The present invention provides isolated and purified DNA encoding feline CD80 (B7-1) ligand, feline CD86 (B7-2) ligand, feline CD28 receptor, or feline CTLA-4 (CD152) receptor, as well as vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding feline CD80, feline CD86, feline CD28, or feline CTLA-4. The present invention provides a host cells transformed with CD80-encoding vectors, CD86-encoding vectors, CD28-encoding vectors, or CTLA-4-encoding vectors. The invention provides polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid of feline CD80, feline CD86, feline CD28, or feline CTLA-4. The present invention provides a vaccine comprising an effective amount of polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid of feline CD80, feline CD86, feline CD28, or feline CTLA-4. The present invention also provides vaccines which further comprise immunogens derived from pathogens. The invention provides for vaccines capable of enhancing an immune response. The invention also provides for vaccines capable of suppressing and immune response.

Currently there are no successful vaccines for the prevention of feline immunodeficiency disease and feline infectious peritonitis disease in cats. Current feline leukemia virus vaccines are available, but their level of efficacy remains questionable and in some cases may cause the disease. Therefore, there is a need in the art for agents and compositions that provide protection from these and other diseases where there is not yet an existing vaccine or that improve the efficacy of existing and commonly used vaccines. In addition, vaccination of kittens is difficult due to inability to overcome maternal antibodies in kittens. Safe and effective agents to help overcome these barriers are also needed.
The stimulation of T-cell activation and proliferation in response to disease in the host is believed to be dependent on two interactions: the recognition of the T-cell receptor (TCR) with immunogenic peptides in the context of the MHC class I molecules and the secondary interaction of accessory ligands, such as CD80 and CD86, with their coreceptors, CD-28 and/or CTLA-4 on the T-cell. The successful interaction of these two pathways leads to activation and proliferation of both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells and the increased production of Th1 and Th2 type immune regulating cytokines. In the absence of adequate co-stimulation of T-cells, an anergic state may develop, whereby T cells fail to proliferate and secrete cytokines. Over the years, two molecules have emerged as key regulators of T cell responses, CD28 and its ligands, CD80 and CD86. CD28 is the primary T-cell co-stimulatory receptor and upon interaction with CD80 and CD86, it enhances T-cell proliferation and cytokine synthesis, preventing T-cell death. CTLA-4 (also called CD152), a CD-28 homologue, also plays an important role in co-stimulation. Although, not completely understood, it appears to inhibit T-cell costimulatory responses. The interaction and interplay among CD28, CTLA-4 and their ligands CD80 and CD86 in co-stimulatory processes is key to the overall induction and suppression of immune responses to disease in the host. By manipulating the expression of these 4 costimulatory molecules, it may be possible to regulate T-cell responses, through augmentation, suppression or redirection, to raise a desired immune response towards a particular pathogen or disease condition. In particular, they may be useful for vaccination against infectious diseases, treatment of infectious diseases, and treatment of neoplastic, degenerative, autoimmune, and immunodeficiency conditions.
T-lymphocytes of the mammalian immune system display both control and effector functions. T cell progenitors arise in the bone marrow from stem cells and migrate to the thymus. In the thymus, maturation and selection take place to produce a naive population of immune cells that is able to recognize antigen in the context of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) presentation but is not autoreactive. Following thymic maturation, each T cell possesses a clonally distributed T cell receptor (TCR) which determines its antigen specificity. Further, CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, the two major subsets found in most adult mammals, possess TCR composed of α and β subunits (Allison and Lanier, 1987).
Protein and gene organization of the TCR protein is similar to that observed with immunoglobulin (Ig) molecules, and it shares many properties similar to membrane bound Ig on B cells (Allison and Lanier, 1987). Like the Ig molecule, the TCR must potentially recognize a vast number of potential antigen sequences. For this reason, TCR gene organization and rearrangement is similar in complexity with that observed in B cells (Davis and Bjorkman, 1988). As with antibody molecules produced by B cells, generation of idiotypic diversity in T-cells involves multiple copies of variable (V) genes in the germ line, random rearrangements of a and β subunits, and variability generated by junctional and insertional events (Davis and Bjorkman, 1988). Unlike B cells however, T-cells do not appear to generate diversity through somatic mutation, though the potential repertoire of the TCR appears to be as great as that of the Ig molecule (Lechler et al., 1990).
The TCR, though responsible for antigen recognition, does not have signal delivery capabilities (Allison and Lanier, 1987). Conformational changes in the TCR, following binding to antigen presented in the context of MHC on the antigen presenting cell (APC), result in signal delivery through a noncovalently associated complex of surface molecules including CD3 and the ζ chains (Clevers et al., 1988). TCR binding results in the phosphorylation of the CD3 complex, which indirectly leads to a Ca+ influx into the cell, initiating IL-2 and IL-2R production (Weiss and Littman, 1994). This cascade is considered an initial event in T cell activation.
The TCR recognizes antigen only when it is presented in association with the MHC. There are two subsets of MHC proteins associated with antigen presentation to the T cell. MHC class I is found on almost all nucleated cells within the body and functions to surface express endogenously produced peptides (Matasumura et al., 1992). Peptide expressed in the context of MHC class I is recognized by T-cells expressing CD8 in association with the TCR (Littman, 1987). CD8+ T-cells function in immuno-surveillance for removal of virally infected cells and malignancies. Recognition of non-self molecules by the CD8+ T cell (peptides or altered self peptides that might indicate a malignancy) result in the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) mediated destruction of the cell (Berke, 1994).
MHC class II molecules, the second major histocompatibility subset, are normally found only on professional antigen presenting cells including B cells, macrophages/monocytes and dendritic cells, though induction on some other cell populations in response to specific stimuli is possible (Germain, 1993). The MHC class II molecule is responsible for the presentation of exogenous antigen to the CD4+ T cell. Antigen that is phagocytosed, endocytosed or surface Ig bound and absorbed by antigen presenting cells is endogenously processed and bound to MHC class II (Unanue, 1987). The molecule is then surface expressed and available for recognition by CD4 expressing αβ T-cells (Littman, 1987). Antigen recognition by CD4+ T-cells results in the production of cytokines and growth factors necessary for the initiation and promulgation of many facets of an active immune response (Mosmann and Coffman, 1987).
CD4 and CD8 differentiate the αβ T cell subsets and define the functional properties of each group. The presentation of CD4 or CD8 on a T cell is mutually exclusive (Littman, 1987). Thus, following thymic selection and maturation, αβ T-cells present only CD4 or CD8. The molecules act to stabilize the interaction between the TCR and antigen bound MHC and determine whether the T cell recognizes antigen presented in the context of MHC class I or class II (Littman, 1987). The binding domain of the CD4 or CD8 molecule recognizes respective non-polymorphic regions of the class I or class II molecule (Clayberger et al., 1994). Binding of CD4 or CD8 to these specific regions acts to stabilize the TCR/antigen bound MHC interaction, for the initiation of T cell activation (Littman, 1987). Thus, CD4+ T-cells only functionally interact with APC expressing antigen in the context of class II and initiating a T helper response, while CD8+ T-cells only recognize antigen presented in the context of class I, and upon binding initiate a cytotoxic response (Germain, 1993). The two distinct phenotypes of helper T-cells and CTL can be differentiated by the surface expression of either CD4 or CD8.
The majority of T-lymphocytes bearing CD4 are generally considered to be helper cells though there is a proposed CD4+ CTL subset (Yasukawa, et al., 1989). CD4+ helper T-cells are major regulators of the immune response through the production of a battery of stimulatory and suppressive cytokines (Mosmann and Coffman, 1987). The factors produced by these cells are important mediators in the initiation of both a humoral or antibody mediated response and a cellular or delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response (Mosmann and Coffman, 1987). For CD4+ T-cells to become activated and produce soluble growth factors, a complex cascade of events must occur. Antigen is detected and endocytosed by a professional APC, normally a macrophage (Unanue, 1984). The APC denatures the protein and breaks it down into smaller fragments, peptide fragments of between 15-18 amino acid residues are then bound with the MHC in the endoplasmic reticulum and subsequently transferred to the surface for expression (Rotzschke et al., 1994). Surface expressed antigen is thus visible to T-lymphocytes and can be recognized by the T cell subsets with the proper TCR idiotype and expressing CD4 (Germain, 1993). When the T cell recognizes the proper antigen, and the proper accessory signals are delivered, differentiation of the naive lymphocyte occurs and clonal expansion can proceed. As yet undetermined stimuli result in the preferential development of a type 1 (cellular) response versus a type 2 (humoral) response (Mosmann and Coffman, 1989).
T cell help is required for much of the activity of both a humoral and a cellular response. A T cell dependent B cell response, which is required for antibody to be made to most antigens, requires T cell help for proper B cell maturation to take place (Chesnut et al., 1986). Once the surface expressed Ig on the B cell has bound antigen, internalization, processing and MHC class II surface expression of these antigens occurs (Germain, 1993). Direct cell to cell contact between the CD4+ T cell with the proper TCR idiotype and the B cell, promotes the activation and proliferation of the T cell (Chesnut et al., 1986). The activated helper T cell may be capable of promoting a type II response by secreting factors necessary for B cell growth and differentiation (Mosmann and Coffman, 1989). These factors include, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 which can induce B cell activation and proliferation, and are important in isotypic switches for the Ig molecule, while IL-10 acts to prevent the initiation of a type I response which would in turn down-regulate humoral activity (Mosmann and Coffman, 1989).
Cellular responses (type I) do not mature in the same fashion as humoral responses (type II) (Sher et al., 1992). Upon T cell activation and maturation to a type 1 response, factors are produced by the T cell that favor cellular immunity. IL-2 is a T cell growth factor that also promotes CTL responses, while IFNγ acts to activate macrophages, CTL and neutrophils (Wang et al., 1993).
T helper cells are thus able to mediate two largely mutually exclusive responses. The cytokine secretion pattern that leads to the initiation of a humoral response contains factors that are suppressive of a cellular response and vice versa (Mosmann and Coffman, 1989). It is unclear what determines whether a T cell will produce a type 1 pattern (IL-2, IFNγ and lymphotoxin) or a type 2 pattern (IL-4, 5, 6, 10, and 13) although it is proposed that the type of APC that presents the antigen or soluble factors produced by the APC may influence the type of cytokine pattern that develops (Mosmann and Coffman, 1989). In addition to the type 1 and type 2 helper cells, T helper type 0 subsets exist in which secretion patterns are intermediate between type 1 and type 2 (Gajewski et al., 1989). While T helper subsets have mainly been demonstrated in in vitro experimentation, and may be artifacts of culture, they are important models for the role of the T helper cell in modulating the development of specific responses in an in vivo environment.
In addition to the CD4+ T helper lymphocyte subset, a second αβ T cell population consists of CD8 bearing cytotoxic lymphocytes. The CD8+ CTL appear to be a major component of the immune surveillance system whose primary function is to destroy virally and intracellular bacterially infected cells as well as malignancies (Berke, 1994). These cells are also able to produce cytokines, but generally only those associated with inducing cellular responses (IL-2, IFNγ and TNF) (Fong and Mosmann, 1990). The TCR of these cells, in association with CD8, recognize antigen presented in the context of MHC class I (Littman, 1987). In general, all nucleated cells have surface expression of class I presenting endogenously synthesized peptides (Matasumara, 1992). Specific, immuno-privileged sites, including the brain and the testes, have low level expression of the protein, though it is inducible in these areas with interferon exposure (Moffett and Paden, 1994).
Proteins produced in the endoplasmic reticulum through the normal metabolism of the cell are denatured, partially degraded and bound to MHC class I for surface expression (Engelhard, 1994). The polypeptides are proteolytically linearized and bound in 9-12 amino acid epitopes to class I which is then expressed on the surface of the cell (Engelhard, 1994). Theoretically all endogenously produced peptides are surface expressed in this fashion, and thymic selection ideally results in the elimination of all autoreactive T-cells, immune-surveillance can detect the presence of virally infected or transformed cells (Berke, 1993). The recognition of foreign peptides expressed by class I is facilitated by the antigen specific T cell receptors on CD8+ CTL (Lechler et al., 1990). Contact between the effector cell and the target is required for activation to proceed (Berke, 1994). When an antigen that is seen as foreign is detected by the TCR, the interaction between the molecules is stabilized by CD8 binding to the class I on the infected cell (Littman, 1987). Once recognition occurs and the T cell becomes activated, a conjugate forms between the target cell and the effector T cell, and the effector cell is dispatched (Taylor and Cohen, 1992). Thus, in this fashion, if self proteins are altered or if the cellular machinery is taken over by a pathogen, peptides will be available for recognition by immune surveillance and this arm of the immune system can eliminate the diseased cell (Berke, 1994).
Cellular cytotoxicity appears to result from one of two major pathways. Either the cell is induced to undergo apoptotic death or it is lysed through the release of cytotoxic granules by the CTL (Berke, 1993). Apoptosis is induced in target cells through the release of factors by the CTL which induce gene expression that result in cell death (Russel, 1983). An advantage of this mechanism is that cell lysis does not occur and the potential for the release of the potentially infectious contents of the cell is reduced (Nagata and Golstein, 1995). Cell lysis however may be the more common mechanism through which target elimination takes place. Perforin, which acts to perforate target cell membranes, is a major constituent of CTL cytotoxic granules (Liu et al., 1995). Although there are other cell types involved in this form of immuno-surveillance, CTL appear to be a major component of anti-viral and anti-tumor immunity and, against specific pathogens, are considered indispensable for protection (Kupfer and Singer, 1989).
Initially cell surface proteins were used to differentiate specific cell populations. More recently functional aspects of many of these molecules have been derived, and while they are still important in delineating cell populations, their critical role in the function of many cells is becoming more evident.
A variety of accessory and adhesion molecules that play a role in the development of a productive immune response are expressed on T-cells and antigen presenting cells (van Seventer et al., 1991). Adhesion molecules are expressed at some level on most cells of the immune system. They are important in retaining cells within an area and in the initiation and maintenance of cell to cell contact (Mescher, 1992).
CD-2/LFA 3 (CD58) and LFA-1/ICAM-1 are two adhesion molecule complexes involved in the stabilization of T cell/APC interactions and the enhancement of activity (Springer et al., 1987). CD2 is one of the first markers expressed on pre-T-cells and persists throughout the life of the cell, while LFA-1 is expressed later on T-cells and is up-regulated in memory cells or by induction (Springer et al., 1987).
Accessory molecule complexes also demonstrate adhesive properties, but their main function is probably the delivery of an intracellular signal upon ligand binding (Anderson et al., 1988). Upon establishment of an interaction between the receptor and its ligand, a conformational change in the molecules structure takes place that results in the delivery of a signal to the cytoplasm of one or both cells (Hutchcroft and Bierer, 1994). Signals delivered by these molecules play a variety of roles in promoting T cell development, but in the absence of signals mediated by these molecules, T-cells may become anergic (Leung and Linsley, 1994).
The CD28/CD80 interaction is a major component of a productive T cell mediated immune response (Linsley et al., 1993a). The interaction of the CD28 accessory molecule with its ligand CD80 is required for full activation and proliferation of naive T-cells (Linsley et al., 1991a). The interaction also appears to play a critical role in activated and memory CD4+ T cell proliferation and prevention of apoptotic cell death (Linsley et al., 1991a). The discovery of the interaction and elucidation of its mechanisms has provided a critical link in the understanding T cell mediated immunity.

Feline CTLA-4 nucleic acid and polypeptides


A welding torch for plasma arc welding apparatus has an inert gas applied circumferentially about the arc column externally of the constricting nozzle so as to apply a constricting force on the arc after it has exited the nozzle orifice and downstream of the auxiliary shielding gas. The constricting inert gas is supplied to a plenum chamber about the body of the torch and exits through a series of circumferentially disposed orifices in an annular wall forming a closure at the forward end of the constricting gas plenum chamber. The constricting force of the circumferential gas flow about the arc concentrates and focuses the arc column into a more narrow and dense column of energy after exiting the nozzle orifice so that the arc better retains its energy density prior to contacting the workpiece.

(1) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to plasma arc welding (PAW), and more particularly to plasma arc welding apparatus wherein an external constricting force is applied to the arc column to concentrate and focus it to maintain a dense column of energy.
(2) Description of Related Art
Plasma arc welding is a process wherein coalescence of metals is produced by heating them with a constricted arc between a nonconsumable refractory electrode and the work or between the electrode and a constricting nozzle having an orifice. A filler metal may or may not be added during the process. Thus, plasma arc welding is a method of electrical arc welding in a protective gas atmosphere wherein the arc is maintained between the workpiece and a nonconsumable electrode of a high melting point metal such as tungsten, the plasma of the arc being passed through a nozzle. The electrode is disposed within and insulated from a welding torch body and a front end having the constricting nozzle. An inert gas is supplied to the torch body and is channeled about the electrode exiting through the orifice. This gas acts upon the electric arc to constrict its shape to that of a narrow column and becomes ionized in the arc to form the plasma. In addition the orifice gas provides some shielding effect to the molten weld zone and the electrode and acts on the arc to constrict its shape and shield the weld. In most, if not substantially all cases, an auxiliary shielding gas is provided by channeling a second inert gas stream to blanket the area of arc plasma impingement on the workpiece to avoid contamination of the weld pool. An example of plasma arc welding apparatus is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,612,807.
One of the main advantages of the plasma arc is the directional stability and focusing effect brought about by arc constriction. This constriction narrows the arc column into an extremely dense energy source. However, upon exiting the orifice, the arc column begins to flare and become larger in diameter due to the absence of a constricting mechanism. This effects a decrease in the energy density of the arc prior to contacting the workpiece and thus reduces the effectiveness and efficiency of the process.

Gas arc constriction for plasma arc welding

The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration


The present invention provides an integrated circuit chip assembly and a method of manufacturing the same. The assembly includes a package element having a top surface and an integrated circuit chip having a top surface, a bottom surface, edge surface between the top and bottom surfaces, and contacts exposed at the top surface. The package element is disposed below the chip with the top surface of the package element facing toward the bottom surface of the chip. At least one spacer element resides between the top surface of the package element and the bottom surface of the chip. According to one embodiment, the at least one spacer element may form a substantially closed cavity between the package element and the integrated circuit chip. According to another embodiment, first conductive features may extend from the contacts of the chip along the top surface, and at least some of said first conductive features extend along at least one of the edge surfaces of the chip.

Packaging of an integrated circuit chip involves mechanical and environmental protection of the chip. Packaging further involves electrical interconnection between contacts on the chip and external electrical terminals. For example, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,777,767, which is herein incorporated by reference, is a package element separated from an integrated circuit chip by a spacer element, thereby forming a cavity. However, a top surface of the chip having the contacts of the chip faces towards the package element and the cavity. Because contacts are on the top surface of the chip, leads extend from the conductive pads around edge and bottom surfaces of the chip in order to interconnect with other entities. Despite considerable effort in the art heretofore, still further improvements would be desirable.

Chip assembly including package element and integrated circuit chip


A flexible circuit board includes a plurality of discrete circuits for use with different types of rechargeable battery packs. Conductive traces formed on the circuit board include gaps which cause certain portions of the circuitry to be disconnected from the circuit rendering that portion of the circuit inactive. The process of bridging the gaps by attaching one or more components over the gaps causes the corresponding inactive portion of the circuit to be activated. By selectively activating certain portions of the circuit, a desired result is obtained.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to battery packs for portable devices. More particularly, though not exclusively, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a flexible circuit board with combined mechanical and electrical points of connection to other components in an electromechanical system.
2. Problems in the Art
Prior art flexible printed circuit boards typically consist of copper foil laminated between layers of flexible, non-conductive film. Voids in either layer of the non-conductive film expose the copper foil and serve as attachment points, via soldering, for the various electronic components which will be connected to the circuit. By selectively removing portions of the copper film during manufacturing, separate current carrying paths, or traces, are created in the foil. The traces connect various electronic components mounted on the circuit board.
Prior art circuit boards are typically designed for a specific application, and may be usable in other similar applications if the arrangement and/or content of electronic components mounted on the circuit board are varied to accommodate the other application. This variation causes the creation of circuit board designs which are distinct from each other and are not interchangeable. Each distinct design functions in a way unique to the configuration of the circuit traces and electronic components. As a result, a unique circuit board design exists for each unique functional application. This creates the need to design, manufacture, and inventory each of the unique circuit board designs which results in higher costs (mainly due to lower purchasing volumes and increased inventory carrying costs) for manufacturers utilizing these circuit boards in their products.
The basic components of a typical rechargeable battery pack include 2-12 rechargeable series-connected cells, other related electronic components, and a plastic case enclosing the cells and components. The battery pack case is usually fitted with metal contacts (device contacts) which serve as points of electrical connection between the cells inside the case an electrical power consuming device on the outside of the case. In addition, the metal contacts (charge contacts) serve as points of electrical connection between the cells and an electrical power supplying device (charger) on the outside of the case for the purpose of recharging the battery cells. Other common electronic components in a battery pack include a thermister for monitoring the temperature inside the battery pack and a diode for preventing the accidental discharge of the cells through the charge contacts.
FIG. 1 is an electrical schematic diagram of a typical prior art battery pack. As shown, a number of cells 10 are electrically connected to a positive current trace 12 and to a negative current trace 14 via cell contacts 13 and 15, respectively. The traces 12 and 14 are electrically connected to a pair of device contacts 16, 18 and a pair of charge contacts 20, 22.
The capacity and type of the cells are used by the charging device to determine the ideal rate of charging current delivered to the cells. Many charging devices are designed to charge battery packs with various types of cells. A common method used to enable the charger to determine the charging requirements of the cells in a given battery pack involves the use of a sense resistor having a specific resistance.
FIG. 2 is an electrical schematic diagram of a battery pack utilizing a sense resistor R.sub.s. The charging device (not shown) connects to the battery pack via charge contacts 20 and 22. The charging device also connects to a charger sense resistor contact 24. The charging device is then capable of detecting the resistance value of the sense resistor R.sub.s in the battery pack. The charging device is programmed to provide an appropriate charging current for the pack depending on the value of the sense resistor R.sub.s. For example, a battery pack having a low capacity may be built with a sense resistor R.sub.s of a specific value (e.g., 20k .OMEGA.), while a battery pack having a high capacity may be built with a sense resistor R.sub.s of a specific, but different, value (e.g., 10k .OMEGA.).
FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of a flexible circuit board 26 designed in accordance with FIG. 2. The circuit board 26 is comprised of copper foil 27 (FIG. 5) disposed between sheets of flexible non-conductive film 28 (FIG. 5). The copper foil further comprises positive and negative current traces 12 and 14 which connect to cells (not shown) via cell contacts 13 and 15, respectively. The traces 12 and 14 connect to a device (not shown) via the device contacts 16 and 18, respectively. The traces 12 and 14 also connect to a charging device (not shown) via the charge contacts 20 and 22, respectively. The charging device also connects to the sense resistor R.sub.s via the sense resistor contact 24. The contacts 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24, are comprised of circular portions of the copper foil with no flexible non-conductive film disposed thereon, therefore exposing the foil on one side of the circuit board. A hole is formed in the center of each contact.
A common method of designing external contacts is to use rivets to secure the circuit board to the battery case. FIGS. 4-7 illustrate how rivets 32 are used to secure the flexible circuit board 26 to the battery pack case 34, while, at the same time, providing an electrical contact point. The head of the rivets 32 form the device/charger interface surface on the outside of the battery pack case 34 by passing through the plastic case 34 and through the flexible circuit board 26.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the circuit board 26, the plastic battery pack case 34, a rivet 32 and a washer 36. As shown, the case 34 include a number of holes 38, 40, 42, 44, and 46 which correspond to the holes formed in the contacts 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24, respectively. When the circuit board 26 is inserted into the case 34, rivets 32 are inserted through the holes and contacts.
FIGS. 5-7 are enlarged sectional views illustrating the insertion of the rivet 32 through a hole forming a contact. All of the contacts are formed in an identical manner. As shown, a rivet 32 is inserted through the hole formed in the case 34, the circuit board 26, and the washer 36. FIG. 6 shows a staking tool 48 which is used to secure the rivet 32 in place. By subjecting the shank of the rivet 32 to a staking process, the shank of the rivet 32 is deformed (FIG. 7) so that it overlaps onto the non-insulated portion of the copper foil 27 on the flexible circuit board 26. The copper foil 27 is therefore electrically connected to the rivet 32. To further improve the integrity of the electrical contact between the trace and the overlapping rivet 32, the washer 36 (flat or toothed) is located between the rivet and the copper foil to increase the surface area available to conduct current through the junction.

Flexible circuit board configurable for use with different types of battery packs


A process for the preparation of toner comprising. (i) aggregating a colorant dispersion with an encapsulated wax; PA1 (ii) coalescing or fusing the aggregates generated; and optionally PA1 (iii) isolating, washing, and drying the toner.

The present invention is generally directed to toner processes, and more specifically, to aggregation and coalescence or fusion of a resin containing latex, colorant, such as pigment, dye, or mixtures thereof, and optional additive particles, and wherein there is selected a wax and which wax is substantially totally incorporated, that is, for example, from about 80 to about 100 percent, and more specifically, from about 90 to about 100 percent, and wherein there is minimal or no wax escaping from the toner. Thus, with the processes of the present invention there is enabled substantially no wax rejection, and therefore wax is not available to contaminate the environment within which it is used, such as a xerographic imaging apparatus, and wherein image streaking is substantially avoided, and image transfer is excellent.
The process of the present invention relates, for example, to the use of a wax dispersion in water as a seed to form encapsulated wax particles, and thereafter accomplishing an emulsion/aggregation/coalescence to form toner.


A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor chip; a first metal plate disposed on one side of the chip through a first solder layer; a second metal plate disposed on the other side of the chip through a second solder layer; a third metal plate disposed on the second metal plate through a third solder layer; supporting means for holding at least one of distances between the chip and the first metal plate and between the chip and the second metal plate; and excess solder accommodation means for accommodating excess solder in a case where the third solder layer includes the excess solder.

A semiconductor device having a semiconductor chip and the first to third metal layers, i.e., plates, is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-110064. The first metal layer is bonded to the semiconductor chip through the first solder layer so that the first metal layer works as an electrode and a heat radiation plate. The second metal layer is bonded to the semiconductor chip through the second solder layer, and the second metal layer is disposed opposite to the first metal layer. The third metal layer is bonded to the second metal layer through the third solder layer, and is disposed opposite to the semiconductor chip. Thus, in the device, the first to third solder layers are disposed between the first metal layer and the semiconductor chip, between the chip and the second metal layer, and between the second and third metal layers, respectively. The first to third solder layers are formed in such a manner that a solder foil is sandwiched therebetween, and then, the solder foil is heated up to melting point of the solder. Thus, the solder foil is melted so that two parts are bonded together with the solder.
However, in each solder layer, the supplied amount of the solder foil is in short or excess. This is because variations of dimensions of the semiconductor chip and/or the metal layers may cause excess or deficiency of the solder. Specifically, the volume of the solder foil may be in short or excess. When the volume of the solder is excess, the excess solder overflows so that the excess solder is adhered to other parts of the device such as a wire. Thus, an electric circuit may be short. Thus, the excess solder adheres to the other parts so that a solder bridge is formed. Accordingly, the device may be damaged. On the other hand, when the volume of the solder is in short, the thickness of the solder layer is not sufficient. Therefore, reliability of bonding is reduced. Further, heat radiation performance is also reduced.

Semiconductor device having metal plates and semiconductor chip


A process and network able to restrict a video appliance equipped with either a single tuner or with multiple tuners, from receiving and subsequently displaying video image signals represented by an accompanying broadcast discretionary control data to include a high level of objectional content. A multi-tuner television receiving appliance may be constructed with at least two tuners receiving a program; a viewing restricting portion detecting a discretionary control data of the program received through one of the tuners and blocking AGC signals of the tuner receiving the program when the discretionary control data is greater than a discretionary threshold; a control portion blocking AFT signals of the other tuners when the viewing of the program received the receiving tuner is restricted.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to single and multi-tuner television receiving techniques and apparatus generally, and more particularly, to a process and circuit that enable a user to restrict viewing of selected video image programs of an appliance equipped with either a single or a multiple number of television tuners.
2. Description of the Background Art
Recent proposed changes in federal regulations within the United States mandate that a discretionary control feature, commonly called the "V-chip" function, be incorporated into the design and construction of consumer television receiver circuits. This V-chip function allows a parent or other responsible person discretionary control to block-out television programs that the parent deems to be inappropriate for young viewers. The V-chip function may be implemented by incorporation into one or more dedicated ICs or by inclusion in a microprocessor. The proposed discretionary control feature will be encoded and transmitted to television receivers on the twenty-first (i.e., line 21) line of the 525 horizontal scanned lines that make up one frame of each picture screen. Each transmission of line 21 contains a synchronizing clock burst that is followed by data. The data contained within line 21 also contains closed captioning information to display words (i.e., descriptive text) on the television screen for hearing impaired viewers. Line 21 data further includes discretionary control data with a value representing the level of sex and violence in the corresponding video program that is currently being run. The discretionary control data is fed into the microprocessor or V-chip integrated circuit. The parent pre-sets a discretionary threshold for the television receiver. If the discretionary control data carried by line 21 is less than the discretionary threshold set for the television receiver, then the amount and degree of sex and violence in the currently running program is considered to be acceptable, and the viewer is allowed to watch the program. If the discretionary control data is greater than the discretionary threshold, then the amount and degree of sex and violence in the presently running program is considered to be unacceptable, and the video signal carried by that channel is blanked out, or otherwise made unviewable.
Appliances for watching video programs have been constructed in recent years with multiple tuners. Video appliances constructed with two or more tuners, such as television receivers coupled with video cassette recorders (i.e., a TVCR), have been proposed for example, by Sung-doug Kim in an Apparatus For Performing Programmed Recording Using Broadcast Program Data and Method Therefor In a Two-tuner System, U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,242 issued on the 2nd of May 2000. These multi-tuner video appliances are also sometimes referred to as "TV/VCR combos" by retail vendors such as Circuit City.
I have noticed however, that this type of supervisory discretionary control can be implemented out only for video receiving appliances that have a single tuner. Therefore, a viewer can watch a program that carries discretionary control data with a value that is greater than the discretionary threshold by using multiple devices or by using a device equipped with two turners, for example, a TV coupled with a video cassette recorder (e.g., a VCR or a TVCR). In further detail, if the value of the discretionary control data for a program is greater than the discretionary threshold value that has been set by the user of that video appliance, a video signal received through a TV receiving tuner is blanked out or made unviewable, whereas the same program can be recorded onto a video cassette tape through the recording tuner of the VCR. Consequently, I have found that the discretionary control function can not be easily and fully implemented with a video receiving appliance that has more than two tuners such as a TVCR, and that there is a need for a television receiving apparatus that performs the discretionary control function even when the receiving apparatus has more than two tuners such as a TVCR, and a method of restricting the viewing of selected video programs via video receiving appliances that are equipped with multiple tuners.

Multi-tuner television receiving apparatus and method of restricting the viewing


Example embodiments provide systems and methods for validating an action using a physical token, such as a near-field-communications (NFC)-capable chip. A server may receive a request to perform the action, and may require validation from the holder of the physical token. The holder of the physical token may log into an application using their login credentials, providing a first tier of authentication. The holder may then scan the physical token with a reader on their mobile device, which provides a second tier of authentication. The scan may reveal a value for a counter on the physical token, which may be compared to a counter at the server in order to validate that the physical token has been used as expected. If the server deems it appropriate, a third (or further) tier may be required, such as scanning a photographic identification of the holder.

Data security and transaction integrity are of critical importance to businesses and consumers. This need continues to grow as electronic transactions constitute an increasingly large share of commercial activity.
When a questionable or suspicious transaction is processed, verification of the transaction may be required. Conventionally, this may involve sending a message to a user via email or short message service (SMS), requesting that the user confirm their intent to engage in the transaction.
In addition to being cumbersome, these services are vulnerable to attack and may therefore not provide a sufficient level of security. Moreover, if a user keeps their card with their mobile device (e.g., storing both in a purse, or keeping the card in a wallet that is often co-located with the mobile device), a fraudulent actor may be in possession of the device that is used to authenticate the transaction.

Systems and methods for cross coupling risk analytics and one-time-passcodes


The invention is a novel watermark in a media sequence and systems and methods for embedding and detecting the watermark. Different watermarks from a watermark set of pseudo random watermarks are selected (randomly or by a selection pattern) and each selected watermark is embedded in a different selected I-frame set of the media stream. Identifying the known sequence of watermarks in the stream of I-frames of a copy can identify the video stream from which the copy originates.

The present invention relates to a system and method that marks digital motion image media sequences, (e.g., digital television, motion pictures, digital video disks-DVDs), whether compressed or not, with invisible robust texture patterns, also called watermarks. More specifically, the invention relates to selectively embedding a secure digital watermark within selected I-frames of a compressed media sequence.
Media sequences (motion pictures, recorded television programming, and the like) represent tangible and valuable assets to their owners. However, any copy of the original sequence can be pirated, recopied and redistributed without just compensation to the original owner. A good deterrent against copyright infringement (also known as software or content piracy) requires that there be permanent but visually undetectable marks embedded in many frames of the media sequence, and that those marks uniquely identify a particular copy of the original media sequence.
Video image sequences comprise a sequence of sequential images, also called sequential frames. Most video compression methods compress the sequential frames, and therefore compress the video image sequence, by compressing and sending a complete frame only intermittently. Typically, these intermittent full-image frames are compressed by standard methods that require access only to the content of the specific frame being compressed, without reference to adjacent frames in the sequence. For that reason, they are called intra-frame compressed images, or I-frames.
Between I-frames, various other forms of information are transmitted, such as compressed difference image frames, motion compensation vectors, other out-of-sequence I-frames, etc. from which the frame sequence between I-frames (e.g. those sequential frames not sent) can be reconstructed and placed in their original order. The motion vectors describe movement of parts of the image relative to the I-frames and are used to reconstruct the frames in the sequence between I-frames in large part by interpolation. (These reconstructed frames are also called interpolated frames.) The intermittently compressed and sent I-frames are sent periodically as resets to the intervening frame reconstruction process.
If a watermarked video image sequence is decompressed, dimensionally altered, and/or geometrically distorted, and then recompressed forming an altered image sequence, the robust watermarks remain intact. The watermarks can be detected by first decompressing the altered image sequence, geometrically realigning the image frames with the image frames of the original image sequence and detecting the watermark in the realigned image frames. In no way does dimensionally altering or distorting the images of the video image sequence render the embedded watermark undetectable unless the image itself is damaged beyond usability.

Digitally watermarked compressed video image sequences

International Business Machines Corporation


A software error subsystem is provided that can log, report, and may optionally correct defective interactive objects in a virtual game environment. The subsystem may form part of a larger and more general logging and error catching system. By automatically correcting certain defects, recourse to redevelopment efforts can be postponed or eliminated. Even if error correction is not automatically performed, a more specific and helpful error message may be generated and displayed to the player, increasing player satisfaction.

Massively multiplayer online games ("MMO"s) provide virtual software environments where users can interact with each other through virtual player characters. The player characters can also interact with non-player characters ("NPC"), objects, and geometric structures within the software environment. Player characters often interact with an object or other feature by placing themselves in a range of positions relative to it. For example, to interact with an object, a player character would move near to the object, target the object, and then perform any of several functions on the object, such as: examine the object, pick up the object, manipulate the object, place the object into inventory, use the object, etc.
A problem may arise when an object is disposed too close to, on, or in a geometric structure such as a wall, building, plant, etc. In this case a player character may not be able to interact with the object because the game engine detects that the geometric structure is obstructing this interaction. This may not be the intention of the game designer, however.
For example, an object may be disposed on a tree and well within the reach of the player character. Nevertheless, the game engine may detect the tree as an obstruction and generate an error if the player attempts to interact with the object. In other words, the player character ought to be able to interact with the object, but is prevented from doing so because the object has been improperly placed with respect to the geometric structure. In other cases, one type of interaction is permitted, such as targeting, but another is prohibited, such as harvesting.
Similar problematic situations occur with respect to other player interactions with objects, such as when the level of player interaction is mediated by a player feature, such as attainment of a certain level. If the level is improperly ascertained, interaction with the object will be improper.
When errors are generated in the above systems, such as in the case where the system perceives the player character to be in an incorrect position to interact with an object, the error is typically a general error that is unhelpful to the player, and does not give the player confidence that the error is being addressed. When interaction with objects is improper, as described above, the player may not even be aware that an error has occurred.

Proactive server-side error subsystem for interactive objects


A Personal Computer (PC) in a second location, provides video signals to a television monitor located in a first location. A stereo amplifies audio from the PC and provides the signal to loudspeakers in the first location. A keyboard, mouse, and controller in the first location, use infrared radiation to transmit commands. An IR receiver, in the first location, detects the commands and provides them to the PC. A communication port is used to receive the initial commands. After the initial remote commands negotiate control the input select switch interchanges the input devices of the second location with input devices of the first location. The interchange gives control of the PC to the first location keyboard, mouse and controller. A video switch/matrix in the second location is also controlled from the first location so that video is provided from the PC to the TV monitor in the first location.

Many people use their personal computer (PC) for entertainment purposes. Personal computers require a certain amount of space and are usually located in an office type environment. Due to the increasing entertainment value of the personal computer, it is often desirable to have the personal computer available for use in a more comfortable place such as a living room or bedroom.
A quandary might arise, for example, if a PC, having a digital television card, is located in a home office and the home theatre, for viewing television programs, is located in the living room. A user who desires to watch digital television (TV) by using the digital TV function of the PC has no choice but to watch it on the PC's monitor. The user can not take advantage of the digital TV function of the PC in combination with the home theatre monitor located in the living room.
Typical home audio-visual equipment systems include a number of components. For example, a radio receiver, a compact disk (CD) player, a pair of speakers, a TV, a video cassette recorder (VCR), a tape deck, and the like. These components are connected to each other via a set of wires. The radio receiver or the tuner is usually the central component of the home audio-visual system. The tuner has a number of specific inputs for coupling to the other components. The tuner has a corresponding number of control buttons or control switches that provide a limited degree of controllability and interoperability for the components. A user controls the home audio-visual system by manipulating the buttons and switches on the tuner, or alternatively, manipulating buttons on a hand-held remote control unit. These features help the user view the video and hear audio but lack the ability to integrate the innovative features of the PC. The viewer who wishes to use the personal computer's capabilities from the comfort of the living room is unable to accomplish that purpose because he or she can not input commands.
The normal hardware compliment of a PC includes a central processing unit (CPU), a keyboard, a mouse, a video display adapter, a video display monitor and a mass storage device such as a hard disk drive. Many PCs include other special purpose hardware devices such as a modem, sound card, network interface adapter card, compact disk read only memory (CDROM), digital versatile disk (DVD), and digital TV card to mention a few that may be useful for home entertainment. When a home has multiple computers, a home communications network may be one way to make all PC functions available from any computer.
An important requirement for any home network is simplicity and reliability. The home network should be easy to use, and quick to install. Some users want the functionality of a local area network (LAN) with voice networking, shared Internet access, and smart device control but many can not operate a complex system and few want to maintain a complex system.
Alternating current (AC) power lines of most homes are readily available as network cable elements. The AC lines are sometimes used as a transport medium to send and receive discrete frequency-based control, monitoring and communications messages to smart devices that manage lighting and environmental systems. They may also be used as voice-communication elements for telephone extensions, computer-modem access and intercom devices through standard electrical outlets. Applications requiring a high data rate however, can not usually make use of power line networks.
Wireless home-networking technology may be used both for line-of-sight, IR, unidirectional, hand-held controller applications and for non-line-of-sight radio frequency (RF) applications. Typical uses today are local control for VCRs, TVs and some security and alarm applications. Because of its limited bandwidth and susceptibility to RF noise, wireless home networking is considered as an inadequate home-network choice.
PCs may also be accessed and controlled remotely by other PCs using a hardware network adapter installed in the PC. This network adapter is connected directly to the other PCs or attached to a LAN. These devices typically require network adapter software to be installed to permit a device to access or control the PC. PCs can also be accessed and controlled remotely if communication software is installed in the PC and the PC has a modem. This would permit the PC to be remotely controlled over standard telephone lines or a dedicated cable by another device having access to a modem and compatible interface software. Control of the PC in this manner for a home entertainment network is not practical, as it requires an additional dedicated telephone line or other dedicated lines.
A keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) switch, such as Dakota Computer Solutions model 1010-02, exists that permits using a central KVM switch to control and access multiple PC's however, the KVM switch lacks the capability to support keyboards or other control devices existing at both the remote console and Host PC.
Another device, such as the Computer Peripheral Systems Inc., model SWTSPRRC, exists that permits a PC to be re-booted remotely however; the device does not provide the ability to substitute a video display and keyboard/mouse with the remote video display and keyboard/mouse.

Method and apparatus for remote use of personal computer

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


The present invention relates to a system and method for a mobile application and web based personal history storage and retrieval. The system stores all personal information of a user in a plurality of selectable categories and in a selectable chronological manner. The system has a server coupled to a storage system for generating user interfaces for the application and web and for storing user information. The system enables users to enter information and important dates and events during their life to be sorted and filtered in chronological order. The application enables the information to be stored for future use, similar to a time capsule. The system enables the information to be retrieved allowing friends and family to view a full documentation of their loved one's life with ease.

With the advent of the internet and more importantly social media, individuals have started uploading and storing their important moments of life on social media. Individuals like to upload and store their photos, videos, important documents and more on social media platforms. However, a problem with the social media is that personal information is distributed and stored on a plurality of social media platforms, thereby leading to security issues and also prohibiting all the important life stories and moments from residing at a singular location. A user needs to access multiple social media platforms to view all the life stories and personal history. Friends and family of the user may not be able to view all the photos, documents, and other keepsakes on all the social media platforms, thereby preventing them from enjoying personal histories of their loved ones.
Some individuals try to store all the personal life stories and media information related to life events on hard disks and other storage devices, however, such devices can be stolen or lost, causing all the stored data be lost. Also, individuals trying to locate all their personal information on social media platforms and store same at a single online location, find it time consuming and frustrating. Individuals desire a system that enables them to securely store all their personal historical information at a singular location without fear of data getting lost or destroyed.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a system and method that enables individuals to store their personal digital collections (i.e., videos, documents, pictures) and other media at a single location. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a system and method that ensures the stored digital data is secure. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a system that enables friends and families of a user to go through said history of the user. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a system that enables users to maintain security of their uploaded data. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art of a multimedia storage system that stores data in numerous categories to subsequently filter through while ensuring items are uploaded in chronological order. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a system and method that offers a way for friends and family to view a full documentation of their loved one's life with ease without jumping onto a plurality of social media platforms.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a computer implemented media storage system. The system comprising a client-server architecture and having a web or application server embodied on a computer system that is configured to generate user interfaces accessible to users on a mobile application and website for interacting with the server. The generated user interfaces comprising a graphical user interface used by one or more users for logging into the system; a graphical user interface for displaying one or more categories of user uploaded content; a graphical user interface for generating a new category; a graphical user interface for uploading content to said one or more categories; a graphical user interface for setting security options for uploaded content; a graphical user interface for editing and displaying media and sharing same on third party social media platforms; a graphical user interface for displaying subscription plans for the users; and a graphical user interface for zooming in a displayed media wherein the system has a cloud storage for storing the uploaded content.
In this manner, the media storage system and associated method of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides an effective way of compiling all relevant information about a person's life at a single location in secure manner. The system enables users to upload photos, writings, and other information into their personal account for public or private display. The content is categorized into a plurality of categories and are uploaded in chronological manner. The system offers a way for friends and family to view a full documentation of their loved one's life with ease.

System and method for storing personal information


Contextual paste target prediction is used to predict one or more target applications for a paste action, and do so based upon a context associated with the content that has previously been selected and copied. The results of the prediction may be used to present to a user one or more user controls to enable the user to activate one or more predicted application, and in some instances, additionally configure a state of a predicted application to use the selected and copied content once activated. As such, upon completing a copy action, a user may, in some instances, be provided with an ability to quickly switch to an application into which the user was intending to paste the content. This can provide a simpler user interface in a device such as phones and tablet computers with limited display size and limited input device facilities. It can result in a paste operation into a different application with fewer steps than is possible conventionally.

Computing devices have long supported various editing actions such copy, cut and paste. A copy action is generally performed after a user has selected some displayed content, and results in the selected content being copied to a temporary storage commonly referred to as a clipboard. A paste action is generally performed when a user desires to insert previously-copied content elsewhere, and results in the previously-copied content in a clipboard being inserted at a user-specified location. A cut action may be considered to be a sub-type of a copy action, as like a copy action, a cut action causes selected content to be copied to a clipboard. However, with a cut action, the selected content is then deleted from its original location.
Copy, cut and paste actions are commonly used in word processing applications, for example, to manipulate text, images and other types of content in a word processing document. Copy, cut and paste actions, however, are also used for a wide variety of other purposes, including manipulating files in a storage system. Furthermore, since the advent of multitasking and the support of multiple simultaneously-executing applications, copy, cut and paste actions have been used to copy or move content between different applications. For example, if a user finds an interesting item when browsing the web and wishes to share that item with another user via email or text message, the user may need to copy the item in a browser application and paste it into an email or text messaging application. Likewise, if a user encounters a geographical location in a web page or in an email and wishes to view that location on a map, the user may need to copy the item from a browser or email application and paste it into a search box of a map application.
Copying or cutting content such as text from one application and pasting that content into a different application, however, can be laborious in many computing devices, particularly mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets where windowing is not used for applications (i.e., only one application is displayed at a time). On a mobile device, for example, a user wishing to copy text from one application to another application may require the user to first select the text by tapping and/or dragging on a touchscreen display to select the desired text and select a copy user control that performs the copy action. Then, in order to paste that copied text into a different application, the user may be required to press a home button on the computing device, scroll through a list of applications and find the desired application to paste into, and then paste the text into an appropriate user control (e.g., a search box, message box, text box, etc.). In some cases, a user may even have delete some text after pasting (e.g., when pasting into the search box of a map application to properly format the query).

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


An inspection apparatus used for an article storage facility includes an inactive gas supply portion provided with a supply nozzle provided in a placement support portion. A transport container having a supply port for an inactive gas is formed at a bottom portion thereof for accommodating substrates in a sealed state. The nozzle is joined to the supply port by a self weight of the transport container supported on the placement support portion so as to inject the inactive gas to an interior of the transport container. An inspection supply port is joined to the supply nozzle by a self weight of the inspection apparatus supported on the placement support portion, and is configured such that a gravity center position is supported on the placement support portion and coincides with a gravity center position of the transport container, the supply port inspects a state of supply of the inactive gas in the state of being supported on the placement support portion.

In general, semiconductor elements are manufactured in a clean room whose internal atmosphere has been cleaned. Semiconductor wafers also need to be protected from contamination caused by the adhesion of impurities such as dirt and dust and a chemical reaction during the storage of semiconductor wafers that will serve as the material for the semiconductor elements and the transport of the semiconductor elements between the manufacturing steps. JP 2008-159734A discloses such a storage facility for storing semiconductor wafers. This storage facility includes storage racks including a plurality of storage sections that store air-tight transport containers such as a FOUP (Front Opening Unified Pod) for accommodating semiconductor wafers. Also, this storage facility has a purge function for supplying an inactive gas such as nitrogen or argon to the transport containers in order to prevent contamination caused by natural oxidation or the like of the semiconductor wafers accommodated in the transport containers.
Each transport container (storing FOUP) for accommodating semiconductor wafers includes a cover and a bottom surface portion that constitute a casing, and forms a sealed space by the cover and the bottom surface portion. A plurality of semiconductor wafers can be accommodated in the sealed space along the height direction. Recessed portions serving as a flow inlet and a flow outlet for gas are formed on the underside of the bottom surface portion, and the recessed portions are configured to be able to be joined to pipes of a purge unit that supplies an inactive gas. Placing a transport container on the purge unit causes the recessed portions and the pipes to be joined together, thereby enabling the inactive gas to be supplied to that transport container. Here, in order to confirm whether the inactive gas is appropriately supplied to the transport container, the flow rate of the inactive gas may be measured. In JP 2008-159734A, an inspection apparatus (measurement FOUP) is used for measuring the flow rate of the inactive gas. A flow inlet and a flow outlet capable of being joined to the pipes of the purge unit by placing the inspection apparatus on the purge unit are also formed on the bottom surface of the inspection apparatus (measurement FOUP). The inspection apparatus includes a flowmeter, and the flow rate of the inactive gas can be measured by placing the inspection apparatus on the purge unit, in place of the transport container (JP 2008-159734A: paragraphs 0032 to 0036, etc.).

Inspection apparatus for article storage facility


A method and system of providing players with positive return in a gambling game. Tokens are won or lost in a manner that assures net positive return. Token value is determined based on the total number of outstanding tokens, or on the total number that have been issued in a predetermined time period, so that the total prize payout is predetermined and constant. In one embodiment, tokens act as lottery tickets, and prizes are awarded to winners of the lottery, so that a player's chance of winning the lottery is based on the percentage of outstanding tokens he or she possesses.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to gambling, and more particularly to a gambling model that yields a net positive return for the player.
2. Description of the Background Art
In typical casino-style games the specific game odds and payouts have been calculated to provide the player with a negative return on his or her bets over time. The odds of success in each of these games combined with the rewards for each winning event are set in such a way as to ensure that the player slowly but steadily loses money to the house over time. This formula represents the primary means of casino's income.
Although many casinos and other gambling establishments attract players despite the net negative return, it is evident that players would be even more attracted to a gambling establishment that would provide a positive return. However, with conventional business models for casinos and online gambling sites, it is not feasible to provide a positive return for players. Such a scheme would cause the casino or site operator to lose money; in fact, the more gambling took place, the more the casino or site operator would lose. A player could keep on playing indefinitely and continue to experience a positive return.
What is needed is a gambling model that yields a net positive return for players, thus extending the play period and creating a more positive player experience, while maintaining commercial feasibility. What is further needed is a gambling model that provides a satisfying gambling experience (true sense of risk and reward) while still giving the player a positive return.


A method of measuring the video acuity of a physical imaging system is disclosed. A chart comprising an image of a set of test symbols is provided. The set of test symbols comprises a plurality of symbols repeated at a plurality of symbol sizes. A digital image of the chart is obtained using the imaging system. The digital image is cropped to obtain a set of cropped images comprising individual digital images of each test symbol in the set of test symbols. A template image of a test symbol is aligned with a test image comprising one member of the set of cropped images. The template image comprises a digitally generated image of the test symbol in the test image. The normalized correlation between the aligned template image and the test image is determined. The test symbol whose template image has the highest correlation with the test image is identified.

In recent years there has been a proliferation of video systems in use by public and private entities to monitor events and locations. They can be very simple, inexpensive systems or very complex, powerful, and expensive systems. Video systems are used by fire departments, police departments, Homeland Security, and a wide variety of commercial entities. Places to be monitored include streets, stores, banks, airports, cars, and aircraft, as well as many other settings. Video systems are also used for a variety of specific tasks, including detection of smoke and fire, recognition of weapons, face identification, and event perception. In all of these contexts, the quality of the video system impacts the performance of the visual task. Buyers of video systems need to match the quality of the system to the demands of their task, but the complexity and heterogeneity of the systems and tasks makes this very difficult.
A number of methods have been used to quantify the performance of imaging systems. These can generally be applied to any image input or output device including still and video cameras, still and video displays, printers, and the like. Specific metrics may also be applicable to analog images, digital images or both. Resolution targets with letters of varying size and horizontal and vertical line patterns are frequently used, although most often these are used to test the physical limits of resolution of a particular optical system and often do not closely relate to human perception of image resolution. Other more quantitative measures of performance have been devised. Examples include the modulation transfer function (MTF) commonly used in quantifying the performance of optics. The MTF measures how an imaging system (such as a lens) reproduces (or transfers) detail from the object to the image as a function of the line frequency of a test grating. (Schade, O., "On the quality of color-television images and the perception of colour detail," J. Soc. of Motion Pictures and Television Engineers, 67(12), 801-19, 1958).
There are other alternatives. One can measure the number of visible sinusoidal cycles on the target (Johnson, J., "Analysis of image forming systems," Image Intensifier Symposium, AD 220160: Warfare Electrical Engineering Department, U.S. Army Research and Development Laboratories, Ft. Belvoir, Va., 244-73, 1958; and Vollmerhausen, R. H. et al., "New metric for predicting target acquisition performance," Optical Engineering, 43(11), 2806-18, 2004). One can evaluate specific selected image attributes (Leachtenauer, J. C., et al., "General Image-Quality Equation: GIQE," Appl. Opt., 36(32), 8322-28, 1997). One can also make a more formal analysis in terms of information theory (Huck, F. O. et al., "Image gathering and processing: information and fidelity," J Opt Soc Am A, 2(10), 1644-66, 1985). Typically, these measures rely on a particular theoretical model of imaging with little or no regard to how the human visual system perceives a given image. The measures can be extremely valuable to engineers trying to improve the performance of a given imaging technology, but they are typically not found to be useful by end users trying to select among a set of competing options for a specific application.
What is needed is a measure of visual performance which can be applied to complete imaging systems and/or imaging subsystems and which can be used to compare systems in an intuitively meaningful way that is more closely related to human perception.


Disclosed is an X-ray transmitting frame-supported membrane of silicon nitride suitable as a mask blank of an X-ray lithographic mask having outstandingly high resistance against irradiation with high-energy radiations and high transmission of light of a wavelength of 633 nm. These very desirable properties are obtained as a consequence of the extremely low content, i.e. 1.0 atomic % or less, of hydrogen in the silicon nitride, which can be achieved as a result of the specific preparation procedure by the CVD method in which the reactant gases are silane or disilane and ammonia in a specified mixing ratio to be reacted under a specified pressure and at a specified temperature.

The present invention relates to an X-ray transmitting membrane for a mask used in X-ray lithography or, more particularly, to an X-ray transmitting membrane having excellent transmissivity to visible light, resistance against irradiation with high energy radiations and resistance against chemicals and moisture as well as smoothness of the surface and free from pinholes and other defects so as to be useful as a mask in the X-ray lithography and a method for the preparation thereof.
Along with the remarkable trend in recent years toward finer and finer patterning on semiconductor silicon wafers in the manufacture of various kinds of semiconductor devices such as LSIs, VLSIs and the like, the conventional photolithographic patterning method by using ultraviolet light is under continuous replacement with the so-called X-ray lithography in which the resist layer on a semiconductor silicon wafer is irradiated pattern-wise with X-rays through a so-called X-ray mask bearing a desired pattern impermeable to X-rays as formed on an X-ray transmitting membrane.
The X-ray transmitting membrane for an X-ray lithographic mask should satisfy several requirements including that:
(1) the membrane is made from a material which is stable and resistant even against a large dose of irradiation with high-energy beams such as X-rays as well as high-energy electron beams and synchrotron radiations;
(2) the membrane should be highly transparent with at least 50% transmission of visible light so as to enable exact alignment of the X-ray mask on the silicon wafer with high precision even when the membrane has a thickness large enough to ensure good mechanical strengths;
(3) the membrane should be chemically stable and resistant against chemicals and moisture so as not to be damaged or attacked in the process involving etching, washing and the like sometimes using strong chemicals; and
(4) the membrane should have a smooth surface and be free from pinholes and other defects.
Several materials have been proposed in the prior art as a material of membranes for X-ray lithographic masks including boron nitride BN, silicon nitride Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, silicon carbide SiC and the like but none of them can satisfy all of the above mentioned requirements altogether since each of them has its own merits and demerits. For example, these prior art membranes are insufficient in the resistance against high-energy beam irradiation as the most important property which the membrane should have. The reason for their poor stability against radiations is presumably as follows. While these membrane are formed by the so-called chemical vapor-phase deposition (CVD) method or, in particular, by the plasma CVD method, namely, the membrane formed by the CVD method usually contains a large amount of hydrogen atoms sometime reaching 10 to 20 atomic % or even larger and these hydrogen atoms are suspected to be responsible for the instability of the membrane under irradiation with high-energy beams.
For example, X-ray transmitting membranes of silicon nitride are prepared by the CVD method using trichlorosilane and ammonia as the reactant gases under reduced pressure of 0.1 to 1 Torr at a temperature of 700.degree. to 900.degree. C. The silicon nitride membranes prepared by the above mentioned CVD method were considered in the prior art to be substantially free from hydrogen atoms because no absorption bands assignable to the bonds of Si-H, N-H and the like could be found in the infrared absorption spectrum obtained by the FT-IR method and the like. Despite the seeming absence of hydrogen atoms, the silicon nitride membranes in the prior art are subject to deformation when they are used as an X-ray lithographic mask and irradiated with high-energy beams. It is a presumable reason therefor that, although the membrane is free from hydrogen at least by the infrared absorption spectrophotometric analysis, a considerable amount of hydrogen, which can be detected by a more sensitive analytical method, is contained in the membrane to play an adverse role under irradiation with highenergy radiations. It is also presumable that such a large content of hydrogen in conventional silicon nitride membranes is caused as a result of the plasma CVD method which is conducted usually at a relatively low temperature of up to 800.degree. C. In fact, a silicon nitride membrane was prepared by the CVD method at 800.degree. C. or below from trichlorosilane and ammonia as the reactants and the hydrogen content in the membrane was measured by the RBS-HFS method to detect 2.0 to 5.0 atomic % of hydrogen therein although no absorption band assignable to hydrogen could be noted in the infrared absorption spectrum.

X-ray transmitting membrane for mask in x-ray lithography and method for preparing the same


Described herein are various embodiments of contacts that include different portions angled with respect to one another and methods of manufacturing devices that include such contacts. In some embodiments, a module may include a first portion of a contact that is disposed within a housing and a second portion that is disposed outside of the housing, with the second portion angled with respect to the first portion. Manufacturing such devices may include depositing a conductive material to electrically connect the contact to a contact pad of a substrate. In some embodiments, a deposition process for depositing the conductive material may have a minimum dimension, which defines a minimum dimension of a conductive material once deposited. In some such embodiments, a distance between a terminal end of the contact pin and the contact pad may be greater than the minimum dimension of the deposition process.

To electrically connect a circuit to a circuit board, the circuit may include pins that can be connected to pads on the circuit board. The pins protrude from a packaging of the circuit. To connect the pin to the pad, a piece of solder or conductive glue can be deposited that contacts the pin and the pad, and that thereby provides a conductive path between the pin and the pad.
FIG. 1 illustrates a circuit 100 that is connected to a circuit board 102. The circuit board 102 includes a pad 104 and the circuit 100 includes a pin 106. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the pin 106 is a straight metal piece that protrudes from the circuit 100 into an empty space, extending toward the substrate 102. To provide an electrical path between the pad 104 and pin 106, a piece of solder 110 is deposited that contacts both the pad 104 and pin 106. The piece of solder 110 is deposited on one side of the pin 106 and contacts that side of the pin 106.


A projected capacitive touch sensor system includes a substrate that defines a plurality of non-overlapping areas. Each non-overlapping area includes a plurality of detection electrodes arranged in non-overlapping columns. The columns include a horizontal detection electrode that extends along substantially an entire height of a first column, and at least a second column of at least two vertical detection electrodes that are electrically isolated from one another. The system further includes a measuring circuit configured to measure a mutual capacitance between the horizontal detection electrode and each of the at least two vertical detection electrodes in a given area. A processing logic circuit of the system is configured to determine horizontal detection electrode and vertical detection electrode combinations that have a changed mutual capacitance. The processing logic is also configured to determine the touch location based on a location of the determined horizontal detection electrode and vertical electrode combinations.

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to touch sensors and touch sensor systems, and more particularly to projected capacitive touch sensors.
In a projected capacitive touch sensor, an outer surface may be provided over one or more layers having sense electrodes or sensors formed thereon. In contrast to common resistive touch sensors, the outer surface of a projected capacitive touch sensor may be a durable glass surface having high optical transparency for viewing images displayed by an underlying display device. The touch sensor may be positioned over a display device that displays graphical selections such as buttons and icons. When a user's finger touches the outer surface at a location corresponding to a desired selection displayed on the display device, the touch sensor system senses a change in capacitance associated with one or more of the electrodes. As used herein, a "projected capacitive" touch sensor is any capacitive touch sensor with a plurality of detection electrodes in the touch sensitive area, in contrast to a "surface capacitive" touch sensor that has a single detection electrode that covers the entire touch area.
Some projected capacitive touch sensors detect where a touch is located by measuring capacitance and then calculating (X,Y) coordinates. These detection algorithms may not yield accurate results in electrically noisy environments.
Each touch on the projected capacitive touch sensor is typically detected by at least two electrodes. The number of electrodes may vary depending on the size of the screen as well as the resolution desired.
For example, one type of a projected capacitive touch sensor system may have two electrode layers: a first electrode layer having parallel linear electrodes in a first direction and a second separate electrode layer having parallel linear electrodes in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, where the second electrode layer overlaps the first electrode layer. A virtue of such two electrode layer systems that have proven to be of interest to the marketplace is the ability to support two or more simultaneous touches as is used in two-finger zoom gestures. While being expensive to manufacture with its multiple electrode layers, this type of projected capacitive touch sensor system has the advantage of experiencing only modest coordinate distortions in the presence of electrical noise. The calculation of coordinates of a touch based on measured capacitance is susceptible to electrical noise. For instance, a 5% noise level may distort a coordinate measurement by about 5% of the width of a finger touch for this type of two-layer projected capacitive touch sensor. This level of distortion may be unacceptable for certain applications of the touch sensor.
Another type of a projected capacitive touch sensor system may have a "backgammon"-type electrode pattern configuration on a single layer containing two interleaved sets of generally triangular electrodes: one set ("set 1") with triangles pointing in one direction (e.g., up) and the other set ("set 2") with triangles pointing in the opposite direction (e.g., down), such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,297,811, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For such a backgammon-type system having a 3.5 inch diagonal measurement, the touch sensor may utilize close to fifty separate triangular-shaped electrodes on the single layer, and a seven-inch system may have more than one hundred electrodes. The single layer backgammon-type electrode configuration can provide multiple touch capability when pairs of touches excite disjoint sets of triangular-shaped electrodes, but has difficulty when the sets of excited electrodes from two simultaneous touches are not disjoint. For example if the triangular-shaped electrodes are aligned horizontally, detection of a pair of touches with similar vertical coordinates is problematic. Using a backgammon-type electrode configuration, the touch sensor may calculate two-dimensional coordinates after measuring capacitances from a single electrode layer, but unfortunately may be quite susceptible to electrical noise, which may negatively impact the determination of coordinates. For example, a 5% noise level may distort a coordinate (e.g. Y coordinate) measurement by 5% of the entire height of the touch area, which may be unacceptable for many touch applications.
With such concerns due to the low noise level requirements, the electronics required for these conventional projected capacitive touch sensor systems may drive the overall system production costs up, especially for larger touch sensor systems.
Accordingly, there is a need for low cost and higher noise-tolerant electrode touch sensor systems, such as projected capacitive touch systems, capable of detecting two or more simultaneous touches.

System and method for detecting locations of touches on a touch sensor


Example lavatory waste tube connection systems and related methods are discoed herein. An example apparatus includes an extension tube to be coupled to a system waste tube and a junction box to be coupled to a surface of a vehicle lavatory. The junction box is to define a housing for the extension tube.

Components of an aircraft lavatory system, such as a toilet, waste tube(s), a sink, etc., are typically assembled and positioned within a lavatory cabin prior to the lavatory cabin being installed in a fuselage of an aircraft. The lavatory cabin is generally compact in size to enable the lavatory cabin to fit within a predetermined area of the aircraft fuselage.

Lavatory waste tube connection systems and related methods


A device for use in a printing unit of a printing machine, with that printing unit comprising at least one roller of an inking unit or of a dampening unit of the printing unit and with at least one traverse drive for generating an axial traversing stroke of the roller, and also with at least one drive for the moving of the roller in a rotary manner. A magnetic coupling, which is comprised of an inner rotor and an outer rotor, is arranged between the roller and the drive. In order to compensate for the traversing stroke of the roller, the inner rotor and the outer rotor are movable relative to each other in the direction of the axis of rotation of the roller.

WO 2007/135155 A2 describes assemblies in a printing couple of a rotary printing press. Each such assembly is comprised of at least one forme cylinder, three ink forme rollers, two distribution rollers, and one ink flow dividing roller. Both of the distribution rollers are engaged directly against the ink flow dividing roller. One of the ink forme rollers is engaged against one of the distribution rollers and against the forme cylinder. The other two ink forme rollers are engaged against the distribution roller and against the forme cylinder. The forme cylinder is covered with a plurality of printing formes. The dampening unit of the printing couple includes a smoothing roller which executes an oscillating stroke in the axial direction of the roller. The oscillating stroke of the smoothing roller can be generated by a stand-alone drive. Alternatively, the generation of the oscillating stroke of the smoothing roller can be coupled to the drive for rotating the smoothing roller. In that case, the oscillating stroke of the smoothing roller is derived from the rotational motion by the use of a transmission.
WO 2005/007410 A2 describes a roller of an inking or dampening unit, which has both a separate motorized drive, that is embodied as a drive motor, and an oscillating drive. The roller is mounted on a spherical bushing, which is connected to the motor shaft of the drive motor through the use of an angle or bevel gear transmission, an angle compensating coupling, and a shaft, and which transmits torque. Such a mounting permits the transmission of rotational movement, while still allowing the roller to oscillate axially relative to the shaft. The balls of the spherical bushing run in longitudinal grooves in both the shaft and the bearing body. This allows torque to be transmitted, while allowing the bearing body to move axially relative to the shaft.
DE 101 61 889 A1 describes an inking unit of a printing press with an ink distribution roller. The ink distribution roller is connected to a drive motor by a magnetic coupling utilizing permanent magnets. The two coupling halves of the magnetic coupling are not able to move relative to one another in the direction of the rotational axis of the ink distribution roller.
DE 39 17 074 A1 and DE 1 233 416 B both disclose the use of electromagnetic clutches in inking units. A compensation for an oscillating stroke within the clutch is not suggested.
DE 10 2006 007 581 A1 describes an oscillating drive of a cylinder of a printing press, and which has a torque motor for rotationally driving the printing press cylinder. The rotor of the torque motor is rigidly connected to a journal of the printing press cylinder. Oscillating motion is enabled by the provision of a journal extension that extends beyond the torque motor, and with which journal extension a linear drive engages.

Device in a printing unit of a printing machine


Various embodiments of a system and method for archiving data items to one or more archival storage devices are described. According to some embodiments of the method, an archival software application may implement a plurality of producer agents, where each of the producer agents is executable to produce items of a different type. The archival software application may also implement a plurality of archiving agents for archiving the items produced by the producer agents to one or more archival storage devices. In some embodiments each of the archiving agents may be executable to archive any item of any type produced by the producer agents. The archival software application may also implement a plurality of indexing agents executable to create a searchable index of the items archived to the one or more storage devices.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a system and method for archiving distributed computer system data to one or more archival storage devices in an efficient and scalable manner.
2. Description of the Related Art
Large organizations typically use networked computer systems that include many different physical nodes, many of which produce data items such as emails, files, databases, etc. Current and frequently used data items are typically kept on fast but expensive storage devices. Organizations often employ archival software to move old or infrequently accessed data items to archival storage devices where they can be stored more cheaply. As part of the archival process, a searchable index is often created so that the archived data items can be easily searched for and located in the archives.
A large organization may include many different types of computer systems that produce many different types of data items. It can be very difficult for administrators to configure an archival system to archive and index all of the various types of data items produced by the different computer systems in such a way that the archival system makes efficient use of its computer resources, and in also in such a way that enables the archival system to be easily scaled up to handle increased workloads.

Scalable enterprise data archiving system


A disc-shaped magnetic recording medium has magnetic tracks that are arranged thereon substantially concentrically for writing and reading magnetic information. Assuming that a saturation magnetic field in a width direction extending in a radial direction from the center of the disc-shaped magnetic recording medium is HR, and a saturation magnetic field in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the radial direction is HC, HR/HC is set to a value within a range of 0.5 to 0.95 in each of the magnetic tracks, and magnetization information is recorded in the width direction of each magnetic track. In gap portions between the magnetic tracks located adjacent to each other in the radial direction, discrete portions for magnetically separating the adjacent magnetic tracks are formed, respectively. With this configuration, it is possible to realize recording and reproduction in the magnetic track width direction.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a new magnetic recording medium having magnetic tracks arranged substantially concentrically for writing and reading magnetic information, and discrete portions for magnetically separating the magnetic tracks located adjacent to each other in a radial direction, to thereby record magnetization information in a width direction of each magnetic track, and further relates to a new magnetic recording and reproducing system employing such a magnetic recording medium.
2. Description of the Related Art
For the purpose of reducing influence between the adjacent magnetic tracks to thereby realize a high track density, there have been proposed so-called discrete track mediums that are provided with magnetically separating layers (discrete portions) at gap portions between the adjacent magnetic tracks. Presently, the proposed discrete track mediums are roughly classified into two types depending on a direction of recorded magnetization information, i.e. the discrete track medium of the in-plane longitudinal recording type where the magnetization information is recorded in an in-plane longitudinal direction along a circumferential direction of the medium, and the discrete track medium of the perpendicular recording type where the magnetization information is recorded in a thickness direction of a recording layer.
In case of the discrete track medium of the in-plane longitudinal recording type, following improvement in linear recording density, it is necessary to enhance a coercivity (HC) of the medium for preventing demagnetization caused by a demagnetization field, and there arises a tendency that recording by a magnetic head becomes difficult in the medium having a high coercivity.
On the other hand, in case of the discrete track medium of the perpendicular recording type, it is necessary to achieve a sharp recording magnetic field for realizing a high recording density. For this purpose, it is necessary to provide a thick high magnetic permeability layer under the medium recording layer, and therefore, there arise problems of increase in manufacturing cost of the medium and occurrence of noise due to movement of magnetic domain walls in the thick high magnetic permeability layer.
As one means for solving such problems, a method of recording (in-plane width direction recording or transverse magnetic recording) in a width direction of each magnetic track can be considered as one interesting technique.
However, with respect to such a recording technique in the magnetic track width direction, realization of recording and reproduction is practically quite difficult, and therefore, there have been no specific proposals about structures of a recording medium and a recording and reproducing system.
The present invention has been made under these circumstances, and has an object to provide a new magnetic recording medium that enables realization of the recording and reproduction in the magnetic track width direction, and further provide a new recording and reproducing system.
Owing to such a new magnetic recording medium and such a new recording and reproducing system, there are achieved various merits derived from the recording and reproduction in the magnetic track width direction, such as (1) while being of the in-plane recording type, the medium causes no self-demagnetization even in high linear recording density, and therefore, it is not necessary to greatly enhance a coercivity of the medium, so that designing of a recording head is facilitated, (2) there are no demagnetization fields between recording bits, and therefore, a thickness of a magnetic layer of the medium can be increased as compared with the conventional longitudinal direction recording, so that it is possible to improve a problem of loss of magnetization information caused by thermal fluctuation, (3) a gap length of a magnetic head is about a magnetic track width of the medium, so that designing of the magnetic head is facilitated, and (4) owing to the discrete track structure, higher track densification is made possible.

Magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording and reproducing system