A door hinge and closure mechanism which includes a hinge unit and a closure unit is described. The hinge and closure units are integral in that a hinge plate of the hinge unit serves as a support for components of the closure unit. Generally, the closure unit applies a pre-load force on the door when the door is in a closed position. When the door is between a closed position and a neutral force position, the closure unit applies a substantially constant closure force on the door. Once the door is opened beyond a first lock position, the closure unit applies resisting forces to the door when the door which act as a deterrent to further opening of the door. Rather than being expanded during door opening as with known spring closure mechanisms, the spring of the above described closure unit is compressed. Compressing the spring is believed to result in a more smooth and constant closure force on the door, as well as extending the useful life of the spring. Further, a single screw mounts hinge and closure mechanism to the door, which facilitates easy assembly and removal of the door from the cabinet. Also, no component of the mechanism is mounted internally within the door. Rather, all the components are mounted externally of the door, which facilitates avoiding energy loss due to the location of metal parts within the door. The mechanism also provides sufficient closure force so that designed-in rear tilt of the cabinet is unnecessary to ensure proper closure of the door.

Side-by-side household refrigerators include a fresh food storage compartment and a freezer storage compartment. Each storage compartment has a front access opening normally closed by a fresh food door and a freezer door, respectively. The doors are mounted to the cabinet by hinge mechanisms. To ensure proper closure of each door, some known refrigerators include closure mechanisms mounted in each door separate from the hinge mechanisms. Such known closure mechanisms include a cam or cams, a spring, and a housing. As the door is opened, the spring expands so that if an operator lets go of the door, the expanded spring draws the door to a closed position.
The above described closure mechanism is difficult to install since it requires access to the interior of the door. In addition, such closure mechanism results in some energy loss due to the metal components, e.g., the spring, mounted within the door. Further, such closure mechanisms sometimes require that the refrigerator be tilted to the rear to provide assistance for door closure.
It would be desirable to provide an easy to install integral hinge and closure mechanism for a refrigerator door. Such an integral mechanism would facilitate reducing the time and costs associated with refrigerator assembly at the factory as well as simplifying the installation of a refrigerator door in a home. It also would be desirable to provide such a mechanism which is not mounted within the refrigerator door to facilitate avoiding energy loss. Further, such mechanism should not be bulky and should provide a smooth constant closure force to close a door from a fully open to a fully closed position, at least for aesthetic reasons. Also, it would be desirable to provide a closure mechanism which does not require that the refrigerator be tilted for assisting in door closure.

Refrigerator door hinge and closure mechanism


Described herein is a refrigeration system for bedbug eradication. The refrigeration system comprises a generator, a condensing unit, and a portable evaporating and blowing unit connected with the condensing unit for transporting into a bedbug-infested room of a building. Temperature sensors are used for monitoring an ambient temperature in the bedbug-infested room to ensure that the temperature drops to a predetermined temperature to kill the bedbugs and their eggs. Moisture in the bedbug-infested room is removed with a dehumidifier prior to cooling down the bedbug-infested room with the evaporating and blowing unit.

(1) Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a system and method for bedbug eradication and, more particularly, to a system and method for bedbug eradication which uses a transportable refrigeration system.
(2) Description of Related Art
Bedbugs are small parasitic insects which feed on warm-blooded animals. While bedbugs were largely eradicated in the 1940s, they have recently increased in prevalence. Bedbug infestation is a particular problem in places with high turn-over of night time guests, such as hotels and hospitals.
Several methods exist for terminating bedbugs. Pesticides are often used to kill bedbugs; however, the insects are developing resistance to the pesticides used. Additionally, temperature-dependent methods for terminating bedbugs exist, since bedbugs are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Existing systems include heating units, cooling units placed in bedding, and a cooling unit with a fan and hose for directing a cold stream of air at insects and other pests.
A continuing need exists for a system and method for bedbug eradication which utilizes a transportable refrigeration system for pumping dry, cold air into designated structures while monitoring the temperature of key areas to ensure complete eradication of the bedbugs.

System and method for bedbug eradication


A light guide plate including a plate body and a plurality of microstructures formed thereon is provided. The plate body has a light entrance surface, a light exit surface orthogonal to the light entrance surface, and at least one side surface neighboring the light exit surface and the light entrance surface. At least one light source is disposed near the light entrance surface, such that light generated by the light source enters the plate body through the light entrance surface and exits from the plate body through the light exit surface. The microstructures are arranged on the light entrance surface and the at least one side surface, and the microstructures on the light entrance surface are convex-shaped and the microstructures on the at least one side surface are concave-shaped.

1. Field of the Disclosure
The disclosure is related to a light guide plate.
2. Description of Related Art
Generally, a liquid crystal display (LCD) is composed of an LCD panel and a backlight module. With the twist of liquid crystal molecules and functions of polarizing plates, the transmittance are changed and causes brightness difference in different pixel regions, and thereby, an image can be displayed. Since the liquid crystal molecules do not emit light, a backlight module is needed to provide a light source. Along with the development trend toward being large-sized and thin, current backlight modules commonly utilize edge-type backlight modules. An edge-type backlight module can be combined with a light-emitting diode (LED) and a light guide plates to achieve an advantage of having a thinner thickness.
In order to obtain a better efficiency of the light generated by the light source after entering the light guide plate with a light entrance side of the light guide plate corresponding to a light source (i.e., the aforementioned LED) as well as to prevent hot spots occurring on the light guide plate due to alternation of brightness and darkness resulted from uneven light, persons related to the art has to further optimize the structure of the light guide plate.


A telephony software client application for handling the insertion and removal of logical audio devices.

The present invention is directed to a telephony software client application, and more specifically to a telephony software client application for handling the insertion and removal of logical audio devices.
The "hardware" telephone is often considered second in impact only to the printing press for revolutionizing human communication. Primarily providing the function of allowing two-way acoustic communications, the invention of the telephone radically and permanently changed every aspect of human affairs, from business to daily life. The basic concept of a telephone, however, is relatively simple. A telephone mouthpiece translates acoustic vibrations (e.g. human speech) into electrical signals or energy. The electrical signals are transmitted over a wire to a telephone speaker on the other end of the wire. The telephone speaker converts the electrical signals back into acoustic vibrations or energy so that they are audible to a listener.
The term "telephony software" is used to describe a telephony software client, software providing telephone functions, and/or a "software" telephone (e.g. Voice over IP (VoIP), Voice Chat, Skype™, and/or other software telephones). Telephony software performs the same function(s) as a hardware telephone (two-way acoustic communications), but accomplishes these functions using the physical components and/or accessories of a general-purpose computer (hereinafter referred to generally as a "computer"). A computer may be, for example, a desktop or laptop computer, a workstation, a handheld technical device (e.g. a Pocket PC® device, a Palm® device, or a Blackberry® device), an interactive television, a kiosk, a dedicated device, or virtually any current or future interactive technology. The physical components and/or accessories used by telephony software include processors, memory, speakers, microphones, modems, network adapters, audio hardware, and other physical components and/or accessories. Using a computer and a microphone, audio sounds are "captured" (or recorded) into the computer memory. The capturing process involves sampling audio sounds at a very high rate (e.g. at least 8,000 times per second or more). Next, the captured "samples" are compressed. There are a number of ways to compress audio, the algorithm for which is referred to as a "compressor/de-compressor" (CODEC). The CODECs may be optimized for particular purposes. The samples are then collected together and placed into "data packets" (packetization) for transmission over the IP network to another computer (or other device capable of receiving audio, including a traditional telephone). The data are "played" on the receiving device such that the audio sounds are "released" (or rendered) through the speakers of the receiving device.
Although there is no standard on how a computer handles sound, most computers have some type of audio hardware (e.g. an audio adapter, a sound card, a sound generating device, or a chip on the motherboard). Most computers also typically have at least one audio line (e.g. a headphone jack or internal circuit) that is associated with the audio hardware. Sound components or accessories such as transducers (e.g. headphones, microphones, and headsets) may be physically "plugged" into audio lines, hardwired internally, or may be connected wirelessly.
A general-purpose operating system (e.g. Windows Vista®, Windows 95®, Windows 98®, Windows CE®, Windows Me®, Windows NT®, Windows2000®, Linux®, MacOS®, BeOS®, or virtually any current or future operating system) of a computer controls audio using "logical audio devices 20" (a logical audio device (or LAUD) is a device-independent abstraction of an audio resource). Although logical audio devices 20 may be device-independent, they may have some relation to components such as "input transducers" (e.g. microphones), "output transducers" (e.g. speakers), "dual-direction transducers" (e.g. headsets with both input and output capabilities), audio hardware (e.g. audio adaptors and sound cards), audio lines (e.g. jacks associated with audio hardware), and/or combinations or sub-sets of the above mentioned "components." FIG. 1 is a screen shot of a simplified window showing an expanded listing of logical audio devices 20 recognized for output (sound playback or rendering) and an expanded listing of logical audio devices 20 recognized for input (sound recording or capturing). The drop-down menu for the output shows that there are six logical audio devices 20 recognized for output by the operating system. The drop-down menu for the input shows that there are six logical audio devices 20 recognized for input by the operating system. Although the lists of logical audio devices 20 recognized for input and output are shown in this exemplary embodiment as being similar (some of the devices appear to be the same or related), they could be identical or significantly different. Further, the lists of logical audio devices 20 recognized for input and output are dynamic and can change. It should be emphasized that the logical audio devices 20 do not necessarily correspond to any single physical component. For example, one sound card may control eight (8) audio lines (two (2) rear outputs, two (2) front outputs, two (2) rear inputs, and two (2) front inputs), but be represented as four (4) logical audio devices 20 (e.g. as shown in FIG. 1 as HD Rear Output, HD Front Output, HD Rear Input, and HD Front Input). Another example is that a single headset may be represented as two (2) logical audio devices 20 (e.g. PQR Headset is represented both as an input logical audio device 20 and an output logical audio device 20).
A "default logical device 22" is the logical audio device 20 currently designated as appropriate to handle audio (or components of audio). In FIG. 1, for example, the default logical device 22 for output is the PQR Headset and the default logical device 22 for input is the PQR Headset. Although shown in this example as having the same name (which may or may not be the same component), the output and input for this operating system can be different (e.g. the output could be "Speakers" and the input could be "Microphone"). There may be one default logical device 22 for all audio applications or specific default logical devices for specific audio applications. In other words, one logical audio device may be the default logical device 22 that the operating system will designate to all types of audio (e.g. a headset may handle both input and output audio). Alternatively, there may be a specific default device designated for each different type of audio (e.g. one for input and one for output).
There are two ways that a default logical device 22 is determined: by the operating system and by user selection. The operating system can determine which logical audio device is the default logical device 22 based on default device determination factors such as heuristics (e.g. operating system predetermined rules such as setting the computer speakers as the default), component demands (e.g. the component manufacturer automatically changing the default to its own component), and/or other default device determination factors. The user can also select which logical audio device is the default logical device 22 using selection graphical user interfaces (GUIs) such as drop down menus, selection buttons, and other known selection GUIs.
Standardized communication protocols such as USB, WiFi, and Bluetooth have been developed to help standardize interfacing and communication between computers, accessories, and/or components. One way that these standardized communication protocols function properly is to include additional features with enabled accessories and/or components. For example, USB, WiFi, and Bluetooth audio components such as audio transducers (e.g. input transducers, output transducers, and dual-direction transducers) may include their own associated built-in audio hardware and/or audio line(s) (hereinafter jointly referred to as a "combination audio component"). The combination audio component may be recognized as one or more logical audio devices by the operating system of the computer. For purposes of this specification, combination audio components may use any communication protocol known or yet to be developed, but are particularly combination audio components using standardized communication protocols.
During a telephony session using telephony software and a traditional sound component or accessory such as an audio transducer (e.g. an input transducer, an output transducer, or a dual-direction transducer), the telephony software relies on the default logical device 22 designated by the operating system (regardless of whether it is determined by the operating system or by user selection). If the default logical device 22 represents the audio line directly or indirectly associated with the audio transducer, then sound (audio) is input and/or output using the audio transducer. If the transducer is removed from the audio line (e.g. the headset is removed from a jack), the connection is "broken" (e.g. sound may be interrupted or "cut off"). Inserting another transducer into the same audio line (e.g. a new headset is inserted into the same jack), however, would cause a new connection to be made and the default logical device 22 would be used to handle sound. If, however, another transducer (or the same transducer) was inserted into a new audio line (e.g. a headset being inserted into another jack), the new audio line (or its associated logical audio device 20) would not be the default logical device 22 and the new audio line would not be able to handle sound unless the user selected the new audio line's associated logical audio device 20 as the new default logical device 22.
An example of how the prior art works is a relatively typical laptop (computer) with a single audio adapter or sound card (audio hardware) and traditional sound components or accessories (e.g. built-in speakers). The operating system treats the audio hardware as a single audio line. As there is only a single audio line, it is designated as the default logical device 22. A new traditional sound component or accessory (e.g. a headset) can be plugged and unplugged into the audio hardware without the need for the telephony software to do anything. Sounds normally come through the speakers, but if the headset is plugged into a headphone jack, the sound will switch to the headset and the speakers will cut off. The telephony software does not know, and does not need to take any action, because there is only one sound card device in the laptop and it is designated as the default logical device 22.

Telephony software client application for handling the insertion and removal of logical audio devices


A photoelectric position measuring encoder including a scale formed of an electrically non-conductive material and having a graduation, a scanner for photoelectrically scanning the graduation and displaceable relative to the scale in a measuring direction for generating a position-dependent signal, a slide or roller element for supporting the scanner on a scale surface, and an electrically conductive element with which the scanner-supporting scale surface region forms an electrical contact and which is connected to a reference potential.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a photoelectric position measuring encoder including a scale formed of an electrically non-conductive material and having a graduation, a support member to which the scale is secured, a scanner for photoelectrically scanning the graduation and displaceable relative to the scale in a measuring direction for generating a position-dependent signal, and a slide or roller element for supporting the scanner on the scale surface.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Encoders described above are used for determining an incremental or absolute position in both machine-tools and in coordinate measuring machines.
In photoelectric position measuring encoders, the scale is scanned, without being contacted, by using a light source and photosensors. The signals generated by such scale scanning are relatively small and, therefore, susceptible to distortions.
German Patent No. 2,505,587 describes a photoelectric linear encoder to the improvement of which the present invention is directed. In the encoder of German Patent No. 2,505,587, a glass scale is secured to the housing with a highly elastic adhesive layer. A slide block supports the scanner on the glass scale, with the scale forming a guide for the scanner.
A drawback of this encoder consists in that the outer scale surface accumulates an electrical charge, which can become so large that a discrete electrical discharge via the scanner takes place. This discrete discharge generates an electrical pulse which acts as a distortion pulse. This distortion pulse is interpreted by the evaluation system in particular in incremental measuring systems, as a pulse which has to be counted or as a reference mark pulse.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,030,825 discloses an angular encoder in which a plurality of photosensors are used for scanning the scale. A scanning plate is provided between the scale and the photosensors. This scanning plate is formed of an electrically conductive material and is connected to a reference potential (to the ground). In this way, the scanning plate screens the photosensors from distortion electromagnetic fields.
The drawback of using such a scanning plate consists in that this plate cannot be formed of a transparent material on which very fine structured marks, on which are subjected to scanning, can be put. Moreover, distortion signals, which are outputted by the scale, cannot be eliminated by this scanning plate.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is a photoelectric position measuring encoder with an improved distortion protection.

Photoelectric position measuring encoder having scale formed of electrically non-conductive material


A semiconductor device of the present invention includes: an SiC substrate; an SiC growth layer for absorbing a grating defect of the SiC substrate and/or a damage at and in the vicinity of a surface of the SiC substrate; and Ga.sub.x Al.sub.y In.sub.1-x-y N (0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1, 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.1) layer formed on the SiC growth layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a compound semiconductor device employing an SiC substrate and a method for producing the same. In particular, the present invention relates to a GaAlInN series compound semiconductor light emitting device and a method for producing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
A GaAlInN series compound semiconductor is a wide gap semiconductor and has a band structure of a direct transition type. It is expected to be used in developing a light emitting device which emits light having a wavelength in the range of blue to ultra violet (UV). FIG. 12 shows a double-hetero type LED (light emitting diode) which has been used in practice as a gallium nitride series light emitting device. The LED is produced as follows.
First, a GaN or AlN buffer layer 102 is deposited to be about 200 .ANG.-thick on a sapphire C-surface substrate 101 at a substrate temperature of about 600.degree. C. by using an metal organic chemical vapor deposition method (referred to as the "MOCVD method" hereinafter).
Then, an n-type GaN layer 103 for grating matching and an n-type GaAlN cladding layer 104 are grown to be about 4 .mu.m-thick and about 0.5 .mu.m-thick, respectively, on the buffer layer 102 at a substrate temperature of about 1050.degree. C.
Next, the substrate is cooled down to about 800.degree. C., and a Zn-doped GaInN light emitting layer 105 is grown to be about 0.05 .mu.m-thick on the cladding layer 104. Then, the substrate is again heated to about 1050.degree. C., and an Mg-doped GaAlN cladding layer 106 and an Mg-doped GaN contact layer 107 are grown to be about 0.5 .mu.m-thick and about 0.3 .mu.m-thick, respectively, on the light emitting layer 105. After growing these layers, the semiconductor device is taken out of an MOCVD apparatus, and is subjected to a heat treatment in a nitrogen atmosphere at about 600.degree. C. for about 30 minutes so as to lower the resistances of the Mg-doped GaAlN cladding layer 106 and the Mg-doped GaN contact layer 107 and to form these layers as p-type. Then, for forming an n-type electrode, portions of the semiconductor device are etched off by using an RIE (reactive ion etching) method until a portion of the n-type GaN layer 103 is exposed. Finally, an n-side electrode 108 is formed on the exposed portion of the n-type GaN layer 103, and a p-side electrode 109 is formed on the p-type GaN contact layer 107, thus producing the LED.
However, a gallium nitride series semiconductor device employing a sapphire substrate has the following problems.
There is a considerable difference between the grating constant of the sapphire substrate and that of the GaN layer. Accordingly, there exists a lattice mismatching of about 16% or more, and the resulting misalignment at the interface between the sapphire substrate and the GaN layer leads to a grating defect in the GaN layer. For reducing the grating defect, it has been proposed, as in the conventional technique above, to insert a GaN or AlN buffer layer grown at a relatively low temperature of about 600.degree. C. between the sapphire substrate and the GaN layer, or to clean the surface of the substrate by using a chemical etching method. However, there still exists a large amount (about 10.sup.10 to 10.sup.11 cm.sup.-2) of grating defect at the surface of the buffer layer, thus deteriorating the performance of the LED at high temperatures and hence the reliability of the device.
In the gallium nitride series light emitting device, it has been proposed to employ, an SiC substrate in place of a sapphire substrate since the lattice constant of the SiC substrate is relatively close to that of a GaN layer as compared to a saphire substrate. Despite the relatively close grating constants, however, laser oscillation has not been realized in a gallium nitride series semiconductor laser device employing the SiC substrate. Therefore, it has also been proposed to form an AlN buffer layer on the SiC substrate for improving the lattice matching therebetween. FIG. 13 shows the structure of the GaAlInN series semiconductor laser device employing the SiC substrate. The production process of the GaAlInN series semiconductor laser device will be now described.
First, an AlN buffer layer 203 is grown to be about 0.2 .mu.m-thick on an SiC substrate 201 at a substrate temperature of about 1100.degree. C. by using an MOCVD method. Next, an n-type GaN layer 204 and an n-type GaAlN lower cladding layer 205 are formed to be about 4 .mu.m-thick and about 0.5 .mu.m-thick, respectively, on the AlN buffer layer 203 at a substrate temperature of about 1050.degree. C. Then, the substrate is cooled down to about 800.degree. C., and a GaInN active layer 206 is grown to be about 100 .ANG.-thick on the lower cladding layer 205. Then, the substrate is again heated to about 1050.degree. C., and an Mg-doped GaAlN cladding layer 207 and an Mg-doped GaN contact layer 208 are grown to be about 0.5 .mu.m-thick and about 0.3 .mu.m-thick, respectively, on the active layer 206.
After growing these layers, the semiconductor device is taken out of the MOCVD apparatus, and is subjected to a heat treatment in a nitrogen atmosphere at about 600.degree. C. for about 30 minutes so as to lower the resistances of the Mg-doped GaAlN cladding layer 207 and the Mg-doped GaN contact layer 208 and to form these layers as p-type layers. Then, an Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 film 210 including apertures 209 in strips is formed by using an electron beam deposition method and a photolithography process. A p-side electrode 211 is formed so as to entirely cover the Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 film 210 and the Mg-doped GaN contact layer 208. An n-side electrode 212 is formed over the entire bottom surface of the SiC substrate 201. The GaAlInN series semiconductor laser device is thus produced.
Such a semiconductor laser device has the following problems.
The AlN buffer layer is deposited on the SiC substrate for improving the lattice matching. However, the defect at the surface of the AlN buffer layer is still about 10.sup.8 to 10.sup.10 cm.sup.-2. This is merely a 10.sup.2 cm.sup.-2 reduction from the defect between the AlN buffer layer and the sapphire substrate. Thus, light and carriers are not satisfactorily confined within the active layer. Moreover, crystalline quality sufficient to undergo a carrier injection of about 10.sup.19 cm.sup.-3 required for laser oscillation has not been realized. Thus, laser oscillation by current injection has not been realized.
As described above, the gallium nitride series semiconductor material is strongly expected to offer a suitable material for a light emitting device which emits light having a wavelength in the range of blue to UV. However, a production method which can sufficiently reduce the grating defect in a layer of the gallium nitride series compound has not been realized and, therefore, laser oscillation by current infusion has not been realized.

Semiconductor device with SiC and GaAlInN


A vehicle seat having an adjustable side bolster includes a seat frame, a first plate, a second plate, a living hinge and a displacement mechanism. The first plate is fixed to the seat frame. The second plate is pivotably mounted to the first plate. The living hinge resiliently connects the first plate and the second plate. A displacement mechanism is disposed between the first plate and the second plate, selectively moving the second plate relative to the first plate between the first position and the second position. The living hinge provides a spring force tending to return the second plate to one of the first position and the second position.

Motor vehicle seats commonly have side bolsters on the sides of the seat back, the upright part of the seat. The side bolsters are typically vertically positioned to engage the torso of the seat occupant near the bottom of the rib cage. The side bolsters help maintain the passenger in a fixed position during vehicle maneuvers which might otherwise tend to displace the passenger laterally.
Variable position side bolsters are used to stabilize the seating position of passengers of widely varying proportions by allowing the passenger to adjust the bolsters to an optimal position. However, known variable position side bolsters commonly employ mechanisms which are undesirably complex or expensive. It is desired to provide a simple and inexpensive variable position side bolster for use in motor vehicle seats.


An electrical heating system thin enough to be installed under finished flooring. A meshwork mat constructed in a leno configuration receives an electric heating element which is threaded through aligned openings in the twisted strands of the warp strands. The strands of the mat and the intersections between the criss-crossing warp and weft strands are coated with a polymeric fusing material. The heating element is arranged in side by side runs to minimize the electromagnetic field effects. Connecting runs between adjacent pairs of side by side runs are arranged linearly end to end. A return wire is extended adjacent to and side by side with the connecting runs.

Radiant floor heating has long been used for the heating of floors and/or occupied space above the floor. This type of heating system has advantages over other heating systems in several respects, most notably in the comfort level of the occupants. The heat from the floor naturally rises to provide a relatively uniform and draft free warmth. However, there are disadvantages as well. Hot air ducts that extend beneath the floor in order to warm it are subject to complexity and high construction costs and also require space for the ductwork.
Hydronic floor heating systems have become popular more recently. However, a hydronic system requires tubing which is typically installed in a concrete floor slab and connected to a pump and boiler system. Although a comfortable radiant heating effect is usually provided, these installation complexities generally restrict the use of hydronic systems to new construction and relatively large areas that are to be heated. They are usually not well suited for remodeling applications.
Electrically resistive heating systems having a meshwork structure which holds heating elements have been proposed for various heating applications. However, the systems that have been proposed in the past have not been suitable for floor heating applications for a variety of practical reasons. For the most part, they have been too thick to allow their use beneath floor covering materials. Also, connecting the electric heating elements to a source of power has presented significant problems both practically and aesthetically. Securely attaching the heating elements has been an additional problem. The tendency for the elements to generate significant electromagnetic fields has been another cause for concern.


A system and method for increasing capabilities of streaming content including video on demand to multiple users are provided. The system includes a central broadcast station and at least two user locations for receiving streaming content from the central broadcast station. Each user location includes receiving equipment capable of tuning into more than one channel simultaneously and capable of capturing content from a first channel in a first in first out buffer as it presents content from a second channel.

With the advent of increased access to computers, home entertainment systems, and networks such as the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW), it has become increasingly common for a wide variety of providers to present to multiple users content on demand. Such content includes but is not limited to streaming video, audio and/or data. Such content is also increasingly common to shared receiving systems serving multiple living units such as hotels and the like. Video on Demand (VOD) is a streaming content service enabling a user to obtain video information immediately in real time through a request terminal. This is contrasted with pay per view, where the user must abide by the schedule of a program provider.
In a typical streaming application such as video on demand, each user has the opportunity to view any particular content starting at random times. Each user gets a complete download of the content they have selected. Each user receives streaming content on a channel which is typically dedicated solely to the content the particular user is viewing. In systems with many potential viewers, many channels and a large amount of bandwidth are required. As the amount of required bandwidth increases, costs associated with providing the bandwidth increase as well. Practical limits on bandwidth result in a limited amount of bandwidth availability for multiple channels.
When bandwidth is limited, especially in broadcast media, the number of users able to share the bandwidth is limited to the number of unique channels allocated to the system. Even if multiple users want to access the same content, a unique download is required since there is little probability that two users will start the same content at the same time.

Method of increasing capabilities of streaming content including video on demand


A method for forming a semiconductor device including a DRAM cell structure comprising a silicon on insulator (SOI) substrate with an embedded capacitor structure including providing a substrate comprising an overlying first electrically insulating layer; forming a first electrically conductive layer on the first electrically insulating layer to form a first electrode; forming a capacitor dielectric layer on the first electrode; forming a second electrically conductive layer on the capacitor dielectric layer to form a second electrode; forming a second electrically insulating layer on the second electrode; and, forming a monocrystalline silicon layer over the second electrode to form an SOI substrate comprising a first capacitor structure.

Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) is a staple aspect of the main memory of PC systems. DRAM may be used as an embedded portion of an integrated circuit or be formed as an array of memory cells. Fir example, in memory cell arrays an MOS transistor and a capacitor make up a memory unit (cell) whereby word-lines are used to switch a pass transistor between an on and of state to connect the bit line to the capacitor or to isolate the capacitor. The bit line is used for both the read and write operations to the storage node of the capacitor.
Generally, three types of DRAM memory cells are in use including planar capacitor DRAM cells, stack capacitor DRAM cells and trench capacitor DRAM cells. A key element of DRAM devices is the scaling down of feature sizes to produce a smaller memory cell and allow the formation of a higher density of memory cells.
One challenge for increasing DRAM density is maintain the same cell capacitance as memory cell sizes are scaled down. Generally three approaches are available for doing this including increasing the dielectric constant of the capacitor dielectric, reducing the thickness of the capacitor dielectric, and increasing the area of the capacitor dielectric.
Prior art processes general use silicon on insulator (SOI) technology requiring complex formation processes to form the capacitor architecture together with the MOS transistors and bit and word lines that make up an operating memory cell. As DRAM memory cell sizes decrease, the formation of trenches and electrode materials is increasingly difficult due to small etching process windows and the difficulty in handling advanced electrode and capacitor dielectric materials.
Another problem with prior art approaches to producing DRAM devices is the inefficient use of active device area space, for example, in the substrate underlying the MOS transistor source and channel regions, frequently increasing the DRAM cell area by forming capacitors adjacent the bit and word lines and/or taking part of the drain area.
There is therefore a continuing need in the semiconductor manufacturing art including the IC memory manufacturing art for improved DRAM cell architectures including capacitor architectures and method for forming the same to reliably increase a capacitor area while efficiently utilizing active area space.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide improved DRAM cell architectures including capacitor architectures and method for forming the same to reliably increase a capacitor area while efficiently utilizing active area space, while overcoming other shortcomings and deficiencies of the prior art.

Semiconductor device substrate with embedded capacitor

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.


A method and system for recommending articles including: receiving a customer request from the customer during the session; generating case data for a case, by an article recommender app; configuring a training set based on the subject and description data of the customer request; identifying, by an artificial intelligence (AI) app, a first pool of articles from a knowledge database; identifying by at least one query, a second pool of articles from a case article database to into a merged pool of articles; assigning, by the AI app, an implicit label to one of the first pool and the second pool of the articles; applying a model derived by the AI app based on customer behavior and a set of features related to the case to classify each article of the merged pool of articles based at least in part on the predicted relevance of the article.

Currently, on-demand apps are used to integrate live service agent support directly in apps and webpages. These on demand apps enable customers to facilitate fast engagements by providing a convenient means of requesting from mobile devices in which the customer client is operating on-demand services by merely actuating the on-demand app button on the customer client. A request is executed in an instant to initiate an on-demand session with a service agent remotely located. Hence, upon actuating the app, a session is initiated between the customer client and service agent, and a one-to-one seamless communication connection is created in one step. The customer can receive immediate real-time customer support in the session from the service agent.
Having such on-demand instantaneous communication creates a time of the essence environment for providing relevant information by the service agent to the customer. For example, there is a need to provide articles and other media of relevance by the service agent to the particular topics, requests, or other subjects of discussion at the moment or in the near future to customer to enhance the customer session experience. Hence, the service agent must be able to retrieve relevant information to a customer request without having to spend time filtering the information by reviewing articles that are only of remote interest and not directly pertinent to the present immediate discussion. This is, the user experience is degraded by latency time spent by the service agent to: review irrelevant or remotely relevant material, spend time to formulate a response to the customer, and not have insight into similar kinds of requests and answers provided in the past to the issues raised by other customers. In the app session, time is of the essence in providing meaningful responses to customers and the service agent not only has to retrieve relevant information but may also has to educate his or her self about the issue during the session and in parallel continue a dialog with the customer. This is particularly taxing when the service agent is confronting customer requests where the service agent lacks a familiarity with a particular service or product or one that entails a steeping learning curve for a more complete understanding especially when nuanced requests and questions are asked by customers requiring in-depth know how and product/service experience.
Accordingly, it is desirable to capitalize on past collaborative shared experiences of service agents when responding to customer issues, requests, and questions, to provide content and articles shared of similar if not the same types of issues, requests, questions, fixes etc. in the on-demand app session between the service agent and customer.
It is desirable to provide a mechanism to aid the service agent in responding to the customer; to aid the service agent in nuance and intuitive understandings of a service or product; and to aid the service agent in a roadmap to find fixes to the customer issues and requests without having to do copious independent research by his or her self without adequate training or insight of how other service agents have confronted or solved similar problems.
It is desirable to exchange information using a multi-tenant platform for sharing database information during the customer agent session. In an exemplary example, it is desired to configure the an on-demand app to enable the service agent to access information from a database associated with the multi-tenant platform relating to articles and objects past identified as relevant or by other attributes.
It is desirable in the on demand app session to allow for more types of interaction than simply the customary voice and text messaging when communicating on-demand. Such additional information exchanges are directed to articles which can be generated by using artificial intelligence apps to enable the service agent to immediately identify viewed articles of interest during the session for further review, sharing, and information collection.
It is desirable to use a multi-tenant cloud-based architectures to improve collaboration, integration, and community-based cooperation between service agents within tenant organizations without sacrificing data security.
Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.

Method and system for service agent assistance of article recommendations to a customer in an app session


An audio playing method is provided. The method includes: accessing an audio file from a data storage; transmitting the audio file to a decoder to decode and outputting the decoded audio file through the audio output unit; determining whether a skipping command is received from an input unit; determining the desired section according to the received skipping command if the skipping command is received from the input unit; accessing the starting address of the desired section from the control part, and playing the main audio part from the starting address.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to an electronic audio playing apparatus and a method thereof.
2. Description of Related Art
Generally, audio files can only be played from the beginning. Electronic playing apparatuses such as MP3 players only provide a skipping operation for users to advance or reverse to a next audio file.
Therefore, what is needed is an electronic audio playing apparatus and method that allows a user to start at any desired point in an audio file.

Electronic audio playing apparatus and method


A flat light source including a first substrate, a second substrate, a sealant, several sets of dielectric pattern and a phosphor layer is provided. The first substrate has electrodes thereon. The sealant is disposed between the first and second substrates to form a space between the first and second substrates and the sealant. These sets of dielectric pattern are formed in the space between the first and second substrates. Each set of dielectric pattern has at least two dielectric strips, and each dielectric strip covers one of the electrodes correspondingly. Each dielectric strip has a top surface and two side surfaces, and the top surface has an uneven contour. The phosphor layer is disposed between the two dielectric strips of each set of dielectric pattern, and the phosphor layer is further disposed on the top surface of the dielectric strips.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a flat light source and fabricating method thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to a flat light source having high brightness and fabricating method thereof.
2. Description of Related Art
In recent years, the Liquid Crystal Display panel (LCD panel) plays a predominant role in the display screen. However, since the LCD panel itself is incapable of emitting light, a back light module must be disposed below the LCD panel to provide a light source, thus achieving a display function. The light source of the back light module is usually provided by the lamp. After passing through the optical film of the back light module and then being scattered, the light emitted by the lamp forms a surface light source suitable for irradiating the LCD panel.
But if the flat light source can be used directly, the light application efficiency and the uniformity of surface light source may be improved. Moreover, the flat light source can be used in other various fields, besides in the back light source of the LCD panel. Therefore, the flat light source has the advantages in development.
Generally, the flat light source is a plasma light-emitting device, mainly applying a high voltage difference between the electrode pair to produce the energetic electrons, and then to form the so-called plasma by the energetic electrons bombarding the inert gas. And then, the excited atoms in the plasma will release energy by way of radiating UV light, while the UV light radiated will further excites the phosphor of the flat light source to emit the visible light.
It has become one key of the active development for the existing flat light source, that how to enhance the brightness, and improve the uniformity of light emitting.


A security service determines whether to grant a user access to a resource. The service receives from the user a security term in an obscured form derived from a revealed form of the security term according to a predefined padding scheme known to the user and to the security service. The service applies the padding scheme to the received term to result in a de-padded security term and confirms that the de-padded security term matches the retrieved revealed security term. Additionally, the service confirms that the received term has not been previously employed within a predetermined frame of reference. Accordingly, if the received obscured security term is purloined and re-used within the predetermined frame of reference, the security service denies access to the resource.

In many electronic contexts, access to a restricted resource is provided to a user only upon the user entering an electronic security term. For one example, when a user wishes to gain access to a particular site on a network such as the Internet, the user oftentimes must have a security term such as a password along with a user ID or the like, and the user ID and password must be appropriately entered and validated prior to the user being given access to the particular site. For another example, when a user wishes to gain access to services available from a bank ATM (Automated Teller Machine) or the like, the user oftentimes must have a security term such as a PIN (Personal Identification Number) along with an electronic ATM card or the like, the ATM card must be electronically presented at the ATM, the PIN must be appropriately entered into the ATM, and the presented ATM card and entered PIN must then be validated prior to the user being given access to the services available from the ATM. For yet another example, when a user wishes to gain access to a security area within a building, a room, a perimeter, or the like, the user oftentimes must have a security term such as an access code along with an electronic access card or the like, the access card must be electronically presented at an access device, the access code must be appropriately entered into the access device, and the presented access card and entered accessed code must then be validated prior to the user being given access to the security area.
Note, though, that a nefarious entity may attempt by a variety of means to obtain the security term of a user in order to inappropriately gain access to a corresponding restricted resource. In the example above where the resource is a particular site on a network such as the Internet, then, the nefarious entity would attempt to obtain the password of the user along with the user ID. Similarly, in the example above where the resource is services available from a bank ATM, the nefarious entity would attempt to obtain the PIN for use with the ATM card or a copy thereof. As should now be evident, in the example above where the resource is a security area, the nefarious entity would attempt to obtain the access code for use with the access card or a copy thereof.
In any particular situation, the nefarious entity may attempt to obtain the security term of a user by any of a number of methods, including subterfuge, electronic probing, verbal or physical threats, outright theft, or the like. Notably, one of the simplest methods that the nefarious entity may employ is to view the user entering the security term. Thus, the nefarious entity may stand behind the user while the user is at a computing device entering a password, at an ATM entering a PIN, at an access device entering an access code, or the like, and while so standing view the user entering the security term, presuming the user is not especially careful to guard such entered security term from such viewing. In a similar manner, the nefarious entity may be some distance away from the entering user but viewing same by way of a magnification device.
Regardless of how the nefarious entity obtains the security term of the user, such nefarious entity may then employ such security term to access the corresponding restricted resource, likely in a manner that is detrimental to the user and/or the organization providing the restricted resource. In particular, if the restricted resource is a particular site on a network such as the Internet, the nefarious entity could conduct a transaction at the site and charge same to the user; if an ATM, the nefarious entity could withdraw funds of the user therefrom; and if a security area, the nefarious entity could enter and take an object therein or create mayhem therein.
Accordingly, a need exists for a system and method for obscuring entry by a user of an electronic security term at an entry device therefor. In particular, a need exists for such a system and method that requires the user to enter characters in addition to the characters of the security term so as to pad the security term according to a predefined padding scheme. More particularly, a need exists for such a system and method whereby the security term is discerned from the entered padded security term, and for denying access to a restricted resource if the entered padded security term has recently been employed.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Systems and methods for obscuring entry of electronic security term

United Services Automobile Association (USAA)


A folder including an item of jewelry securing the folder in a closed position. The item of jewelry can be removed from the presentation device and used as jewelry.

The present invention relates to a presentation device, and more particularly, to a presentation device including an item of jewelry.
Ornamental jewelry, or more particularly jewelry which consists of a head, a shaft and a clutch, as for example a lapel pin, is typically given away during promotional events, advertisements and/or solicitations. In addition, these pins are often presented with some form of separate promotional message or advertisement.
Heretofore, these pins have typically been packaged on a card or other suitable display, whereby the pin is retained to the card with the head disposed on one side of the card and the clutch on the other. Earrings are often packaged in the same manner.


Fluid processing apparatus has a prefabricated branched network of flexible tubing, for conducting process fluid between process elements of the apparatus, and control valves. A tubing support has opposable front and rear plates which define a pattern of support channels between them in which the flexible tubing network lies, so that the support channels limit or prevent expansion of the flexible tubes. Standard non-reinforced tubing can then be used for high-pressure work. The support body plates can be separated to open the channels for insertion or removal of the flexible tubing. The front plate may be transparent. The control valves operate by simply pressing on the tubing in the support channels to block flow, without invasion of the flow path. The tubing sets can be easily replaced, cleaned or sterilized. The invention is useful in a range of controlled-flow processes e.g. chromatography and filtration.

In the medical, nutrition, nuclear, environmental, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and fine chemicals industries there are various processes which require pressurised supply of process liquids via a network of tubular conduits. The network or circuit has flow control whereby e.g. the flow can be selectively switched off or on in a given conduit, directed to or from one of various selectable branch or manifold conduits, directed selectively through a process device such as a chromatography column, filter or ultrafilter, perhaps in either direction, or through a bypass conduit instead.
These industries usually observe strict standards of purity, non-contamination or sterility as well as product quality control. The flow is subject to the action of any necessary valves, gauges, sensors and the like without exposure to the exterior, and without exposure to apparatus materials that might contaminate it or it contaminate them. The apparatus and its elements may need to be formally certified in this respect. The process may need to be run for a period of days, or months or even years without the flow network being disassembled.
Pressurised flow (low, medium or high pressure), driven by a pump or head of liquid or other pressure source of the apparatus, is needed where a process device (such as a chromatography column or filter) presents a large resistance to an operational flow through it i.e. a back-pressure. A pump is needed to achieve satisfactory flow rate. Small-diameter tubing in itself presents a substantial resistance to flow.
Pressure in the upstream region may be substantially above atmospheric, e.g. above 1 bar (gauge), perhaps above 2 bar and not infrequently above 5 or 10 bar. (1 bar=100 kPa] The tubing, connected devices and the connections between them must all be able to withstand this, as well as being susceptible to cleaning by flow of sterilising liquids and the like. To this end the tubing network and especially its connections should be as free as possible of sharp angles or other features causing "unswept" regions.
Conventional industrial high pressure processes use stainless steel tubing. The network of conduits, flow control devices, sensors, gauges, etc. is designed and the corresponding piping and other components are pre-assembled, usually being mounted on a wall or in a trolley, cabinet or mobile "skid" to integrate the apparatus and maintain the alignment of the—mainly rigid—components to prevent movements or distortions causing leaks or damage.
This assembly may comprise all the devices necessary for the process, or there may be reasons for keeping one or more of these separate e.g. a chromatography column which may need to stand separately because it is large, or needs all-around access. These pre-fabricated and custom-designed assemblies are expensive and require substantial maintenance care, but this is justified by the high value and sensitivity or toxicity of products being processed.
For short-term or small-scale work, research or laboratory set-ups and in some production processes a common practice is to use a network of flexible polymeric tubing, especially silicone tubing which is readily available in many sizes. Advantages of silicone tubing are that it is available in polymer grades with low extractables, can be sterilised, is obtainable inconveniently transparent or translucent forms and is highly flexible and chemically inert. Polymeric e.g. silicone tubing is also available in pre-fabricated branched or "manifold" formats which facilitate network assembly. In such work, valving is easily provided using manual clamps, such as surgical clamps. However there is no question of using ordinary silicone tubing for higher pressure processes, above about 0.5 bar/50 kPa (gauge). Polymer tubing with braided reinforcements is available and can withstand high pressures, but to the extent that it is able to withstand more pressure it tends to be less convenient for assembly into networks with non-invasive flow control.
Objects of Our Proposals
Our aim here is to propose new and useful fluid flow control systems and methods of operating them, particularly but not exclusively in pressurised flow applications such as those described above, and advancing the art so as to avoid or reduce variously at least some of the mentioned disadvantages and limitations.
The Invention: Our Proposals
Our proposals are made in the context of fluid processing apparatus which has a flow network of tubular flow conduits of flexible tube material for conducting process fluid between the process elements of the apparatus, and which comprises one or more flow control mechanisms such as valves for controllably modifying the flow of fluid in the network.
What we propose is to provide a tubing support body defining a pattern of support channels in which all or part of the flexible tubing network is received, the flexible tubes thereof lying in respective support channels generally co-extensively so that the support channel limits or prevents expansion of the flexible tube material. This can prevent bursting of the tube even when it is subject to internal pressures substantially higher that its usual rated pressure, typically meaning pressures above 0.5 bar/SOkPa (gauge).
The flow network usually includes one or more junctions or branching points, i.e. where three or more tube parts meet. To facilitate assembly of the flexible tubing in the support body, the support body preferably defines its channels between opposed support body parts which can be separated to open the channels for insertion or removal of flexible tubing, and close together to enclose flexible tubing closely in the channels. The closed channels are of course usually cylindrical, although exact cylindricality is not necessarily needed to prevent bursting. Preferably the cavity to form the channel is defined partly in the face of one opposable part of the support body and partly in the opposed face of the other, e.g. as generally semi-cylindrical grooves in each. Or, one body part may define most or all of a channel to receive the flexible tube, and the other part simply provides a cover for it (which may or may not be shaped to complement the tube).
One preferred refinement has a slight overhang of one or both part-channel edges on one body part, e.g. by the part-channel being formed as slightly more than half a circle so that the edges overhang the interior, or by having one or more protrusions extended along or distributed along one or both edges, to help retain flexible tubing provisionally until the assembly is closed.
The support body should be of generally rigid material. Plastics material is preferable but it could be metal e.g. steel. The materials of two said opposable parts need not be the same. Channels or part-channels may be formed by machining or moulding. Desirably a single support body defines all of the support channels for the desired flow tube network, so that the corresponding flexible "tubing set" can be supported in a fixed disposition, e.g. in a plane, curved layer, or cylindrical or wrap-around format. Any of these is consistent with the format providing the support body as opposable front and rear (or inner and outer) parts as discussed above.
Desirably at least a front (or outer) portion of the support body is transparent or translucent, so that the disposition of tubes and desirably the presence or absence of liquid in them can be seen directly. A particular form envisaged is a combination of front and rear plates with corresponding patterns of grooves on their opposable faces to form the channel pattern, the front plate being transparent. It may be for example of a suitable acrylic polymer. It does not contact the process fluid so the choice is wide.
The support body may be provided on a fixed or mobile stand such as a skid, trolley or cabinet, or it may be mounted on a wall or ceiling.
Where the support body comprises separate or opposable parts as described, it may comprise or be mounted in or on mechanism or structures for controlling the movement of the opposable parts relative to one another. In particular it may incorporate guide mechanisms, such as one or more ramps, pins, slides or the like, engageable between the body parts, to ensure that they come together in correct alignment. It may also include a drive mechanism operable to drive the parts apart or together again.
The support may be moveably mounted so that its orientation can be changed on its mounting, e.g. between substantially horizontal (for removing or inserting tubing) and upright (for visibility in use).
The support body will have plural emergence points where the flexible tubing emerges from the support of the support body. Preferably these are at edge or end portions of the support body. Where it has opposable parts it is convenient that the emergence points are at the meeting point between the opposable parts (to avoid threading tubing through holes in the parts, which would be an alternative). Tubing portions not subject to excessive pressure may simply extend out beyond the support body.
However in pressurised applications at least some elements of the flow pattern will be subject to high pressure in use and for these desirably the flexible tubing terminates at or before the emergence point so as not to be liable to bursting. Further options for tubing unions or terminations at the emergence point(s) are discussed below. The flexible tubing at an emergence point may connect directly to a flow device or to further tubing with a higher pressure rating, e.g. reinforced tubing or steel tubing. The support body may define an emergence connection formation, e.g. in the form of an enlarged or flared recess part relative to the main channel diameter, to receive a connector part or joint reinforcement at the joint where the supported flexible tubing is connected to the external element. Further options are described below.Flow Control: Valves
The flow network control additionally comprises one or plural flow control mechanisms, and specifically one or more valve devices. In conventional high-pressure systems these are specialised modular devices—usually diaphragm valves—which are connected in-line into the steel (or other high pressure-rated) piping by clamp fittings or the like. What we propose is that, in our assembly with the flexible tubing supported or sandwiched in the support body, valve devices may be operable so as simply to press on tubing in its channel, compressing the tube to block the flow.
Such a valve will generally comprise a presser element housed or mounted in the support body at the desired valve position, and movable relative to the support body across the support channel so that it will compress a flexible tube therein. Desirably the presser element of the valve is formed as or with a rib or bar extending transversely over the channel, so as to nip the tubing effectively. Optionally a side of the channel opposing the presser is formed with a local relative eminence—analogous to the "weir" in a diaphragm valve—to make a more positive seal. Of course there may be a more complex presser mechanism, e.g. with a pair of opposed presser elements which are both movable, or a convergent or tapering element which moves slidingly across the tube to press by a wedge action. Alternatively a clip over clasp, detachable for assembly, is used and this is pulled, thereby closing the tube.
The valve device also comprises an operating mechanism for driving the presser element relative to the channel to close the tube, to hold it there to keep the valve closed, and to release it controllably to open the valve again.
This operating or driving mechanism can simply be mounted onto the support body, e.g. screwed, bolted, pinned, bonded, moulded in or otherwise secured in or onto it, e.g. at an external face e.g. of one of two opposable support body parts as mentioned above.
A variety of suitable mechanisms for driving valve movement is already well known to the skilled person and includes electrical, electromechanical e.g. via cam, pneumatic, electromagnetic (e.g. servo-motor) and manual (e.g. push-button) mechanisms. They may be automatically controlled, in a manner known per se. Where the support body is formed with an obverse and reverse as discussed above, it may be preferred to mount the valve devices on the reverse so that they do not obstruct the view (except of course for valves which are directly manually-actuated). The material of the part of the support body mounting the valve devices should be selected for secure mountings of the relevant type, e.g. engineering plastics such as acetal.
The above proposals include the provision of one or more flow control mechanisms, specifically valve devices, comprising mechanisms with elements for pressing on the tubing in its channel, compressing the tube to block the flow. The following proposals develop those proposals.
In general, a valve device for use in the present context includes a presser element housed or mounted in the support body at the valve position, and movable relative to the support body across the support channel to a "closed" position in which it will compress a flexible tube in the channel to shut off flow. An actuator is provided to drive or control movement between the closed and open positions of the presser element. Some preferred forms of the presser element, and the possibility of providing a counter-projection on the opposite surface to improve the seal (or reduce the force required to achieve a seal) are described above.
A first general preference herein is that the presser element and actuator are disposed, relative to the support channel and support body at the valve location, so that movement from the open position to the closed position is by pulling the presser element towards an actuator module of the actuator through a tensile connector. The actuator module may be mounted against an outer face of one of the opposable support parts overlying the valve site on the support channel.
This can provide two significant advantages. Firstly, the force of the presser element does not tend to push the opposable support parts (e.g. support plates) apart. This is important, because integrity of the interface between the opposed support parts is necessary to protect the flexible tubing. Also, if the counter-surface of the channel against which the presser element squeezes the tube lies beneath amounting of the actuator module on the outer surface of that support part, the reaction force tends to urge the actuator module into contact with the support part (rather than away from it, as would be the case if a "push" mode is used). This reduces the load on the actuator attachment to the support part, so that smaller parts can safely be used.
For implementing a valve using a pull to compress the tubing, typically an access opening is formed through the first one of the support parts/plates, e.g. to the side of the support channel which receives the flexible tubing in use, and a tensile actuating element or draw bar extends axially slidably through this side opening. The distal end of the tensile element or draw bar comprises or carries the presser element, which should extend transversely, and desirably perpendicularly, across the tubing path. A moving component of the valve may make a rotational alignment engagement with an adjacent fixed component to keep the presser element aligned transversely to the tubing path.
It is preferred that the centre of the drive axis of the actuator be coincident or substantially coincident with the support channel centre line corresponding to where force is applied to squeeze the flexible tubing.
The presser bar with its tensile connecting element may form an L-shaped member, reaching past the tubing. However the pull may be transmitted to the presser element through more than one tensile connector e.g. through a U-shape, annular or stirrup component.
A preferred feature in a valve of this kind is that the presser element is movable away from its operating position, traversing the tubing path, to facilitate movement of tubing into or out of the tubing path, which typically a channel in the corresponding support part. It may be for example detachable from its actuator or tensile connector, or pivotable (e.g. around its actuator or tensile connector as a pivot) so that it can be swung away from the tubing path. The actuator or tensile connector may have a release mechanism or release coupling which is selectively operable to allow such pivoting, while normally preventing or limiting it.
Whether the presser element is operated by pull or push action, the element/actuator may be urged by a restoring spring to a closed position. Or, there may be a double-acting actuator with the drive (pneumatic or electromagnetic) operable to drive it positively in either direction without a residual restoring force. Indeed, depending on the needs of the system, there might be value in having a return spring urging it to the open position instead of the closed position. The actuator or valve device may therefore include a return spring operable so that, when the actuator is not energised (e.g. pneumatically or electromagnetically), the return spring holds the presser element in the closed position i.e. to shut off the flexible tubing in use. This can give a fail-safe mode of the system whereby in the case that actuating power of the valves is lost, flow is stopped and leakage prevented.
Depending on materials, the flexible tube will usually have its own elastic tendency to open up again when the presser element is released. If there is raised pressure in the tubing this will open the tube when the valve is released.
Any valve device as described above in general terms may be implemented in any of the general apparatus and methods described herein.
Tubing
Flexible tubing used with the system is desirably silicone tubing, such as addition-cured silicone which is low in extractables. Skilled people are familiar with a range of suitable tubing materials for different uses, taking into account the operational demands such as chemical resistance, temperature resistance, permeability constraints etc. Usually the tubing is polymeric, usually resilient or elastomeric. It may be e.g. thermoset polymer or thermoplastic elastomer. Usually the tubing outer diameter is from 5 mm to 30 mm but this is not critical to the concept.
Prefabricated polymer tubing junctions or manifolds are well-known to the skilled person. They usually encase or encapsulate the intercepting tube portions with a resiliently deformable polymeric encapsulation. A valve presser may be positioned to act on the tubing at one of these junction points, compressing the encapsulation.
General Layout
The area of the support body providing the channel path network layout may be e.g. from 0.25 m2 to 5 m2:
The network pattern, i.e. the actual topological pattern of flow pathways and valve positions, will be designed in line with the process to be performed. It may be standard. It may be machined into a support body "blank" e.g. on a custom design basis. Particular elements typical of such networks are manifold or branch portions, e.g. for the selective input of liquids such as reagents or buffers from a selected one or several supplies, each with a control valve, or for the output of liquid selectively into a selected one of various collectors, e.g. fraction collectors, each with its own outlet conduit having a respective control valve. For a chromatography or filter process or the like, there may be a set of valves (in a known "bridge" arrangement) whereby flow from the pump may be sent through the column or filter, perhaps in either one direction or the other, or else bypass the column or filter. One or more exteriorly-connected valved connections (optionally with bypass paths) may be provided for ancillary components such as clarification filters (e.g. for the input to a chromatography column), bubble traps, pressure gauges and the like. The latter may optionally be integrated into or mounted on the support body itself.
The skilled person will understand that, the valve-controlled network of flow pathways being provided, the valves can be controlled, e.g. automatically, by any suitable means, e.g. in line with conventional practice. Typically this will involve a programmed or programmable microprocessor incorporated into or accompanying the flow control module. The tubing support body enables a conveniently valve-controlled high-pressure tubing assembly to be made up conveniently from ordinary flexible tubing that does not itself need a high pressure rating. It can be valved entirely non-invasively, i.e. so that the fluid "sees", is in contact with only a single material. Apparatus approval, cleaning and certification can be simple, therefore.
Simple compression valves can be used, and there is no need to spend a lot of time and trouble connecting in-line valve modules into the system. It is necessary only to fit a prefabricated tubing set with the required topology into the support body and close the channels. The tubing set can be provided in sterilised form, e.g. sterilised by gamma radiation as is well known.
There may be no unswept areas in the pre-fabricated flow network, because it is all made from the same tubing, which is available with constant cross-section at joints.
Support Channel Form
Firstly, I confirm that it is preferable to form the support channel of a support body, in which the tubing is received, with a circular or substantially circular cross-section subtending more than 180°, with the width of the opening being less than the free (unpressurised) external diameter of the tubing. This locates the tubing conveniently as it is installed. Preferably the exterior of the tubing fits closely or snugly in the channel, but without compression or interference (at least, after it has been pushed in through the opening). Preferably the channel subtends from 190°, e.g. about 200°. Usually it subtends less than 250°, preferably less than 220°. Angles are relative to the central axis of the cross-sectional shape, taken as a circle. Preferably cross-section is uniform along the channel.
Desirably an opposing channel on the other, opposing support body complements, with the same radius, to complete the circular cross-section. An undercut channel with the mouth overhang can be cut with a suitable machine tool e.g. having a ball shape, moving in the longitudinal direction of the channel.
Protection of Exterior Terminations
As mentioned, external connections can be made to process components at the emergence points, with suitable local tube support or reinforcement components being provided if necessary to avoid over-pressurizing the end of the flexible tubing, or there may be a cover of stronger material surrounding the tubing termination which clamps into the support, e.g. in the form of a circumferential lug which mates to recesses in the support thereby entrapping the termination to avoid the tubing extruding outside the pressure envelope.
The following proposals relate to structures and measures enabling connection of tubing ends, emerging from the support of the support body to connect to external tube elements of the flow system, e.g. to further flexible tubes, or to connector unions of functional system components.
A particular issue with tubing lines subject to high pressure is to extend the mechanical support for the flexible tubing (the "pressure envelope") sufficiently far to reach the joint thereof with the external component. A tubular termination cover, e.g. in a cup, sleeve or ferrule form, is contemplated.
It may be made from any suitable material with adequate tensile hoop strength, e.g. from a suitable plastics material. [Such components are available in engineering plastics materials such as PES, but PES although strong lacks toughness, and a filled standard polymer such as PP may be as good or better, as well as cheaper.]
Desirably the termination cover makes a mechanical engagement with the support body which restrains it from outward movement relative to the support body so that the tubing contained in it does not become exposed beyond the emergence point. As mentioned there may be a circumferential lug of the tubing cover, engageable in recesses of the opposed support plates of the support body to trap it in position.
One further proposal here is that the termination cover makes a mechanical engagement with the support body (e.g. with one or both of opposed support plates) to limit or prevent its rotation relative thereto, about the tubing axis. It is highly desirable to prevent twisting and turning of tube components and their joints and unions in a fluid flow system. Twists and turns tend to cause loosening and/or leakage of connections, either at the place concerned or elsewhere in the system. They may also cause distortion or damage to flexible tubing.
It will be understood that almost any shapes (other than coaxial circles) can be used for the mutually engaging parts of the tube termination cover component and the tubing support body to limit or prevent their relative rotation. Relevant practical constraints on the shapes include economy of material, ease of moulding, ease of machining (e.g. of any necessary complementary formation in the support body or plates thereof), simplicity of shape, easy identification of and movement to the correctly aligned position, and perhaps plural (degenerate) aligned positions e.g. to reduce the amount of turning needed on assembly. Thus, while for example the entire termination cover (sleeve, cup, shell, ferrule) might have an exterior non-circular surface, this might be uneconomical of material, and axially and/or circumferentially localised projection(s) or formation(s) might be more effective.
At the same time, and as mentioned previously, it is desirable that the termination cover has some formation engaging with the support body to prevent it from being pushed out from the support body (i.e. in the length direction of the tubing).
It is convenient to provide one or more formations on the tubing termination support, e.g. one or more lugs, flanges or other local projections, to serve both purposes, and to shape an interior formation of the support body accordingly, providing surfaces which engage the termination cover formation(s) to prevent it from turning in one or both directions, preferably both (i.e. a circumferentially-directed stop surface or stop surfaces) as well as to stop it from being pushed out from the support body (i.e. a longitudinally inwardly-directed stop surface).
Thus, the termination support may have a generally circular symmetry, e.g. a cup, sleeve or ferrule, with a rear portion which fits into an emergence-point recess of the support body e.g. between opposed plates thereof, and a front portion which projects outwardly from the support body e.g. to reach or make a connection with another tubing component, such as by means of a tri-clamp joint. The rear portion of the support may have one or more projecting lugs, e.g. a circumferential lug or flange, perhaps with an external polygonal shape, received in an interior slot of the support body (e.g. opposed slot portions cut into the opposing faces of two support plates). For example a retaining flange might be given a polygonal external form, such as a square or triangle, or a pair of diametrically-opposed tabs may project, or even a tab or flange on only one side.
In the case where the support body at the emergence point has two opposed support plates, and one is of a material with greater tensile strength than the other, it is desirable to form in these plates the clearances which receive the inner/rear part of the tube termination support member such that, when a retaining formation of the termination cover as mentioned above (for restricting rotational and/or outward movement) makes direct engagement with a limiting or counter-surface of the support plate made of the stronger material, clearance exists between the corresponding or other formation parts and corresponding counter-surface(s) of the other plate. In this way it can be arranged that normally the other plate takes less, little or no force from the retaining formations, although it may still be effective for general alignment of the components. This can be applied for example with the acetal and acrylic combination described in the previous example.
Joints
A preferred joint type for the tube ends is a tri-clamp joint. These are very well known. The ends of the two tubular components are provided with rigid ferrules of steel or plastics, having a rear tubular portion which connects around the tube, and a front flaring portion for clamping.
The front flaring portion has a front sealing face which in use is pressed (abutted) against the corresponding face of the opposing ferrule, with a seal member between (usually a deformable sealing ring such as an O-ring, for which an annular seating groove may be provided on the front face). A discrete mechanical clamp, in the form of a segmented ring with an inwardly-directed convergent clamping groove, is then tightened around the edges of the two ferrule discs, squeezing them together to make and hold the sealed joint. Tri-clamp joints and seals can resist high pressures (for which reason they are not normally used with unreinforced silicone tubing, which cannot resist high pressures).
I prefer to use formations in which the tubing ends (i.e. the ends of the flexible tubing elements forming the supported network) are themselves outwardly flared. This may be integrally, or by moulding-on flexible polymeric terminations, desirably of the same polymer type/family as the tubing itself. A cup part or flared portion of the termination support body (of stiff plastics, for example) surrounds this enlarged tubing end portion, which may then present itself at the front of the flared portion for opposing to another ferrule on an external tubing component for joining e.g. with a conventional tri-clamp. If the enlarged flexible part is sufficiently flexible and resilient, it may be possible to dispense with a discrete sealing ring or gasket. A ring or gasket formation may be provided integrally on the tube end enlargement.
For example, a suitable mould may be used to shape the end of a curable tubular silicone preform into a suitable outwardly-flared formation, and then cured. It may be for example addition-cured silicone ("Pt-cured silicone") of a well-known kind. The shaped tube end is supported by a correspondingly-shaped reinforcing cup. If the tubing network has been pre-formed with a junction, so that only one end of the tube is free, it may be necessary to slide the reinforcing cup (termination support) onto the tube before moulding and curing the flexible end formation. The cup may have retaining formations of any kind as discussed above.
Assuring Correct Connections
With a flow system of the present kind, it is likely that plural emerging ends of the tubing network are connected to respective exterior flexible tubes. In many systems these flexible tubes are of similar or generally similar kinds, e.g. braid-reinforced polymer tubing, and it is difficult to tell them apart.
Moreover their other ends may be concealed within a skid or invisible behind other components. Since the joints themselves (e.g. tri-clamps) are also generally conventional and similar, there is a real possibility of connecting the wrong tubes to one another, leading at least to inconvenience and perhaps to disaster. In practice, careful and time-consuming checking is needed.
To address this issue, I propose that the tubes of the supported network, or at least their terminations, have respective mutually distinguishable colour coding or markings, and that the same be provided for respective tubes of the external systems, at least at their terminations which are to be connected at the present supported network. For example, different terminations may be coloured respectively red, blue, green, and the like, and each be connected to an external tube marked with the same colour.
Similar coding or marking may be applied at the other ends of the external tubes, for whatever components they are connected to. This is a generally applicable proposal, independently of and beyond use with the present special supported network. While the tubes themselves may be coloured or intimately labelled, it will normally be much more convenient and practical to use distinctive colours for termination supports and or joint ferrules, e.g. joint cups adjacent the end of the tubes. It is easy to manufacture such discrete, simple plastic components in a range of easy distinguishable colours. The complementary ferrules of the external tubing may be coloured similarly. The flexible tubing per se may then be standard, i.e. all the same colour, or non-coded.
A convenient alternative to bodily colouring of the termination covers (or other components, such as moulded tube junction encapsulations) is to use an in-mould method to apply or encase a label, marker or band. This may be coloured, or carry one or more symbols, text or other indicia. This is usually more economical and adaptable than producing differently-coloured materials for moulding or tube/tube junction formation. Or, adhesive methods may be used.
Modes of Application
As understood by a skilled person, liquid processing devices to be connected to or comprised in the flow control network module include any of those conventionally used in such a process.
Non-limiting examples include filters (which may be normal flow filters or cross-flow filters, or filters for ultra-filtration), bubble traps, mixing chambers, chromatography columns, other separation devices, heaters, coolers, irradiation devices and the like.
A pump will usually be connected to and optionally comprised in the flow control module, to drive the fluid process; it could be integrated into the module e.g. in a form of peristaltic pump.
Also, and again as familiar to the skilled person, control and monitoring devices (in addition to the valves already mentioned) can conveniently be connected to the flow network either remotely via tubing, or mounted directly on or integrated in, the support body. Such devices include any one or more of sensors, detectors, gauges and meters e.g. UV sensors or monitors, other radiation-based sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, pH sensors, conductivity sensors, air sensors and the like.
Aspects of my invention include fluid processing apparatus comprising a supported flow network of the kind described. Methods of using such apparatus are also an aspect of the invention, and may optionally include the procedure of inserting and/or removing flexible tubing in relation to the support body e.g. with opening and closing of opposable portions of the support body. Fluid-processing methods using the flow network are an aspect of my proposals too. The support body in itself, with a channel pattern to receive the tubing and comprising the valve devices is a further aspect of our invention, as is a method of preparing such a support body by forming the channel pattern e.g. by moulding or machining.
A skilled person will appreciate how these proposals enable quick and easy assembly of a controlled flow network suitable for operating under raised pressure.

Apparatus and methods for fluid processing and flow control