A differential amplifier comprises a left amplifier having transistors, a right amplifier having transistors, a negative feedback network having a resistor, and a negative feedback network having a transformer with a center tap. Phase compensation networks comprising a capacitor and a resistor, a capacitor and a resistor, and a capacitor and a resistor are further added to the amplifier. Both ends of a secondary winding of the transformer are connected to the output terminals of the right and left amplifiers, and the center tap of the secondary winding is grounded, so that a differential amplified output signal can be fed back to a single-phase input using one transformer, thereby reducing a cost and an area.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a low-noise differential amplifier required to have a high dynamic range at a wideband.
2. Description of the Related Art
A non-patent literature (K. van Hartingsveldt, M. H. L. Kouwenhoven, C. J. M. Verhoeven, "HF Low Noise Amplifiers with Integrated Transformer Feedback", ISCAS 2002, vol. 2, pp. II-815 to II-818, May 2002) (hereinafter, non-patent literature 1) discloses a low-noise amplification circuit having a duplex negative feedback network comprising a transformer and a resistor (Transformer Feedback Degenerated Low Noise Amplifier, hereinafter, TFD-LNA). The TFD-LNA is a good circuit which can achieve all of low noise figure, stable gain and good input impedance matching at a wideband.
A differential amplifier using the TFD-LNA is, however, not a well known art.
Accordingly, a differential amplifier which maintains a low noise figure, a stable gain, and a good input impedance matching at a wideband is expected using the TFD-LNA of non-patent literature 1 as right side and left side amplifiers. Let us now think about a differential amplifier to which a phase compensation network is added in order to cause the amplifier to have a high dynamic range at a wideband with a sufficient stability margin. Then, a differential amplifier shown in FIG. 12 (this amplifier is hereinafter called basic type TFD differential amplifier) can be thought out.
FIG. 12 shows the basic type TFD differential amplifier having a pair of TFD-LNAs as right and left amplifiers.
A basic type TFD differential amplifier 10 comprises symmetrical right and left amplifiers having a common circuit constant. The left amplifier of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10 includes transistors 24, 27, and 31. The right amplifier of the basic type TFD differential amplifier includes transistors 54, 57, and 61. The right and left amplifiers of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10 individually have input and output terminals. A node between a resistor 39 and the primary winding of a transformer 23 serves as the input terminal of the left amplifier, while a node between a resistor 69 and the primary winding of a transformer 53 serves as the input terminal of the right amplifier. The emitter of the transistor 31 functions as the output terminal of the left amplifier, while the emitter of the transistor 61 functions as the output terminal of the right amplifier. The differential-signal input terminal of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10 comprises the input terminal of the left amplifier and the input terminal of the right amplifier. The emitter of the transistor 31 and that of the transistor 61 are a pair of right and left output terminals of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10.
According to the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10, a signal source having an output impedance R of 50Ω is connected to the hot side of a primary winding of a balun transformer 12. The cold side of the primary winding of the balun transformer 12 is grounded. Both ends of a secondary winding of the balun transformer 12 are respectively connected to the input terminals of the right and left amplifiers of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10 through coupling capacitors 21, 22. The balun transformer 12 converts a single-ended input signal into a differential signal. The turn ratio between the primary winding of the balun transformer 12 and the secondary winding thereof is, for example, 1:1.
The hot side of the primary winding of the transformer 23 is connected to the input terminal of the left amplifier. A commercially available transformer having a turn ratio of 1:2 is used as the transformer 23.
The cold side of the primary winding of the transformer 23 is connected to the base of the NPN type transistor (hereinafter, simply called transistor) 24. The base of the transistor 24 is also connected to the positive electrode of a biasing power source 25 through a choke coil 26.
The collector of the transistor 24 is connected to the emitter of the transistor 27. The base of the transistor 27 is connected to the positive electrode of a biasing power source 29 through a phase compensation resistor 28. The resistor 28 works together with a capacitor 38 to be discussed later, and constitutes a phase compensation circuit for performing phase compensation on the left amplifier of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10. The negative electrode of the biasing power source 29 is grounded.
The transistor 24 and the transistor 27 are subjected to cascode connection with each other, and constitute a cascode amplifier having a resistor 30 as a load. The collector of the transistor 27 is connected to one electrode of the resistor 30 which functions as the load device of the cascode amplifier. A direct-current-power-source voltage Vd1 is applied to the other electrode of the resistor 30.
A node between the resistor 30 and the collector of the transistor 27 serves as an output node for outputting an amplified output voltage signal of the cascode amplifier. The node is connected to the base of the transistor 31, i.e., the input terminal of an emitter follower. The transistor 31 and a constant-current source 35 constitute the emitter follower, and works as the output buffer of the left amplifier of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10. The direct-current-power-source voltage Vd1 is applied to the collector of the transistor 31. The emitter of the transistor 31 is connected to one electrode of the coupling capacitor 32.
The left output terminal of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10, i.e., the emitter of the transistor 31 is connected to the cold side of the secondary winding of the transformer 23 through a coupling capacitor 34. An output voltage signal applied to the secondary winding of the transformer 23 is transmitted to the primary winding of the transformer 23 by electromagnetic coupling, and is series-mixed with an input signal. This constitutes one negative feedback network in the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10. The emitter of the transistor 31 is connected to a constant-current source 35 for providing an operating current of the emitter follower.
The emitter of the transistor 31 is further connected to one electrode of a coupling capacitor 36, one electrode of a phase compensation capacitor 37, and one electrode of a phase compensation capacitor 38.
A resistor 39 and a coupling capacitor 36 are connected in series between the left output terminal of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10 and the hot side of the primary winding of the transformer 23, i.e., the left signal input terminal of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10. The resistor 39 shunt-mixes a voltage-sampled output signal with an input signal. This constitutes one negative feedback network in the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10.
The capacitor 37 and a resistor 40 constitute a phase compensation network for performing phase compensation on the left amplifier of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10.
One electrode of a capacitor 22 is connected to the hot side of a primary winding of a transformer 53. A commercially available transformer having a turn ratio of 1:2 is used as the transformer 53.
The cold side of the primary winding of the transformer 53 is connected to the base of a transistor 54. The base of the transistor 54 is further connected to the positive electrode of a biasing power source 55 through a choke coil 56.
The collector of the transistor 54 is connected to the emitter of a transistor 57. The base of the transistor 57 is connected to the positive electrode of a biasing power source 59 through a resistor 58. The resistor 58 works together with a capacitor 68 to be discussed later, and constitutes a phase compensation network for performing phase compensation on the right amplifier of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10. The negative electrode of the biasing power source 59 is grounded.
The transistors 54, 57 are subjected to cascode connection with each other, and constitute a cascode amplifier having a resistor 60 as a load. The collector of the transistor 57 is connected to one electrode of the resistor 60 which serves as the load device of the cascode amplifier. The direct-current-power-source voltage Vd1 is applied to the other electrode of the resistor 60.
A node between the resistor 60 and the collector of the transistor 57 serves as an output node for outputting an amplified output voltage signal of the cascode amplifier. The node is connected to the base of a transistor 61, i.e., the input terminal of an emitter follower. The transistor 61 and a constant-current source 65 constitute the emitter follower, and works as the output buffer of the right amplifier of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10. The direct-current-power-source voltage Vd1 is applied to the collector of the transistor 61. The emitter of the transistor 61 is connected to one electrode of a coupling capacitor 62.
The right output terminal of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10, i.e., the emitter of the transistor 61 is connected to the cold side of the secondary winding of the transformer 53 through a coupling capacitor 64. An output voltage signal applied to the secondary winding of the transformer 53 is transmitted to the primary winding of the transformer 53 by electromagnetic coupling, and is series-mixed with an input signal. This constitutes one negative feedback network in the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10.
The emitter of the transistor 61 is connected to a constant current source 65 for providing an operating current of the emitter follower.
The emitter of the transistor 61 is further connected to one electrode of a coupling capacitor 66, one electrode of a phase compensation capacitor 67, and one electrode of a phase compensation capacitor 68.
A resistor 69 and the coupling capacitor 66 are connected in series between the right output terminal of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10 and the hot side of the primary winding of the transformer 53, i.e., the right signal input terminal of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10, and shunt-mix a voltage-sampled output signal with an input signal. This constitutes one negative feedback network of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10.
The capacitor 67 and a resistor 70 constitute a phase compensation network for performing phase compensation on the right amplifier of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10.
The emitters of the transistors 24, 54 are connected to the collector of a transistor 71. The base of the transistor 71 is connected to the base of a transistor 72 and the collector thereof, and the transistors 71, 72 constitute a current mirror circuit.
The collector of the transistor 72 is connected to a constant-current source 73. The emitter of the transistor 71 is grounded through a resistor 74. The emitter of the transistor 72 is grounded through a resistor 75. The collector current of the transistor 71 is controlled in such a manner as to be always constant by a constant-current source 73. Accordingly, the right and left amplifiers of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10 operate in such a way that the right and left output signals become a balanced signal having an always-constant sum.
The emitter of the transistor 31 and the emitter of the transistor 61 are a pair of differential output terminals of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10. Those output terminals are connected to both ends of a primary winding of a balun transformer 80 through coupling capacitors 32, 62, respectively. The hot side of a secondary winding of the balun transformer 80 is connected to a load 81 of, for example, 5 kΩ. The balun transformer 80 converts the differential amplified output signal of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10 into a single-ended signal. The turn ratio of the balun transformer 80 is, for example, 1:1.
Here, an explanation will be given of a result of simulating the characteristic of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10 in a case where the balun transformers 12, 80 are ideal transformers having a turn ratio of 1:1.
FIGS. 13A to 13C show respective simulation results for a noise figure (NF), a reflection coefficient (S11) and a transmission coefficient (S21) of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10 shown in FIG. 12.
It becomes clear from the simulation result that the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10 realizes all of sufficient noise figure characteristic, sufficient input impedance characteristic, and stable voltage gain of about 7 dB at bands up to about 200 MHz. In a case where an actual transformer is used as the balun transformer 12 which converts a single-phase input from an antenna into a differential input, the NF value in a band where the amplifier can be operated within normal specifications deteriorates about 0.5 to 1 dB from the foregoing simulation result.
FIG. 14 shows a result of simulating the third order input intercept point (IIP3) characteristic of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10. The horizontal axis represents a frequency (MHz), while the vertical axis represents an IIP3 (dBm).
In the measurement simulation of the IIP3 characteristic, two tone signals each having −50 dBm power at a frequency differing from a measurement frequency by ±10 kHz are used as input signals. According to the simulation, it becomes clear that the IIP3 greater than or equal to +45 dBm is maintained up to 100 MHz, and the high IIP3 greater than or equal to +25 dBm is maintained across a wideband up to 300 MHz.
The basic type TFD differential amplifier 10 has symmetrical circuit forms. Accordingly, in an ideal condition, no even-order distortion is present in the output signal of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C and FIG. 14, the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10 having combined TFD-LNAs can realize a high dynamic range at a wide band.
However, when the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10 which can perform differential imputing/outputting is constituted using a pair of TFD-LNAs disclosed in non-patent literature 1, one transformer is required for the negative feedback network of the individual right or left amplifier, a total of two high-frequency transformers 23, 53 are required. Moreover, in a case where the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10 is embedded with a radio communication device, an input signal from an antenna is given as a single-phase signal. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 12, the high-frequency balun transformer 12 is generally provided ahead of the input stage of the differential amplifier to convert the single-phase signal into the differential signal. For the differential amplifier using a pair of low-noise amplification circuits disclosed in non-patent literature 1, a total of three high-frequency transformers including the balun transformer 12 are required.
The high-frequency transformers 23, 53 and the balun transformer 12 are relatively expensive parts, and have a large occupying area on a substrate or a printed circuit board. Accordingly, using three high-frequency transformers is not desirable because of a lack of cost competence.
Moreover, an actual transformer generates a thermal noise which cannot be ignored. Accordingly, when the number of transformer used increases, the noise figure of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10 deteriorates. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the number of transformers to be used in order to improve the noise characteristic of the basic type TFD differential amplifier 10.
The basic type TFD differential amplifier 10 shown in FIG. 12 is an example which uses cascode amplifiers. In a case where a basic type TFD differential amplifier comprising another type of amplifiers other than the cascode type is to be designed, three transformers are still required.


A high frequency signal selected via a pre-filter is inputted to first and second frequency conversion circuits together with a local oscillation signal. The first and second frequency conversion circuits each output a difference frequency component between both input signals. An output signal of the first frequency conversion circuit is inputted to an intermediate frequency filter while an output of the intermediate frequency filter is inputted to an amplifier. An output signal of the first frequency conversion circuit is inputted to an amplifier. The amplifier selects and amplifies any one of an intermediate frequency signal outputted from the intermediate frequency signal and an output signal of the second frequency conversion circuit, and thereafter, output it.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a tuner circuit used for a television receiver. In particular, the present invention relates to a tuner circuit, which is adaptable for controlling a high (radio) frequency filter characteristic.
2. Description of the Related Art
In television receivers for VHF and UHF bands, a tuner circuit converts a received signal ranging from about 100 MHz to 1 GHz into an intermediate frequency signal having tens of MHz. In the process of manufacturing the tuner circuit, there is provided a pre-filter included in a front stage of the tuner circuit, that is, a received signal amplifying stage. The pass band characteristic of the pre-filter is tuned and controlled to a frequency of the received signal. In this case, the output signal frequency characteristic of the tuner circuit is observed using a network analyzer. The tuner circuit includes an intermediate frequency filter. For this reason, it is difficult to measure the pass bad characteristic of the pre-filter using a signal passed through the tuner circuit.
Japanese Patent No. 3178382 has descriptions related to the following method. According to the method, a resonator of the intermediate frequency filter in the tuner circuit is electrically short-circuited to control the characteristic of the pre-filter. By doing so, the characteristic of the intermediate frequency filter is made flat as much as possible. However, according to the foregoing method, it is impossible to fully remove an influence on the characteristic of the intermediate frequency filter. In other words, the frequency characteristic of a tuner output signal receives the influence on the characteristic of the intermediate frequency filter. In addition, the work of controlling the characteristic of the pre-filter becomes troublesome.


A coating treatment apparatus supplying a coating solution to a front surface of a rotated substrate and diffusing the supplied coating solution to an outer periphery side of the substrate to thereby apply the coating solution on the front surface of the substrate includes: a substrate holding part holding a substrate; a rotation part rotating the substrate held on the substrate holding part; a supply part supplying a coating solution to a front surface of the substrate held on the substrate holding part; and an airflow control plate provided at a predetermined position above the substrate held on the substrate holding part for locally changing an airflow above the substrate rotated by the rotation part at an arbitrary position.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a coating treatment apparatus, a coating and developing treatment system, a coating treatment method, and a non-transitory recording medium having a program recorded thereon for executing the coating treatment method.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a photolithography process in a manufacturing process of a semiconductor device, a predetermined resist pattern is formed by sequentially performing coating treatment, exposure treatment and developing treatment on a substrate, namely, a wafer such as a semiconductor wafer. In the coating treatment, a resist film is formed by applying a resist solution and performing heat treatment on the applied resist solution. In the exposure treatment, the formed resist film is exposed to light into a predetermined pattern. In the developing treatment, the exposed resist film is developed.
In the above-described coating treatment, a so-called spin coating method is often used which applies the resist solution from a nozzle to a center of the front surface of the rotated wafer and diffuses the resist solution to the outer periphery side of the wafer by the centrifugal force to thereby apply the resist solution on the front surface of the wafer (see, for example, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2009-78250 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 3890026).

Coating and development treatment system with airflow control including control unit and movable airflow control plate


A notebook computer has a body cover which is hinged to a support rotatably carried by the body. The cover has a main display which in a closed position overlies the body and in an open position pivots and rotates the main display away from the body.

This invention relates generally to notebook computers, and more particularly to notebook computers having a two-way or dial display.
Notebook computers generally have a main body which houses the processor and associated electronic components, disk drives, cursor control and switches. A keyboard is carried by the upper surface of the main body, and a cover is suitably hinged to the body whereby in its closed position it covers and protects the keyboard. The cover includes a flat screen display such as an active matrix or LCD display. In the closed position the display overlies the keyboard. In the open position it generally faces the keyboard whereby the operator views the display as he performs various tasks commanded by the keyboard and cursor control.
One advantage of having a notebook computer is that it can be easily carried by the user for making presentations.
In many applications, the user wishes to display data, drawings, pictures, graphs or other information to others. Presently, the information can be viewed by others if they sit on the same side of the computer as the user observes the selected information, data, etc. Another method of displaying information to others is to connect the computer to a video projector and project the data onto a screen or wall. However, the use of a projector defeats the advantage of portability of the laptop since the projector must be carried along with the notebook computer or arrangements must be made to have a projector available for each presentation.
It would be advantageous to be able to make a presentation, display information, etc. to individuals sitting on the opposite side of a table or desk.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a notebook or laptop computer having the ability of providing displays on opposite faces of the cover or lid while protecting the display and the keyboard when the cover is closed.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a notebook or laptop computer in which the cover can be opened and positioned to present the main display to individuals sitting opposite the operator, and in which an auxiliary display is provided to display duplicate information to the operator.
There is provided a notebook computer having a body and a cover which is hinged to a support rotatably carried by the body. The cover has a main display which in a closed position overlies the body and in an open position pivots and rotates the main display away from the body.
A further embodiment of the present invention includes an auxiliary display which is hinged to the cover on the side opposite the main display. In a first, closed position the auxiliary display lies parallel with the cover and in a second, open position maintains an angle with the cover.


Provided is a liquid ejecting apparatus capable of suppressing ink from remaining on a nozzle surface.

A liquid ejecting apparatus is an apparatus that includes a liquid ejecting head, and that ejects various types of liquid from this liquid ejecting head. Image recording apparatuses such as ink jet printers, ink jet plotters, and so on can be given as examples of such a liquid ejecting apparatus, but recently, such technology is also being applied in various types of manufacturing apparatuses that exploit an advantage in which extremely small amounts of liquid can be caused to land in predetermined positions in a precise manner. For example, such technology is being applied in display manufacturing apparatuses that manufacture color filters for liquid-crystal displays and so on, electrode formation apparatuses that form electrodes for organic EL (electroluminescence) displays, FEDs (field emission displays), and so on, chip manufacturing apparatuses that manufacture biochips (biochemical devices), and the like. While a recording head in an image recording apparatus ejects ink in liquid form, a coloring material ejecting head in a display manufacturing apparatus ejects R (red), G (green), and B (blue) coloring material solutions. Likewise, an electrode material ejecting head in an electrode formation apparatus ejects an electrode material in liquid form, and a bioorganic matter ejecting head in a chip manufacturing apparatus ejects a bioorganic matter solution.
In some such liquid ejecting heads, a plurality of liquid ejecting head units, which eject a liquid from nozzles formed in a nozzle surface by driving a piezoelectric element (a type of pressure generation unit) and producing pressure fluctuations in a liquid within a pressure chamber, are anchored to an anchoring plate (for example, see PTL 1). An opening region is provided in the anchoring plate, and the configuration is such that the nozzles of each liquid ejecting head unit are exposed through the opening region. Meanwhile, generally, a wiper member that wipes the bottom surface of the liquid ejecting head (that is, the bottom surface of the anchoring plate, the nozzle surface, or the like) is provided in the liquid ejecting apparatus. The wiper member is configured to be capable of moving relative to the liquid ejecting head.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a head unit 16 capable of ejecting a liquid from a nozzle 27 provided in a nozzle surface 22a of a nozzle plate 22, an anchoring plate 17 in which the head unit 16 is anchored and that is provided with an opening region 17a that exposes the nozzle surface 22, and a wiper member 12 that wipes an anchoring plate exposed-surface 17b located on the opposite side of the head unit 16 of the anchoring plate 17 and the nozzle surface 22a. When an angle of contact between the nozzle surface 22a and the liquid is taken as θn, an angle of contact between the anchoring plate exposed-surface 17b and the liquid is taken as θs, and an angle of contact between the wiper member 12 and the liquid is taken as θw, the relationship θn>θs>θw>90° is fulfilled.


Described herein are systems and methods for synthetic CT image creation that allow MR-only radiotherapy of cancer patients, e.g., head and neck (H&N) cancer patients, prostate cancer patients, patients with cancer of the pelvis, abdomen cancer patients, patients with cancer of the extremities, brain cancer patients, or thorax cancer patients. The methods and systems described herein feature image processing techniques that improve the similarity between CT and MR images prior to CT-MR image registration, as well as standardization of the MR intensity histograms prior to MR-MR registration. Application of the techniques result in more accurate assignment of the Hounsfield unit to each point in the synthetic CT compared to other atlas-based methods, providing for more accurate dosing in MR-only radiotherapy simulation and planning.

Radiation therapy planning for cancer treatment may require that a patient undergo both a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging scan and a computed tomography (CT) scan. MR imaging has high soft tissue contrast for accurate visualization of areas for radiation treatment, while CT imaging provides electron density information that is needed for performing adequate dose calculations. The MR and CT scans are registered, the areas for radiation treatment are visualized, a dose plan is determined, and the radiotherapy is carried out.
It can be expensive and time consuming for a patient to undergo both MR and CT scanning. In addition, the act of registration of the MR and CT scans can introduce inaccuracies into the radiation therapy planning process. Thus, it is advantageous to produce synthetic CT scans from actual MR scans, thereby allowing the patient to only undergo MR scanning for purposes of radiation therapy planning, rather than both MR and CT scanning.
Previous methods of generating synthetic CTs use either bulk assignment of Hounsfield units (or density) based on clustering of general tissue types (e.g., muscle, bone), or they use atlas-based methods. However, previous methods lack accurate assignment of the Hounsfield unit to each point in the synthetic CT.
Visualization and manual segmentation of the normal tissues of a patient's CT or MR images is a time consuming process. Thus, it is advantageous to automatically segment these tissues using atlas-based methods. However, previous methods may lack accurate definition of the normal tissues in the patient's images.

Methods and systems for synthetic computed tomography (CT) image creation


A negative electrode includes: a negative electrode collector; and a negative electrode active material layer covering at least one principal plane of the negative electrode collector and containing at least a negative electrode active material, wherein the negative electrode active material contained in a region of up to at least 50% of a thickness from the surface of the negative electrode active material layer is covered with a solid electrolyte interface coating, and the solid electrolyte interface coating contains a product with a crosslinked isocyanate group in an isocyanate compound.

The present application relates to a negative electrode, a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery and a method for manufacturing a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery.
In more detail, the present application relates to a negative electrode including a negative electrode collector and a negative electrode active material layer covering at least one principal plane of the negative electrode collector and containing at least a negative electrode active material, in which the negative electrode active material contained in a region of up to at least 50% of a thickness from the surface of the negative electrode active material layer is covered with a solid electrolyte interface coating, and the solid electrolyte interface coating contains a product with a crosslinked isocyanate group in an isocyanate compound; a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery; and a method for manufacturing a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery.
In recent years, a number of portable electronic appliances such as a camera-integrated video tape recorder, a digital still camera, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant and a laptop computer have appeared, and it is contrived to achieve downsizing and weight reduction thereof.
With respect to batteries, in particular, secondary batteries as a portable power source for such a portable electronic appliance, research and development have been actively conducted for the purpose of enhancing the energy density.
Above all, lithium ion secondary batteries using a carbon material for a negative electrode active material, a complex material of lithium (Li) and a transition metal for a positive electrode active material and a carbonate mixture for an electrolytic solution are widely put into practical use because a large energy density is obtained as compared with lead batteries and nickel-cadmium batteries which are an aqueous electrolytic solution secondary battery of the related art.
In particular, laminate type batteries using an aluminum laminated film for an exterior member are lightweight, and therefore, the energy density is large.
In such a laminate type battery, when an electrolytic solution is swollen in a polymer, deformation of the laminate type battery can be suppressed, and therefore, laminate polymer type batteries are also widely put into practical use.
However, the laminate type battery involved such a problem that it is easy to cause blister in a high-temperature atmosphere because its exterior member is soft.
With respect to the problem that blister is easily caused at the time of high-temperature storage, there is proposed a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery in which a solid electrolyte interface coating is formed on a negative electrode at the time of initial charge using a nonaqueous electrolytic solution containing a prescribed isocyanate compound (see JP-A-2006-164759 and JP-A-2007-242411).

Negative electrode including solid electrolyte interface coating containing crosslinked isocyanate compound, nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery and method for manufacturing the same


A display device having an uneven electrode enhances display quality by improving the emission efficiency of the vertically polarized light. The method for fabricating a display device includes forming a thin film transistor on a base substrate, forming a first electrode connected to the thin film transistor, forming a block copolymer layer on the first electrode, patterning the block copolymer layer and forming a uneven first electrode having a plurality of electrode grooves by etching the first electrode exposed by the block copolymer pattern, and forming a light emitting layer on the uneven first electrode.

Field
Exemplary embodiments relate to a method for fabricating a display device, which is capable of improving display quality, and a display device fabricated by the same.
Discussion of the Background
An organic light emitting display (OLED) is an emissive display device and has a wide viewing angle, excellent contrast, and fast response speed.
Accordingly, since the OLED is applied to mobile devices such as a digital camera, a video camera, a portable information terminal, a smart phone, an ultra slim notebook computer, a tablet personal computer, and a flexible display device or large scale electrical/electronic products such as an ultra thin television, it receives great attentions.
The OLED may realize colors by using a principle in which holes and electrons, which are injected into first and second electrodes, are recombined with each other to emit light. That is, when excitons in which the injected holes and electrons are combined with each other return from an excited state to a ground state, light may be emitted.
The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the inventive concept, and, therefore, it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Method for fabricating display device including uneven electrode and display device thereof


An afterglow lamp has a light emitting section for converting electric energy to optical energy. A fluorescent layer is excited to emit-light by the light emitting section and is represented by the general formula (M.sub.1-p-q, Eu.sub.p Q.sub.q)O.multidot.n(Al.sub.1-m B.sub.m).sub.2 O.sub.3 .multidot.kP .sub.2 O.sub.5 .multidot..alpha.X. The values of p, q, n, m, k, .alpha. and .alpha./n are in the ranges 0.0001.ltoreq.p.ltoreq.0.5, 0.0001.ltoreq.q.ltoreq.0.5, 0.5.ltoreq.n.ltoreq.3.0, O.ltoreq.m.ltoreq.0.5, O.ltoreq.k.ltoreq.0.2, O.ltoreq..alpha..ltoreq.0.5, and O.ltoreq..alpha./n.ltoreq.0.4. M is at least one selected from a group of divalent metals including Mg; Q is a coactivator and at least one selected from a group including Mn, Zr, Nb, Pr, Nd, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu; and X is at least one selected from halogen elements.

The present invention relates to an afterglow lamp, the inner surface of which is coated with a boroaluminate long decay phosphor of a specified composition having afterglow characteristics.
An enforcement ordinance of the Fire Service Act, the Fire Prevention Regulations of each city or the like obliges people to provide guide lamps in places where many people gather, such as theaters and hotels. When usual electric sources are cut on account of an earthquake, a fire or other disasters, it is necessary that reserve electric sources are automatically put on to light such guide lamps for more than 20 minutes. However, if the reserve electric sources are also cut or feeding circuits are cut on account of the disaster, the guide lamps are cut off. In such cases, a complicated underground market, a long tunnel, a multistory building at night and the like become very dangerous places. Further, since the conventional guide lamps are of complicated structure, it takes much time and high cost to provide the same. Therefore, such guide lamps are rarely provided except the places where the Laws oblige to equip the same.
Further, guide lamps are required not only in an emerbency such as mentioned above. If almost all buildings, including large buildings such as company buildings, department stores, school houses and factories, and stores and houses, are equipped with guide lamps of simple structure and low cost which allow the users to see their feet from the time when they turn off the switches of the lights of a room, corridor or staircase, until they reach the exit, they will be more safe and comfortable.
In this connection, providing a light storing substance capable of absorbing and storing optical energy emitted from a light source on a supporting member, such as a shade positioned in a place where the light from the light source reaches has been disclosed in Japanese Non-examined Patent Publication No.58-121088 issued Jul. 19,1983. By using this light storing substance, it becomes unnecessary to provide reserve electric sources. However, the conventional light storing substances are disadvantageous in that they are chemically unstable and are apt to be deteriorated by ultraviolet rays, high temperatures, moisture or the like. Further, the afterglow of these light storing substances is dark and short. Furthermore, sufficient light cannot be obtained by the method of coating a supporting member with a light storing substance.


An arched fender extension portion is attached along an edge of an existing fender of an agricultural vehicle with a common curvature and lying in a common plane by a pair of brackets mounted on the existing fender at longitudinally spaced fastening arrangements thereof. The extension portion includes two bolt connectors arranged to pull the flat edge of the extension portion into butting engagement with the outer side edge of the existing fender inwardly of an edge flange portion of the existing fender.

Self-propelled high clearance sprayers have become widely adopted implements now used to apply pesticides for the production of crops in North America. When used in crops they typically employ four narrow tires (approximately 30 cm wide) to minimize the damage to crops. In wet conditions, and in pre-seeding or post-harvest, it is common to switch to wide tires (approximately 60 cm wide) which give the sprayer better floatation to reduce rutting in the fields.
Until about two years ago sprayers were only sold with narrow fenders. While these fenders were effective in reducing the amount of mud flung up from narrow tires, they were very ineffective with the wider tires. This is a very significant problem given that the wider tires tend to be used in wetter conditions. As a result, when narrow fenders are used with the wider tires, the sprayers often get covered with mud, which tends to plug and break spray nozzles, add unnecessary weight to the machine, increase the risk of transporting soil born pests between fields, and increase washing time and effort for the sprayer operation.
In the last year, the two major manufactures (Case IH and John Deere) have provided an option to purchase wide fenders. While wide fenders have addressed the mud flinging with the wide tires it has created other problems. If the wide fenders are used with narrow tires they make the sprayer wider to drive, store and transport on roads, and also create damage in tall standing crops and reduce the aesthetic appearance. While buying two sets of fenders is an option, this is very expensive and substantial time and labour is required to change the fenders as needed.


A compressive sensing system for dynamic video acquisition. The system includes a video signal interface including a compressive imager configured to acquire compressive sensed video frame data from an object, a video processing unit including a processor and memory. The video processing unit is configured to receive the compressive sensed video frame data from the video signal interface. The memory comprises computer readable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to generate a motion estimate from the compressive sensed video frame data and generate dynamical video frame data from the motion estimate and the compressive sensed video frame data. The dynamical video frame data may be output.

Dynamic imaging may employ one of several medical imaging technologies, e.g., dynamic MRI, dynamic CT, dynamic optical imaging, and dynamic fluorescence, to acquire a time sequence of images. One of the primary uses of dynamic medical imaging is thus to examine motion, which carries with it the biological signature of malfunctions for various organs, especially the heart and the lungs. Dynamic imaging can also examine brain functions, exemplified by perfusion imaging.
Existing literature mainly employs two specific methodologies for dynamic imaging of organs such as the heart and the lungs. The first method relies on a set of static imaging acquisitions while the subject holds their breath, and resorts to image registration for retrieving the motion. The second method tries to capture free-breathing motion by using fast imaging techniques, with a trade-off between image resolution and quality.
FIG. 1A shows an example of an MRI imaging technique using traditional methods. Typically, an MRI image is obtained by sampling the object densely in Fourier space to obtain a k-space image 101. This acquired k-space image is then used to compute a real space image 103 by taking the inverse Fourier transform F* of the k-space data. However, for dynamic MRI applications, the time required to densely sample the k-space of the object is long, resulting in slow frame rates and motion induced errors. To help alleviate the above problems, the technique of compressive sensing (CS) has been used. Compressive sensing enables one to sample well below the Nyquist frequency while attaining accurate reconstruction of the original signal, under the assumption the signal is sparse in the basis under certain transforms, known as sparse transformations.
The CS process is shown graphically in FIG. 1B. In CS, the goal is to not densely sample the k-space when taking the initial image, but rather to sparsely sample the k-space as shown by the grey circles in partial k-space image 105. Rather than reconstructing the real space image using the inverse Fourier transform (a linear operator), CS relies on the existence of a non-linear sparse transform 109 (Ψ) to map the partial k-space image to a high resolution real space image 107. Because only a small fraction of the k-space is sampled during the sparse acquisition step, the time required to acquire a sparsely sampled k-space image 105 is less than the time required to acquire a densely sampled k-space image. Thus, CS is desirable for fast acquisition dynamic imaging. However, the success of CS depends on the existence of a suitable nonlinear transformation 109 for reconstructing a high-resolution real space image 107 from the sparsely sampled k-space image 105. Furthermore, the precise k-space measurement strategy used may contribute to the numerical robustness and/or computational difficulty of the reconstruction routine. The same may be said for CS strategies for dynamic imaging in real space, e.g., dynamic fluorescence imaging or the like.
Generally, CS may be summarized mathematically as follows. For dynamic imaging, e.g., images of a beating heart, a full resolution frame acquisition of the object would result in a sequence of full resolution video frames u(t). However, in CS u(t) is not directly measured. Rather, the CS problem may be posed as follows: given compressive measurement y(t) obtained by a series of CS measurements, recover the full resolution frames u(t) from y(t). In more mathematical terms, CS may be expressed by the following equations:For real space: y(t)=Φ(t)·u(t)+e(t), where Φ(t) is the measurement matrix taking the value of any real number and e(t) is a noise term.For Fourier space: y(t)=Φ(t)·F(u(t))+e(t) where Φ(t) is the measurement matrix taking the value of where {0,1} and e(t) is a noise term.
Thus, the goal of CS is to reconstruct u(t) using the knowledge of the measurement y(t) and the measurement matrix Φ(t). Note that for CS, the number of measurements (M) taken with each compressive acquisition is much less than the dimensionality (N) of the full-resolution image being sampled, i.e., M<<N. Stated another way, in CS the number of pixels in the CS frame is much less than the number of pixels in the full-resolution frame. Thus, with the use of CS techniques, an estimate to the full-resolution image u(t) may be reconstructed from an acquisition y(t) that includes only a compressive measurement of the full-resolution image.

Methods and systems for video compressive sensing for dynamic imaging


The present invention provides a novel method for supplying a reducing gas to the shaft part of a blast furnace with which a large amount of reducing gas containing hydrogen at a high concentration can be supplied to a deeper position in the blast furnace (location of the blast furnace closer to the center axis in the radial direction) and with which it is possible to reduce the total generated amount of CO2 of the CO2 amount that is reduced by conducting hydrogen smelting in the blast furnace and the CO2 amount that is generated during production of the reducing gas supplied to the blast furnace. The method for supplying a reducing gas to the shaft part of a blast furnace according to the present invention is characterized by reforming coke oven gas by increasing the temperature thereof to 1200 to 1800° C. in a reactor in which an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to preheated coke oven gas to generate reformed gas in which hydrogen gas is enriched; mixing the reformed gas with CO-containing gas in the reactor so that the hydrogen concentration of the reducing gas is adjusted to 15-35 vol % (wet); and supplying the resultant reducing gas to the shaft part of the blast furnace under a condition of a ratio of a flow rate of reducing gas blown into shaft part/flow rate of reducing gas blown into tuyere >0.42.

As one measure for dealing with global warming, cutting the amount of CO2 emitted along with industrial production is being widely sought. As one part of this, to cut the CO2 emitted in ironmaking operations using the blast furnace method, the art of manufacturing hydrogen gas and supplying this to the shaft part of the blast furnace to thereby reduce the iron ore by hydrogen and manufacture pig iron (that is, hydrogen smelting of the blast furnace) and thereby cut the amount of use of coke and other carbonaceous materials jointly used as the reducing material and fuel in the blast furnace (carbon input: amount of carbon charged when producing 1 ton of pig iron) is disclosed in NPTLs 1 and 2. Here, the reason why hydrogen gas is not supplied from the blast furnace tuyere, but from the shaft part is that the critical amount of particulate coal able to be supplied is usually blown in from the blast furnace tuyere. If in addition to this supplying hydrogen gas from the tuyere, blast furnace operation efficient not only in terms of spatial volume but also thermal terms would be difficult, so it is considered advantageous to supply hydrogen from the shaft part of the blast furnace where there is little residual oxygen and there is leeway in thermal terms.
As other prior art documents relating to the supply of gas to a blast furnace, PTLs 1 to 4 and NPTL 3 may be mentioned.
PTL 1 describes the art of steam reforming gas containing tar and methane using a catalyst so as to manufacture hydrogen.
PTL 2 describes the art of blowing a reducing gas containing hydrogen into the shaft part of a blast furnace during which adjusting the ratio of the amounts of iron ore and coke charged into the blast furnace in the direction of the furnace diameter so as to obtain suitable reduction and aeration inside the blast furnace.
PTL 3 describes the art of supplying natural gas or gas obtained by partial oxidation of refined COG (coke oven gas) from the shaft part of a blast furnace.
PTL 4 describes the art of supplying any of a nonreducing gas obtained by causing complete combustion of blast furnace gas etc. by air, a reducing gas obtained by indirectly heating blast furnace gas etc., or a reducing gas with a high concentration of hydrogen of a concentration of hydrogen of 65% as a preheated gas to the shaft part of the blast furnace.
NPTL 3 describes the result that even if supplying gas from the shaft part of a blast furnace in an experiment using a blast furnace model, the supplied gas does not reach the center part of the blast furnace.

Method for supplying hydrogen-containing reducing gas to shaft part of blast furnace


A backlighting system for a cabinet sign may include a plurality of panels. Each panel includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) attached to the panel. The diode has a box sign depth factor of less than about 1.4. An integrated circuit may also be located on the panel. A wire physically connects adjacent panels.

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/849,653 filed Oct. 5, 2006.
The present exemplary embodiments relate to a backlighting system. It finds particular application in conjunction with the signage industry. One particular application for such a backlighting system is a cabinet sign, and it will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the present exemplary embodiment is also amenable to other like applications.
Presently large cabinet signs currently use fluorescent bulbs and ballast as the lighting system. These types of systems are labor intensive and costly to maintain. Often the bulbs need to be replaced within a year or two at most. Given a typical location of the cabinet sign and the size of the bulbs, frequently the use of a bucket truck or other non-readily available equipment is needed to repair the sign. Previously proposed alternatives for a backlighting system for a cabinet sign include a linear light emitting diode array or a perimeter lighting apparatus. However, for various reasons, these options have not obtained any significant commercial success as an alternative to the aforementioned fluorescent backlighting system.

LED backlighting system for cabinet sign


Described are packages and systems for conveniently dispensing tongue cleaning devices. The packages include containers containing a plurality of tongue cleaning devices. The package and devices are arranged in such a fashion that the tongue cleaning devices are presented individually for dispensing from the container. Arrangements for achieving convenient dispensing include strips containing a plurality of tongue cleaning devices attached to one another and wound around a spindle within the container. The strip exits an opening in the container and conveniently presents devices sequentially which can be separated from one another at relatively weak points along the strip and/or using cutting elements on the container. Additional embodiments include a plurality of tongue cleaning devices in a stacked relationship in a container, and presented individually for sequential dispensing from the container. The invention provides packages, articles of manufacture and tongue cleaning devices which can be conveniently stored, used, and transported, and which are readily adapted as disposable items thus avoiding the need for cleaning and storing operations of conventional non-disposable tongue cleaners.

As further background, conventional oral hygiene practices are designed to protect and maintain in good health and condition three main components—the teeth, gums, and tongue. Brushing one's teeth has become a fairly routine practice in society, with medium to soft bristle brushes being recommended along with toothpaste to remove plaque and food particles on and in between the teeth and gums. Although perhaps less widely practiced, the use of dental floss to clean between the teeth and gums is also a common practice. Current recommendations include such use of dental floss at least once daily to help remove materials which may cause tooth decay and a consequent need for treatment.
Dental practitioners recommend the use of a regular toothbrush with paste to brush the tongue. In addition, tongue cleaners are available and are used to scrape debris from the tongue as a separate practice from regular brushing and flossing. Nonetheless, tongue cleaning is perhaps the least practiced of these oral hygiene components. It is currently estimated that only one out of ten individuals clean their tongues each day.
The tongue serves multiple purposes in the mouth including to taste, to transfer food between teeth during chewing, and to participate in speech. In the course of daily eating habits a distinctive layer of plaque, bacteria, tongue debris or other material builds on the tongue. Excessive plaque can interfere with taste, and cause bad breath. Mouthwash and mouth fresheners may help to reduce bad breath but they do not eliminate the root cause. Improved habits and devices are thus needed to eliminate that root cause—tongue plaque. While a substantial percentage of the population may attempt to use a toothbrush to clean their tongue, the toothbrush is not designed for this purpose. The flexible bristles on the toothbrush do not provide sufficient resistance to effectively scrape away plaque on the tongue. In addition, the motion provided by the user may not be sufficiently symmetric about the tongue to cover most of its area. Moreover, the use of a toothbrush to clean the tongue can lead to choking or gagging, especially in children and adolescents.
While instruments have been proposed that are especially adapted for tongue cleaning, they have typically been inconvenient to use, to clean, and to store. Thus there exist needs for improved tongue cleaning instruments which are convenient to use, store and dispense. The present invention is addressed to these needs.

Disposable oral hygiene instrument and methods and packages for same


Embodiments of methods and apparatuses for treating a hydrocarbon-containing feed stream are provided. The method comprises the steps of contacting the hydrocarbon-containing feed stream comprising C4, C5, C6, and/or C7 hydrocarbons, water, and contaminants with a Linde Type A molecular sieve at dehydration conditions effective to remove water and form a dehydrated feed stream. The contaminants comprise oxygenates, sulfur compounds, or combinations thereof. The dehydrated feed stream is contacted with a sodium faujisite molecular sieve having a silica/alumina molar ratio of from about 2 to about 2.5 at absorption conditions effective to remove the contaminants and form a dehydrated contaminant-depleted feed stream.

The removal of water and other contaminants, such as oxygenates and/or sulfur compounds, from light hydrocarbons is often performed to produce a clean hydrocarbon product. The clean hydrocarbon product can be further treated using catalytic reactions, such as catalytic isomerization, to produce other hydrocarbons, increase octane, improve the product value, and/or the like. In particular, catalysts that are typically used for catalytic isomerization and other catalytic reactions are very sensitive to water, oxygenates, and sulfur compounds, which can cause deactivation of the catalyst, thereby reducing catalyst life, increasing the number of catalyst regenerations, and/or requiring complete replacement of the catalyst.
One conventional process for removing water and other contaminants from light hydrocarbons employs a bed arrangement that contains a relatively large pore molecular sieve as an absorbent material. A light hydrocarbon stream is passed through the bed arrangement and the molecular sieve absorbs much of the water and other contaminants from the stream to produce a clean hydrocarbon product. As the molecular sieve removes the undesirable components from the stream, its surface and pores become saturated with water and to a lesser extent the other contaminants, causing the molecular sieve to become less active. To restore its activity, the molecular sieve is regenerated at higher temperatures to help remove the absorbed water and other contaminants. Although water is readily removed from the molecular sieve during regeneration, the other contaminants tend to remain and react at the higher temperatures to form a gummy residue. The gummy residue steadily builds up during each additional regeneration, plugging the pores and causing premature permanent deactivation of the molecular sieve. Since regeneration at this point is no longer effective to restore activity, the molecular sieve needs to be replaced, which is expensive and time consuming.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide methods and apparatuses for treating a hydrocarbon-containing feed stream using an absorbent material(s) to remove water and other contaminants to produce a clean hydrocarbon product without causing premature permanent deactivation of the absorbent material(s). Moreover, it is desirable to provide methods and apparatuses for treating a hydrocarbon-containing feed stream to produce a clean hydrocarbon product using an absorbent material(s) that may be frequently regenerated to restore activity without causing a steady buildup of gummy residue on the absorbent material(s). Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background.

Methods and apparatuses for treating a hydrocarbon-containing feed stream


An apparatus and method for sterilely coupling two bodies of fluids in fluid communication utilizes a clamp transportable into a sterile enclosure. A pair of tubing segments, each communicating with one of the fluid bodies, is preferably retained in the clamp and transported into the sterile enclosure. The clamp maintains the shape of the tubing segments during the process. Portions of the tubing segments are severed within the enclosure and the remaining ends are heated. The heat may be provided with a hollow disk into which is blown heated air. The ends of the tubing segments are transported out of the enclosure and bonded together while held within the clamps. The clamps prevent deformation of the tubing segments during the process. The process may be partially or fully automated.

1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to devices for coupling two or more bodies of sterile fluids in fluid communication. More specifically, the present invention relates to automated and semi-automated manners of conveniently and efficiently coupling bodies of sterile fluids in fluid communication within a sterile environment.
2. The Relevant Technology
Within the medical, biological, and pharmaceutical industries, the need frequently arises to couple bodies of sterile fluids in fluid communication with each other. In one instance, blood banks and hospitals must often transfer blood, plasma, and other biological fluids between different holders or containers. In a further example, pharmaceutical and research facilities often grow cell cultures within vats or sealed containers. Some manner of accessing to the materials being grown must be provided in order to supply nutrients to the materials, emit waste from the materials, and harvest the materials.
One type of container within which such products are frequently contained is a vinyl or PVC bag. Such bags can be sterilized quite easily by heating the bag at high temperatures or by radiation treatment of the bag. Connections between such containers is frequently made by plastic tubing, which is also typically formed of vinyl, PVC, and other types of synthetic materials. The tubing is also typically sterilized in advance using one of the described methods.
One difficulty arises due to the fact that different containers of fluids such as those mentioned above must be frequently disconnected and reconnected. For instance, in the growth of cell cultures, the cells may be nourished with a serum taken from blood products in which the platelets have been spun out. The serum containers are periodically exhausted and must be exchanged. The exchange of containers must be conducted while maintaining a completely sterile environment. Contamination of the containers can potentially render the contents worthless, and in only a single case, can cause the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Several manners of coupling such bodies of fluids exist in the prior art. In one example, the sterile fluids are contained in plastic containers. Plastic connectors are used to connect plastic tubing segments emanating from ports in the plastic containers. The tubing segments and plastic connectors are sterilized and kept in sealed paper or plastic bags until use. Nevertheless, making the connections between the tubing segments generally requires human contact. Making such connections requires the expense and inconvenience of maintaining elaborate sterile clean rooms, and any failure to maintain sterility of the process may result in contamination of the sterile fluids.
Semi-enclosed sterile environments have been used in the prior art for making such connections with some success. For example, a laminar flow hood has been used to create a sterile environment for sterilely joining tubing segments. Nevertheless, substantial human contact is still required in the process, and contaminants can be transferred from the operator""s hands to the interior of the tubing segments during the process.
A further prior art method currently used for coupling bodies of sterile fluids involves directly bonding the tubing segments together. Under this method, the sterile fluids are located within plastic containers and synthetic tubing segments are bonded to or otherwise connected to the plastic containers. The tubing segments are clamped shut and the edges of the tubing segments are heated until partially melted. The distal tips of the tubing segments are then aligned and held together until the heated plastic of the tubing segments bonds together.
This method of bonding tubing segments while successful to a degree, nevertheless still has its drawbacks. Human contact and its generally unavoidable consequences is still required. Additionally, the process is not carried out in a closed or otherwise sterile environment. Thus, contamination can still occur.
A similar method of joining synthetic tubing segments involves the use of a thin wafer. The wafer is heated by electricity through internal resistance. The wafer is then used to cut the tubing segments. After the tubing segments are cut, the wafer is then used to heat the ends of the tubing segments. The ends of the tubing segments are pinched closed with clamps during the process to avoid contamination and to provide sufficient pressure against the wafer during the heating process. Once heated, the pinched-off tubing segments are held together while the melted synthetic material cools to join the tubing segments. The tubing segments are then unpinched.
Drawbacks with this technique include the fact that the tubing may remain deformed and seal shut during the process. Additionally, due to heating and electricity constraints, only very small, low capacity, tubing is used, such as xe2x85x9 inch I.D. (inside diameter) tubing. This small diameter tubing is often sufficient for purposes such as use in the blood bank industry, but is insufficient for many other purposes. Additionally, this technique is generally not conducted in a sterile environment, and may yet be susceptible to contamination. Furthermore, the technique is difficult and awkward at best when dealing with tubing segments which are filled with fluid during the sealing of the tubing segments together.
Accordingly, a need exists for an improved manner of coupling bodies of sterile fluids in fluid communication. More specifically, such a manner is needed which overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art as described above.
The present invention solves many or all of the foregoing problems by providing an apparatus and method for joining first and second tubing segments together in sterile fluid communication to enable sterile fluid coupling between two bodies of sterile fluids through the first and second tubing segments. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an at least partial enclosure having an interior and is adapted to maintain a sterile environment within at least a substantial portion of the interior.
The apparatus also preferably comprises a tubing clamp adapted to receive the first and second tubing segments therein and mounted to be positionable within the enclosure. Additionally, the apparatus also preferably comprises a heating plate at least partially located within the enclosure. Preferably, the heating plate is provided with one or more heatable surfaces for concurrently heating the first and second tubing segments.
In one embodiment, the heating plate is adapted to sever distal ends of the first and second tubing segments. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus comprises a cutting blade positionable within the interior to sever distal ends of the first and second tubing segments.
The tubing segments are in one embodiment substantially annular in cross-sectional shape. In this embodiment, the tubing clamp comprises a substantially annular opening adapted to receive the tubing segments without substantially deforming the tubing segments.
A heat source may also be provided, and is preferably connected to and provides heat to the heating device. In one embodiment, the heating plate comprises a hollow disk and the heat source comprises a hot air blower adapted to blow heated air into an interior of the hollow disk. In one embodiment, the cutting surface is also heated by the heat source.
The interior may comprise a heated aseptic environment for maintaining sterility of the tubing segments within the interior. The aseptic environment is preferably maintained by heat from the heat source. The clamps may be at least partially automated, and the clamps may be dynamically mounted upon a track adapted to guide the clamps into and out of the enclosure.
A method of the present invention may involve sterilely coupling first and second fluid bodies in fluid communication. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing the first and second fluid bodies and providing first and second tubing segments, the first tubing segment in fluid communication with the first fluid body and the second tubing segment in fluid communication with the second fluid body.
The method in one embodiment also comprises clamping distal ends of the first and second tubing segments into a selected position relative to an at least partial enclosure having an interior while maintaining a sterile environment within at least a substantial portion of the interior. A subsequent step preferably comprises heating the distal ends of the first and second tubing segments while within the enclosure.
The method also preferably comprises bringing the distal ends of the first and second tubing segments into contact with each other and allowing the distal ends to cool such that the first and second tubing segments bond to each other with a continuous lumen passing through the distal ends. The method may also comprise severing distal ends of the first and second tubing segments while the first and second tubing segments are within the enclosure.
In one embodiment, the first and second tubing segments are automatically transported into the interior once clamped in place for severing and heating, and then automatically transported out of the interior for bonding together. The tubing segments may also be automatically placed against the heating plate, and automatically placed in an adjoining position for bonding together.

Sterile docking apparatus and method of use


A combination of a pager with a casing having a first portion releasably secured to a second portion together defining a cavity therein serving as a compartment for storage of articles of convenience for the user. A pager is included within a portion of the cavity defined by the first portion. A coin holder is defined by the second portion of the casing, either on an exterior surface or on an interior major surface of the casing.

This invention relates to a pager in combination with a coin holder. More particularly, this invention relates to a pager in combination with a pocket-sized casing having a coin holder as a part of the casing. Still more particularly, this invention relates to such a combination in which the casing further defines a cavity having storage capabilities. Still more particularly, this invention relates to a pager in combination with a casing having an interior compartment for holding articles, such as identification.

Pager with coin holder and/or storage compartment


A semiconducting ink formulation comprises a semiconducting material; a first solvent; and a second solvent which is miscible with the first solvent, has a surface tension equal to or greater than the surface tension of the first solvent, and in which the semiconducting material has a solubility of less than 0.1 wt % at room temperature The surface tension of the ink formulation can be controlled, allowing the formation of semiconducting layers in organic thin film transistors, including top-gate transistors.

The present disclosure relates, in various embodiments, to formulations and processes suitable for use in electronic devices, such as thin film transistors ("TFT"s). The present disclosure also relates to components or layers produced using such compositions and processes, as well as electronic devices containing such materials.
Thin film transistors (TFTs) are fundamental components in modern-age electronics, including, for example, sensors, image scanners, and electronic display devices. TFTs are generally composed of a supporting substrate, three electrically conductive electrodes (gate, source and drain electrodes), a channel semiconducting layer, and an electrically insulating gate dielectric layer separating the gate electrode from the semiconducting layer. It is generally desired to make TFTs which have not only much lower manufacturing costs, but also appealing mechanical properties such as being physically compact, lightweight, and flexible. One approach is through organic thin-film transistors ("OTFT"s), wherein one or more components of the TFT includes organic compounds. In particular, some components can be deposited and patterned using inexpensive, well-understood printing technology.
Inkjet printing is believed to be a very promising method to fabricate OTFTs. As to the fabrication process, inkjet printing the organic semiconductor is a critical step. Accordingly, a jettable semiconductor ink is required.
One general approach to form an ink composition is to dissolve a semiconducting material in a proper solvent to form an ink solution for dispersion. The dispersion is typically suitable for printing the semiconducting material in a bottom-gate TFT configuration (see FIG. 1) wherein the substrate surface (the dielectric surface) has a low surface energy. However, the ink composition may not meet all requirements for inkjet printing, such as surface tension requirements. For example, the surface tension of some dispersions is too low for printing the semiconducting material on to a substrate with high surface energy such as in a top-gate TFT configuration (see FIG. 4). Low surface tension induces the semiconducting material to spread beyond the desired channel area, causing undesired capacitance. It would be desirable to provide a semiconducting ink formulation which has increased surface tension without changing the structure, molecular weight, and/or loading of the semiconducting material itself.


A light intensity modulator with a predefined range of modulation wavelengths (preferably a narrow range) can be adjusted by a control signal. This modulator receives a light beam and retransmits a modulated light beam in which any wavelength within the modulation range is modulated. A light intensity detector receives this modulated beam and outputs an electrical signal which is a function of the luminous intensity detected. Such a device finds particular application as a spectrophotometer.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention is a spectrometer and, more particularly, a solid-state device to analyze the wavelength in an electromagnetic wave (spectrophotometer). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device is produced from quantum-well semiconductor materials.
2. Discussion of the Background
Multi quantum-well radiation detectors (MQWRD), using transitions between both captive and free levels and between different captive levels are known to industry. Their operation will now be briefly described.
They consist of an alternating stack of small-gap semiconductor (SGS) layers between two large-gap semiconductors (LGS) as shown in FIG. 1a. The energy difference between the lower end of the conductive band of the two semiconductors is the band-offset .DELTA. E. For example, these two semi-conductors can be GaAs for the SGS and Al.sub.x Ga.sub.1-x As (where x is between 0 and 1). The electrons in such a structure are exposed to a potential well .DELTA. E deep and d wide, where d is the thickness of the SGS layer. If the width d is sufficiently small, the electron energy corresponding to movement perpendicular to the layers is quantized in levels E.sub.1, E.sub.2, etc.
In captive-free photoconductive detectors, level E.sub.1 is captive (E.sub.1 <.DELTA. E) and level E.sub.2 is free (E.sub.2 .ltoreq..DELTA. E). If an electron is placed at level E.sub.1 (for example by doping), a photon whose energy h .upsilon. exceeds .DELTA. E-E.sub.1 will cause an optical transition (see FIG. 1b). The electron is then free to move and can be detected as a current across the terminals of a multi quantum-well (see FIG. 1c).
Optical modulators, using asymmetric quantum wells (AQW) are also known to industry. FIGS. 2a and 2b represent an example of an asymmetric quantum well. The quantum well consists of two small-gap semiconductors SGS1 and SGS2 with .DELTA. E1>.DELTA. E2. For example, SGS1 can be GaAs and SGS2 can be Al.sub.x Ga.sub.1-x As. This quantum well is confined between two barriers formed by a large-gap semiconductor (LGS) which can be in Al.sub.y Ga.sub.1-y As where y is between 0 and 1 and greater than x.
The stacks are produced such that there are at least two captive levels E'.sub.1 and E.sub.2 ' in the well. A photo whose energy h .upsilon..sub.o =E.sub.2 '-E.sub.1 ' is then absorbed in the well (FIG. 2b). These quantum wells can be stacked to achieve an asymmetric multi quantum well (AMQW) as shown in FIG. 2c.
When an electric field F is applied to terminals CO1 and CO2 of the AMQW, the position of levels E'.sub.1 and E'.sub.2 changes: this is the linear STARK effect. The photon resonant wavelength then becomes: EQU h.upsilon.(F)=h.upsilon..sub.o +qF.delta..sub.12
where q is the electron charge and .delta..sub.12 is the distance between the mean electron positions on level E'.sub.1 and level E'.sub.2 (see FIG. 3a). The absorption peaks then shift towards higher energies (shorter wavelengths) for F>0 (FIG. 3b) and to lower energies for F<0.
As shown on FIG. 3c, the modulator absorption peak can therefore be shifted part of a given wavelength towards shorter wavelengths (F>0) or longer wavelengths (F>0).


A thermal recording medium good in recording sensitivity and recording stability comprising a metal thin layer, a heat sensitive softening layer placed in contact with said metal thin layer, a contrasting layer placed in contact with said heat sensitive softening layer or said metal thin layer and having a visual contrast to said metal thin layer, and a heat sensitive color forming layer placed in contact with said heat sensitive softening layer or said metal thin layer on the side of said metal thin layer opposite to the side where the contrasting layer is positioned.

This invention relates to a thermal recording medium, and more particularly, to a thermal recording medium good in recording sensitivity and recording stability.
The present invention can be effectively applied to recording wherein figures and the like are printed to correspond to magnetically recorded contents in a prepaid magnetic card such as a telephone card so that the magnetically recorded contents may be visually recognized.
Conventionally, there are two methods for recording information on a recording paper by heating the heating element of a thermal head at desired timing according to recording signals while scanning said thermal head over the recording paper. These methods are: a heat transcription method in which a desired pattern is transcribed on a normal recording paper by heating and melting the ink of a heat sensitive ink ribbon which is interposed between a thermal head and the recording paper; and a thermal method in which a thermal recording paper is colored in a desired pattern.
The thermal method is advantageous in that since ink is not applied to a recording paper, and the heat sensitive layer of the recording paper itself is colored, the printed record is hardly affected adversely even when external frictional force is applied to the recording paper after recording, and in addition no ink ribbons are necessary.
However, in the conventional thermal method, since recording is effected based on chemical changes in a heat sensitive color forming layer, and the chemical changes are reversible, the record may change under some circumstantial conditions after the recording, and therefore the thermal method is accompanied by a problem that the record is not stable.
In order to solve such a problem, a new heat sensitive recording method is suggested wherein, instead of a recording paper having a heat sensitive color forming layer as mentioned above, a recording medium having a metal thin layer, a heat sensitive softening layer positioned in contact with the metal thin layer, and a contrasting layer is used, while the recording medium is scanned by a thermal head and heating elements are heated at suitable timing so that desired positions of the metal thin layer may be heated and melted to allow the metal thin layer to be dispersed at said desired positions as fine particles into the heat sensitive softening layer which has been softened thereby causing the metal thin layer and the contrasting layer to be contrasted visually at said desired positions and the remaining positions for recording.
However, in this method since it is required to melt the metal thin layer, a large amount of heat is needed for sufficiently favorable recording, that is, this method is defective in that the recording sensitivity is not sufficient.


A hydraulic anti-locking brake unit is presented in which the brake line is shut off by an isolating valve 20 during a control action. For the reduction of the pressure, the outlet valve 7 is opened, so that the pump 14 delivers hydraulic fluid out of the wheel brake into the high-pressure accumulator 19. For a renewed pressure build-up, the inlet valve 6 is opened, so that hydraulic fluid flow is directed out of the high pressure accumulator 19 to the wheel brake. In order to be able to utilize a high pressure accumulator having a low receiving capacity, various valving arrangements are disclosed to direct excess flow from the pump either to the master cylinder or a low pressure accumulator.

The invention is related to a hydraulic anti-locking brake system of a type having a master brake cylinder, at least one wheel brake, a pump, a low-pressure accumulator and a high-pressure accumulator, as well as inlet and outlet valves for the control of the brake pressure and an isolating valve for shutting off the master brake cylinder. The isolating valve and the inlet valve are incorporated in series in the brake line which links the master brake cylinder to the wheel brake. The outlet valve is inserted in the return line which links the wheel brake to the low-pressure accumulator. The pump delivers fluid from the low-pressure accumulator into the high-pressure accumulator. A non-return valve is in the brake line between the isolating valve and the inlet valve.
A brake unit of this kind is known from the German Patent Application published without examination, No. 3,603,533. In that brake unit, the master brake cylinder is isolated from the brake circuit during a brake pressure control action. Hydraulic fluid is withdrawn from the wheel brake cylinders in order to reduce the pressure in the wheel brakes. The hydraulic fluid is conveyed by a pump into a high-pressure accumulator. In order to bring about a renewed pressure build-up, a relevant inlet valve is opened so that hydraulic fluid is conveyed back from the accumulator into the wheel brakes. The maximum receiving capacity of the accumulator is such that the accumulator is capable of holding the total volume of hydraulic fluid which is contained in the wheel brake cylinders. Such a requirement may, for instance, come about if and when the friction conditions between the tires and the road surface should suddenly change from high to low friction coefficients.
Such an accumulator requires a considerable mounting space. It is, therefore, the object of the invention to provide a brake unit with a high-pressure low volume accumulator which allows a large volume flow to be applied in the brake system.


A circular saw having a cutting position for cutting a workpiece at a predetermined location thereof, a gripper for gripping a workpiece at a predetermined location on the workpiece, a drive having a plurality of gears including final and penultimate stage gears, and a backlash eliminator for braking the final stage gear for eliminating backlash between the final and the penultimate stage gears upon the initiation of cutting a workpiece at the cutting position.

In circular saws of the type described above, upon starting of the cutting of the workpiece to be cut by rotation of the saw, vibration or impact can occur in the saw due to a backlash between a final stage gear and an earlier stage gear engaging each other in the saw drive. Such vibration or impact on the saw inherently degrades the accuracy of the cutting of the workpiece and can cause damage to the saw.


The present embodiments relate to a method for reducing mechanical vibrations in a magnetic resonance imaging system that includes a gradient system having a gradient coil body and an electrically conductive shroud that at least partly encloses the gradient coil body. The method includes determining a mechanical natural vibration mode of the gradient coil body in the magnetic resonance imaging system, and determining excitation force components for the natural vibration mode. The method also includes determining electrically conductive areas of the gradient system, which during operation of the magnetic resonance imaging system, generate a Lorentz force component that contributes to the excitation force components. The method further includes modifying the determined electrically conductive areas such that a minimal number of the Lorentz force components coincide with the excitation force components.

The present embodiments relate to a method for reducing mechanical vibrations in a magnetic resonance imaging system, a gradient system for reducing mechanical vibrations, and a magnetic resonance imaging system with a gradient system for reducing mechanical vibrations.
Imaging systems that utilize magnetic resonance measurement (e.g., nuclear resonance or magnetic resonance tomographs) have been established and proven through numerous applications. In these systems, a static basic magnetic field may be used for data acquisition. The static basic magnetic field, which is used for initial alignment and homogenization of magnetic dipoles to be examined, is overlaid for local resolution of the imaging signal with a rapidly switched magnetic field (e.g., the gradient field). Depending on the mode of operation of the imaging system, different switching sequences and magnetic field strengths are applied. The gradient coil system or gradient system for generating the gradient field may be a rapidly switched electrically-operated magnet system with one or more gradient coils, which may generate magnetic fields in spatial directions x, y and z orthogonal to one another. The gradient coils are molded into a gradient body.
Because of the interaction of the gradient system with the basic magnetic field, which may have high magnetic field strengths of a few Tesla, the gradient system is subjected to immense stress forces. In such cases, the gradient system, depending on the operating state of the imaging system, may be excited into strong mechanical vibrations. The mechanical vibrations depend on, inter alia, factors such as the frequency of the switchover of the gradient field from the damping by the support of the gradient field. The general system conditions of support and damping as well as the mechanical properties of the gradient system result in the formation of natural vibrations of the gradient system in the magnetic resonance imaging system.
To improve the image quality (e.g., improve the signal-to-noise ratio), the basic magnetic fields mostly generated with the aid of superconducting magnetic coils reach strengths of 3 Tesla and more. In operation, however, as the operating current of the superconducting coils is increased, the danger that the superconductivity of the superconducting magnetic coils will be lost or decrease increases.
Stray fields of the gradient system lead to high loads on the basic magnet system and, for example, induce eddy currents in a cold shield of the superconducting basic magnetic system, which may include conductive materials. The induction of eddy currents may lead to an increased heat input into the cooling system of basic magnets and may, in some cases, even lead to the collapse of the superconductivity during the normal operation of the magnetic resonance imaging system. The magnetic resonance imaging system may be permanently destroyed by this.
In addition, the Lorentz forces acting on the gradient system strengthen as the strength of the basic magnetic field increases, so that the vibration excitation of a gradient system in a basic magnetic field of the described strength leads to greater noise loading and may also adversely affect the image capture.
Thus, the interaction of stray fields of the gradient system is suppressed (e.g., in relation to the basic magnet that generates the basic magnetic field of 3 or more T. In addition, mechanical vibrations may be reduced, or the excitation of the mechanical vibrations may be weakened.

Method for reducing mechanical vibrations in a magnetic resonance imaging system


A gift registry system and method for providing a group gift giving option for gift givers and an option of a gift substitution or cash for gift recipients. The gift recipient registers any type of gift from any retailer for any occasion with an associated gift amount in the registry. The gift recipient also indicates whether they will accept a substitute of gift or cash instead of the gift. The gift giver is able to select a gift and make a partial contribution toward purchase of the gift.

1. Field of the Invention
This inventions relates to the field of data processing in a business transaction and more particularly to a gift registry system and method.
2. Background Information
Gift registries are known and used in a number of different markets, with the most common area being wedding registries. Typically, these registries are provided by a large store or establishment, with a number of different departments in the store. When the store has multiple locations, it is also known to provide some form of link (electronic or otherwise) between the stores so that a gift recipient (the registrant) can register in one store and gift givers can review items on the registry and make purchases at another store. When the registry spans a number of different locations, the method and technique for maintaining information on items purchased from the registry and remaining unpurchased is often not well managed. Accordingly, it is possible that different people purchase the same item for a recipient from different locations on the same day and the problem is not discovered until a registry update is performed at the end of the day or week. It is common for the department store to maintain the registry in a book in the store where the recipient registers and periodically update that book when gifts are purchased. Accordingly, recipients and gift givers are better served when registry information is updated automatically and in near-real-time.
Traditional store or establishment based gift registries seldom provide discounted prices. In fact, the ability to charge gift givers retail prices for items that are commonly discounted is often cited as an attractive feature of the gift registry business. (see for example, pg. 37, The Knot Inc., S-1, Sep. 19, 1999, "Because items are selected by the engaged couple but paid for by their guests, price sensitivity is minimal and registry products are rarely discounted by retailers.") Accordingly, recipients and gift givers are better served when registries provide access to discounted prices or special sales.
Traditional store or establishment based gift registries seldom provide out-of-season access to seasonal products. Recipients may add a seasonal item to their registry (e.g., barbecue sets, skis, patio furniture) however, these items may no longer be in stock when gift givers attempt to purchase them. Accordingly, recipients and gift givers are better served when registries provide access to seasonal items without regard to season.
Traditional store or establishment based gift registries have a significant gift return volume, with the associated return expense. In fact, in traditional registries, a major expense is the cost of handling returns. To manage this expense, registries frequently impose restrictive return policies. Registrants return gifts for many reasons. Some have received duplicate gifts either within the registry or outside of the registry. Others may have changed their minds and want a different pattern or model. Still others may simply wish to do their own shopping, perhaps on-line at an auction site, or postpone their purchase, and therefore wish to convert the gift to cash. Sometimes recipients know before a gift is ordered or shipped, that they wish to return it. However, a traditional registry does not provide a means to return a gift before it is ordered or sent, and often have restrictive return policies for gifts that have been sent. Even when stores have relaxed return policies, the recipient must still locate the receipt, and physically transport the gift, or arrange shipping, to the store at considerable cost and inconvenience. Therefore, both gift registries and recipients want to avoid the expense involved in returning a gift. Gift givers want to minimize inconvenience to the recipient and give a gift that can be conveniently returned by the recipient and exchanged for something they really want. Accordingly, all parties are better served when the gift return process can be made more convenient and efficient.
Traditional store or establishment based gift registries require that a gift giver purchase an entire gift, not part of a gift. For example, a gift giver may purchase one fork, or one plate, or one platter. However, the gift giver is unable to purchase part of platter, or contribute to the purchase of a plate. As an example, in a traditional registry, the giver can't contribute $250.00 toward purchase of a $4985.00 computer. The gift giver may also have a certain budget ceiling for a gift and will only purchase gifts that are equal to or less than that ceiling. Because they are not able to purchase part of a gift, they select a gift from the registry that has a cost less than their ceiling. The difference between the cost of the gift and the giver's gift cost ceiling is never spent. Accordingly, recipients and gift givers are better served when a registry allows multiple givers to make partial contributions toward a gift purchase.
Traditional store or establishment based gift registries are unable to handle gifts that are not available within their establishment. A recipient who wants both a computer and silverware must generally register with two different stores. Having to register at multiple registries creates problems for both the recipient and the gift giver. The recipient would prefer to avoid the inconvenience and cost of having to visit, establish and maintain multiple registries. The gift giver is also less inclined to visit multiple establishments in an attempt to purchase a gift on the registry. Accordingly, recipients and gift givers are better served when a single registry accommodates all of the recipient's desired gifts.
Traditional gift registries are also unable to handle gifts for which a value can be calculated, but which are not generally available from stores. For example, "a lifetime subscription to Sports Illustrated", "movie tickets to episode 3 of Star Wars", or "ice cream at the Eiffel Tower on a summer afternoon". However, recipients may wish to receive such gifts in their registry, and gift givers may wish to purchase such gifts for recipients. Accordingly, both recipients and gift givers are better served when such gifts may be registered and purchased from a gift registry.
Traditional store or establishment based gift registries do not allow a simple cash gift. A recipient may prefer a cash gift so they can make a donation to a favorite charity, make a down-payment on a house, defer their purchase of material goods until they have chosen a place to settle, or purchase a particular gift on their own from an on-line auction site or outlet mall. A gift giver may be willing to give a cash gift, but wants the recipient to benefit from the data processing capabilities of the registry, is uncertain as to the exact amount required, or wants to know the purpose of the cash gift. Accordingly, recipients and gift givers are better served when cash is an available option for a gift.
Traditional store or establishment based gift registries do not allow gift substitutions. A recipient may identify a particular gift in the registry, but be interested in other gifts if that gift is not available or is replaced by a more advanced model. Those other gifts could be related to the identified gift (different make/model/price). Alternatively, the other gifts could be very different from the identified gift (cash instead of the good or service). The gift giver may be willing to give alternative, or substitute gifts, but feel uncomfortable identifying a range of different gifts if the prices are not all the same. The gift registry may be interested in providing a good or service even if it is a substitute gift, rather than simply brokering a cash gift. Accordingly, all parties to the gift registry are better served when options for gift substitutions are provided.
Systems and methods to provide distributed access to a gift registry are needed. Systems and methods to provide registry of diverse goods and services, including items that are not traditionally considered for gifts are needed. Systems and methods to provide real-time updates to the gift registry are needed. Systems and methods to reduce the incidence of duplicate gifts are needed. Systems and methods to provide an opportunity for gift givers to make a partial contribution or partial purchase of an item on a gift registry are needed. Systems and methods to allow recipients to register all their gifts in one location instead of multiple gift registries are needed. Systems and methods to allow a recipient to receive cash instead of a good or service are needed. Systems and methods to reduce or eliminate the cost of gift returns are needed. Systems and methods to allow a recipient to automatically convert the gift to cash without the expense of the traditional return process are needed. Systems and methods to allow a recipient to set a gift amount for a gift idea are needed. These and other disadvantages of the existing systems are addressed by the instant invention.

Method and system for universal gift registry