An apparatus for automatically aligning bills includes: a plurality of skew control units including a driving roller unit, a body, a first gear unit, and a second gear unit; a first motor unit connected with the first gear unit through a first power transmission member and providing a driving force to the driving roller unit; a second motor unit connected with the second gear unit through a second power transmission member and providing torque to the body; and ball caster units having a spherical shape and coming in contact with a second side of the bill.

In general, an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) is an automatic machine that can provide financial services for users to deposit/withdraw cash and checks using cards or bankbooks without a teller and without time and place limitations.
Recently, ATMs have been increasingly used not only at financial institutions including banks, but convenience stores, department stores, and public places. ATMs can be classified into a paying machine, a receiving machine, and a paying/receiving machine, and ATMs are recently used for various uses such as receiving/paying checks, bankbook updating, giro payment, and ticketing, in addition to paying/receiving cash.
In the ATMs, there is a machine that receives and automatically processes bills such as cash and checks. An automatic bill receiving and processing machine ascertains genuineness of received bills and processes normal bills, and when a bill is put into the machine through a slot from the outside, the machine acquires information about bills, for example, by scanning the bill while conveying the bill. Further, the machine ascertains genuineness of the bill on the basis of the acquired information, and it finally receives the bill when there is no problem, but it returns the bill when there is a problem.
Accordingly, a bill is supposed to be aligned and sent to the exact position where a scanner is located when it is scanned to acquire information, but a bill may be moved at an angle (hereafter, referred to as "skew") not in an accurate posture while it is conveyed, so it may be difficult to acquire information.

Apparatus for automatically aligning bill and skew control unit


Systems, methods, and software are disclosed herein for enhancing group collaboration in the context of productivity applications. In an implementation, a productivity application includes a user interface in which a document may be presented. In addition, a view of a groups feature provided by a social network service may be presented in the user interface to the productivity application. The view may include various options or interacting with the groups feature, such as the ability to create a new group, the ability to post comments to a group in the social network service, and the ability to upload documents to a group.

Social network services have become very popular online tools for keeping track of and interacting with friends and colleagues. Users frequently post comments and content that can be consumed by other users in their social network. Some services support a groups feature that allows a group to be created that other users can join. The users in that group may then interact with each other separately from their larger social networks.
Productivity features have been introduced in some social network services that allow users to interact with documents and other productivity items from within the context of their social network services. In other advances, various productivity applications and services support multi-user collaboration on documents in the context of a word processing application, a spreadsheet application, or the like.
From a technical perspective, a great deal of redundancy exists due to the overlapping capabilities of social network services and productivity services. For example, a set of users may be collaborators on a document in the context of a productivity service, while also existing together in a social network group. Thus, separate systems are in place to provide and maintain both the social network group and the collaboration group.
However, it is quite common that not all people in a particular social circle have access to all of the same applications and services. To go around such roadblocks, users may make duplicative efforts, such as emailing or posting the collaborative comments provided in the context of a productivity application to others that lack access to the application. Such efforts waste time and resources and generally inhibit effective group collaboration.

Productivity applications with views of social network group features


Data is received that characterizes a computing architecture including at least one web-based server and an associated cryptographic web protocol to be implemented on such computing architecture according to a desired formal specification. Thereafter, a plurality of inattentive variants complying with the web protocol are generated without associated security checks. Messages to and from each inattentive variant are then monitored while executing the associated security checks. At least one security monitor is generated based on the monitored messages that is configured to address security vulnerabilities in the computing architecture relative to the formal specification. At least one generated security monitor can be later deployed in the computing architecture. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Modern web applications often rely on third-party services to provide their functionality to users. The trend of integrating an increasing number of these services has turned traditional web applications into multi-party web apps (MPWAs) with at least three communicating actors. In a typical MPWA, a relying party (RP) integrates services provided by a trusted third party (TTP). Users interact with the RP and the TTP through a user agent (UA), which is typically a standard web browser executing a web protocol. For example, many RPs authenticate users through the Single Sign On (SSO) protocols offered by TTPs such as FACEBOOK, GOOGLE, TWITTER and use Cashier-as-a-Service (CaaS) protocols.

Holistic and verified security of monitoring protocols


An efficient method to induce the enantioselectivity in procarbonyl compounds using chiral organometallic complexes. The present invention is also described a method for producing organo metallic complexes using a base and a metal halide.

Asymmetric addition of organometallic compounds to carbonyls is a useful method for the production of chiral secondary/tertiary-alcohols. Typically for asymmetric synthesis, the active catalyst is generated in situ by the reaction of Lewis acid with chiral ligands. Addition of organometallic reagents to aldehydes and activated ketones has been achieved with excellent enantioselectivity. With inactivated ketones there has been some success, e.g., using salen 1 and camphanosulphonamide ligand 2.

Generally, stoichiometric amount of the promoters [Lewis acid, e.g., ZnR2 (R=alkyl/aryl), Zn(OTf)2, Cu(OTf)2, etc] is required for these asymmetric syntheses. Although, employing these promoters chiral alcohols has been obtained in high yields and ee upto 99%, they have limited applicability in industrial kale synthesis of the pharmaceutical intermediates, because they are expensive, difficult to store, difficult to handle, especially dialkyl zinc's are highly pyrophoric and require special modification to transfer the reagent. Moreover the liberated byproduct methane/ethane (when using ZnMe2/ZnEt2) are a concern on industrial scale synthesis.
To overcome this problem, herein we report an efficient synthesis of active organometallic catalyst formed in situ from chiral auxiliaries and Metal halides. For example ephedrine zincate 3 was obtained by first deprotonation of alcohol (achiral auxiliary) and N-pyrollidene norephidrine (chiral auxiliary) with a base (e.g. NaH); to the resulting alkoxides was added zinc halides (scheme 1A). The advantages include the low cost of zinc halides, ease of storing, handling and transfer. Moreover, the byproduct (sodium halides) formed has no safety issues. Based upon this concept, other active catalysts were synthesized using chiral ligands (such as binols, amino alcohols, amino alcohol derivatives, ethylenediamine, alkylated ethylene diamines and ethylenediamine derivatives in combination with metal source based on zinc and copper (scheme 1).

Using these chiral catalysts alkylation/alkynation of aldehydes afforded corresponding secondary alcohols (scheme-2),
while addition to ketones/β-ketoesters afforded corresponding tertiary alcohols (scheme 3A and 3B).

Efficient process to induce enantioselectivity in procarbonyl compounds


A method and apparatus for continuously rounded charge trapping layer formation in a flash memory device. The memory device includes a semiconductor layer, including a source/drain region. An isolation region is disposed adjacent to the source/drain region. A first insulator is disposed above the source/drain region. A charge trapping layer is disposed within the first insulator, wherein the charge trapping layer comprises a bulk portion and a first tip and a second tip on either side of said bulk portion, wherein said charge trapping layer extends beyond the width of the source/drain region. A second insulator is disposed above the charge trapping layer. A polysilicon gate structure is disposed above the second insulator, wherein a width of said control gate is wider than the width of said source/drain region.

Various types of electronic memory have been developed in recent years. Some exemplary memory types are electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) and electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM). EEPROM is easily erasable but lacks density in storage capacity, whereas EPROM is inexpensive and denser but is not easily erased. "Flash" EEPROM, or Flash memory, combines the advantages of these two memory types. This type of memory is used in many electronic products, from large electronics like cars, industrial control systems, and etc. to small portable electronics such as laptop computers, portable music players, cell phones, and etc.
Flash memory is typically made up of an array of floating gate transistors, commonly referred to as memory "cells." One or more bits of data are stored as charge by each memory cell. For example, dual bit memory devices use a silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) type architecture in which a lower layer of silicon oxide is formed over a semiconductor substrate that is typically silicon. A layer of silicon nitride is formed on the lower layer of silicon oxide, an upper layer of silicon oxide is formed on the layer of silicon nitride and a layer of an electrically conductive material is formed on the upper layer of silicon oxide. The combination of the lower silicon oxide layer, the silicon nitride layer, and the upper silicon oxide layer are capable of trapping charge and are commonly referred to as a charge trapping dielectric structure. It should be noted that the charge trapping structure is defined as an ONO stack. When more than one bit of information is stored in the charge trapping structure, the memory device is referred to as a dual bit memory device. Bit lines are typically formed in the portion of the semiconductor substrate that is below the charge trapping structure and word lines may be formed from the layer of electrically conductive material that is disposed on the charge trapping structure. In a dual bit memory device, two bits are stored per cell by biasing the bit line, the word line, the source, and the drain of the memory cell such that a bit and a complementary bit are stored. This arrangement enables flash memory cells to be manufactured efficiently and economically.
FIG. 1 shows a conventional memory cell. In a conventional flash memory fabrication process, the tunnel oxide, the charge-trapping layer, and top charge block oxide 101 (e.g., oxide-nitride-oxide ONO layer) and one or more polysilicon layers 102 are formed before the shallow trench isolation (STI 103) definition. It should be noted that the nitride layer can be comprised of nitride, silicon rich nitride, a combination of nitride on top of silicon rich nitride or multiple layers with different percentages of silicon content. After the STI 103 formation, another polysilicon layer can be deposited on the previous polysilicon layer. Subsequently, the word line is defined. Unfortunately, this conventional approach produces sharp corners 104-105 because the nature of the STI process produces near vertical sides. These sharp corners directly contribute to device degradation in performance and reliability.

Apparatus and method for rounded ONO formation in a flash memory device


A feed metering device for distributing fodder or drink or both as feed to animals in metered portions. The metering device is provided with a feed unit for containing the feed. An entrance door provides access to the feed unit. A feed supplying device supplies a predetermined amount of feed to the feed unit for the animal which is to be fed at the feed unit as determined by an animal identification device which is disposed at the feed unit and detects an identifying transponder on the relevant animal. The feed unit and therefore the feed therein is measured by its angular displacement relative to the device otherwise. Specifically, rolls are provided to measure the amount of pivoting or rotation relative to the device otherwise. The device also includes deterrence elements such as a loudspeaker or a light or an electrical current in lieu of or in additions to the entrance door to deter animals from attempting to consume feed at the feed unit when it is undesirable that the particular animal be permitted to consume feed at the feed unit.

Such feed metering devices, for cows, for example, are generally known. However, a disadvantage of known feed metering devices is that ascertaining whether fodder or drink or both remain in the feed unit after an animal has visited same can only be determined in a cumbersome manner. Such a determination of the remnants may inter alia be an indication of the health condition of the animal; for, when an animal unexpectedly takes a smaller amount of fodder or drink or both, this may indicate that the animal is ill. Moreover, it is undesirable that, when an animal leaves a certain amount of fodder or drink or both in the feed unit, such remnants will be available for the next animal without being taken into account.

Feed metering and animal identification device having angularly displaceable weighing means


A holder includes a frame having a pair of rods and a shaft secured on top of the rods, and a support for supporting an object. The support has an upper end pivotally coupled to the shaft and having two lower openings. A stay has a pair of barrels slidably engaged on the rods and an axle secured between the barrels and a pair of beams having a one end pivotally coupled to the axle. The lower end of the support may be moved away from the coupler for spacing the other ends of the beams away from each other to an open position when the barrels are moved downward along the rods.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a holder, and more particularly to a bag holder.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Typical bags for receiving game rackets, such as tennis rackets, badminton rackets etc., are normally randomly disposed on the ground and may thus be stepped by the other people inadvertently. In addition, the user have to bow his head for fetching the game rackets received in the bag.
The present invention has arisen to mitigate and/or obviate the afore-described disadvantages of the conventional bags.


According to an embodiment, a coating apparatus includes an application head, a first moving device, a second moving device, a feeding device, and a suction device. The application head is opposed to a coating surface of a target with a predetermined distance, and forms a meniscus pillar of a coating material between the application head and the coating surface. The first moving device moves the application head. The second moving device moves the application head. The feeding device feeds the coating material between the application head and the coating surface of the target. The suction device sucks the coating material. A distance between the application head and the coating surface is made greater than the predetermined distance, and the coating material is sucked from the meniscus pillar by the suction device.

As a method of forming a film by applying a liquid coating material to a target such as a substrate, there is known a meniscus coating method which is conducted by an action of surface tension of a liquid coating material. In a coating apparatus using this meniscus coating method, a meniscus pillar, which is formed of a coating material, is formed between a coating surface of the target, to which the coating material is applied, and an application head. In the state in which the meniscus pillar is formed, the target and the application head are moved relative to each other along the coating surface. In this manner, the coating material is coated in a film form on the coating surface by the meniscus pillar which moves relatively on the coating surface.


A computer system comprising a memory module, a connection port, and a central processing unit (CPU) is disclosed. The memory module stores a main base input/output system (BIOS) comprising an auxiliary function. The connection port is capable of connecting an auxiliary module comprising at least one specific program. The CPU executes the main BIOS when the auxiliary function is de-activated. The CPU executes the specific program when the auxiliary function is activated.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a control method, and more particularly to a control method executing a specific program.
2. Description of the Related Art
With technological development, computers have become an important piece of hardware in recent years. For a computer, a motherboard (MB) is a major component. The MB comprises at least a central processing unit (CPU), a memory chip and slots connecting interface cards. The components are protected by a case. The computer utilizes a power supply to supply operational power.
The CPU is also known as micro-processor. A basic structure of the CPU comprises an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and a control unit. Although the CPU is the result of high-tech science, the operations executed by the CPU are simplistic. Despite simplistic operations, the CPU processing speed is fast and the processing results are accurate. The CPU operates all computer peripheral devices and systems according to a basic input/output system (BIOS) stored in a memory chip.
Generally, MB companies provide updated BIOS on their websites. An experienced user can update required versions of BIOS via the network. For inexperienced users however, complications and difficulties arise, in which inexperienced users are not able to successfully update required BIOS.

Control method and computer system utilizing the same


A user propelled flotation and transportation system, the system including first and second buoyant floats configured to be selectively attached and detached to a user's feet, each of the first and second floats including an elongate hull having a forward end and a rear end, a foot receiving portion provided on a top surface of the hull, a pair of fins extending downward along a length of the hull and arranged to be substantially parallel to form a channel along a bottom surface of the hull, and one or more flaps arranged between the fins and configured to pivot about a line between the fins that is proximate the bottom surface of the hull, wherein the one or more flaps are configured to be movable between a first position extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the hull, and a second position rotated back toward the rear end of the hull.

There are a host of devices used by humans to self-propel themselves along water, such as canoes, row boats, paddle boats, and so on. There have even been devices that resemble large hamster balls to allow a person inside to traverse the water without getting wet. However, such devices, vessels, etc., are typically large and cumbersome for the user to transport when not in use. Further, humans have long been fascinated with ways in which to "walk on water," which can be fun as a recreational experience, and also has utility to allow a user to cross a stretch of water without getting wet. Therefore, a portable system that would allow a user to walk across the surface of the water in a manner that approaches normal walking, while also being convenient and portable enough to be convenient for a user to transport, would be desirable.

User propelled flotation and transportation system


An electrostatic separation apparatus or system is provided for separating a particle mixture into two constituent species. The system includes a distributor for differentially tribocharging the particle species forming the mixture and supplying the charged mixture to a plurality of electrostatic separation cells. Each cell includes at least one separator having an inlet, a separation chamber having an electric field zone for drawing selected charged particles from the particle mixture, a collector, and a transition outlet. The length of the electric field zone is selectively adjustable for varying the charged particle drawing action. A curtain gas flow introduced into the separation chamber carries the selected charged particles drawn from the particle mixture in the electric field zone to the collector. Flow vanes or straighteners are provided for both the particle mixture flow and the curtain gas flow to reduce turbulence in the separation chamber and improve separation efficiency. The collector includes a discharge outlet for discharging the selected charged particles to a first collection bin. The transition outlet receives the remaining particle flow and delivers it to a second collection bin for recovery or to a second separator to collect any remaining selected charged particles. The transition outlet reforms the flow to create turbulence to further tribocharge the particles prior to entering the second separator. A related method of particle separation is also disclosed.

The present invention relates generally to the material separation art and, more particularly, to a particle separation system, including an improved electrostatic separation apparatus, and a related method for electrostatically separating two species of particles present in a particle mixture.
Various types of apparatus for removing particles from a dry fluid flow using electrostatic separation techniques are well known in the art. An early example of such an apparatus is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,493,109 to Carta et al., the operation and limitations of which are described in detail in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,333, issued May 26, 1998. Generally speaking, the Carta et al. patent relies upon turbulent flow and particle-wall contact in the separation chamber to electrostatically charge the particles. The particles are then drawn from the flow by opposed electrically conductive plates having opposite polarities.
While the apparatus proposed in the Carta et al. reference is somewhat effective for separating particles having a selected charge from a particle mixture, several significant limitations remain. For instance, no effective means is disclosed to ensure that once separated, the selected particles will be directed to the appropriate collection device. To the contrary, the apparatus disclosed in the Carta et al. patent promotes turbulent flow in the separation chamber, which can allow deleterious re-mixing of the particles to occur after separation. As should be appreciated, this reduces efficiency to the point that several cycles or passes through the apparatus may be required to achieve separation. In addition to reducing efficiency, multiple passes significantly increase the particle abrasion to which the wall of the apparatus is subjected thereby reducing the service life of the separator.
In an effort to overcome this shortcoming, commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/726,255, entitled xe2x80x9cApparatus and Method for Triboelectrostatic Separation,xe2x80x9d proposes an improved apparatus for separating two species of particles from a particle mixture with greater efficiency and effectiveness by using a curtain gas flow to carry the selected particles drawn from the mixture to a collector for recovery. Similar to the apparatus proposed in the Carta et al. patent, separation is effected through the use of oppositely charged conductor plates connected to a variable voltage source. The charged plates attract oppositely charged particles away from the mixture and towards the sidewalls of the separation chamber. The curtain gas flow (which is initially devoid of particles) is then introduced into the separation chamber to provide the cleaning action necessary to remove or sweep the particles from the plates for recovery.
While this apparatus is effective for separating two particle species from a particle mixture, it should be appreciated that further improvements in separation effectiveness and operational efficiency are still possible. More specifically, there is a need for an electrostatic separation apparatus that: (1) reduces turbulence in the separation chamber created by the mixing of the particle and curtain gas flows to ensure that more selected particles are separated from the particle mixture and collected for recovery; (2) enhances particle separation efficiency by permitting adjustments to be made to the length of the electric field during operation; and/or (3) includes serial separators in each apparatus to ensure that the particle species are fully separated in a single pass. Additionally, including a plurality of the electrostatic separation apparatus meeting these criteria in a system fed by a single distributor would improve operating efficiency and greatly increase the throughput or volume of the particle mixture that can be processed in a given time period.
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for electrostatically separating two species of particles from a particle mixture that overcomes the above-identified limitations and shortcomings of the prior art.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a particle separation system including a single distributor for simultaneously supplying the particle mixture to a plurality of individual electrostatic separation apparatus, whereby two distinct and substantially pure particle species are recovered from each apparatus.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic separation apparatus having multiple separators in series for removing and collecting selected charged particles from a particle mixture, whereby after passing the particle mixture through said multiple separators, two distinct and substantially pure species of particles are fully recovered.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic separation apparatus that includes flow straighteners for both the particle mixture and curtain gas flows to reduce turbulence in the separation chamber and improve separation efficiency.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic separation apparatus having at least one separation chamber wherein the length of the electric field zone is selectively adjustable for varying the quantity and quality of the selected charged particles that are drawn from the particle mixture.
Additional objects, advantages and other novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned with the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
To achieve the foregoing and other objects, and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention as described herein, an improved electrostatic separation apparatus is disclosed and use of this apparatus as part of an overall particle separation system is described. In the broadest aspects of the invention, the improved electrostatic separation apparatus includes at least one separator having an electrostatic separation chamber. Preferably, the separator is cylindrical and has a first inlet that receives a particle mixture entrained in a dry driving fluid, such as air. The inlet is designed to create a spiraling, turbulent flow that assists in generating a differential charge on the two constituent species of particles present in the mixture prior to delivery to the separation chamber.
The separation chamber includes an electric field zone for drawing particles having a selected charge from the mixture. Specifically, a concentric electrode and conductor at different electric potentials are provided in the separation chamber to create a non-uniform electric field zone. A variable voltage source may be connected to the electrode and conductor to control the polarity and magnitude of the voltage applied to each. Alternatively, the potential difference may be created by connecting the variable voltage source to the conductor and grounding the electrode. Depending on the charge and amount of voltage applied to the conductor and the electrode, the difference in potential across the non-uniform electric field creates an electric field force vector that draws particles having a selected charge away from the particle mixture flow.
To remove or sweep the selected charged particles drawn from the particle mixture in the electric field zone, a flow of curtain gas is provided. Specifically, a curtain gas chamber concentric with the first inlet includes a first curtain gas inlet for supplying a first curtain gas flow to the separation chamber. The curtain gas entrains the particles drawn from the mixture and carries them to a first collector for recovery.
In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, improved separation efficiency is provided by substantially eliminating turbulent flow in the separation chamber. Specifically, the first inlet includes flow vanes to straighten and smooth the particle mixture flow prior to entering the separation chamber. Likewise, flow straighteners near the exit of the curtain gas chamber ensure that the curtain gas entering the separation chamber is smooth and substantially parallel to the particle mixture flow. Advantageously, the smooth, parallel flows of the particle mixture and curtain gas keep turbulence at a minimum, which improves separation efficiency. Additionally, the flows of the curtain gas and the particle mixture are preferably metered to ensure that both are at substantially the same velocities upon entering the separation chamber. As should be appreciated, the parallel, smooth flows and matched velocities prevent deleterious re-mixing of the separated particle species entrained in the curtain gas and those remaining in the particle flow after separation. Moreover, this flow pattern ensures that the curtain gas flow remains effective in carrying the selected charged particles drawn from the particle mixture in the first electric field zone to the first collector for recovery.
The first collector includes a first discharge outlet for discharging the recovered selected charged particles to a first collection bin. A transition outlet downstream of the first separation chamber delivers the particle flow remaining after passing through the first separator to a next-in-line separator. Alternatively, the remaining particle flow may be delivered directly to a second collection bin if further separation is unnecessary or undesired.
As noted above, the electric field zone is created between the conductor and the electrode by supplying a different electric potential to each to create a non-uniform electric field that serves to draw particles having a selected charge from the particle mixture. In the preferred embodiment, the conductor is cylindrical and is positioned or embedded in an outer wall of the separation chamber. The electrode is positioned at the center and may extend through the separation chamber only or, alternatively, from the first inlet, through the separation chamber, and into the discharge outlet. However, portions of the electrode outside of the separation chamber are preferably coated with a non-conductive material to prevent deleterious sparking between the walls of the inlet or outlet and the electrode.
In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, the length of the electric field zone in the separation chamber is selectively adjustable, even during operation of the separation apparatus. This is accomplished by adjusting the relative position of an inner partition projecting into the separation chamber that actually defines the transition outlet and inlet for the next-in-line separator. By moving this inner partition upwardly into the separation chamber, the amount of the particle mixture flow that is exposed to the first electric field zone is reduced. This will of course result in a reduced draw of selected charged particles, unless the strength of the electric field force vector in the electric field zone is increased by increasing the potential difference between the electrode and conductor, such as by adjusting the magnitude of the charge supplied by the variable voltage source. By selectively adjusting the length and the strength of the electric field zone, optimum conditions can be easily achieved during operation to improve separation efficiency. Furthermore, as will be more readily understood from reviewing the disclosure which follows, by adjusting the electric field zone(s) in downstream separator(s), it is possible to further optimize the total amount of selected charged particles separated from the particle mixture by the apparatus and the number of stages required to acquire two substantially pure particle species.
In accordance with a more specific object of the present invention, a plurality of separators of the type described above may be included in a single electrostatic separation cell. More specifically, the particle flow remaining after the selected charged particles are recovered in a first separator is delivered through the transition outlet to a second separator. The second separator includes a second inlet for receiving the remaining particle flow, which may still contain selected charged particles not separated and carried away as the flow passed through the first separator.
To ensure that the remaining particle flow is adequately charged prior to entering the second separator, the discharge outlet defined by the partition tapers inwardly toward the second inlet to create a turbulent flow. Additionally, a spiral insert or the like may be provided in the second inlet for assisting in recreating turbulent flow. This promotes particle-particle and particle-wall contact which charges the particles. However, prior to exiting the second inlet, the particle flow is passed through a second flow vane for straightening. This ensures that the remaining particle flow is substantially parallel to a vertical axis of symmetry of the second inlet upon entering the second separation chamber.
Upon exiting the second inlet, the particle flow enters a second separation chamber. This second separation chamber includes a second electric field zone for drawing any remaining selected charged particles from the remaining particle flow. The second separation chamber may be substantially identical in construction to the first separation chamber, such that the second electric field zone is created by an electrode and a concentric conductor held at different electric potentials. The electrode in the second separation chamber may be an extension of the electrode in the first chamber, or alternatively, can be a separate segment. In the latter case, a separate variable voltage source can be connected between each segmented electrode and conductor. This arrangement allows for the potential difference across the electric field zone in each separator to be selectively adjusted to improve particle separation.
To carry away the selected charged particles drawn from the remaining particle flow, a second curtain gas flow is provided. The second curtain gas flows from a second curtain gas chamber concentric with the second inlet. Flow straighteners positioned near the exit of the second curtain gas chamber ensure that the second curtain gas flow remains substantially parallel to a vertical axis of the separation chamber prior to entering the second separator. Similar to the operation of the first separator, the second curtain gas flow entrains and carries the selected charged particles removed by the second electric field zone to a second collector for recovery. As the species of particles collected in the second separator are the same species that were removed in the first separator, the second collector is connected to a manifold in fluid communication for delivering the particles collected to the first collection bin.
As should be appreciated, a third separator similar in operation to the first and second separators described above may form a part of the electrostatic separation apparatus of the present invention. Furthermore, each electrostatic separation apparatus may include more than three separators arranged serially, depending on the types of particles being separated, the flow rate, the differential charges created on the particles, and other parameters. Preferably, the last separator in the separation apparatus includes a terminal outlet for discharging the particle flow remaining after the selected charged particles are fully removed to a second collection bin, which of course should be a substantially pure, commercially acceptable product consisting of only a single species of particles. Thus, after processing the particle mixture through the separation apparatus, the result is a single species of particles held in the first collection bin and a second species of particles held in the second collection bin.
In accordance with another more specific aspect of the present invention, a plurality of the electrostatic separation apparatus described above may be fed by a single distributor. Advantageously, this allows for simultaneous separation to occur to further enhance operational efficiency. In the preferred embodiment, the distributor is frusto-conical in shape and includes a plurality of discharge ports each corresponding to the first inlet of a electrostatic separation apparatus positioned adjacent to the distributor. Ideally, the particle mixture is tangentially introduced from the distributor into the separation apparatus to initiate turbulent flow to induce particle-particle and particle-side wall contact which creates the differential charging of the two particle species that is beneficial for particle separation.
Yet another more specific aspect of the invention is to include the plurality of electrostatic separation apparatus and the distributor in a particle separation system. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a driving fluid source, such as a forced draft fan for blowing ambient air into a feed line supplying the distributor. The driving fluid source is positioned upstream of the distributor and an induction source, such as an induced draft fan, is provided downstream of the first and second collection bins to draw the driving fluid through the system. The action of the induced draft fan may also provide the source for the curtain gas flow for each separation stage. A feeder is provided in fluid communication with the forced draft fan for supplying the particle mixture to the distributor, which as described above is preferably frusto-conical in shape. The distributor assists in charging the particle mixture and then supplies a portion of the mixture to each of a plurality of electrostatic separation apparatus of the type described above including at least one, and preferably a plurality of, separators each having a collector. Each collector includes a discharge outlet for discharging the selected charged particles to a first collection bin, while the particle flow exiting the last-in-line separator is discharged through a terminal discharge outlet feeding a second collection bin. The first and second collection bins in turn discharge the particle flow to separate first and second collection devices, such as cyclone separators or the like for particle recovery. The first and second collection devices are in fluid communication with the downstream induced draft fan to draw the driving fluid, the particle mixture, and the particle flows through the plurality of electrostatic separation apparatus and eventually to the appropriate collection device for recovery.
A method of separating two species of particles from a particle mixture is also disclosed. In the broadest aspects of the method, the steps include feeding the particle mixture to a first inlet to create a turbulent particle mixture flow to electrostatically charge the particles, straightening the particle mixture flow, delivering the straightened particle mixture flow to a first separation chamber having a first electric field zone for drawing the selected charged particles therefrom, introducing a smooth curtain gas flow to the separation chamber substantially parallel to the particle mixture flow to entrain and carry the selected charged particles drawn from the particle mixture to a collector for recovery, and delivering the remaining particle flow to a second separator downstream of the first separator. Advantageously, by ensuring that the particle mixture and curtain gas flows remain substantially parallel, turbulence in the separation chamber is minimized, thereby resulting in enhanced separation efficiency.
Still other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described a preferred embodiment of this invention, simply by way of illustration of one of the modes best suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

Electrostatic particle separation system, apparatus, and related method

University of Kentucky Research Foundation


A valve includes a housing with a flow passage and a hole extending into the housing; a post with a base and a hole extending into the base, the post connected to the housing; and a dowel pin which sits in the hole of the housing and extends into the hole in the post.

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to valves and, more particularly, to the attachment of hinge pin posts to a valve housing.
Flapper valves, including dual flapper valves, utilize hinge pins, which are mounted on posts for rotation of the flappers. The precision and methodology used in mounting and locating the hinge pin is critical for proper operation and longevity of the valve. In general, there are two approaches for creating the mounting features for the hinge pin: integral and non-integral posts. For integral posts, the valve housing and the posts are formed together, typically by machining. With non-integral posts, the valve housing and the posts are formed separately and then joined together, typically with one or more fasteners.

Valve with precision mounted hinge pin posts


A carrying case (500) and handle (504) for accommodating a portable topical negative pressure therapy apparatus (200) comprising a device (202) and a waste canister (204) separable therefrom, the waste canister having an aspiration conduit (274) emerging therefrom is described, the carrying bag comprising an apparatus receiving pouch (502), said pouch having opening and closing means (522, 524) at a lower portion thereof and said handle (504) being directly attached to said apparatus.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to apparatus and a method for the application of topical negative pressure (TNP) therapy to wounds. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a bag to facilitate use, carrying and portability of such apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
There is much prior art available relating to the provision of apparatus and methods of use thereof for the application of TNP therapy to wounds together with other therapeutic processes intended to enhance the effects of the TNP therapy. Examples of such prior art include those listed and briefly described below.
TNP therapy assists in the closure and healing of wounds by reducing tissue oedema; encouraging blood flow and granulation of tissue; removing excess exudates and may reduce bacterial load and thus, infection to the wound. Furthermore, TNP therapy permits less outside disturbance of the wound and promotes more rapid healing.
In our co-pending International patent application, WO 2004/037334, apparatus, a wound dressing and a method for aspirating, irrigating and cleansing wounds are described. In very general terms, this invention describes the treatment of a wound by the application of topical negative pressure (TNP) therapy for aspirating the wound together with the further provision of additional fluid for irrigating and/or cleansing the wound, which fluid, comprising both wound exudates and irrigation fluid, is then drawn off by the aspiration means and circulated through means for separating the beneficial materials therein from deleterious materials. The materials which are beneficial to wound healing are recirculated through the wound dressing and those materials deleterious to wound healing are discarded to a waste collection bag or vessel.
In our co-pending International patent application, WO 2005/04670, apparatus, a wound dressing and a method for cleansing a wound using aspiration, irrigation and cleansing wounds are described. Again, in very general terms, the invention described in this document utilises similar apparatus to that in WO 2004/037334 with regard to the aspiration, irrigation and cleansing of the wound, however, it further includes the important additional step of providing heating means to control the temperature of that beneficial material being returned to the wound site/dressing so that it is at an optimum temperature, for example, to have the most efficacious therapeutic effect on the wound.
In our co-pending International patent application, WO 2005/105180, apparatus and a method for the aspiration, irrigation and/or cleansing of wounds are described. Again, in very general terms, this document describes similar apparatus to the two previously mentioned documents hereinabove but with the additional step of providing means for the supply and application of physiologically active agents to the wound site/dressing to promote wound healing.
The content of the above references is included herein by reference.
However, the above apparatus and methods are generally only applicable to a patient when hospitalised as the apparatus is complex, needing people having specialist knowledge in how to operate and maintain the apparatus, and also relatively heavy and bulky, not being adapted for easy mobility outside of a hospital environment by a patient, for example.
Some patients having relatively less severe wounds which do not require continuous hospitalisation, for example, but whom nevertheless would benefit from the prolonged application of TNP therapy, could be treated at home or at work subject to the availability of an easily portable and maintainable TNP therapy apparatus.
GB-A-2 307 180 describes a portable TNP therapy unit which may be carried by a patient clipped to a belt or harness. The apparatus shown in this reference is divided into two separate items: a first item comprising a TNP therapy device and waste canister; and, a second item comprising a battery power pack for the TNP device. The two items are worn on a belt or harness by the patient on their left and right sides. This arrangement is inconvenient and cumbersome and necessitates a power lead connection between the two items providing a further potential source of inconvenience and failure. Furthermore, the apparatus of this reference is not covered or hidden in any way and may constitute a potential source of embarrassment to a user or wearer. Since the device and waste canister are held close to the user's body by the belt or harness it may be necessary to remove the device and waste canister unit either from the belt or harness or the belt and harness from the user's body to allow the necessary room and freedom to be able change the waste canister for a fresh item when needed. If a user of the apparatus described in this document wishes to sit down or lie down then the belt or harness must be removed and placed safely on a surface before doing so.
It is an aim of the present invention to remove or at least partly mitigate at least some of the above-mentioned problems.
It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to provide a lightweight and convenient means of carrying TNP therapy apparatus as described hereinbelow.
It is a further aim to provide such carrying means which facilitate replacing a full waste canister for a fresh one as easily and as inconspicuously as possible.


An amplifier is operated with a low power source voltage and has a reference voltage of 1.25 V or less. The temperature characteristic of the amplifier is controllable. The amplifier comprises substantially similar circuits and constants on its left and right sides under a condition that a voltage source is not connected to an input terminal, except that a diode-connected transistor is provided. Paying attention to the left-side circuit, the circuit which has the diode-coupled transistor having a forward voltage and resistors 22 and 23, is expressed by an equivalent circuit by the (Ho)-Thevenin theorem.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an amplifier which is operated with a low power supply voltage and which has a reference voltage which temperature characteristic can be controlled.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A of prior art amplifier having a reference voltage independent of temperature has been conventionally arranged as disclosed in JP-A-Ho 2-193410. The amplifier comprises a transistor, a resistor and two of first and second current sources. A positively varying voltage to a temperature is obtained by passing a current through the resistor, connected at its one end to an input terminal and connected at the other end to the first current source which is connected in series with a negatively varying base/emitter voltage of the transistor to the temperature obtained by passing a collector current through the transistor from the second current source to cancel these positively and negatively varying voltages each other and to thereby obtain a reference voltage (about 1.25 V) independent of temperature, whereby there is obtained a comparison amplifier which acts as if an amplifier having one input connected to the reference voltage.
Since the output terminal voltage of each of the current sources are set to correspond nearly to the diode forward voltage, when such a band gap current source as shown in JP-A-60-191508 is employed, the power source voltage can be lowered down to about 0.9 V.
Thus, the comparison amplifier can be driven with the power source voltage lower than the reference voltage.
The above will be explained in more detail by referring to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 shows an arrangement of a prior art amplifier which has an input terminal 2 to which a voltage from a voltage source 1 is applied and also has an output terminal 3. In the drawing, reference numeral 51 denotes a resistor, numerals 52 and 54 current sources, 53 a transistor.
The operation of the prior art will next be explained. In FIG. 15, an addition of a base potential Vb53 of the transistor 53 to a multiplication of a resistive value R51 of the resistor 51 and a current Ics of the current source 52 corresponds to a voltage V1 of the voltage source 1 which is expressed by the following equation (1). EQU V1=Vb53+(R51.times.Ics) (1)
When the voltage Vl of the voltage source 1 is small, the base voltage Vb53 of transistor 53 becomes also small and the collector current Ic53 of transistor 53 becomes smaller than a current I54 of the current source 54. Thus, this causes a tendency of current to be discharged from the output terminal 3, so that the output voltage V3 becomes high. On the other hand, when the voltage V1 is large, the base voltage Vb53 of transistor 53 becomes also large and the collector current Ic53 of transistor 53 becomes larger than the current I54 of the current source 54. This causes a tendency of a current to be absorbed into the output terminal 3, so that the voltage V3 becomes low.
This operation is equivalent to the operation of the amplifier when an inverted input is connected to the input terminal 2, the reference voltage is connected to a non-inverted input, and an output is connected to the output terminal 3. The magnitude of the reference voltage can be found in the following manner. That is, when the voltage V1 of the input terminal 2 becomes equal to the reference voltage, no current flows into and out of the output terminal 3. When such a voltage V1 condition is found, the value of the reference voltage can be known.
First, since no current flows into and out of the output terminal 3, the following equation (2) is satisfied. EQU Ic53=I54 (2)
where, Ic53 denotes the collector current of the transistor 53 and I54 denotes the current of the current source 54.
At this time, the base potential Vb53 of the transistor 53 is expressed as follows. EQU Vb53=k.times.T/q.times.ln(I54/Is) (3)
where,
k: Boltzmann factor PA1 T: Absolute temperature PA1 q: Electric charge for an electron PA1 Is: The backward saturation current of the transistor
Meanwhile, the current source 52 is such a band gap current source as shown in JP-A-60-191508 and the current value Ics of the current source is determined by the following equation (4). EQU Ics=(k.times.T/q).times.ln(N)/Rcs (4)
where, N denotes a constant and Rcs denotes a current setting resistance.
Accordingly, the voltage V1 of the input terminal 2 under such a condition is expressed by the following equation 5) with use of the equations (1), (2) and (4) and the value V1' becomes the reference voltage of the prior art amplifier. EQU V1'=Vb53+(k.times.T/q).times.ln(N).times.R51/Rcs (5)
The first term in the equation 5) indicates the diode forward voltage and it is well known that the value of the diode forward voltage is about 650 mV and varies with temperature at a rate of -2 mV/deg.
Hence, when a change to temperature in the second term of the equation 5) is set to have such a value that is opposite in polarity to and is equal in magnitude to the first term, voltage changes to temperature in the first and second terms can be canceled each other. Thus, the reference voltage V1' can be eventually independent of temperature.
First, when a voltage change to temperature is found by differentiating the second term with respect to absolute temperature T and the differentiated voltage change is set to be equal to +2 mV the following equation (6) is obtained. ##EQU1##
Substituting the equation (6) into the second term of the equation 5) and setting T=300.degree. K. results in an equation (7) which follows. ##EQU2##
Hence, when the respective constants are set so that {(k.times.T/q).times.ln(N).times.R51/Rcs} or (R51.times.Ics) is 600 mV, the reference voltage V1' becomes about 1.25 V according to the equation 5) and thus can be eventually set to be independent of temperature.
Further, the base potential of the transistor 53 as the terminal voltage of the current source 52 corresponds to the diode forward voltage and the terminal voltage of the current source 5 is determined by a load connected to the output terminal 3. However, when the base of such a common-emitter transistor as the transistor 53 is connected to the output terminal 3, the base potential becomes the diode forward voltage. Thus, when the current sources are realized with such an arrangement as shown in JP-A-60-191508, the power source voltage can be lowered to about 0.9 V. Accordingly, the amplifier can be driven with a power source voltage lower than the reference voltage.
In this way, in the prior art amplifier, a reference voltage (about 1.25 V) independent of temperature can be obtained and the power source voltage of the amplifier can be lowered to about 0.9 V.
However, the prior art amplifier has had a first problem that the amplifier requires two current sources, which results in that the necessary circuit area becomes large.
A second problem in the prior art amplifier has been that the reference voltage is fixed at about 1.25 V so that, when it is desired to set a large reference voltage, this is realized by providing a resistor voltage-division means to the input terminal of the amplifier; whereas, when it is desired to set a small reference voltage, this is difficult because the value of the second term of the equation 5) must be made small while undesirably admitting its temperature dependency. That is, the reference voltage value and the temperature characteristic cannot be controlled independently of each other.

Amplifier including current mirror circuit and current generator

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


The invention relates to a support structure for supporting a wafer table in a lithography system, said support structure comprising:                a base comprising a reference surface,        an interface member, made from a low thermal expansion material, arranged on top of said base and adapted for positioning said wafer table on the support structure,        wherein said interface member is connected to said reference surface via at least one strut, and wherein the at least one strut is made from a low thermal expansion material. The invention further relates to a lithography system comprising such a support structure.

The invention relates to a support structure, or chuck, for a wafer table allowing accurate positioning of the wafer table on the support structure under changing thermal conditions. Such support structures are known in the art, for instance from U.S. Pat. No. 4,758,091 describing an apparatus for positioning a work piece, the apparatus comprising support means for supporting said work piece, wherein said support means includes one or more reference planes for establishing a desired position of said work piece along at least two orthogonal coordinate directions, wherein the reference planes are comprised of a reflective surface mounted on said support means and perpendicular to a corresponding coordinate direction, substrate means for introducing translational movement to said work piece, and coupling means for coupling said support means to said substrate means such that thermal expansion of said substrate means is isolated in said support means. According to the US patent the known support means preferably comprise a material having low thermal expansion coefficient, such as Zerodur™, for fixing the spatial relationship between the reference surface and the work piece.
A drawback of the known apparatus is that low thermal expansion materials are often costly and difficult to machine.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a support structure for a wafer table which is easier and less costly to manufacture.


An interbody axis cage for promoting stabilization and alignment of the spine following a surgical procedure is described herein. The interbody axis cage of the present invention has alternating points of axes in the X and Y direction that allow for 3-dimensional motion. The axis cage is roughly cylindrical in shape and it incorporates a threaded outerbody to facilitate screwing in and placement. The axis cage of the present invention is cannulated and incorporates a flexible reamer/cutter to “tap” for cage placement.

Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with spinal joint prosthesis and methods and devices for enhancing spinal stability and alignment. A variety of artificial prosthesis are used to replace chronically injured or ruptured intervertebral discs and range from plate inserts, ball and socket joints, gel filled enclosures, spring-biased plates, plate and joint combinations and others.
For example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 20080262550 discloses methods for stabilizing upper and lower spinal vertebrae having a disc situated between the upper and lower vertebrae are described. First and second fasteners are inserted into the upper vertebra. Third and fourth fasteners are inserted into the lower vertebra. At least two of the first, second, third, and fourth fasteners are connected with an elongate element. In an alternative embodiment, at least three of the first, second, third, and fourth fasteners are connected with the elongate element. The elongate element may be an elastic connector or a cable. The elongate element may also have first and second ends that are connected by a crimp.
Another example is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,770,096 which relates to an interbody spinal stabilization method and an interbody spinal stabilization cage. The cage has a parallelepipedic shape and comprises a central hollow space intended to be filled with bone fragments. The cage also comprises anchoring device(s) having an overall S shape and opening onto lateral faces connecting with adjacent vertebrae, actuated by at least one actuation device opening into a front face. The anchoring device(s) each have at least one main cutting edge.
Another example of a spinal cage is taught in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20090054991, which discloses a spinal cage system for inserting a spinal cage assembly into a spine to separate and support adjacent spinal vertebrae, that includes a first cage member; a second cage member; and an articulating mechanism adapted to connect the first cage member to the second cage member and to permit the first and second cage members to move relate to each other. An insertion instrument is adapted to capture the spinal cage assembly for insertion of the spinal cage assembly into a spine and to rotate the first and second cage members relative to each other to achieve a desired orientation in the spine.
Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 7,824,445 discloses an improved artificial spinal implant system for replacing a disc or vertebral body that provides adjustability in height, and provides support and stability of the spine with proper lordosis or kyphosis, osseous-integration of the implant, and motion preservation (if desired) of the adjacent vertebrae while preserving the space. Motion preservation in the Biro invention is achieved with compressible and/or tiltable artificial discs.


There is provided a method of forwarding a traffic flow in a communications network having at least one network node for which network traffic is selectively prevented from transiting the network node. The method includes the step of selecting a specified category of network traffic that is to be prevented from transiting the network node. The method also includes the step of determining a path within the network for forwarding the traffic flow, whereby the network node is excluded for transit in establishing the path where the traffic flow is identified with the specified category of network traffic.

It has been known in the field of communications networks to configure network nodes as restricted transit nodes. Namely, it has been known to restrict the transit of network traffic through specified nodes of a network so as to inhibit such traffic, or connections related thereto, from traversing one or more network nodes. Typically, the provisioning of restricted transit status in respect of a network node may prohibit network traffic or connections from transiting through the node, but may permit traffic or connections to originate or terminate at such a node. In known restricted transit mechanisms, during such time that a network node has been designated as a restricted transit node, no traffic is ordinarily permitted to transit the node. On the other hand, while a network node is not designated as a restricted transit node, all traffic is ordinarily permitted to transit the node.
In contrast to restricted transit routing, policy routing is utilized in the art of communications networks in order to control the manner in which network traffic or its related network connections are routed across a routing domain of the network. One known routing and signaling specification for the support of policy routing is that provided by the specification of The ATM Forum Technical Committee entitled "Policy Routing", version 1.0, which is dated April 2003 and is identified as document number af-cs-0195.000 (the "Policy Routing Specification"), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The Policy Routing Specification is an addendum to existing signaling specifications of The ATM Forum Technical Committee, namely: "ATM User-Network Interface (UNI) Signaling Specification", version 4.1, which is dated April 2002 and is identified as document number af-sig-0061.002; "ATM Inter-Network Interface Specification", version 1.1, which is dated September 2002 and is identified as document number af-cs-0125.002; and "Private Network-Network Interface Specification, version 1.1, which is dated April 2002 and is identified as document number af-pnni-0055.002, all as known to those skilled in the art of communications networks.
In typical policy routing mechanisms, and as described in the Policy Routing Specification, Network Elements ("Ne") or Resource Partitions ("Rp") may be identified and advertised throughout the network topology for purposes of routing traffic through the network in question. For instance, a network element may be a link or the entirety of a trunk group, whereas a resource partition may be a bandwidth partition of such a trunk group. In forwarding a traffic stream, a policy based request for forwarding may be made, wherein the request may describe a forwarding constraint to either (i) prescribe the avoidance or requirement of one or more particular network elements or (ii) prescribe the requirement of one or more particular resource partitions. Such a policy based request may be communicated by way of the forwarding constraint, such as a policy constraint, being assigned to a connection and signaled during the establishment of same. A node which is initiating the establishment of the network path for a traffic stream will use the advertised network elements and resource partitions together with the signaled policy constraint to compute or otherwise establish a network path that satisfies the constraint in question.
Policy routing capabilities may be used in communications networks to provide varying services based on different network utilization strategies. For instance, policy routing may be deployed in the provisioning of Virtual Backbone Networks ("VBN"), in the selection or avoidance of network paths associated with a predetermined link quality, in the routing of connections utilizing multiple ordered policy constraints, in the specification and use of bare network resources for inter-network core networks, in bandwidth partitioning between SVC and SPVC connections, and in the dynamic allocation of network bandwidth among identifiable categories of connections. However, it has not been known to utilize policy routing in conjunction with restricted transit capability so that the latter can be enabled or disabled in predetermined instances based on a specified policy.

Forwarding of network traffic in respect of differentiated restricted transit network nodes


A kit for assembly into an apparatus for throwing a whiffle ball comprising an elastic catapult for attachment to vertical posts and a calibrated speed strap for aligning the throw and estimating the speed of the ball. The catapult comprises a pouch with surgical tubing for propulsion and straps with hook and loop tape for affixing the catapult to the vertical posts.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for throwing a ball for a batter to attempt to hit with a bat. More particularly the apparatus throws a light hollow plastic ball having holes in the surface known as a whiffle ball.
2. Related Art
Baseball throwing machines are prolific in the art and are generally complicated mechanical contrivances having many parts and requiring considerable skill to operate. Patents on baseball throwing or pitching machines date from at least as early as 1915 to as late as 1997. Illustrative of these pitching machines are U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,152,186; 1,162,910; 1,182,024; 1,777,976; 2,080,958; 2,082,818; 2,192,096; 2,834,331; 3,254,639; 3,261,341; 3,277,878; 3,368,541; 3,406,674; 3,480,859; 3,552,371; 3,722,494; 4,111,179; 4,269,162; 4,391,264; 4,409,953; 4,524,749; 4,784,107; 4,860, 717; 4,955,606; 5,121,735; 5,413,085; 5,437,261; 5,439,212; and 5,660,386.
By definition "whiffle" means "to emit or produce a light whistling or puffing sound". See Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary Tenth Edition, published by Merriam Webster, Inc. A whiffle ball is a light hollow plastic ball having generally uniform round holes on the surface. The lightness and holes produce movement as the ball moves through the air, the movement generally being exaggerated over that of a solid ball such as a baseball. None of the art cited above is adapted to throw the whiffle ball. But because of its light weight its use is less dangerous to the hitter.


A board mounting device (20) which includes a base carrier (10) that can be snapped down on a board (14). The base carrier (10) includes at least one locking hook (22) which engages behind the board (14) in the mounted condition of the device (20). The device (20) further includes a device carrier (11), connected with the base carrier (10), which is adapted to be moved relative to the base carrier (10). The locking hook (22) is provided with at least one shoulder (43) on which the device carrier (11) is supported by at least one guide pin (31, 40, 50, 60) before the device (20) is in its mounted condition.

The is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/236,340 filed Sep. 27, 2005 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,269,031. Priority is claimed on that application and on the following application:
Country: Germany, Application No. 10 2004 047 117.7, filed Sep. 27, 2004
The present invention relates to a board-mounting device according to the preamble of the independent Claim.
There has been known from EP 264 840 A2 a device of the described species which comprises two parts adapted to move one relative to the other. The first such part is a base carrier, adapted to be snapped dawn on the board. which comprises a predetermined number of detent legs provided with projections that engage behind the opposite side .of the board in the mounted condition of the device. The base earlier comprises further locking elements that cooperate with the detent elements and are arranged in the second part which is configured as a device carrier. The locking elements of the device carrier may be arranged .on bridges of the device carrier.
In their delivery condition, the two parts are fixed one relative to the other in a first locked position. Mounting is effected by applying a pressure an the device carrier in the direction .of the board, whereby the detent legs pass and engage behind the bores in the board. The device carrier remains in the first lacked position relative to the base carrier during that action. After mounting of the base carrier. the device earlier is then moved from the first into the second locked position and. thus, into its final mounting position, by application of a further pressure on the device carrier in the direction of the board.
The bridges of the device carrier may also be pushed through the bores in the board, which accommodate the detent legs in the mounted condition of the base carrier. This has the result that the bridges and the detent legs will be clamped one relative to the other.
The base carrier may be provided with wire bushings for guiding through connection wires of the devices that are pushed through corresponding bores as the two parts are pressed together.
Due to mechanical stresses to which the devices may be subjected during transport or other operations carried out in preparation of the assembly of the board, it cannot be excluded that the device carrier may get displaced from the first into the second locked position unintentionally. In this joined position, mounting the device is, however, no longer possible. Pushing the device carrier back from the second into the first position is of course possible in principle. In the context of an automated board mounting process, such a device will however be classified as defective.
Further, there may also arise situations during assembly where the device carrier is moved unintentionally from the first to the second locking condition. Any canting of the device relative to the board, for example, leads to higher forces being required for snapping down the base carrier on the board. Higher forces may be required for snapping the base carrier down on the board also if a burr should be encountered on the board, for example. The higher pressure which then has to be applied on the device carrier may cause the device carrier to be moved from the first to the second locked position unintentionally before the base carrier is snapped down on the board.


A substrate includes an anchor area (30) physically secured to a surface of the substrate (10) and at least one printable electronic component (20). The at least one printable electronic component includes an active layer (14) having one or more active elements thereon, and is suspended over the surface of the substrate by electrically conductive breakable tethers (40). The electrically conductive breakable tethers include an insulating layer and a conductive layer thereon that physically secure and electrically connect the at least one printable electronic component to the anchor area, and are configured to be preferentially fractured responsive to pressure applied thereto. Related methods of fabrication and testing are also discussed.

Integrated circuits and other electronically active devices are constructed on wafers, usually crystalline semiconductor wafers, using photolithographic processes used in the microelectronics industry. Each wafer usually includes multiple, identical devices that are separated from the wafer after construction, for example, by sawing. The devices can then be packaged, tested for functionality, and sold.
To avoid expenses associated with sawing and packaging defective devices, devices can be tested while they are still a part of the original wafer in which the devices were constructed. A variety of methods can be used to accomplish this. For example, pads accessible to test probes can be provided on each device, electrical signals can be applied to the pads, and the device can thereby be tested. The device response can then be compared to a device that is known to function properly, and a functionality determination can be made.
Sometimes circuitry can be included on the wafer substrate that is not included in the packaged devices. The circuitry can provide access from an external tester and can also aid in applying test signals to the test devices and in collecting and interpreting the response of devices. Such wafer-scale testing is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,956,602 and 5,440,241. A method for testing integrated circuits that employs serial shift registers that apply signals to various portions of a circuit and collect output is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,293,919. The serial shift register can shift test data into the device as well as shift performance data out of the device. An external test device can load the test data into the shift register and analyze the performance data that is shifted out.
One technique used to create relatively small active components, such as integrated circuits, in a larger substrate or wafer is described in "AMOLED Displays using Transfer-Printed Integrated Circuits" published in the Proceedings of the 2009 Society for Information Display International Symposium Jun. 2-5, 2009, in San Antonio Tex., US, vol. 40, Book 2, ISSN 0009-0966×, paper 63.2 p. 947. As described in this paper, small integrated circuits are formed in a wafer and released from the wafer by etching around and beneath the circuits to form separated active components. Because the active components are so small, it may be difficult or impossible to include the relatively large pads for external test probes in the active components. Furthermore, because the circuits are separated from the substrate, it may be difficult to connect additional test circuitry to the active components, and the active components themselves can be too small to incorporate such test circuitry. Moreover, the unpackaged active components can be transferred to a destination substrate by a stamp that transfers many devices at a time, making it difficult to test the devices until they are a part of the destination substrate, at which point replacing a defective active component can be difficult.

Structures and methods for testing printable integrated circuits


First, a substrate having a plurality of NMOS transistor regions and PMOS transistor regions is provided. The substrate further includes a plurality of gate structures respectively positioned in the NMOS transistor regions and the PMOS transistor regions. A high-tensile thin film is then formed on the substrate and the plurality of gate structures. Subsequently, an annealing process is performed, and the high-tensile thin film is removed after the annealing process.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to a method of manufacturing MOS transistors, and more particularly, to a method that utilizes a high-tensile thin film in combination with an annealing process to alter a band structure of a channel region in a substrate, thereby improving carrier mobility of the MOS transistors.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The performance of MOS transistors has increased year after year with the diminution of critical dimensions and the advance of large-scale integrated circuits (LSI). However, it has been recently pointed out that the miniaturization attained by a lithographic technology has reached its limit. Therefore, how to improve the carrier mobility so as to increase the speed performance of MOS transistors has become a major topic for study in the semiconductor field. For the known arts, attempts have been made to use a strained silicon layer, which has been grown epitaxially on a silicon substrate with a silicon germanium (SiGe) layer disposed therebetween. In this type of MOS transistor, a biaxial tensile strain occurs in the epitaxy silicon layer due to the silicon germanium which has a larger lattice constant than silicon, and, as a result, the band structure alters, and the carrier mobility increases. This enhances the speed performance of the MOS transistors.
However, the above technique still suffers the following disadvantages. First, the silicon germanium is deposited across the substrate, making it harder to optimize NMOS and PMOS transistors separately. Second, the silicon germanium layer has poor thermal conductivity. Another concern is that some dopants diffuse more rapidly through the SiGe layer, resulting in a sub-optimum diffusion profile in the source/drain region.


A insulated container adapted for insulating temperature sensitive contents from the surrounding environment. The container can have: a body including a sidewall section, a top section and a bottom section having at least one of an open-top and open-wall; sidewall; a door pivotably connected to the body for providing an open position for loading and unloading and a closed position for insulating contents therin, defining an enclosure; and a temperature control floater for sealing temperatures in the enclosure and/or deviding the enclosure into two individual comartments, connectable to the body.

There is a need to insulate and provide minimal temperature variations to temperature sensitive materials. A drum, keg or insulative quilt that could provide a secure and tight fit around a drum of temperature sensitive material would be considered an improvement. An insulative quilt, and light weight and portable container that would provide an insulation air pocket and barrier for minimal temperature loss for the temperature sensitive material or exposure to the outside environment, and further would be self inflatable, would be considered an improvement in the art.


Compositions comprising at least one peptide copper complex and at least one preservative exhibit chemical stability of the peptide copper complex, as well as resistance and/or toxicity to microbial growth, when the preservative is selected to be a non-formaldehyde-donating preservative. In other embodiments, the present invention is directed to such compositions that are formulated for use as pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products, and to medical devices comprising a disclosed composition. In another aspect, the present invention is also directed to a method for imparting to a composition comprising at least one peptide copper complex, chemical stability as well as resistance and/or toxicity to microbial growth, where the method comprises incorporating a non-formaldehyde-donating preservative in the composition.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to compositions comprising peptide copper complexes and, additionally, to such compositions formulated for use as pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, as well as to medical devices that comprise such compositions.
2. Description of the Related Art
Copper is known to have many beneficial biological applications, including, as a few examples, stimulating the accumulation of collagen and elastin, increasing the rate of wound healing, and increasing the amount of collagen in skin (see, e.g., Maquart, F. X., Pickart, L., Laurent, M., Gillery, P., Monboisse, J. C., Borel, J. P., "Stimulation of Collagen Synthesis in Fibroblast Cultures by the Tripeptide-Copper Complex Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Copper(2+)," FEBS Lett. 238(2): 343–346, 1988; Wegrowski, Y., Maquart, F. X. and Borel, J. P., "Stimulation of Sulfated Glycosaminoglycan Synthesis by the Tripeptide-Copper Complex Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Copper(2+)," Life Sciences 51: 1049–1056, 1992; Maguart, F. X., Bellon, G., Chaqour, B., Wegrowski, J., Patt L. M., Trachy, R. E., Monboisse, J. C., Chastang, F., Birembaut, P., Gillery, P. and Borel, J. P., "In Vivo Stimulation of Connective Tissue Accumulation by the Tripeptide-Copper Complex Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Copper(2+) in Rat Experimental Wounds," J. Clin. Invest. 92: 2368–2376, 1993).
Copper salts alone are ineffective, or even inhibitory, for such applications. The copper must be delivered in a biologically acceptable form. As an example, when copper is complexed with a biologically acceptable carrier molecule, such as a peptide, it may then be effectively delivered to cells.
More specifically, peptide copper complexes, and compositions comprising the same, may be effective in this regard. Peptide copper complexes that are useful for wound healing and skin health are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,760,051; 4,665,054; 4,877,770; 5,135,913 and 5,348,943. Peptide copper complexes, beneficial for stimulating hair growth and preventing hair loss, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,177,061; 5,214,032; 5,120,831; 5,550,183 and 5,538,945. Another beneficial application of peptide copper complexes is the prevention and healing of gastric ulcers, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,145,838; 4,767,753 and 5,023,237. Yet another utility of such complexes is the healing of bone, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,059,588.
While a number of compositions comprising peptide copper complexes have been identified and described as having biologically beneficial utility, there remains a need in the art for compositions that can more effectively, economically and readily be used for preparing pharmaceuticals, cosmetic products and medical devices. In particular, aqueous solutions of peptide copper complexes are needed that are suitable for storage at ambient conditions by virtue of being both chemically stable, and resistant and/or toxic to microbial growth. Also needed are pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or cosmetic products that comprise peptide copper complexes and which retain stability in the presence of preservatives used to resist microbial growth in such compositions. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Preserved and stable compositions containing peptide copper complexes and method related thereto


A floor care apparatus has a nozzle assembly housing an agitator. A motor couples to the agitator to drive it at two or more speeds and constant suction power. A user indicates their mode-of-operation preference by positioning a switch. An agitator motor control circuit, responsive to the switch, effectuates motor control by supplying either a fixed duty cycle signal or a substantially constant voltage signal. The fixed duty cycle signal includes a waveform with a substantially constant voltage value that is on for a first or first and second of four quarters of the waveform period. Thereafter, it repeats for additional periods. The switch preferably embodies a resistor network and a fixed current source that creates a voltage input to an A/D converter that falls within a specified range. Other apparatus embodiments contemplate multiple agitators with one or more agitator motors. A suction fan motor, separate from the agitator motor(s), may also exist.

Whether canister or upright, vacuum cleaners in all of their designs and permutations have become increasingly popular over the years. In general, vacuum cleaners incorporate a suction fan motor, attendant dirt cup or filter bag and a nozzle assembly fluidly and mechanically connected thereto that sucks up dirt and dust by operator movement across a dirt-laden floor. Specifically, an agitator within the nozzle assembly rotates to beat the nap of a carpet and dislodge dirt and dust during a time when an operator manipulates the cleaner back and forth. Problematically, when operators clean bare-floors or BERBER style carpets, for example, agitators rotating at full speed can sometimes cause damage. Thus, some attempts in the prior art have reduced the speed of the suction fan motor to cause a corresponding reduction in the speed of the agitator. With this, however, comes a corresponding loss in suction and loss of cleaning ability.
Accordingly, the floor care arts have need of an agitator that can rotate without damaging certain floor or carpet types while still providing effective cleaning.

Floor care apparatus with multiple agitator speeds and constant suction power


An assembly for both distributing electricity and limiting the flow of current has a housing, input conductors, first output conductors, second output conductors, an insulating spacer block, and limiters. Portions of the input conductors and first output conductors overlay each other with the insulating spacer block therebetween. The limiters electrically connect the input conductors to the output conductors with pairs of limiters connected between a single input conductor and separate output conductors.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to power distribution and, more particularly, to an assembly for both distributing and limiting electric current.
2. Prior Art
Various U.S. Patents describe numerous different types of power distribution and fuse or circuit interrupter arrangements including the following: 636,905; 736,598; 1,039,139; 1,170,566; 1,981,929; 2,766,405; 3,142,738; and 4,825,336. One particular type of power transmission is accomplished by use of three phase conductor cable that has three conductors; one for ground, one for supply, and one for return.
One problem has developed in the prior art in that, although systems are known that distribute and provide individual fuses or circuit limiters to the distributed power branches in three phase systems, no adequate assembly has been provided for compact and lightweight applications, such as for use in an aircraft.
It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a new and improved power distribution aid limiter assembly.


The optical elements for ultraviolet radiation, especially for microlithography, are made from cubic granet, cubic spinel, cubic perovskite and/or cubic M(II)- as well as M(IV)-oxides. The optical elements are made from suitable crystals of Y3Al5O12, Lu3Al5O12, Ca3Al2Si3O12, K2NaAlF6, K2NaScF6, K2LiAlF6 and/or Na3Al2Li3F12, (Mg, Zn)Al2O4, CaAl2O4, CaB2O4 and/or LiAl5O8, BaZrO3 and/or CaCeO3. A front lens used in immersion optics for microlithography at wavelengths under 200 nm is an example of a preferred optical element of the present invention.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improved method of making optical elements for microlithography, to optics made by the method and to electronic components and devices including the optics.
2. Related Art
Many electronic circuits are arranged in close proximity to each other in an electronic computer or controller. They are also called integrated circuits (IC) or chips. Electronic circuits are possible, which can perform many millions of circuit operations, by sophisticated arrangements. Because of the ever increasing computational and/or circuit functions of these circuits they are arranged in an ever-smaller space, i.e. their packing density is always becoming greater. According to the so-called Moore's law during controlled miniaturization of these circuits their computational power and/or processing speed doubles every 18 to 24 months. In order to achieve this it is necessary to continually make smaller transistors for this sort of processing and/or control circuit and to arrange them closer and closer above or next to each other. Only in this way miniaturization may permanently reduce the dissipated heat and the processing times.
Microlithography is used to make these types of miniaturized circuits. In microlithography a light-sensitive lacquer, a so-called photo resist, is illuminated by an expensive optical system with light. In this way images of previously designed conductor strips and circuits are produced on the photo lacquer. Further processing of these images produces an entire network of integrated circuits. The extent of the miniaturization of these circuits depends on the respective wavelengths of the light used during microlithography. Currently irradiating wavelengths in the UV, especially the deep UV range, are used in microlithography. For this purpose especially coherent light, particularly laser light, and of course from an excimer laser, such as a KrF laser with wavelengths of 248 nm, an ArF laser with wavelengths of 193 nm, and a F2 laser with a wavelength of 157 nm, can be used. In this way it is possible to make chip structures with a width of less than 100 nm.
However it is not only necessary to reduce the wavelength of the irradiating laser light to miniaturize chip structures, but also to improve the imaging precision of the entire irradiating optical system, i.e. the optical resolution of the system, must be improved.
From microscope engineering it is now known that the resolution of optics can be drastically improved by use of a so-called immersion fluid, which is arranged between the object being studied and the objective. Immersion attachments (e.g. Twinscan™ of ASML) have already been developed for commercially available lithography units and for fully functional lithography units, which however still contain conventional lens system.
Thus, for example, J. H. Burnett, et al, in "High Index Materials for 193 and 157 nm Immersion Lithography", International Symposium on Immersion and 157 nm Lithography, International Symposium on Immersion and 157 nm Lithography, Vancouver, Aug. 2, 2004, describes the use of materials with a high index of refraction as materials for lens systems in Immersion photolithography. According to that reference the index of refraction should be substantially larger than that of water in order to obtain a maximum numerical aperture at a given wavelength. Thus Burnett, et al, recommends the use of the alkaline earth fluorides, CaF2, SrF2, and/or BaF2, which have an absolute refractive index of 1.5 to 1.58 at a wavelength of 193 nm and of 1.56 to 1.66 at 157 nm. Furthermore mixed crystals of the general formula BaxSr1- xF2 and BaxCa1-xF2 for x=0 to 1 and BaxCa1-xF2 with x about 0.1 are suggested for the optical elements. Also alkaline earth oxides, such as MgO, CaO, SrO and BaO, are proposed as possible lens materials. It is also possible to compensate the intrinsic birefringence by mixing these oxides according to this reference. Especially CaO can compensate the birefringence and at the same time increases the index of refraction.
However it has been shown that large-volume single crystals, which have the uniformity required for making this sort of lens, can be drawn from the melt only with difficulty with the suggested materials by means of known techniques. Furthermore the phase diagram for the composition, which is required to obtain a high index of refraction, is extremely critical and is characterized by a melting point that is reach only with difficulty by known crystal growing techniques. Finally no sufficient optical homogeneity is achieved with these mixtures.

Method for making optical elements for microlithography, the lens systems obtained by the method and their uses


This application discloses a motion vector obtaining method and apparatus, a computer device, and a storage medium. In the method, an initial motion vector of a to-be-processed picture block is determined by using a location relationship between a reference block and the to-be-processed picture block. When the reference block and the to-be-processed picture block are located in a same coding tree block, a decoder uses an initial motion vector of the reference block as the initial motion vector of the to-be-processed picture block. When the reference block and the to-be-processed picture block are located in different coding tree blocks, the decoder uses a final motion vector of the reference block as the initial motion vector of the to-be-processed picture block.

In daily life, video-related applications are increasingly popular. With maturity of computer technologies, video processing technologies have also developed greatly. Video coding technologies have developed prominently. When a coding unit in a frame of picture is encoded, redundancy may be removed as much as possible by using correlation between the coding unit and a prediction unit. During decoding, information obtained after the redundancy is removed is decoded to obtain picture information corresponding to the coding unit.
A decoding process may be as follows: After obtaining motion information of the coding unit, a decoder establishes a candidate predicted motion vector list based on the motion information, selects an optimal predicted motion vector from the candidate predicted motion vector list based on the obtained motion information, searches for a prediction unit most similar to the coding unit by using a reference unit indicated by the optimal predicted motion vector as a start point, updates the optimal predicted motion vector in the candidate predicted motion vector list to a motion vector of the prediction unit, that is, the updated predicted motion vector is a predicted motion vector of the coding unit, and obtains, based on the updated predicted motion vector and the prediction unit, the picture information corresponding to the coding unit.
In a process of implementing this application, the inventor finds that a related technology has at least the following disadvantages: A decoder may simultaneously decode a plurality of coding units during decoding. However, when a predicted motion vector of a current coding unit needs to be used for another coding unit, decoding can be performed only after an optimal predicted motion vector of the current coding unit is updated, and consequently a delay is very likely to occur.

Motion vector obtaining method and apparatus, computer device, and storage medium


A socket cover contains: a cap, a first lid, and a second lid. The cap has an orifice defined thereon, the first lid is disposed on a first side of the orifice of the cap and covers a first part of the orifice, and the first lid has a cutout defined on a non-closed position thereof opposite to the orifice of the cap. The second lid is disposed on a second side of the orifice of the cap and covers a second part of the orifice which is not covered by the first lid, and the second lid has a projection corresponding to the cutout of the first lid. Thereby, when a plug is inserted in a socket, the cap is positioned stably to enhance using safety and aesthetics appearance.

A conventional socket exposes outside a wall surface or a floor to cause a short circuit as cleaning the floor or the wall surface. In addition, an insertion aperture of the socket exposes a plug, thus removing the plug from the socket easily.
A conventional socket cover is employed to cover the socket and contains an accommodating chamber defined on the wall surface or the floor, wherein the accommodating chamber has a through hole for exposing the socket, and a covering plate is covered on the wall surface or the floor, such that when the covering plate is rotated outwardly, the plug is inserted in the socket and the through hole and does not expose outside the wall surface or the floor. However, a wire of the plug extends out of the covering plate and is connected with an electrical apparatus outside the wall surface or the floor to influence using inconvenience and aesthetics appearance. Furthermore, after reducing a size of the covering plate to extend the wire outwardly, the covering plate cannot close the through hole safely as cleaning the floor or the wall surface.
The present invention has arisen to mitigate and/or obviate the afore-described disadvantages.