A package-board co-design methodology preserves the signal integrity of high-speed signals passing from semiconductor packages to application PCBs. An optimal architecture of interconnects between package and PCB enhances the signal propagation, minimizes parasitic levels, and decreases electromagnetic interference from adjacent high frequency signals. The invention results in devices with superior signal quality and EMI shielding properties with enhanced capability for carrying data stream at multiple-gigabit per second bit-rates.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to signal transition from ball grid array (BGA) packages to printed circuit board (PCB) intended for high-speed applications. More specifically, the present invention relates to package-board co-design methodology and optimal interconnect architecture between package and printed circuit board layers.
2. Description of Related Art
The ball grid array (BGA) package offers a number of advantages relative to other, older package types (e.g., quad flat pack (QFP) and pin grid array (PGA)), including small size, high input/output (I/O) pin count, improved electrical performance, low profiles, and good yields. The packages can be constructed with a substrate that can be either single or multi-layer. Substrates are fabricated with plastic or ceramic material, electrically conductive traces, and with planes being formed on a surface of each layer of the substrate. The surface of the substrate opposite from the semiconductor die or integrated circuit (IC) contains a plurality of solder balls that are soldered to the pads on a printed circuit board (PCB), thus attaching the package to the board. The semiconductor die is electrically connected to the substrate by either flip-chip (solder bump) interconnect or wire bonding. In both instances, the die is also generally encapsulated by plastic to protect it from the external environment.
One of the key benefits of BGA packaging is the increase of achievable I/O densities compared to older package options. Since BGA packaging places contacts over the entire surface of the chip instead of just around the edges, IC designers can place more I/Os in a given package size while using relatively looser tolerance compared to older peripheral lead types. This offers additional benefits to board designers who are not subsequently constrained to use the fine pitches that are typically necessary for older high-lead count packages. However BGA packaging brings new challenges to the packaging designers, particularly in high-speed IC applications, where the effects of electromagnetic interference (EMI) become extremely important, and BGA I/O densities exasperate this problem.
Signal integrity is another important issue for packages and boards emerging from high-speed transceivers in high-end FPGAs and ICs. Impedance control is critical for package-to-board transitions connecting signals from layer to layer. For example, there are two typical via transitions (via-to-pad) on packages connecting signal traces to board solder pads. These via configurations, the 'dog-bone' 120, and via-on-pad 122 configurations, are depicted in FIG. 1. On the board 100, if signal is routed on a top layer, the via-on-pad transition 122 is used and microstrip 123 will be deployed. If signal is routed in the inter-layer stripline 121, the 'dog-bone' via transition 120 is used. The via-transitions usually possess very low impedance due to the heavy parasitic capacitance found between a ball and the ground plane. Some package and board manufacturers propose an approach using a thicker substrate layer to reduce parasitic capacitance. This approach enlarges the package and board thickness and has been proved neither practical nor cost effective.
A high-speed BGA semiconductor device having improved electromagnetic interference (EMI) and signal integrity characteristics is desirable. Identifying a suitable electromagnetic shielding approach for use in BGA packaging is critical if the projected benefits of flip-chip technology, including improved EMI and flexible power/ground distribution, are to be fully achieved.

Ball grid array package-to-board interconnect co-design apparatus


Accessibility means for achieving the assisted passage of a person using a wheelchair, while in the chair, over a barrier including a pair of spaced-apart pathways which permit the transit of an assistant between the pathways as the assistant assists the wheelchair and occupant over the barrier.

Responding to an enlightened view of "disability," contemporary social attitudes recognize, and recently enacted civil rights legislation requires, that many heretofore inaccessible by wheelchair places of business, recreation and residence be made accessible to persons using wheelchairs.
The prior art apparatus includes ramps, lifts, elevators and the like; all of which are expensive, and may require structural deviations from historically appropriate architectural preferences. These devices provide "barrier free" accessibility for singly independent wheelchair bound persons and are most appropriate for new construction and significant renovation of existing structures.
In many applications, wheelchair access is not required 100% of the time; or the scale of a facility or residence does not, or resources available do not, warrant extensive renovation or expense.
It is an object of this invention to provide a retrofittable accessibility system that is easily installed on site, inexpensive, can be retracted when not in use and is conveniently adapted to existing architecture and decor.
It is a further object to provide in an alternative embodiment an accessibility means that is conveniently portable and optimally adapted for use, for example, on social occasions when a wheelchair bound person visits a friend or a residence at a location that has a wheelchair access barrier, such as stairs; and as an extension of that alternative, to provide an inexpensive access means that the friend or residence can provide upon the spontaneous visit of a wheelchair bound person.
The availability of the device of this application should not be regarded as an excuse in new construction to not utilize state of the art "barrier free" design techniques. The availability of the present apparatus should, however, eliminate any possibility for an excuse that wheelchair access should not, as a retrofit or in a prospective design, be installed for reasons of expense, aesthetics or impracticability.
Nevertheless, the design of the application is not a universal solution. The present device may not in most instances permit fully independent access. In many instances, assistance will be required to help the person using a wheelchair, while in the chair, over or across the barrier at which the accessibility means is installed. The need for assistance will typically not be a problem because the accessibility means will normally be used at locations where assistance is already available, such as in restaurants where there are waiters or a maitre d'; or in doctors', dentists' or attorneys' or other professional offices which are attended by receptionists; apartment buildings attended by doormen; swimming pools attended by a life guard; or in small businesses where other persons are present. On social occasions at private residences, obviously other people will be present and available.
The degree of skill and strength required for the assisted use of the access means over a barrier is less than that required in the transit of the wheelchair and its occupant over the same barrier without the use of the access means.
The object of the invention is to provide a cost effective, convenient access means that overcomes physical barriers for wheelchair users. The device is retrofittable to old, barrier containing construction, is economically suited for premises that are infrequently visited by wheelchair users, and is a facilitator which will make the concept of wheelchair access more easily accepted and more easily achieved in a reasonable manner.
The invention will be more readily understood with reference to the following description of the preferred embodiment and the drawings in which:

Accessibility means for a person using a wheelchair


A concrete wash-out bin includes a primary receptacle having a rim positioned at an elevation that exceeds the elevation of a discharge port of certain items of concrete-handling equipment. An auxiliary receptacle is positioned in leading relation to the primary receptacle and is hingedly mounted to the primary receptacle. The auxiliary receptacle has a position of repose where it is horizontally disposed at an elevation lower than the discharge port of the concrete-handling equipment and a discharge position where it is disposed in elevated and angled relation to the position of repose. The discharge position is effective to discharge the contents of the auxiliary receptacle into the primary receptacle. The auxiliary receptacle is repeatedly lifted and lowered as needed until the concrete-handling equipment is free of residual concrete or until the primary bin is full.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the disposal of concrete and wash water that is produced when various items of concrete-handling equipment are cleaned. More particularly, it relates to a method and apparatus that enables such concrete-handling equipment to discharge concrete washout residue into a bin without requiring the equipment to be lifted to the level of the rim of the bin.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is imperative that residual concrete be washed from concrete-handling equipment at the end of each work day. Failure to do so results in a gradual build-up of hardened concrete in the equipment. Such build-up may reduce the amount of usable concrete that can be delivered to a job site and it may increases the taxable weight of "empty" trucks or other equipment subject to taxation by weight. Studies have also shown that even small amounts of hardened concrete in equipment act as seeds that serve to accelerate the rate of build-up. If the problem is ignored, the amount of hardened concrete becomes substantial and the removal thereof is very problematic.
However, it is unacceptable from an environmental standpoint to simply wash out the inside of a ready-mixed concrete truck drum, a concrete boom pump truck, a hopper that receives concrete from a concrete boom pump truck, or other concrete-handling equipment with a water hose, so that the residual concrete is washed onto the ground. The wash water contains caustic soda and potash and therefore is classified by the Water Quality Act (part 116) as a hazardous substance. Accordingly, the Environmental Protection Agency requires the owners and operators of concrete-handling equipment to handle and dispose of the wash water as a hazardous substance, to maintain records of such wash water disposal for three (3) years, and to submit the records to the EPA when required.
Most companies that handle concrete comply with the requirements by collecting the wash water in a bin or receptacle and by transporting the filled bin or receptacle to a treatment facility such as a settling pond or the like. A typical bin has a rim that is about twenty to twenty four inches (20-24″) above the ground or other support surface upon which it rests. Unfortunately, such elevation is too high for some concrete-handling equipment to reach. For example, the hopper that receives concrete from a boom pump has a funnel-like discharge downspout that is below the level of a typical washout bin. Such hoppers are too heavy to economically lift to a level where they can be positioned over a bin. Thus, owners of such hoppers and other such concrete-handling equipment are presented with a problem when told they must discharge all washout water into a bin that is higher than such equipment was designed to discharge into.
One solution to this problem is to provide a ramp that extends from the ground surface up to a level that is sufficiently elevated to enable a concrete-handling truck to back up the ramp and deploy its discharge chute above the rim. Published U.S. patent application No. US2004/0155126 discloses this solution to the problem.
However, the provision of a ramp may not be the optimal solution to the problem. Many concrete-handling trucks weigh about thirty-five (35) tons and are most stable when all wheels are on the ground. Backing such a heavy truck up a ramp is a risky maneuver and probably violates one or more OSHA safety regulations. If a wheel slides off a ramp, the results can be catastrophic, totaling the truck and placing the life of the driver in jeopardy. At least one such incident has already been reported since the advent of the EPA requirements and the introduction of ramps that enable compliance.
There is a need for an apparatus and method that enables the concrete-handling industry to comply with EPA requirements without ramps or other devices that cause heavy trucks to leave the ground.
However, in view of the art considered as a whole at the time the present invention was made, it was not obvious to those of ordinary skill in this art how the identified need could be fulfilled.

Method and apparatus for filling concrete bin


A multi-function and automatic sick bed, which comprises left and right elevating mechanisms, front and rear elevating mechanisms, each of the aforesaid elevating mechanisms includes motor, gears, screw rod and connecting rod; each such elevating mechanism can be adjusted to provide a comfortable position for a patient's head, legs or feet.

Most of the conventional sick beds have their manual type of multi-function adjustment features respectively; however, the aforesaid adjustment features each have drawbacks in real operation, and therefore, they are going to be replaced with an automatic sick bed.
In a conventional automatic sick bed, the head, and legs of a patient, and the height of the bed can all be adjusted to a given angle or height desired by the patient. The adjusting mechanism thereof is usually a hydraulic type or a mechanical type.
In fact, the manufacturing cost of a hydraulic type of adjusting mechanism is relatively high, and therefore it is not used widely; instead, the mechanical type of adjusting mechanism has widely been used; however, the aforesaid adjusting mechanism can only provide an elevating adjustment for a sick bed, and three or four folding elevating adjustments for a patient's head, legs and feet; in other words, non of them can be adjusted at a given angle according to a patient's requirements; such adjustment features are deemed unable to meet the requirements of some patients, such as replacing a bed sheet for a patient.


The invention provides a shape measuring device, a shape measuring method, and a shape measuring program capable of easily adjusting a posture of a measuring object to a state appropriate for shape measurement before the shape measurement of the measuring object. A measuring object is irradiated with light having a pattern for posture checking by a light projecting unit before the shape measurement. An image of the measuring object captured by a light receiving unit is displayed on a display section in this state. The posture of the measuring object is adjusted with the measuring object being irradiated with the light having the pattern for posture checking by the light projecting unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a shape measuring device, a shape measuring method, and a shape measuring program.
2. Description of Related Art
In the shape measuring device of a triangular distance measuring method, a surface of a measuring object is irradiated with light, and the reflected light is received by a light receiving element including pixels arrayed one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally. The height of the surface of the measuring object can be measured based on a peak position of a light receiving amount distribution obtained by the light receiving element. The shape of the measuring object thus can be measured.
In "Remote Sensing and Reconstruction for Three-Dimensional Objects and Scenes" by Toni F. Schenk, Proceedings of SPIE, Volume 2572, pp. 1-9 (1995), shape measurement of the triangular distance measuring method combining coded light and phase shift method is proposed. In "Videometrics and Optical Methods for 3D Shape Measurement" by Sabry F. El-Hakim and Armin Gruen, Proceedings of SPIE, Volume 4309, pp. 219-231 (2001), shape measurement of the triangular distance measuring method combining coded light and stripe-form light is proposed. In such methods, the accuracy in the shape measurement of the measuring object can be enhanced.
In the shape measurement by the triangular distance measuring method, there is often included a portion where accurate shape measurement is not possible or is difficult such as a portion where shade is formed, a portion where multiple reflection of light occurs, and the like. Therefore, the posture of the measuring object needs to be appropriately adjusted so that the position to be measured in the measuring object can be measured. However, it is not easy to appropriately adjust the posture of the measuring object depending on the shape of the measuring object.

Shape measuring device, shape measuring method, and shape measuring program


System and method for serving HTML pages to web browsers for the purpose of administration and configuration. A plurality of instances of WWW servers is provided, with one such instance including a configuration file which is restricted in usage and not alterable by way of any HTML configuration or administration forms. This plurality of instances of internet connection servers is managed by way of a web browser which displays and interacts with a plurality of HTML forms and corresponding common gateway interface binary programs which are provided selectively for creating and deleting instances of servers, associating a configuration file with a server instance, changing server instance start up parameters, and starting, ending, and restarting server instances.

1. Technical Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to configuration and administration of system components using World Wide Web (WWW) technology. In particular, this invention provides a plurality of instances of web server, with one of them being preconfigured for this administration function to allow web browsers to configure web-configurable components.
2. Background Art
The IBM AS/400 system traditionally uses 5250 terminal protocol to configure and administer system components, such as start or stop a server, change functional attributes, authorize users, and so forth. This 5250 terminal protocol requires a 5250 terminal or 5250 emulator that is known as a green screen display. A graphical user interface (GUI) presents to a user a much more user-friendly interface than a green screen display, and there is a need in the art to provide a graphical user interface for system configuration and administration functions.
It is quite common today for any system to have a web server that hosts some site or sites. Such sites provide web content that is made available to web browsers. In general the goals of an enterprise with such a site are typical business goals that pertain to return on investment or customer satisfaction. Typically, such an enterprise has system sites that deal with business applications (such as an electronic shopping mall), or information sites (such as the company""s product specifications, or employee benefit plans). These sites share in common the protocols that make web browsing possible. These include use of the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and HyperText Markup Language (HTML), a Common Gateway Interface (CGI) that allows system administrators to write dynamic web applications, and the content itself, that is the HTML files, images, java applets, wave (audio) files, or other multimedia resources known to (that is, accessible by) browsers.
Some servers have the ability to manage other servers. However, systems today do not have multiple copies of those servers, and there is a need in the art for an administration server capable of managing multiple copies or instances of servers.
Further, there is a need in the art for an administration Internet connection server (ICS) that is a web (HTTP) server for serving a specialized set of applications that provide for configuration and administration of web enabled system components. These system components can be anything on an enterprise or site system that have an application written for and served by an administration server for the purpose of being configured by a web browser.
However, for security purposes, this administration Internet connection server must not share commonality with other ICS HTTP server(s) serving the web content that is made available by the site system to web browsers. Such an administration server preferably allows a user to configure certain aspects of the server, such as access and error logging, or the ability to run secure HTTP transactions (also referred to as HTTPs). However, this administration server must be controlled with respect to serving its content to browsers irrespective of such configuration by the user.
Further, there exists the need in the art to provide an administration Internet connection server (also referred to as an administration server) which is isolated from and therefore does not detract in any way from other, or xe2x80x9cnormalxe2x80x9d, HTTP server(s) at the site, and does not impose any requirements that the system use its xe2x80x9cnormalxe2x80x9d web server(s) for what is considered system administration and configuration. It is particularly important that any changes the site makes to configuration of its xe2x80x9cnormalxe2x80x9d HTTP server(s) (good or bad) cannot affect the configuration of the administration server. Furthermore, it is a requirement that any heavily loaded xe2x80x9cnormalxe2x80x9d web server(s) at a site will not affect performance of the administration server, and conversely, the act of using the administration server, that is configuring and administering some system component, will not have any effect of the performance of other HTTP server(s) at the site.
It is an object of the invention to provide an improved administration server.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an administration server which serves administration and configuration applications to a browser""s graphical user interface.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an administration server which serves to a browser capability for administering and configuring web enabled system components.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved administration server which is isolated from other servers at the site.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved administration server which is isolated from other servers at the site such that loading of either does not adversely impact the other.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved administration server which enables the management of multiple copies or instances of servers.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an administration server implemented as a browser.
In accordance with the invention, a system and a method are provided for serving HTML pages to web browsers for the purpose of administration and configuration. A plurality of instances of WWW servers is provided, with one such instance including a configuration file which is restricted in usage and not alterable by way of any HTML configuration or administration forms.
Other features and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

System and method for an administration server

International Business Machines Corporation


The present invention provides a resilient support for a treadmill deck by suspending the deck at its lateral edges on resilient elements supported by the side rails of the treadmill frame. In addition, the resilient elements may be of adjustable resiliency, such as inflatable bladders, or may be a combination of fixed and adjustably resilient portions. Also disclosed is the use of an adjustably resilient element between the treadmill frame and a supporting surface, and using such as arrangement to vary the inclination of the treadmill.

1. Field
This invention relates to exercise treadmills and, in particular, to treadmills having an endless belt riding over a tread base or deck on which the treadmill user walks, jogs, or runs.
2. State of the Art
Typical treadmills include a continuous or endless belt trained about a pair of rollers. The belt has an upper stretch which extends over a tread base or deck which supports a user thereon. The base or deck is secured to a frame which generally consists of a box formed of two longitudinal members and two cross members or braces secured to the longitudinal members proximate the front end and the rear end of the machine. The rollers are attached to and between the longitudinal frame members. A front roller may be driven by a motor. Typically, the user may change the speed of the continuous belt to increase the rate at which the exerciser must walk or run in order to maintain relative position on the treadmill. Typical treadmills, as above described, are relatively expensive to manufacture and less expensive but equally durable structure is disclosed and claimed in copending U.S. Pat. Application Ser. No. 07/479,835, filed Feb. 14, 1990, assigned to the assignee of the present invention and the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by this reference.
All treadmills known to us, however, even the improved treadmill of the aforementioned application, suffer from a common deficiency which is the rigid and unyielding nature of the belt supporting structure, the tread base or deck. The deck rigidity necessary to support the user as he or she strides on the endless belt is, upon long use, uncomfortable to the user in the same manner as walking, jogging, or running on an asphalt or cement roadway or walkway for extended distances. Stated another way, striding on a conventional, rigid, and rigidly mounted treadmill base or deck may jar the joints and tendons of the user, particularly at higher speeds and over longer distances. This may be particularly detrimental to those using treadmills for rehabilitative purposes.
It would be desirable to have a more yielding supporting structure for the endless belt which could be inexpensively incorporated in existing treadmill designs with little or no modification thereof.


The full amino acid and DNA sequences of placental protein 13 (PP13) are disclosed. Also described are various PP13 derived peptide fragments, and a recombinant method for the production of PP13. PP13 may be used in a screening and a diagnostic method for pregnancy-related complications.

References referred to in the text by a number enclosed by parenthesis are listed at the end of the specification.
The goal of pregnancy management is the delivery of a mature, healthy infant, without encountering complications which can adversely affect the well being of both the mother and the newborn. A significant percentage of pregnancies are affected by various disorders. Among these complications are preterm labor and delivery, intrauterine growth retardation and preeclampsia. These conditions negatively impact the outcome of affected pregnancies, at enormous cost both to the patients as well as to the health system.
Placental Protein 13 (PP13) is a protein which was previously isolated from human placental tissue (U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,451 to Bohn, et al., the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference). The protein was characterized by the following parameters: electrophoretic mobility, isoelectric point, sedimentation coefficient, molecular weight determined by ultracentrifugation, molecular weight determined by SDS-PAGE, extinction coefficient and carbohydrate content. The amino acid composition (residues per 100 residues) was determined but not the amino acid sequence.
PP13 was used to develop an assay for the early stage detection of three specific pregnancy-related disorders: intrauterine growth retardation, preeclampsia and preterm delivery (U.S. Pat. No. 5,198,366 to Silberman). Both a radioimmunoassay (RIA) and an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) are disclosed using labeled PP13 and anti PP13 antiserum, respectively. No further properties of PP13 are disclosed in the Silberman patent.


A hybrid vehicle system having first and second internal combustion engines, first and second flywheels respectively coupled to the first and second internal combustion engines, a plurality of motorized wheels electrically interconnected to first and second flywheels, and a controller connected to the internal combustion engines and to the flywheels and to the plurality of motorized wheels for transferring energy therebetween. Each of the flywheels has permanent magnets affixed to a side of a housing thereof. Each of the flywheels is vacuum sealed within anon-ferrous housing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to hybrid vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of motorized wheels in association with such hybrid vehicles. Additionally, the present invention relates to use of flywheels for the storage and release of energy and for the transfer of energy from separate internal combustion engines within the hybrid vehicle.
2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98.
The need to reduce fossil fuel consumption and pollutants from automobiles and other vehicles powered by internal combustion engines (ICE's) is well known. Vehicles powered by electric motors have attempted to address these needs. However, electric vehicles have limited range and limited power coupled with the substantial time needed to recharge their batteries. An alternative solution is to combine both an ICE and electric traction motor into one vehicle. Such vehicles are typically called hybrid electric vehicles (HEV's).
The HEV has been described in a variety of configurations. Many HEV patents disclose systems where an operator is required to select between electric and internal combustion operation. In other configurations the electric motor drives one set of wheels and the ICE drives a different set.
Other, more useful, configurations have developed. A series hybrid electric vehicle (SHEV) is a vehicle with an engine (most typically an ICE) which powers a generator. The generator, in turn, provides electricity for a battery and motor coupled to the drive wheels of the vehicle. There is no mechanical connection between the engine and the drive wheels. A parallel hybrid electrical vehicle (PHEV) is a vehicle with an engine (most typically an ICE), a battery, and an electric motor combined to provide torque to power the wheels of the vehicle.
A parallel/series hybrid electric vehicle (PSHEV) has characteristics of both the PHEV and the SHEV. The PSHEV is also known as a torque (or power) splitting powertrain configuration. Here, the torque output of the engine is given in part to the drive wheels and in part to an electrical generator. The generator powers a battery and motor that also provide torque output. In this configuration, torque output can be produced from either source or both, simultaneously. The vehicle braking system can also deliver torque to drive the generator to produce charge to the battery.
The desirability of combining the ICE with an electric motor is clear. The ICE's fuel consumption and pollutants are reduced with no appreciable loss of performance or range of the vehicle. Nevertheless, there remains substantial room for development of ways to optimize the HEV's operational parameters. Two such areas of development are engine start/stop and regenerative braking Engine start/stop strategies turn off the engine during times of low power demand from the driver, thereby reducing fuel usage and emission production directly.
Regenerative braking (regen) captures the kinetic energy of the vehicle as it decelerates. In conventional vehicles, kinetic energy is usually dissipated as heat at the vehicle's brakes or engine during deceleration. Regen converts the captured kinetic energy through a generator into electrical energy in the form of a stored charge in the vehicle's battery. This stored energy is used later to power the electric motor. Consequently, regen also reduces fuel usage and emission production. In certain vehicle configurations, the engine can be disconnected from the rest of the powertrain thereby allowing more of the kinetic energy to be converted into stored electrical energy.
Successful implementation of an efficient regen strategy must consider, among other things, the effects of ICE braking on the vehicle. In conventional vehicles, engine braking is well known and is typically characterized by two types of negative powertrain torques including engine friction and pumping losses. Both types of losses result from the engine being driven by the wheels through the powertrain. Engine friction losses result from the piston rings sliding along the cylinder walls and rotation in the bearings of the engine. Engine pumping refers to the compression of the air in each of the engine's cylinders as the engine moves through its stroke. Engine braking allows the driver to reduce vehicle speed without applying force to the brake pedal.
Regenerative braking (regen) is known for conventional ICE vehicles in the prior art. A primitive regen system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,865 to Tanaka et al. In this patent, a regen controller decouples the engine from the vehicle's powertrain. Based on vehicle speed and gear selection, an electromagnetic clutch couples the powertrain to a hydraulic pump/motor whereby the vehicle's kinetic energy is transferred to a high pressure oil accumulator. The pressure can be transferred back to the powertrain during, for example, the next acceleration of the vehicle.
Regen in an HEV is also known in the prior art. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,533 to Mikami et. al., a rapid response drive source brake controller for engine braking and regen is described. The controller determines the gearshift lever position manually set by the driver (e.g., low gear). The engine's brake force (negative torque) increases as the speed ratio of an automatic transmission increases. The controller can engage both engine braking and regenerative braking if the manually selected braking exceeds the maximum regen force that can be generated by the electric generator.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,801, to Taga et al., discloses a regen controller to simulate ICE braking torque. This controller disengages the engine from the powertrain via a disconnect clutch and accumulates braking energy (negative torque) in an on-board accumulator such as a generator and battery. The controller improves the speed and efficiency of the regen by, for example, determining the target braking torque according to the release speed of the accelerator pedal. Thus, when large braking torque is required, the controller makes it possible to produce a large amount of regen without delay even before the brake pedal is depressed. This decreases the need for the driver to operate the manual shift lever to a lower gear or further depress the brake pedal. The controller can additionally use inputs from brake pedal position, vehicle speed, vehicle weight, and gradient information to determine target braking torque. By using the controller during regen, the engine may or may not be connected to the powertrain. If the engine is disconnected during regen, there is no engine friction and pumping. This allows the recapture of even more kinetic energy without exceeding the deceleration limits for the vehicle. Obviously, this is advantageous for an HEV from an energy management perspective.
The tradeoff for disconnecting the engine to capture more regen energy is that, with the engine disconnected, the transition back to an engine driving state becomes significantly more complex. If the engine is left connected during regen and the driver depresses the accelerator pedal, it is a straightforward process to restart the engine, if desired, simply by reinitializing fueling of the engine. Any torque disturbance to the powertrain due to the engine restarting would be small, and not completely unexpected by the driver, given the change in demand. Alternatively, if the engine is disconnected from the powertrain during regen, starting the engine would involve maintaining the vehicle's response to the driver's demand using the motor while simultaneously closing the disconnect clutch and starting the engine.
Torque supply to the powertrain should be transferred from the motor to the engine smoothly in order to avoid any disturbance to the driver. It is therefore necessary to develop a strategy to keep the engine connected to the powertrain during regen if a change in driver demand (from decelerating to accelerating) is anticipated. With two modes of regen possible, it will also be necessary to transition the compression braking torque from the engine to the motor as the engine is disconnected from the powertrain in going from one mode to the other.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a hybrid vehicle system having permanently sealed vacuum chambers for the flywheel storage chamber.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a hybrid vehicle system which magnetically couples the flywheel shaft to a brushless excitation field generator.
It another object of the present invention to provide a hybrid vehicle system that magnetically couples a permanent magnet generator to the flywheel chamber.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hybrid vehicle system which utilizes two differently sized engines and flywheel storage devices in order to maximize efficiency.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a hybrid vehicle system that provides better power-to-weight ratio through the use of high speed, high-efficiency engines.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a hybrid vehicle system which avoids the use of batteries, ultra-capacitors, or super-capacitors for storage capacity.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a hybrid vehicle system which minimizes the cost and complexity of manufacturing processes through the use of AC induction motorized wheels.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a hybrid vehicle system that is more efficient than conventional parallel or series hybrid system.
It is still an further object of the present invention to provide a hybrid vehicle system that can utilize various sensed parameters to optimize the performance and efficiency of the operation of the vehicle.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hybrid vehicle system in which either or both flywheels can be charged through active electrical power electronic controls.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a hybrid vehicle system which avoids the use of CV joints, transmissions, driving axles, mechanical couplings, differentials and batteries for energy storage.
It is also another advantages of the present invention to provide a hybrid vehicle system which provides for 100% regenerative four-wheel braking.
These and other objects and advantage of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification.

Flywheel system for use with electric wheels in a hybrid vehicle


A device for inserting a pin into an apertured shaft having an apertured guard which includes a mission plate and an adjacent press fixture mounted to a mounting plate. The press fixture is adapted to receive and hold the apertured shaft and apertured guard. An alignment pin extends from the press fixture for insertion into the apertured shaft and apertured guard once the apertures in the shaft and guard have been vertically aligned. A press head is affixed atop the press fixture and adapted to insert a pin into the vertically aligned apertures of the apertured shaft and apertured guard.

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for inserting a pin into at least one apertured member. More particularly, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to an apparatus for inserting a pin into an apertured shaft having an apertured guard, wherein the apertured shaft and apertured guard are aligned to allow insertion of the pin therein.
The attachment of guards, collars, or other like devices to a cylindrical body using a press-fit pin is well known in the art of engine, drive train, or other power equipment manufacturing. For example, a lawn mower transmission having an axle extending therefrom may have a guard placed around the axle to prevent grass or other foreign objects from entering the transmission.
In a drive train manufacturing environment, such attachment of a guard to a shaft may occur in an assembly room or other like area. Because of the need to maintain a production pace, it must be ensured that attachment of the guard to the shaft using a press-fit pin is easily accomplished and repeatably accurate.
Various methods and devices have, therefore, been developed to attach a guard to a shaft using a press-fit pin. Unfortunately, the devices and methods known to the inventor suffer from various deficiencies. For example, known devices do not provide for a repeatably accurate pin insertion, nor do they provide the user with an easy means of aligning the shaft and guard for pin insertion.
It should also be realized that maintaining alignment of the shaft and guard during the pressing action can be difficult. Specifically, the geometry of cylindrical bodies, such as an apertured shaft and corresponding apertured guard, makes it difficult to maintain alignment during press pin insertion. Unfortunately, the inventor has observed that this difficulty in maintaining alignment often interferes with proper pin insertion into the shaft and guard and thus creates a nonexistent or ineffective attachment between the shaft and guard.
Consequently, it can be understood from the forgoing discussion that it would be desirable to provide a device for aligning the apertures in a shaft and associated guard that overcomes the aforementioned deficiencies. A device of the present invention addresses these problems.

Apparatus for installing pin to aligned guard/shaft assembly


In one embodiment, a surface analyzer system comprises a radiation targeting assembly to target radiation onto an edge surface of a wafer, the radiation targeting assembly comprising a first expanded paraboloid or expanded ellipsoid reflector positioned adjacent the edge surface of the wafer, a reflected radiation collecting assembly that collects radiation reflected from the surface, a signal processing module to generate surface parameter data from the reflected radiation, and a defect detection module to analyze the surface parameter data to detect a defect on the surface.

The subject matter described herein relates to surface inspection techniques, and more particularly to wafer edge inspection.
Semiconductor materials may be inspected for defects such as, e.g., surface imperfections, particles, irregularities in the thickness of thin film coatings, and the like, which may hamper the performance of the semiconductor material. Some existing inspection systems direct a beam of radiation on the surface of the semiconductor material, then collect and analyze light reflected and/or scattered from the surface to quantify characteristics of the surface. Additional inspection techniques are desirable. In particular, it is desirable to inspect the edge or near edge of semiconductor wafers, compound semiconductor wafers, transparent wafers or thin film disks for defects.


A computerized method of creating a presentation of multidimensional objects in a multidimensional presentation space. The method comprises providing a core element which applies any of functions on a multidimensional object in a multidimensional presentation space, providing a plurality of adaptation components each contains instructions for converting any media object of another of different media types each to a multidimensional object in the multidimensional presentation space, receiving a media object, identifying a matching adaptation component from the adaptation components according to a respective media type of the media object, converting the media objects into a multidimensional object in the multidimensional presentation space using the matching adaptation component, and applying any of the functions on the multidimensional object, using the core element, according to a user selection.

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to multi data-types presentation and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to methods and systems for generating a multi dimensional dynamic and interactive presentation.
Contemporary computer based presentation software (CBPS) offers users with discrete two-dimensional mostly static fixed-size-slides which are presented in a linear manner (sequential), as a common slide. A non sequential presentation of slides, for example when a reference to previous write-ups and/or drawings is made, is not supported with ease by most of the CBPSs. Similarly a hierarchy of slide is not supported by CBPS. Such a non sequential or hierarchical presentation is relatively common when a lecturer uses traditional non-computer visual aids such as blackboards and whiteboards. Further, in traditional lectures, the restriction to discrete fixed-size-slides is non-existing. Moreover, using a sequential presentation of slides prevents from the lecturer to incrementally build an idea at a rate, direction, and/or resolution which is determined in real time, based on a feedback from the audience, not to say update/modify the presented content in real time and with ease. Finally, CBPS supports a predefined set of data-type modalities and allow the modalities access all the way to the display and interaction level, creating an inconsistent display and/or incoherent data type support and interaction.
During the last years, a number of systems and methods have been developed to enhance presentation. For example, U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0130566, filed on Jun. 6, 2003 describes method and system is described for the generation of meta-slides which can be used for multidimensional presentations and documentation. Meta-slides represent an organizing principle suitable for multidimensional virtual reality and multimedia (i.e. video, audio, text and images) content creation. Multiple avatars, actors, objects, text and slides are assembled in a meta-slide performing actions synchronously or asynchronously. The meta-slides and scenes are edited on a time line. The term scene refers to herein to presentation content, geometric or not geometric. The user can interact and dynamically update the content of the presentation during the content playback in a playback window. The playback window and meta-slides can become part of an internet browser or remain standalone. U.S. Pat. No. 7,721,209, filed on Apr. 13, 2009 describes techniques for accomplishing slide transitions in a presentation are disclosed. In accordance with these techniques, objects within the slides are identified, automatically or by a user, and each object is individually manipulable during slide transitions. The individual manipulation applied to each object during a transition may also be automatically determined or specified by a user. In certain embodiments, the persistence of an object between slides may be taken into account in the manipulation of the object during slide transition.

Methods and systems for generating a dynamic multimodal and multidimensional presentation

Technion Research & Development Foundation Limited


An analog display driver comprises a matrix array of flatness correction values used to compensate for variations in liquid crystal gap dimensions and at least a first digital-to-analog converter (DAC), wherein a variable voltage transfer function is applied to the first DAC preferably using a second DAC.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of video systems utilizing a liquid crystal display (LCD) or liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) displays, and in particular, to video systems providing brightness uniformity in LCOS/LCD displays.
2. Description of Related Art
Liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) can be thought of as one large liquid crystal formed on a silicon wafer. The silicon wafer is divided into an incremental array of tiny plate electrodes. A tiny incremental region of the liquid crystal is influenced by the electric field generated by each tiny plate and the common plate. Each such tiny plate and corresponding liquid crystal region are together referred to as a cell of the imager. Each cell corresponds to an individually controllable pixel. A common plate electrode is disposed on the other side of the liquid crystal. Each cell, or pixel, remains lighted with the same intensity until the input signal is changed, thus acting as a sample and hold. Each set of common and variable plate electrodes forms an imager. One imager is provided for each color, in this case, one imager each for red, green and blue.
It is typical to drive the imager of an LCOS display with a frame-doubled signal to avoid 30 Hz flicker, by sending first a normal frame in which the voltage at the electrodes associated with each cell is positive with respect to the voltage at the common electrode (positive picture) and then an inverted frame in which the voltage at the electrodes associated with each cell is negative with respect to the voltage at the common electrode (negative picture) in response to a given input picture. The generation of positive and negative pictures ensures that each pixel will be written with a positive electric field followed by a negative electric field. The resulting drive field has a zero DC component, which is necessary to avoid the image sticking, and ultimately, permanent degradation of the imager. It has been determined that the human eye responds to the average value of the brightness of the pixels produced by these positive and negative pictures.
The drive voltages are supplied to plate electrodes on each side of the LCOS array.
The present state of the art in LCOS requires the adjustment of the common-mode electrode voltage, denoted VITO, to be precisely between the positive and negative field drive for the LCOS. The subscript ITO refers to the material indium tin oxide. The average balance is necessary in order to minimize flicker, as well as to prevent a phenomenon known as image sticking.
In the current art, the LCOS is driven with a constant voltage transfer function, irrespective of the location on the display panel. Due to variations in the LC gap dimension, this produces reduced contrast and uniformity problems as the gap changes from one location to another. In order to solve this problem, various approaches have been tried to keep the cell gap distance constant. These include spacers, more compliant glass, and attempts to make the silicon back plane flatter by fastening it to a more rigid substrate. This unnecessarily adds cost to the overall device. Thus, a need exists to overcome these defects and provide a means for greater tolerance for gap variations.

Method and apparatus for uniform brightness in displays


Apparatus for molding a plastic seal inside a closure for closing a container, having a line for transferring the closures through a closure heating station, a station for dispensing and preforming plastic material in the pasty state, suitable to deposit a dose of material inside a respective closure and preform each dose dispensed inside each closure in an annular configuration, and a final forming station, in which the preformed annular dose is molded so as to form the final seal inside the closure.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for molding a plastic seal inside a closure for closing a container. The apparatus is particularly suitable for molding an annular seal inside a closure with a so-called "twist-off" opening.
Devices for molding a seal inside a closure are known for example from European Patents 37,651 and 462,513. In these devices, the seal is produced by depositing a dose of plastic material in the pasty state inside the closure and by compressing said dose with a punch, so as to form a layer which covers the bottom of the closure. Conventional devices are suitable for small closures, such as for example crown caps; in the case of much larger closures, the described system has limitations caused by the difficulty of forming a uniform layer, also in view of the fact that an annular expansion, against which the rim of the container must be hermetic, is generally required along the peripheral region of the closure.
Moreover, the pressure required to compress the material until it covers the bottom of the closure becomes excessive and can cause deformations or damage to the closure. Accordingly, seals in large closures are manufactured with devices which work with plastic materials in the semifluid state which, after being deposited inside the closure, is spread so as to cover the bottom by spinning the closure. However, these devices have a very low capacity and have limitations as regards the use of certain plastic materials, particularly thermoplastic materials. Moreover, it is not possible to produce seals having a differentiated cross-section.

Sacmi Cooperative Meccanici Imola S.c.r.l.


A fuel cell system having an ejector includes a stack for generating electricity by using air and fuel gas being supplied thereto. A fuel gas circulating line re-circulates the fuel gas from an outlet of the stack to an inlet of the stack. An ejector is mounted to the fuel gas circulating line for supplying fresh fuel gas and circulating the fuel gas. The ejector includes a vacuum suction pipe having one side connected to the fuel gas re-circulating line and a fuel gas spray nozzle mounted to the vacuum suction pipe for spraying the fuel gas to form a vacuum. An inner housing through which the fuel gas sprayed from the fuel gas spray nozzle passes. An outer housing is arranged on an outside of the inner housing to construct a condensed water space with the inner housing. The inner housing drains water from an inside of the inner housing to the condensed water space.

As known, a fuel cell vehicle provided with a fuel cell system mounted thereto supplies hydrogen which is used as fuel to a fuel cell stack for generating electricity to drive an electric motor which drives the vehicle. In this case, the fuel cell system is an electric power system which does not convert chemical energy of the fuel to heat by combustion but directly converts electrochemical energy to electrical energy within a fuel stack.
In the fuel cell system, high purity hydrogen is supplied to a fuel pole (anode) of the fuel cell from a hydrogen storage tank, and atmospheric air is supplied to an air pole (cathode) of the fuel cell by using an air supply unit, such as an air blower, during operation.
According to the related art, the hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell stack is separated into a hydrogen ion and an electron by catalyst at the fuel pole (anode), and the hydrogen ion separated thus passes through a polymer electrolyte membrane to the air pole (cathode) such that oxygen supplied to the air pole couples to the electron which comes to the air pole through an external lead line to generate the electrical energy while producing water. A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of the fuel stack needs to have an appropriate amount of moisture maintained thereon, and a humidifier mounted to each of a fuel gas circulating line and an air circulating line circulate the stack to operate the stack.
In order to circulate the fuel gas in the fuel system, an ejector may be used. In this case, liquid state condensed water contained in the circulating fuel gas can be supplied to the stack directly, causing drops of the condensed water to block a portion of a channel of the stack. Thus, if the portion of the channel of the stack is blocked, a fuel gas supply rate to the portion of channel is reduced, and the entire stack can be deteriorated. Consequently, there have been ceaseless researches for removing the moisture being supplied to the stack.
The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the disclosure, and therefore, it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.


A semiconductor ridge waveguide laser having a high value of horizontal far-field wherein the laser structure includes a substrate, a first or lower cladding layer composed of a AlGaAs on the substrate, an acting layer on the lower cladding layer, and a second or upper cladding layer composed of AlGaAs on the active layer. The upper cladding layer includes a raised ridge portion formed by etching the upper cladding layer through a mask. A contact layer is disposed on top of the ridge portion. The aluminum mole concentration of the lower cladding layer is greater than the aluminum mole concentration of the upper cladding layer. This forces the optical mode towards the upper cladding layer and results in an increased lateral waveguide confinement that produces a high horizontal far-field.

In the design of semiconductor ridge waveguide lasers, it is desirable to adjust and control the resultant horizontal far-field parameter. In state-of-the-art processes used for fabricating semiconductor ridge waveform lasers, design control of the horizontal far-field (HFF) is accomplished using the residual ridge etch parameter and the ridge width parameter. A small value of residual ridge etch can result in high HFF but can also lead to reliability concerns. Too small a ridge width can lead to high contact resistance or loss of contact layer in ridges formed through wet etching.

Semiconductor ridge waveguide laser with asymmetrical cladding

International Business Machines, Corporation


In an example, a device comprises a vertical stack of memory cells. Each memory cell of the vertical stack may include more than one memory element. A first vertical gate line may be coupled to a first one of the memory elements in each memory cell, and a second vertical gate line may be coupled to a second one of the memory elements in each memory cell. The first vertical gate line may be electrically isolated from the second vertical gate line.

In order to address scalability issues associated with planar NAND flash, vertical NAND flash structures have been developed. In one known vertical NAND flash structure, the NAND gate is run vertically to achieve a relatively small cell footprint. However, some applications demand an even smaller cell footprint for a given amount of memory than provided by the known vertical NAND flash structure.


A 3,7-dithiaprostanoic acid derivative of the formula (I) ##STR1## (wherein R.sup.1 is OH, C1-4 alkoxy, NR.sup.6 R.sup.7 (wherein R.sup.6, R.sup.7 are H, C1-4);R.sup.2 is H, OH; R.sup.3 is (i)alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl (ii) phenyl, cycloalkyl (iii) alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl substituted by phenyl, cycloalkyl (when R.sup.2 is H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl in (i) or (iii) may be substituted by OH) possesses a binding activity for PGE.sub.2 receptor (especially for EP4). Therefore they are useful for the treatment and/or prevention of immunologic diseases (autoimmune diseases, immunological deficiency diseases, organ transplantation etc.), asthma, abnormal bone formation, neuronal cell death, liver damage, nephritis, hypertension, myocardiac ischemia etc.

Prostaglandin E.sub.2 (abbreviated as PGE.sub.2 hereafter) has been known as a metabolite in the arachidonate cascade. Its known activities include cyto-protective activity, uterine contractile activity, a pain-inducing effect, a promoting effect on digestive peristalsis, an awakening effect, a suppressive effect on gastric acid secretion, hypotensive activity and diuretic activity etc. In recent study, it was found that PGE2 receptor was divided into some subtypes which possess different physiological role from each other. At present, four receptor subtypes are known and they are called EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4 (Negishi M. et al, J. Lipid Mediators Cell Signalling 12, 379-391 (1995) ).
The present inventors investigated to find compounds which bind to each receptor specifically; we found that the compounds of the present invention could bind strongly to EP4 subtype receptor and then achieved the present invention.
The compound of formula (I) possess a binding activity for EP4 subtype receptor strongly. Therefore they are useful for the treatment and/or prevention of immunologic diseases (autoimmune diseases, immunological deficiency diseases, organ transplantation etc.), asthma, abnormal bone formation, neuronal cell death, liver damage, nephritis, hypertension, myocardiac ischemia etc.
Among the compounds of the present invention of the formula (I), compounds which bind weakly to receptor subtypes except for EP4 receptors do not express other effects and therefore it is thought that such compounds will be a medical agent which have less side-effects.
On the other hand, many modified PGs wherein 7th position carbon atom is replaced by sulfur atom are known. The following application is mentioned for an example.
In the specification of Japanese Kokai No. 57-108065 (i.e. EP 51284), the following compounds are disclosed as an agent for anti-platelets aggregation.
I.e. 7-thiaprostaglandin derivatives of the formula (A): ##STR3## (wherein R.sup.1A is hydrogen atom, lower alkyl or pharmaceutically acceptable cation,
In the specification of Japanese Kokai No. 58-148857, the following compounds are disclosed as an agent for anti-platelet aggregation.
I.e. 7-thiaprostaglandin derivatives of the formula (B): ##STR4## (wherein R.sup.1B is hydrogen atom or C1-10 alkyl, 5-6 membered alicyclic ring or phenyl,
In the specification of Japanese Kokai No. 58-110562, it is disclosed that the following compounds are useful for controlling vascular action.
I.e. 7-thiaprostaglandin derivatives of the formula (C): ##STR5## (wherein G is --COOR.sup.8C, --CONR.sup.9C R.sup.10C or --CH.sub.2 OR.sup.11C,
In the prior arts described compounds of the formula (A) and (B), these compounds wherein the 7th carbon atom are replaced by a sulfur atom are hard to be metabolized and are useful for anti-aggregation. In the prior art concerning compounds of the formula (C), these compounds are useful for controlling vascular action.


A blow molded plastic container is provided. The container has a body section having a substantially non-circular cross-sectional shape, the body section having an enclosed bottom portion that forms a bottom end of the container and substantially flat side portions extending upwardly from the bottom end; a finish defining an opening; and a dome extending from the body section to the finish. The dome includes at least one stiffening structure formed by an inwardly indented, vertically extending groove.

In the manufacture of blow molded plastic containers for containing liquids such as beverages, it is customary to utilize an injection-molded parison having a threaded finish that forms the threaded finish of the container blown from the parison. The parison may be injection molded from a variety of desirable plastic containers, with a currently particularly preferred material being polyethylene terephythalate (PET).
The configuration and overall aesthetic appearance of a blow molded plastic container affects consumer purchasing decisions. For instance, distorted or otherwise unaesthetic appearing containers may provide the basis for some consumers to purchase a different brand of product which is packaged in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
While a container in its as-designed configuration may provide an appealing appearance when it is initially removed from blow molding machinery, many forces act subsequently on, and alter, the as-designed shape from the time it is blow molded to the time it is placed on a shelf in a store. Plastic containers are particularly susceptible to distortion since they are continually being redesigned in an effort to reduce the amount of plastic required to make the container. This particularly persistent problem in the manufacture of plastic containers is known in the industry as "lightweighting." Manufacturers continue to develop new technologies that enable them to reduce the amount of PET resin needed to make a bottle without compromising performance. These efforts are extremely important in reducing manufacturing costs because PET resin accounts for a significant portion of the cost of the finished bottle. While there is a savings, with respect to material cost, the reduction of plastic can decrease container rigidity and structural integrity.
In the packaging of beverages and other products, especially juice, blow molded plastic PET containers are used in "hot fill" applications, i.e., applications where the blown container is filled with a liquid at a temperature in excess of 180° F. (82° C.), capped immediately after filling, and allowed to cool to ambient temperatures. Internal forces act on the container as a result of the hot fill processing, for example, shrinkage resulting from the cooling of the container contents. Hot fill containers must provide sufficient flexure to compensate for the changes of pressure and temperature, while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic appearance. Vacuum absorption panels are generally provided in the body of the container to accommodate the internal pressure changes. Hot fill containers molded of PET by this technique have found widespread acceptance in the marketplace.
External forces are also applied to sealed containers as they are packed and shipped. Filled containers are packed in bulk in cardboard boxes, or plastic wrap, or both. A bottom row of packed, filled containers may support several upper tiers of filled containers, and potentially, several upper boxes of filled containers. Therefore, it is important that the container have a top loading capability which is sufficient to prevent distortion from the intended container shape. As containers are lightweighted, external forces such as top loading can act on the weakest structural portion to cause distortion or collapse. This can include areas that were previously considered structurally sound. This problem is further complicated in non-circular containers.
Typically, a tubular parison is utilized to make circular or other shaped containers. When a circular container is formed from a tubular parison, orientation and stretch levels around the circumference of the container are relatively uniform. However, when a non-circular container is formed from a tubular parison, stretching problems occur during fabrication. Particularly in the base of the container, unequal stretching may result in unequal and not regularly repeatable shrinkage after the tubular parison is stretched into, for example, a square cross-sectional shape. This problematical shrinkage is particularly undesirable in the bottom section of the container at the seating ring and up to the body section of the container, and results in highly stretched corners and less stretched middle sections and sides. This can result in an unstable or tilted container instead one that sits flat upon a shelf or the like, or having visible deformations. Similar though less extreme problems arise in the dome of the container.
Also, when the container is hot filled and sealed, the subsequent thermal contraction of the container tends to deform the container walls and bottom section. Backflow into the filling mechanism and the use of vacuum filling equipment during filling operations can similarly create a partial vacuum inside the container resulting in its deformation. Such deformation typically concentrates at the mechanically weaker portions of the container, such as the unevenly stretched bottom section, resulting in an exaggerated irregular seating surface and commercially unacceptable appearance. This problem is exacerbated when the container body includes collapse panels, indented surfaces areas which provide for controlled, quantified collapse of the container upon evacuation.
By increasing the thickness of the container, it is possible to some extent to strengthen the container and decrease the effects of vacuum deformation. However, as mentioned above, increasing the thickness of the container results in an increase in the amount of raw materials required to produce the container and a decrease in production speed. The resultant increased costs are not acceptable to the container industry. Additionally, even with increased container thickness, there still is uneven stretching around the bottom section of the non-cylindrical container.

Rectangular container having a stiffening groove


A foreign matter processing apparatus is disclosed for detecting a foreign matter sticking to the surface of a sample such as a circuit board. In the sample processing apparatus of the present invention, a fine foreign matter sticking to a surface of a sample is detected, and the composition of the detected foreign matter is analyzed. Then, it is determined based on a result of the analysis and various data registered in advance whether or not it is required to remove the foreign matter, and the foreign matter, whose removal has been determined to be required, is removed from the surface of the sample. Accordingly, detection, analysis and removal of a foreign matter on the surface of a sample can be performed by a single apparatus.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a sample processing apparatus for inspecting the surface of a sample, and more particularly to a sample processing apparatus and method by which it is inspected whether or not there is a foreign matter sticking to the surface of a sample such as a semiconductor wafer or a glass substrate.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, in a process of production of a semiconductor device, it must be inspected whether or not there is a foreign matter sticking to the surface of a semiconductor wafer determined as a circuit board, and variable surface inspection apparatus are available which realize such inspection.
A surface inspection apparatus of the type mentioned generally irradiates a laser beam onto the surface of a sample while the sample is moved so that the surface thereof is optically scanned to detect a foreign matter. If a foreign matter is detected on the surface of the sample by the optical scanning, then the position of the foreign matter on the surface of the sample is recorded as data.
The sample from which the foreign matter is detected in this manner is moved, when necessary, from the surface inspection apparatus to a separate foreign matter analyzer, by which the composition of the foreign matter is analyzed based on the position data.
In the analysis of the composition by the foreign matter analyzer, for example, the sample is placed into the inside of a vacuum vessel which is then evacuated. Then, a charged particle beam such as an electron beam or an ion beam is irradiated at the position of the foreign matter of the sample, and a secondary electron beam and/or a reflected electron beam and secondary ions generated as a result of the irradiation are detected.
If a result of the analysis reveals that the foreign matter will be an obstacle to operation of an electronic circuit, then the sample is moved from the foreign matter analyzer to a separate foreign matter removal apparatus, by which the foreign matter is removed based on the position data.
Such removal of the foreign matter by the foreign matter removal apparatus is performed, for example, by irradiating a laser beam to evaporate the foreign matter.
Since a fine foreign matter sticking to the surface of a sample can be detected and removed if a surface inspection apparatus, a foreign matter analyzer and a foreign matter removal apparatus are used as described above, this can contribute to production of, for example, an electronic circuit which will not suffer from an obstacle to its operation thereof.
However, such successive movements of a sample to different apparatus as described above complicate the operation and lowers the productivity of electronic circuits.
Further, installation of such various apparatus as mentioned above disadvantageously increases the area occupying by the equipment.
Furthermore, when a foreign matter is processed by the foreign matter analyzer or the foreign matter removal apparatus based on position data detected by the surface inspection apparatus as described above, since the sample is moved between the different apparatus, there is the possibility that the position data and the actual position of the foreign matter may be displaced from each other.

Detection and analysis of a fine foreign matter on a sample


A card printer includes a card supply mechanism (20) for forwardly feeding cards one after another from a stack thereof held by a card stocker (21), a card carrier table (20) having an upper surface for supporting each of the cards fed from the card supply mechanism (20). The card carrier table is reciprocatively movable forwardly and rearwardly. The card printer further includes a printhead (90') located above the card carrier table (60). The printhead selectively assumes a position contacting each card on the card carrier table (60) via an ink ribbon (R) and a position upwardly spaced from the card. The card printer further includes a card discharge mechanism (120) for picking up a printed card from the card carrier table (60) moved to a forward position and for discharging the printed card. The card supply mechanism (20) includes an initial feed roller (31) for forwardly feeding the cards one after another from the card stocker (21) accommodating the stacked cards, and a plurality of intermediate feed rollers (36, 37) arranged ahead of the initial feed roller (31) to face a card transfer path from above and below. Part or all of the intermediate feed rollers (36, 37) are movable transversely of the card transfer path and urged toward the card transfer path.

Recently, various kinds of cards such as ID cards, credit cards, security cards, members cards, cash cards and the like have become available for identification of individuals engaged in dealings. These cards are all standardized to have the same size for example for the convenience of users carrying various cards with them. In view of this, there is a plan in progress for equalizing the size of e.g. driver's licenses to the above standardized size. Further, there is also a plan to equalize the size of employee identification cards issued by companies or student identification cards issued by schools to the above standardized size.
In currently available credit cards and cash cards, part of the symbols and letters carrying information should be physically raised from the card surface by embossing for example. To this end, those cards are formed by a material made of polyethylene for example and having a large thickness. However, in cards such as a prepaid card or a telephone card where magnetized information alone is important for its function, the card thickness is rendered rather small.
As for cards formed by a currently rather thick card material, it is possible that they will also be formed by a thin card material like in e.g. a telephone card for the purposes of rendering them much easier to carry.
In cards used for identifying individuals or proving the background of individuals, it is necessary to render each card to carry individual information. As for ID cards, driver's licenses, employee identification cards or student identification cards, each card needs to carry a photograph of the owner's face. Therefore, printing on these cards cannot be performed by a printing machine designed for impressing a same print on a large lot basis.
Color printing techniques performed in accordance with electronic information of color images includes a technique in which a sublimation type ink ribbon is used, and printing operations are performed by using a thermal printhead to impress yellow, magenta and cyanine, and if necessary black, in this order in an overlapping manner. (See Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 61-43871, Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-open No. 60-5856 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 62-11370 for example.) According to such a technique, various color images are properly printed by changing the color image information. (Hereinafter, the above colors may be merely referred to as Y, M, C and B, respectively.)
However, according to the techniques disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 61-43871 or Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-open No. 60-5856, color printing is possible for thin sheets but not for cards. On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 62-11370 touches upon the idea of impressing a color print on cards. However, this document completely fails to disclose specific arrangements about a successive card feed mechanism, a card retaining mechanism during the printing operation, a card discharge mechanism after the printing operations and the like. These mechanisms are essential in practice for constructing a printer impressing color prints on cards. Therefore, without them, it is utterly impossible to put the above-mentioned idea into practice. It is also impossible to properly impress a color print on various cards differing in thickness as described above.
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a card printer properly impressing a color print on various cards differing in thickness and material.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a card printer impressing a color print substantially on an entire surface of cards, and a method of printing on cards using the same printer.

Card printer and method of printing on cards using the same


A method and apparatus of priming or rinse back of an extracorporeal circuit using a dialysis machine comprising a dialysis liquid preparation system. The dialysis machine is used to prepare a saline solution on-line. The extracorporeal circuit is connected to the dialysis machine and primed with the saline solution.

Physiological saline solution (about 9 mg/ml=154 mmol/l) is typically used to prime the extra corporeal circuit before a dialysis patient is connected to the dialysis equipment and to rinse back the blood from the extracorporeal circuit after a dialysis treatment. The purpose of priming the circuit is to remove air from the blood lines and the dialyser as well as to remove possible fragments of remaining sterilising agents or other residuals from the disposables elements, such as bloodlines and dialysers that form the extracorporeal circuit, before the patient is connected. Rinse back is performed to avoid loss of patient blood that would otherwise remain in the extracorporeal circuit.
The conventional way of doing this is to use for instance a 2 liters bag of physiological saline solution of which 1.5 liters is used for priming of the circuit and 0.5 liters is used for rinse back of the blood to the patient after the treatment.
Modern dialysis equipment can perform so called on-line treatments, which means that the substitution fluid for hemofiltration or hemodiafiltration is prepared on-line by means of ultrafiltration of dialysis fluid in several steps to obtain a sterile and pyrogen free fluid.
On-line prepared substitution fluid can be prepared in practically unlimited quantities which means that this fluid also can be used for priming, bolus and rinse back purposes which also is cost saving and convenient from a handling point of view.
However, substitution fluid has to contain a high concentration of bicarbonate. Infusing priming liquid with this volume and composition into the patient often causes problems, e.g. not well feeling. This problem is known from "Gambro AK 200 ULTRA™ operator's manual HCEN9568. Rev 12.1999 and cautioned for in all on-line systems Clinics experiencing such problems often go back to priming with saline from bags.
There is therefore a long felt need for a simple, cheap and practical manner of providing a priming solution.


The present invention provides a thin film transistor array substrate and a liquid crystal display device including the thin film transistor array substrate that are preferably applicable to a liquid crystal display device including the three-layered electrode structure that enables high response speed and high transmittance, and can have a high aperture ratio. The thin film transistor array substrate of the present invention includes: a thin film transistor element, gate bus lines, and source bus lines, in which the thin film transistor array substrate includes electrodes, the electrodes include a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode includes a linear portion along the source bus lines, the first electrode includes a linear portion along the gate bus lines, at least one linear portion along the source bus lines is disposed transversely to the linear portion along the gate bus lines in a plan view of main face of the substrate and is connected to a drain electrode of the thin film transistor element at a position overlapping the gate bus lines, and the second electrode is a planar electrode.

A thin film transistor array substrate can drive display/non-display by electrically controlling a display device and the like and becomes widely used, for example, as a substrate interposing a liquid crystal in a liquid crystal display device. Specifically, the thin film transistor array substrate is indispensable in everyday life and business as a display for devices including personal computers, televisions, onboard devices such as automotive navigation systems, personal digital assistants such as mobile phones, and display devices capable of displaying a stereoscopic image. In these applications, persons skilled in the art have studied the thin film transistor array substrate for liquid crystal display devices of various modes with different electrode arrangements for changing the optical characteristics of the liquid crystal layer.
Examples of the display modes of current liquid crystal display devices include: a vertical alignment (VA) mode in which liquid crystal molecules having negative anisotropy of dielectric constant are aligned vertically to the substrate surfaces; an in-plane switching (IPS) mode and a fringe field switching (FFS) mode in which liquid crystal molecules having positive or negative anisotropy of dielectric constant are aligned horizontally to the substrate surfaces and a transverse electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer.
One document discloses, as a FFS-driving liquid crystal display device, a thin-film-transistor liquid crystal display having a high response speed and a wide viewing angle. The device includes a first substrate having a first common electrode layer, a second substrate having a pixel electrode layer and a second common electrode layer, a liquid crystal disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a means for generating an electric field between the first common electrode layer of the first substrate and both of the pixel electrode layer and the second common electrode layer of the second substrate so as to provide a high response speed to a high input-data-transfer rate and a wide viewing angle for a viewer (for example, see Patent Literature 1).
Another document discloses, as a liquid crystal device with multiple electrodes applying a transverse electric field, a liquid crystal device including a pair of substrates opposite to each other, a liquid crystal layer which includes a liquid crystal having positive anisotropy of dielectric constant and which is disposed between the substrates, electrodes which are provided to the respective first and second substrates constituting the pair of substrates, facing each other with the liquid crystal layer therebetween, and which apply a vertical electric field to the liquid crystal layer, and multiple electrodes for applying a transverse electric field to the liquid crystal layer disposed in the second substrate (for example, see Patent Literature 2).

Thin film transistor array substrate and liquid crystal display device


The dispenser includes an enclosure for holding a plurality of paper rolls in stacked, substantially vertical relation. The front wall of the enclosure has an opening through which a paper roll may move to exit the enclosure. A tray is provided for retaining a paper roll as it moves through the exit opening. A section of the rear wall is inclined to guide a paper roll through the exit opening and into the retaining tray. A removable divider is provided to convert the dispenser for use with different size paper rolls. Brackets for rotatably mount a paper roll extend from the bottom of the enclosure for dispensing individual sheets. Removable decorative panels are provided for mounting proximate the front and side walls. The dispenser may be supported on a horizontal surface by the bottom, suspended from a vertical surface or hung from a door. Openings in the walls permit observation of the number of papers rolls remaining in the enclosure. In one embodiment, the front wall is provided with slots for removably mounting photographs.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to paper rolls, such as rolls of paper towels or toilet paper, and more particularly to a snap-together plastic dispenser for paper rolls that is suitable for use with different size rolls and which has a roll retaining tray, removable decorative panels, wall and door mounting means and observation openings.
2. Description of Prior Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98
Rolls of paper products, such as paper towels and toilet paper, are common household items. However, such rolls are bulky and difficult to store in an efficient manner. Further, there is no easy way to dispense the rolls, one at a time, as needed.
The present invention addresses those issues by providing an aesthetically pleasing dispenser for paper rolls which converts to neatly store paper rolls of different sizes in a vertical stack and employs a gravity feed by which the rolls are delivered, one by one, to a retaining tray for easy removal.
The dispenser is inexpensive to fabricate being formed of injection molded parts that snap-together for easy assembly. Easily removable decorative front and side panels enhance the appearance of the dispenser. The dispenser is versatile in that it can rest on a horizontal surface such as a tabletop, mount on a vertical surface, such as a wall, or hang from a door. Removable paper towel roll mounting brackets extend from the bottom of the dispenser for dispensing individual paper towels. Observation openings are provided to permit the user to track the number of rolls remaining in the dispenser. Further, the front wall of the dispenser may include a plurality of recesses for mounting photographs or the like.

Paper roll dispenser with roll retaining tray


An adjustable stopper device (1) for a vehicle door or hood, includes a base part (100), and adjustment part (200), a stopper part (300) and a fastening structure (400). The adjustment part is connected to the base part via threads (120, 220) and thereby rotatable around a device axis (210) with respect to the base part (100). The stopper part is configured to contact the vehicle door and to provide an abutment surface (310) for the vehicle door when the vehicle door is closed, wherein the stopper part is connected to the adjustment part and wherein the axial position of the abutment surface is adjustable by turning the adjustment part with respect to the base part around the device axis. The fastening structure fastens the base part to the car body (2). A vehicle with, use of and method for manufacturing such a device are also described.

The related art U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,306 shows an automotive deck lid bumper comprising                a base part,        an adjustment part, wherein the adjustment part is connected to the base part via threads and thereby rotatable around a device axis with respect to the base part,        a stopper part configured to contact the vehicle door and to provide an abutment surface for the vehicle door when the vehicle door is closed, wherein the stopper part is connected to the adjustment part and wherein the axial position of the abutment surface is adjustable by turning the adjustment part with respect to the base part around the device axis,        a fastening structure for fastening the base part to the car body.
The inventors still found such or similar bumper disadvantageous, e.g., with respect to dismountability, sealing properties, disadjustment through unwanted rotation, haptic feedback means for adjustment and/or the way the foregoing are realized.
The object of the invention therefore was to improve such stopper device.
Particularly, this object is achieved by an adjustable stopper device according to the invention.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Adjustable stopper element with improved fixation and/or adjustability


A high-performance, low-latency data retrieval system is disclosed using hash functions. Given a set of input data, the data retrieval system may generate one or more index values and a signature value according to a predetermined hash function. The index values may be applied to respective data arrays to access a data unit therein. The data unit may include signatures previously developed when populating the array. If a signature from the data unit matches the signature generated from the hash function, then the associated index may be applied to a second portion of the respective data array to retrieve requested data.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to memory lookup operations using hash functions and, particularly, to such operations that are designed for large scale memories.
"Hashing" generally describes a technique for searching for data within a memory system. Given a set of input data, a hashing function generates an index value. When applied to a memory, the index value should cause requested data to be read therefrom. Unfortunately, depending upon the hash function used, index values may not uniquely identify the requested data. It is possible that a hash function can generate the same index value for two or more unique input values. This is called a "collision." To guard against the possibility of collisions, the index value typically is used as a pointer to a linked list of data. Each element in the linked list typically contains the data being sought (called, the "payload" data herein), a copy of the input data to which it relates and a pointer to the next element in the linked list. In such systems, it becomes necessary to examine each element in the linked list serially until the copy of the input data confirms that responsive data has been found or until the linked list is exhausted.
In those systems described above, the serial examination of each element in the linked list wastes time. It can be particularly disadvantageous in high-performance applications or those involving massive data sets (millions of memory entries or more). Consider, for example, the process of searching an established connection table to support the well-known transmission control protocol (TCP). Given an input tuple that includes an IP source address, an IP destination address, a TCP source port and a TCP destination port, the process must search a memory to retrieve data representative of the connection state. Using a conventional linked list implementation, as the number of active connections grows, the rate of collisions and the length of the linked lists also grow. Hypothetically, if an index hits a linked list with six entries, a system must read each entry in order to detect a match. Because each entry in the list includes a pointer to the next entry in the list, the various entries cannot be read in parallel. Up to six sequential memory reads would be required before it could be determined whether the input data hit or missed the memory. Thus, the latency problems of such implementations can be severe.
In one well-known TCP implementation, IP source and destination addresses each are represented as 32 bit quantities and TCP source and destination ports are represented as 16 bit quantities. To accommodate all possible variations in these values, a TCP connection table would require 296 entries if implemented without a hash function. A hash function that generates a 32 bit hash value, however, reduces the size of the connection table to 232 entries (about 4.3 million entries). In another TCP implementation, where IP source and destination addresses are represented as 128 bit values, a TCP connection table would require 2228 entries. The 32 bit hash value again would reduce the size of the connection table to 232 entries. In this latter implementation, a vastly larger number of unique combinations of input data would map to the same 4.3 million hash values, which raises the collision rate proportionally when compared to the first implementation.
The inventors perceive a need in the art for a high performance hashing algorithm that provides improved performance for large scale memories. They further perceive a need in the art for a hash-based lookup system that avoids the problems of serial reads throughout linked list data structures.