, a chemical formula, textual characters, numbers, or other two-dimensional structures.
One problem with respect to recognizing handwritten mathematical expressions is parsing. Parsing is a process in which an input sequence is analyzed in order to determine its structure, such as, for example, mathematical objects included in a mathematical expression. The input sequence may include a number of handwritten strokes or typeset mathematical symbols. In parsing, a terminal object, or atom is not dividable and may include only one stroke.
A region, R, may include a number of strokes, which are included in a mathematical expression. Separation of the number of strokes in a region into multiple regions is called partitioning. Existing parsing algorithms attempt to partition a region, R, including a number of strokes, into two regions, R1 and R2, each of which may include a subset of the strokes of the region, R. The parsing algorithms may further partition region R1 into two regions, R11 and R12, each of which may include a subset of the strokes of region R1. The parsing algorithms may further partition region R2 into two regions, R21 and R22, each of which may include a subset of the strokes of region R2.
In general, if region R can be divided into regions R1 and R2, such that R1∩R2=0, R1∪R2=R and sub-regions R1 and R2 are not empty, then regions R1 and R2 create a partition P=[R1, R2] of the region R. A number of all possible partitions of the region R may be exponential in relation to a number of terminal objects. As an example, if region R includes N terminal objects, then a number of all sub-regions is 2N−2 (this includes all subsets of a region R not including itself and an empty set), which is exponential. A method which analyzes an exponential number of sub-regions created from a single region is time-consuming and unpractical. Therefore, existing parsing algorithms include rules to prune a number of regions and partitions created.
Previous methods of partitioning a region fail under certain circumstances. For example, a Rectangle Hull Region (RHULL), which is defined as a smallest axis aligned rectangle which includes one or more strokes, cannot be used to separate a square-root symbol from the one or more objects upon which the square-root symbol acts. For example, with respect to "√{square root over (X)}", "√{square root over ( )}" cannot be separated from "X".
An object is convex if for every pair of points within the object, every point on a straight line segment that joins each of the pair of points is within the object. A Convex Hull Region (CHULL), is defined as a smallest convex region which contains one or more strokes. A first version of Convex Hull Region (CHULL1) creates a partition if and only if:CHULL(R1)∩CHULL(R2)=0.A second version of Convex Hull Region (CHULL2) creates a partition if and only if:CHULL(R1)∩R2=0 or R1∩CHULL(R2)=0.Among RHULL, CHULL1 and CHULL2, only CHULL2 is capable of parsing certain handwritten expression which include a superscript. However, RHULL, CHULL1 and CHULL2 are not capable of parsing a fraction when a portion of a numerator crosses a horizontal fraction line.
Although, CHULL2 is capable of parsing expressions which RHULL and CHULL cannot, one flaw of the CHULL2 parsing algorithm is that CHULL2 does not efficiently enumerate all partitions. An upper bound of complexity of CHULL2 is exponential.

Geometric parsing of mathematical expressions


A room temperature curable silicone composition comprising. (A) an organopolysilethylenesiloxane represented by the following general formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 to R.sup.4 each represent a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and n is an integer of 10 or over, PA0 (B) an organosilane or an organosiloxane having at least two hydrolyzable groups in the molecule, and PA0 (C) at least one ultraviolet absorbing agent and antioxidant. The cured product formed from this composition exhibits good soil resistance for a long period of time and soiling of the surface of the cured product and its surroundings due to dust or the like in the air can be obviated effectively.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a room temperature curable silicone composition readily curable by the action of moisture, and more particularly to a room temperature curable silicone composition useful as a sealing material or a coating material in the field of construction.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Hitherto, room temperature curable organopolysiloxane compositions are known that can stably be stored in a fluid state in a closed system and can be cured in the atmosphere at room temperature with moisture in the air into a rubberlike elastic product. These compositions are used, for example, as sealing materials, coating materials, and adhesives widely in the fields, for example, of construction industry, engineering industry, and electric industry.
If the above room temperature organopolysiloxane composition is used as a sealing material or a coating material, there is a defect that nonfunctional siloxanes or the remaining unreacted siloxane bleeds from the cured product onto the surface and dust or the like in the air adheres thereto, so that the surface and the surroundings are soiled thereby impairing the fine appearance of buildings and the like. To solve the problem of this soiling, various additives are studied and, for example, methods wherein a polyoxyethylene surface active agent or a surface active agent having a sorbitan residual group or a disaccaride residual group is added (see Japanese Pre-examination Patent Publication (kokai) Nos. 56-76452 (1981) and 56-76453 (1981)) and methods wherein a surface active agent having at least one fluorine atom in the molecule is used in combination with an organosilicon compound having an amino group (see Japanese Pre-examination Patent Publication (kokai) No. 61-34062 (1986)) are suggested.
However, although these methods are effective for the prevention of soiling for a short period of time, the effect for prevention of soiling does not last and therefore it is impossible to prevent soiling for a long period of time.

Room temperature curable silicone composition


The present invention is based on a digital pulse sampling and detection technique which samples a nuclear pulse train at a constant frequency asynchronously with the actual pulses, which occur at random times. The shape of pulses representative of the interaction of nuclear particles or gamma-rays with a nuclear detector is analyzed to determine the pulse length. Nuclear particles or gamma-rays are detected. A signal is formed containing pulses representative of the particles or gamma-rays. The pulses are sampled at a constant frequency to form a digital image of the pulse train. The pulse length is determined by counting the number of pulses with a first number of consecutive samples above a threshold and by counting the number of pulses with a second number of consecutive samples above the threshold. A ratio of the first and second number of consecutive samples is obtained. The ratio is used to adjust the pulse length.

In nuclear spectroscopy applications, the energy of incident nuclear particles is measured. In many cases this measurement is accomplished by measuring the energy deposited by the particle in a nuclear detector. The energy is from a continuous pulse train that is in theory infinite in length. To obtain a signal that represents the total energy deposited in the detector typically requires the integration of a current signal. In general, a compromise between the charge integration time and the need to process a high pulse rate has to be found. Generally, the detection of a series of distinct pulses, at low count rate, offers very few problems, therefore, conventional detection equipment may be employed. However, sometimes the frequency or repetition rate of the pulses varies over a wide range such that the spacing between successive pulses is sometimes very short. Thus, the random character and high rates of occurrence of these signals necessarily produce a "pile-up" or a sequence of overlapping pulses at the amplifier unit. Usually, a pile-up of this sort results in a single pulse that is composed of two or more amplified individual detected signals, each of which is indicative of a detected gamma ray, neutron or other nuclear radiation. The pile-up phenomenon results in data losses and/or spectrum distortion. Accordingly, it is of importance, first to distinguish individual pulses from pile-up pulses and second when pile-up pulses have been detected, to adequately process these pulses in order to restore the original distinct pulses, or at least to reject pulses which are the result of pile up and do not represent the energy deposited by a single particle in a nuclear detector.
These pulses are analyzed using a nuclear spectrum analyzer or pulse height analyzer. A nuclear spectrum analyzer may include a scintillation detector, a photomultiplier, a coupler (usually a capacitor), a preamplifier, a pulse shaping unit and a pulse height analyzer. Known pulse height analyzers comprise successively a pulse detector (optionally a pile-up detector and a pile-up process unit), an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a memory, the different channels of which correspond to a given amplitude level of the detected pulse. The pulse height analyzer may also comprise, upstream of the ADC, an input gate preventing pulses from reaching the ADC when the latter is busy, i.e. when the ADC is processing a detected pulse.
As previously stated, if two pulses arrive within the same integration interval, a biased "sum" pulse (pile-up) will be generated. This pile-up results not only in spectral distortion but in the failure to detect one of the pulses. Pulse shape can also affect the detection of pile-ups. Therefore, a compromise between integration time and count rate capability is made by a pulse shaping device which precedes the digitization of the pulse and its accumulation in the spectrum (memory). New high speed electronics provide high throughput nuclear spectroscopy acquisition. However, such systems are more sensitive to changes in the pulse shape and require that the shape of the electronic signal remain unchanged over a large range of operating conditions. The main factor which can influence the shape of the pulse is the change of the characteristics of electronic components and nuclear sensors over time and/or with temperature.
One approach to spectral analysis is a digital integration technique described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,090, issued to Bronislaw Seeman. In this nuclear spectroscopy technique, pulse height analysis is performed for a pulse with an amplitude that is a measure of the energy of particles, such as gamma rays, collected by said radiation detector by (1) continuously (asynchronously) converting the detected signal to digital samples at a given rate; and (2) processing each of the digital samples so as to form a digital image of each detected nuclear event. This method includes the step of detecting the arrival of a pulse, by comparing each incoming sample to a threshold value, so as to determine whether the sample is representative of a pulse. More specifically, the difference between the incoming sample value and the base signal which is free of nuclear events, is calculated and compared to the threshold. The time of arrival of any detected pulse is recorded. Moreover, the base signal value (baseline) is continuously estimated and updated at each sample time arrival, so as to generate a current base signal value; preferably, the updated value is a weighted average of the incoming sample with the preceding sample or samples. Once a pulse has been detected, the energy of said pulse is calculated by summing the difference between each sample value (representing the pulse) and the current base signal value, the sum being continuously accumulated in a register. During the energy calculation, the accumulated sum is compared to a preset value and said register is reset in case of overflow. Advantageously, for each pulse, the sample just proceeding the first sample representative of the pulse, as well as the sample just following the last sample representative of the pulse, are both taken in to account for said pulse energy calculation.
Seeman further includes the step of detecting a stack of successive pulses close one to the other in time. The detection step involves counting the number of samples representative of a detected nuclear event and comparing the count to a predetermined maximum count value. The sampling step can be performed by a flash analog-to-digital converter (ADC).
The digital integration technique in Seeman, which in essence computes the area under the pulse is sensitive to the shape of the pulse. The pulse shape is influenced by changes in electronic components with temperature or age as well as by changes in the pulse response of the nuclear detector. Most scintillation detectors will emit a much more rapid pulse at elevated temperature than at room temperature.
A possible technique for stabilizing the pulse shape is described in U. S. Pat. No. 5,132,540 issued to R. Adolph and B. A. Roscoe. This method regulates the pulse shape by keeping track of the number of pile-up pulses in a given relationship and comparing that number to the total number of counts. This method has the disadvantage of being slow and unreliable at low count rates, where the total number of pile-up pulses is very small.
Other applications in nuclear measurements require discrimination between interactions by distinguishing the shape of the pulse from the nuclear sensor. At the present time, most pulse shape discrimination relies on complex and often unstable analog circuits. Unfortunately, the use of these techniques requires substantial expertise. A need still remains for a simple method that can distinguish between pulses of various lengths and pile-up pulses.

Method for pulse shape regulation and discrimination in a nuclear spectroscopy system


A receiver synchronization control in signalling messages in TACS/AMPS system in a mobile phone is disclosed. In order to avoid unnecessary setting of hunt mode operation, if the received synchronization pattern is not congruent with the correct reference pattern, the received pattern is checked in a bit-by-bit manner so as to reveal occasional bit errors of one or two bits, which may appear although the receiver is in synchronization. A further check may be conducted by shifting a reference pattern mask by one or at the most two bits in either direction, whereafter rechecking to reveal either fully correct pattern or rechecking for only one or two bits error can be performed.

Synchronization of the TACS/AMPS mobile phone system is based on an eleven bit word synchronization pattern observed at the receiver in the received frame. The mobile telephone determines that the receiver is in synchronization if the eleven bit word synchronization pattern is identical to a reference word.
There is one checking operation for the control channel (FOCC) and one control operation for the speech channel (FVC).
If the two last word synchronizations in the control channel are lost (SFLAG=0 for the time of two frames), and the decoding results for the data shows the data content to be erroneous, a "hunt mode" is initiated. In the hunt mode, the receiver's frame counter is reset to zero and a search is initiated for a new word synchronization pattern to enable receiving data again.
Generally, there are two possible reasons for the lost synchronization words. One reason is that occasional bit errors appear in the word synchronization pattern and the data field, but the phase of the received bits (the phase of the frame counter) may be correct. In such a situation, prior art devices unnecessarily initiate the hunt mode. This may lead to losing the subsequent frame if the new word synchronization pattern is not captured immediately.
Second, the phase may be wrong because the phase lock has slipped, normally 1 . . . n bits leading or trailing the proper phase. In this case, the hunt mode should be set to correct the phase error. However, if the phase error could be detected within the first frame, the hunt mode could be set without delay, thus correcting the error with a minimum of lost time and data.
In the speech channel (FVC), if the last word synchronization has been lost (SFLAG=0), the hunt mode is set.
In the speech channel, the decoding results detect an error in the same way as the control channel. The drawback may be that the hunt mode is set unnecessarily.
As already mentioned, setting the hunt mode unnecessarily may cause the loss of the following frame, if the following word synchronization pattern contains even one bit error. In such a case, the pattern cannot be captured. Frames will continue to be lost until a word synchronization pattern free of errors is received.
The situation described above appear in the prior art. The unnecessary setting of the hunt mode is detrimental, particularly for the user's own speech channel (FVC), since loss of repetitions decreases performance of the phone.
Unnecessary hunt mode also sets the phase lock of the data receiver to a broad band operation, which causes excessive jitter in the receiver clock, and can cause slipping of the phase lock and loss of correct phase, thus causing bit errors.

Method for the control of receiver synchronization in a mobile phone


An accumulator for an implantable infusion system employs a pair of separated diaphragms movable in unison by a transfer fluid disposed therebetween. A first chamber receives infusate in metered amounts and dispenses the contents as a function of toggled valve operation. During filling, the first diaphragm deflects upward and by pressure transfer causes a corresponding deflection in the second diaphragm. The second diaphragm is biased by springs, gas under pressure or the like. Hence, when the outlet valve opens, the pressure differential across the diaphragm causes downward deflection. No mechanical stops are needed in the infusate chamber for the first diaphragm since its movement is controlled by the pressure differential across the second diaphragm.

This invention relates to an implantable infusion system. In particular, it relates to an improvement in an infusate accumulator used with a valve system in such a system operating at positive pressure to dispense medication in accordance with different specified flow rates.
Implantable infusion pumps utilizing an accumulator positioned between a pair of valves which alternately open and close are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,838,887 and 5,049,141, commonly assigned. The disclosure of the '887 patent is expressly incorporated herein by reference. In such a system, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a drug reservoir 10 is refillable by means of a septum 12. The reservoir comprises a sealed housing 14 containing a bellows element 16 having a chamber 18 which comprises the drug reservoir. The bellows 16 separates the housing 14 into a second zone 20 which is normally filled with a two-phase fluid. The fluid, normally Freon, vaporizes and compresses the bellows 16 thus providing a release pressure to the reservoir 18 through the outlet leading to the infusion site. During the refill process chamber 18 is loaded with medication via the septum 12. The two-phase fluid is then pressurized condensing a portion of the vapor and returning it to the liquid phase.
Such systems also employ an outlet filter 24 and a side port 27 for direct bolus injections. The reservoir and fluid delivery techniques are well established in constant flow systems. To provide for increased accuracy in delivery dosage, the use of an accumulator 30 has been proposed for use in a number of applications.
These systems employ a metering assembly comprising two normally closed valves 26 and 28. Interposed between the two valves is an accumulator 30. The valves 26 and 28 are controlled electronically by the module 32 which may be programmed utilizing an external programmer 34.
In operation of such a system, a constant positive pressure flow from the reservoir 10 to the inlet valve 26 occurs. Valve 26 is opened while the outlet valve 28 is closed. This loads the accumulator 30 with a predetermined amount of medication. The valve 26 is then closed and outlet valve 28 opened so that the contents of the accumulator 30 are delivered to the catheter 36 for delivery to the infusate site. The rate of switching of the valves 26 and 28 thus determines the frequency of pumping through the system and therefore determines the delivery rate of medication through the catheter 36. For each cycle a constant amount is delivered, the accumulator volume.
In the system illustrated in FIG. 1, the accumulator 30 has two alternative forms as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. For purposes of convenience, FIGS. 2 and 3 utilize the same numbering as in the '887 patent. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the inlet is represented by numeral 58 wherein fluid enters the accumulator from the inlet valve 26. The accumulator comprises a diaphragm 90, a backing plate 92, an end cap 94, and fill tube 96 and a spacer plate 98. The diaphragm 90 deflects in response to fluid entry of the chamber 102. The backing plate 92 acts as a mechanical stop to limit motion of the diaphragm. Similarly, the spacer plate 98 is used to limit diaphragm motion during discharge, that is, the passage of fluid through the outlet 59.
The use of the spacer plate 98 as a mechanical stop creates a problem when fragile materials such as insulin are used. The material is locally compressed and crushed by the mechanical action of the diaphragm contacting the stop. This breaks down the fluid. Since the internal volumes are quite small, this in turn can result in residue formation inside the accumulator.
The fill tube 96 is used to supply an inert gas to the chamber 104. The purpose of chamber 104 is to provide a region which is charged at a pressure lower than that of the infusate pressure in drug reservoir 18 so that accumulator chamber 102 fills when inlet valve 26 is opened, but higher in pressure than that of the catheter 36 to allow the diaphragm 90 to deflect back to the spacer plate 98 position as the chamber 102 empties when the outlet valve 28 is opened. Additional details of this accumulator may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,887.
FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative configuration. In this alternative arrangement, the backing plate 92 comprises three elements which electrically isolate the center of the plate from the diaphragm 90. A supply of inert gas is still supplied via the feed fill tube 96. A lead 110 is attached to a flange forming a portion of the end cap assembly. A ceramic cup 113, which is lined with metal 111, provides a conductive path between a stop 114 and the lead 110. The diaphragm 90 is used as a moving switch contact. This provides a signal indicating that the accumulator is full, that is, the diaphragm in an upward position contacting the stop 114. This electrical signal is used for diagnostic determinations of the system such as leaks in the valve. Again, more complete details as to the use of the modified accumulator of FIG. 3 are found in the '887 patent.
A problem with these types of accumulators is the formation of precipitate on the spacer plate. Over time this build-up deteriorates the flow accuracy in the system and in an extreme case causes blockage. U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,141 addresses this problem by minimizing the contact points with the diaphragm. This solution reduces stress points on the fluid within the accumulator. There are however still points of contact and therefore potential damage to the material.


A molded plastic safety hat comprised of an opaque crown and a transparent bill. The crown which is molded of a polycarbonate polymer, includes a dome and a brim. The dome includes an inner area adapted to receive a wearer's head. The bill comprises a unitary molded plastic member molded of a polycarbonate polymer which is connected along one edge with the crown at the brim. The bill is positioned to project outwardly and slightly downwardly from the crown into a position which extends over the wearer's eyes and face. Because the bill is transparent, the wearer is allowed continuous unobstructed substantially vertical, direct, and peripheral vision without tilting the head or rearranging or removing the safety hat from it's proper position.

This invention relates to safety hats as used by workers in areas which have been deemed to be unsafe by the government (OSHA). Generally, these safety hats are identified as hard hats and bump hats. The use of both type hats is well known and does not form a part of the instant invention.
In the past, most safety hats were made of metal. Now they tended to be molded of plastic which is both lightweight and has a very high impact strength. In either case, the forming material has been opaque and usually of a specific color which identifies the job and the position of the wearer.
It is required that safety hats be constructed with a dome, which fits well down on the head, and have at least a bill which projects outwardly from the dome to extend over the eyes and face of the wearer. This structure provides the necessary protection for the head and face. Using the discussed forming materials, this structure blocks completely any upward or peripheral upward vision. As a result, many times safety hats are worn backwards or worse are removed when vertical vision is a usual necessity. Such practice is in violation of work regulations.
It is an object of this invention to provide a safety hat which eliminates the need for improperly wearing or removal on the job by allowing upward or vertical vision.
Another object of the invention is a safety hat which allows upward vision without tilting of the wearer's head.
Another object of the invention is a safety hat having a transparent bill and a opaque crown which structurally satisfies all safety requirements.
Another object of the invention is the provision of a molded unitary plastic safety hat with an opaque crown and a transparent bill.
Another object of the invention is a safety hat which allows an upward peripheral vision.
Another object of the invention is a safety hat molded of transparent plastic with a colored plastic film laminated over the crown area.
Another object of the invention is a safety hat molded of transparent plastic having the crown area colored with an identifying paint or powder.

Hard hat with opaque crown and transparent bill


This present invention provides a method, system, and apparatus for determining voice quality in a VOP network. The present invention implements the ITU-T E-model in a packet network. It implements the ITU-T E-model in a simplified approach using a straight-line estimate. Voice quality is estimated by assigning constant values to parameters in the ITU-T E-model and using data collected in a voice call.

As technology progresses in telecommunications, voice quality of a telephone call is a major concern. For years, service providers operating in the public switched telephone network (PSTN) have implemented various devices to monitor and measure voice quality. Service providers use test equipment placed at various points in their networks to measure transmission parameters associated with voice calls. The test equipment collects data regarding voice calls for subsequent analysis. In some instances, test equipment is sophisticated enough to measure voice calls, make an analysis, and provide the results to an administrator or technician overseeing the test.
In a network as large as the PSTN, service providers have a task to monitor various parts of the network to ensure sufficient voice quality for customers. Unfortunately, test equipment cannot perform the job alone to monitor and measure voice quality. For years, service providers have employed a scheme to embed the functions of their test equipment into telecommunication products. Commercially-available products such as switching equipment and transmission equipment contain various testing functions reducing the need to purchase test equipment separately. For example, a digital switch might include functionality to initiate test calls to a particular destination or another digital switch to measure transmission parameters. With their telecommunications products, service providers can measure voice quality at various points in their network. For example, service providers can make test calls using dedicated circuits in their network. Services providers can also place dedicated equipment in their network to respond to the test calls or perform other types of tests. With this flexibility, a test call can be made all the way to a customer's premise from a remote location such as a telephone exchange (switch).
Monitoring and measuring of voice quality are so important that there are documents covering transmission planning in a PSTN network to monitor, measure, and improve voice quality of a telephone call. The key documents in this area were developed by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) through its series of documents called recommendations. More particularly, the telecommunication standardization section of the ITU, known as ITU-T, has developed a series of documents covering almost every aspect of telecommunications. Various documents provide information regarding the following: transmission planning that may be employed for a voice network; transmission parameters that may be measured in the voice network; and calculations and analyses that may be performed to obtain results. An overarching goal of ITU-T documents is to provide a uniform way for service providers to interact with each other with their products in a network. Much of the documentation that exists today is focused towards a time division multiplexing (TDM) network associated with the PSTN.
An example of the ITU-T's work includes a document for estimating voice quality called ITU-T RECOMMENDATION G.107, THE E-MODEL, A COMPUTATIONAL MODEL FOR USE IN TRANSMISSION PLANNING (JULY 2002) [hereinafter ITU-T G.107]. This document contains a complex model, known as the ITU-T E-model, with twenty-three (23) parameters for estimating voice quality. The model is complex because the parameters are numerous and change from one voice call to another.
For packet networks, very little, if any, equipment exists to provide testing functions at the level found in the PSTN. This deficiency has been recognized in the industry, and thus, documentation for a packet network has recently began to appear. Many of the gains achieved with the measuring of performance in the TDM network are desired in the packet network. An example of a packet network includes voice over packet (VOP) network. A VOP network may include, but not be limited to, voice over internet protocol (VoIP), voice over asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), voice over frame relay, and VoIP over wireless local area network (LAN).
A lot of work has occurred over the years to determine the parameters that comprise voice quality in a network. Much of the research has culminated into ITU-T Recommendations created for TDM network designers. The ITU-T E-model is a result of that research which was designed to help TDM network designers create sub-networks in the PSTN. With the growth of VOP in the packet network, a solution is needed to apply the concepts included in the ITU-T E-model to packet networks. Service providers operating in a packet network environment would like to be able to measure performance from a location in their network to the customer's premise. They would desire to measure this performance without making test calls, but be able to monitor and measure performance based on the actual telephone calls that occur in the packet network.

Method, system, and apparatus for estimating voice quality in a voice over packet network