The invention relates to a device for at least partially drying separated electronic components comprising: a carrier for the electronic components; a moisture-absorbing material; and a holder covered with the moisture-absorbing material, wherein the holder and the carrier are displaceable relative to each other such that the electronic components for drying can be brought into contact with the moisture-absorbing material.

1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device and method for drying separated electronic components.
2) Description of the Prior Art
During the process of manufacturing electronic components, such as more particularly semiconductor products, these are usually separated (which can also be referred to as singulated or divided) from a larger unit of electronic components. The electronic components are usually manufactured in a larger unit of electronic components. Examples hereof are for instance packages with a plurality of encapsulated electronic components, and wafers. During separation use is generally made during machining processes of flushing liquid, although the separation can also take place using a cutting liquid. For the least possible impact on the processing steps following separation, it is desirable that the separated electronic components are dried before they are subjected to other processing steps.
It is known here to make use of a device according to the preamble of claim 1. In such devices the separated electronic components are placed on the carrier, after which they are brought into contact with a moisture-absorbing material arranged on a holder by the holder and the carrier being displaced relative to each other. In the known cases the holder is here a roller and the carrier a surface, wherein the roller and the separated electronic components are displaced relative to each other. Such devices have the drawback however that the moisture-absorbing material loses its effect after a period of time because it becomes saturated with absorbed moisture. As soon as the moisture-absorbing material is saturated, the device can no longer carry out its function properly, and there is the danger of the electronic components being subjected to a subsequent processing step when not completely dry.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for at least partially drying separated electronic components which at least partially obviates the above stated drawbacks.

Device and method for drying separated electronic components


System and methods of synchronizing reference frequencies are disclosed. In an exemplary implementation, a method may comprise providing separate reference frequencies for each of a plurality of operational components. The method may also comprise connecting the separate reference frequencies to one another in a modular, fault-tolerant circuit topology. The method may also comprise synchronizing the separate reference frequencies so that each of the operational components operate at the same frequency.

Multi-component computer systems often require that each component be operating at the same frequency. Even very small tolerances may be unacceptable. For example, the operating system in a multi-processor computer system may require that each processor be operating at the same frequency so that the operating system can expect processes to complete at the same time regardless of which processor is executing the process.
A single clock is typically implemented as a universal reference for all of the components in a multi-component computer system, and the clock signal is distributed to each of the components in the multi-component system. However, this architecture necessarily has a single point of failure (i.e., the single clock), which may result in a system-wide failure.

Systems and methods of synchronizing reference frequencies

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A coated particle for synthesizing diamond includes: a single crystal of a fine diamond particle coated with at least one layer which contains at least one kind of solvent metal powder for synthesizing diamond and/or at least one kind of solvent metal powder with organic bonding material. Diamond abrasive particles for sawing are produced by a process which includes the steps of: coating fine diamond particles with at least one layer which contains at least one kind of solvent metal powder for synthesizing diamond and/or at least one kind of solvent metal powder with organic bonding material, filling a molding with the coated fine diamond particles, compacting, arranging a compact in a synthesizing vessel, heating the compact to a temperature above a solvent metal-graphite melting point under a pressure condition in which diamond is thermodynamically stable, and recovering the diamond abrasive particles.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a single crystal diamond particle having 20.about.60 U.S. mesh (hereafter "mesh" means U.S. mesh) and the method of making the diamond particle. The diamond particle is used as an abrasive for sawing, especially to cut stone, concrete, and asphalt.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
Because stone, concrete, and asphalt are hard and brittle materials, diamond particles, which are used as an abrasive for sawing to cut the above materials, must be of high-strength and not friable. There is a strong mutual relationship between cutting performance (tool life) and particle strength. Moreover, it is well known that the particle strength depends on the perfection and symmetry of the diamond particle shape.
When there is a lack portion 29 (e.g., a broken portion or a portion not completely grown) at the surface of a diamond particle 28, as shown in FIG. 11A, the strength of the particle decreases depending on the extent of the lack portion. FIG. 11B shows a long and narrow diamond particle 30 and a sharp-edged diamond particle 30. Such diamond particles have low strength due to lack of symmetry. A high-strength diamond particle is required to have no or minimal lack portion and good symmetry.
The environment for growing diamond can cause a lack portion or poor symmetry of the grown diamond product. When growing diamonds have insufficient distance around them, the growing diamonds contact each other or are unnaturally restricted, even though not contacting, by supply of raw material and the surroundings. For these reasons, many synthesized diamond particles have lack portion(s) and bad symmetry. Therefore, it is necessary to have sufficient distance between growing diamonds to synthesize high-strength diamonds.
However, providing sufficient distance is contrary to economical demands, which require manufacturers to grow as many diamond particles as possible in a limited-space diamond synthesizing vessel. It is required industrially to grow diamonds as densely together as possible, maintaining the lowest necessary distance between the grown particles.
There are generally two methods of synthesizing a diamond particle, which methods are described below.
The first method, as shown in FIG. 12A, is that a compact ("compact" is defined as a powder or particle compacted in a die or mold), including a mixture of non-diamond carbon powder raw material (usually graphite and hereafter referred to as "raw carbon") and solvent metal powder (usually a combination of Fe, Co, Ni, Cr, and Mn and hereafter referred to as "solvent metal"), for diamond synthesizing is maintained at a thermodynamically stable region for diamond and above the melting point temperature of metal-graphite (usually 5.about.6 GPa and 1300.about.1600.degree. C.). (This method is hereafter referred to as the "powder method.")
The second method, as shown in FIG. 12B, is that a multilayer arrangement of raw carbon plates 7 and solvent metal plates 6 is maintained at a thermodynamically stable region for diamond and over the melting point temperature of metal-graphite, the same as in the powder method. (This method is hereafter referred to as the "multilayer method.")
Comparing these two methods, it is thought that the powder method is superior to the multilayer method in terms of yield since the three-dimensional space of the synthesizing vessel is effectively used, and the multilayer method is superior to the powder method in terms of strength of the resulting diamond particles since interference between synthesized diamond particles is limited in one plane.
For effective manufacturing of intended particle size diamond in these two methods, fine single-crystal diamond particles are dispersed as seed crystals in the mixture or in the solvent metal plate. In this case, diamond particles are synthesized around the seed crystals.
In these manufacturing procedures, the diamond particles are synthesized to larger than the intended particle size, and moreover, many produced diamond particles have lack portions and poor symmetry because of interference at the densely arranged portion.
The multilayer method is proposed and practically used in that the seed crystals 1 are arranged regularly in the solvent metal plate 6 as shown in FIG. 13 to resolve the issue (see, for example, Tokko-shou 63-57099, corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,547,257, and Tokkai-hei 5-23574, corresponding to U.S. Pat No. 5,194,070). This method results in a higher-strength product and a higher yield ratio of the intended diamond particle size than previous techniques. The seed crystals are arranged ideally in a plane, but the yield is insufficient since there is un-used space in the vertical direction.
The seed crystals are isolated by only the liquid phase of the solvent metal under the synthesizing conditions of the diamond, and therefore, the arrangement sometimes results in rough and dense portions of diamonds because of movement of the seed crystals.

Coated particles for synthesizing diamond and process for production of diamond abrasive for sawing


A variable compression ratio device may include a piston assembly having double pistons of which the volume may be varied, a lifter relatively moving one piston of the double pistons with respect to the other piston of the double pistons, a guide unit engaged with the piston assembly and guiding a movement of the one piston with respect to the other piston, and a locking unit selectively coupling the one piston to the other piston.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a variable compression ratio device, and more particularly, to a variable compression ratio device capable of varying a compression ratio by varying a protrusion height of an inner piston which is coupled to an outer piston so as to move in an axial direction, and an internal combustion engine including the same.
2. Description of Related Art
In general, a compression ratio of an internal combustion engine is represented by a ratio of a maximum volume of a combustion chamber before compression to a minimum volume of the combustion chamber after compression during a compression stroke of the internal combustion engine.
When the compression ratio of the internal combustion engine is increased, the output of the internal combustion engine increases. However, when the compression ratio of the internal combustion engine is excessively high, a so-called knocking may occur to reduce the output of the internal combustion engine. Furthermore, the internal combustion engine may be overheated or a valve or piston trouble may occur in the internal combustion engine.
Thus, the compression ratio of the internal combustion engine is set to a specific value within a proper range before a knocking occurs. When the compression ratio is properly varied according to a load of the internal combustion engine, the fuel efficiency and output of the internal combustion engine may be improved. Therefore, various methods for varying the compression ratio of the internal combustion engine have been proposed.
The methods for varying the compression ratio of the internal combustion engine may include methods for varying the volume of a combustion chamber during a compression stroke.
For example, the level of top dead center of the piston may be varied during the compression stroke, or the volume of a secondary combustion chamber provided in a cylinder head may be increased or decreased.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,284,512 has disclosed a double piston structure having an outer piston and an inner piston, and the outer piston varies a compression ratio while moved vertically by a hydraulic actuator.
The variable compression ratio device having the above-described double piston structure requires a structural improvement for response and durability.
The information disclosed in this Background of the Invention section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

Variable compression ratio device and internal combustion engine including the same


There is disclosed a construction in which the shaking of a cutting carriage due to a clearance is prevented, thereby enhancing cutting precision. The cutting carriage includes at least one rotary blade for cutting a sheet, and a pair of opposed driven rotary members held respectively against obverse and reverse surfaces of a guide track member, said pair of driven rotary members being rotated in accordance with the movement of the cutting carriage along said guide track member. The cutting carriage for sheet cutting can include a pair of rotary blades which are forcibly rotated respectively by the pair of driven rotary members when these driven rotary members are rotated. Preferably, the pair of rotary blades are held in press-contact with each other at a toe-in angle. A sheet cutter of the invention includes the guide track member having a flat plate portion extending in a direction of a cutting width, and the carriage guided by this guide track member, and a moving device, such as a screw and a wire, for moving the cutting carriage. Preferably, the obverse surface of the flat plate portion serves as a surface for supporting the sheet thereon, and also serves as a travel surface for one of the pair of driven rotary members. The sheet is held between the flat plate portion and the one driven rotary member during the movement of the cutting carriage.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a cutting carriage for sheet cutting used in a copier, a facsimile machine, a printer or the like, and also relates to a sheet cutter using such a carriage.
2. Related Art
One example of conventional sheet cutters, mounted on a recording apparatus such as a copier, a printer and a facsimile machine, is a so-called rotary-type cutter as disclosed in Japanese Patent Examined Publication No. 50-24466, in which two blades, having a width corresponding to a cutting width, are provided, and one of the two blades is rotated, and is brought into press-contact with the other blade in intersecting relation thereto, thereby cutting a sheet.
Another conventional sheet cutter is a so-called Guillotine-type sheet cutter as disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Examined Publication No. 58-37594, in which two blades, having a width corresponding to a cutting width, are provided, and one of the two blades is moved vertically (upward and downward), and is brought into sliding contact with the other blade, thereby cutting a sheet.
These cutters have an advantage that the sheet can be cut rapidly since there are used the two blades having the width corresponding to the cutting width.
These cutters have an advantage that the cutting speed is high since there are used the two blades having the width corresponding to the cutting width. However, the blades are large in size, and therefore there has been encountered a problem that a load required for driving the blade is large.
Under the circumstances, there has been proposed a sheet cutter of the blade moving-type as disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Unexamined Publication Nos. 4-128195 and 3-88688, in which a circular blade or a knife edge blade is moved in sliding contact with a stationary blade, having a substantially straight cutting edge extending in a direction of a cutting width of a sheet, thereby cutting the sheet.
In this sheet cutter of the blade moving-type, the blade itself is moved, and the size of the moving blade is not limited by the cutting width, and can be small, and therefore there is an advantage that a load, required for driving the blade, is smaller as compared with the load required in the above rotary-type and Guillotine-type cutters. Therefore, the sheet cutter of the blade moving-type is advantageous in that the sheet cutter itself can be formed into a small size.
Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication Nos. 7-52085, 7-24782, 5-177585, 2-250793 and 8-57797 and Japanese Utility Model Unexamined Publication No. 1-149286 disclose a sheet cutter of the blade moving-type in which instead of using a stationary blade, a pair of circular blades are combined together in press-contact with each other, and the pair of circular blades are moved in a cutting direction, thereby cutting a sheet by the press-contacted portions of the two circular blades.
In this sheet cutter of the blade-moving type, there is no need to provide a stationary blade having a length corresponding to the cutting width, and therefore this construction is advantageous in that the size of the sheet cutter can be further reduced.
The above sheet cutter of the blade moving-type can be of a smaller size, and therefore it is advantageous to incorporate this type of sheet cutter in an office automation machine, such as a copier, a facsimile machine and a printer, which is required to have a space-saving design.
In such a blade-moving type sheet cutter, regardless of whether it is the type of sheet cutter using a stationary blade or the type of sheet cutter having a pair of rotary blades movable in a cutting direction, there is needed a carriage which supports the blade, and is movable in a cutting direction.
In connection with a blade moving-type sheet cutter using a stationary blade, Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 7-124892 discloses a carriage having a bearing mechanism rotatably supporting a circular blade (rotary blade).
This publication also discloses a carriage in which a roller is provided coaxially with the rotary blade, and the roller is brought into contact with the stationary blade to thereby forcibly rotate the rotary blade.
The inventor of the present invention has studied these cutting carriages incorporating the rotary blade, and has found a problem that positional accuracy or precision is lowered by a clearance between a guide rail (guide track member) and the carriage during the cutting operation.
More specifically, because of a very small gap or clearance, a defective cut portion is produced, and the blade deviates from a straight line along which the cutting is to be effected, thereby lowering the accuracy or precision.

Cutting carriage for sheet cutting and sheet cutter using same


Systems and methods for incentivizing user participation in gameplay events that take place in an online game are presented herein. The gameplay events may include one or more time intervals that take place during the duration of the gameplay event. The time intervals may be associated with incentivizing one or more actions and/or activities by the users during the intervals. The users may be distributed awards based on their performance during the intervals. The awards associated with time interval performance may impact awards distributed based on final ranking in the gameplay event.

Users may access virtual spaces via client computing platforms. A virtual space may include, for example, an online game. Content within the online game may include game entities that represent users and/or virtual objects that are available for use by the users. Game entities may include one or more of a virtual character, group of characters, a virtual object, a battalion, a clan, a unit, a village, an army, and/or other considerations. Virtual objects may include virtual items and/or goods. Virtual items and/or goods may include one or more of a virtual weapon, a tool, a food, a currency, a reward, a bonus, health, a potion, an enhancement, a mount, a power-up, a speed-up, clothing, a vehicle, an anatomical feature of a character, a troop or troop type, a pet, a virtual resource, and/or other virtual items and/or goods. Events may take place in the online game, such as a tournament. Users may be awarded virtual items based on their performance in the events.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Systems and methods for incentivizing participation in gameplay events in an online game


Disclosed is a hearing device configured to be worn in an ear of a user. The hearing device is configured to provide an audio signal to the user. The hearing device comprises a circuit assembly. The circuit assembly comprises a printed circuit board assembly. The printed circuit board assembly comprises: a first circuit board; a second circuit board; and a third circuit board interconnected with the first circuit board and the second circuit board. The circuit assembly comprises a battery, and an output transducer for providing the audio signal, wherein the printed circuit board assembly is folded about the battery and the output transducer.

Hearing devices are used more and more by all kinds of people. Hearing devices may be used for listening to music, having phone calls etc. Hearing devices may be hearing aids used for compensating a hearing loss of the user.
Small and compact wireless hearing devices are gaining popularity as they are easy to bring along in a bag or pocket, comfortable to wear and visually appealing.
US2016050474A discloses a circuit assembly including a printed circuit board assembly. The printed circuit board assembly includes a first circuit board, a second circuit board, and a first flexible substrate interposed between, and continuous with, the first circuit board and the second circuit board. A second flexible substrate extends from, and is continuous with, the second circuit board. One or more electronic circuits comprising electronic components are disposed along one or more of the first circuit board or the second circuit board. The printed circuit board assembly is folded about a battery, with the first circuit board adjacent to the first major face, the second circuit board adjacent to the second major face, and the first flexible substrate spanning the one or more side faces.
However, there is a need for an improved small and compact hearing device.

Hearing device with printed circuit board assembly and output transducer


An apparatus, method, and computer readable medium for automatically notifying a network administrator of a mismatch between a current software version level in a telecommunications switch and a corresponding entry in a database. The apparatus includes a computer for querying the telecommunications switch for the current software version level of the switch and for querying the database, wherein the database is associated with a switch translation system and the database includes an entry associated with the software version level of the switch. The computer compares the current software version level of the switch with the database entry associated with the software version level of the switch. The method and the computer readable medium include establishing communication between a host computer and a telecommunications switch; querying the switch for the current software version level of the switch; establishing communications between the host computer and a switch translation system; querying a database associated with the switch translation system for a corresponding entry in the database associated with the software version level of the switch; storing the current software version level of the switch in a data store associated with the host computer; and storing the database entry in a data store associated with the host computer.

Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs) rely on one or more switching platforms (e.g., central office switches) to provide their telecommunications network users with their existing and future communications needs. An RBOC may have several switches deployed in a given geographical region while the total number of switches across their network may total in the hundreds. For example, BellSouth Corporation currently deploys four separate switches in the state of Kentucky alone. The number of switches deployed in each state varies according to the particular communications needs of the state.
At one time switches were single-function machines designed to connect voice circuits. Today, however, switches are very sophisticated and must meet the evolutionary demands of communications services such as data, images, and personal communications. In addition, instead of being located just at the central office, the switches are now deployed across many telephone network nodes that are closer to the communications user and able to meet the user's customized needs. To meet these current and evolutionary communications needs there are several suppliers of switches such as Lucent Technologies, Nortel, and Siemens. Also, each switch supplier makes several different types of switches depending on the ultimate application and functionality required by the telecommunications network operator. For example, Lucent Technologies makes the 5ESS switch; Nortel makes the DMS SuperNode System (e.g., DMS-100/200, DMS-100/500); and Siemens makes the EWSD Digital Switching System.
Each switch includes a customized set of features designed to meet a region's existing telecommunications requirements. The features and functionality included in a particular switch are commonly in the form of software loaded in the switch. The current software version level of the switch is commonly referred to in the telecommunications industry as the "switch generic level." As switch requirements increase to meet the telecommunications needs of the user the switch suppliers provide software upgrades for each switch. Because loading new software versions in a switch is time consuming and expensive, new software is loaded only if there is adequate demand for the new features. For example, the software version level of a switch may be upgraded to offer caller ID service in a region. The software version level of the switch also may be upgraded if the government requires the telecommunications network operator to provide users with particular features that meet government mandates such as offering number pooling and 911 services. Whenever the software version of the switch is upgraded the switch generic level is increased and a database associated with the software version level of the switch is updated with new tables and fields to be populated.
The updated switch database tables and fields generally will not match the tables and fields located in the telephone switch engineering Mechanized Translation System (MTS), which is used to input and document switch translations across the network. The MTS is a specific software application supplied by Lucent Technologies, Inc., which downloads new software to telephone switches. Generally, the MTS is a database system that mirrors a substantial portion of the software in a switch. For example, the MTS mirrors the routing and billing software of the switch, which contains tables and route indexes. Therefore, if the switch generic level is upgraded, the MTS database associated with the switch must be upgraded to match the switch generic level so that the database tables and fields match. Accordingly, for the telephone network to operate properly the switch database tables and fields must match those of the MTS database. The Complex Translation Group (CTG), which is part of the Network Infrastructure Support Center (NISC) is the group primarily responsible for implementing the changes to the MTS databases when the switch generic level is updated. The CTG is responsible for adding complex translations to the switch such as completing switch translations for Centrex, area code overlays, area code splits, and new NXXs. Each CTG has a system administrator that receives orders by way of fax, phone, and e-mail. The switch translation orders are processed by the MTS. Therefore, a failure occurs when there is a mismatch between the MTS database and the switch database.
The MTS system administrator is supposed to be notified when the switch generic level is updated so that the corresponding changes can be made to the MTS database. However, there is no automatic system or method in place for automatically notifying the system administrator of the need to update the MTS database. A problem that arises when the system administrator is not notified to update the MTS database is that the CTG technicians cannot complete the switch translation procedures because of the mismatches between the two databases.


A marine propulsion system drive unit is provided with a polymer layer to protect its outer surface from abrasion and corrosion. The polymer layer is injection molded around the outer surface of a metallic gear case structure or drive shaft housing to provide a coat which is approximately 3 millimeters thick and which will resist scratching and corrosion. The polymer layer can be a glass filled polymer or a carbon filled polymer. An adhesion promoter can be used to enhance the bonding and intimate contact between the inner surface of the polymer layer and the outer surface of the metallic gear case structure or drive shaft housing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is generally related to a marine propulsion system and, more particularly, to a marine propulsion system in which the drive unit is overmolded with a thin overmolded layer of a polymer material to protect the metallic drive unit from corrosion.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Those skilled in the art of marine propulsion systems are aware that metallic drive units are subject to corrosion, particularly when used in salt water. In order to inhibit corrosion of the metallic drive unit, the gear case and drive shaft housing are often painted with a corrosion inhibiting primer and at least one coat of paint. However, when the paint is scratched or gouged, the protective characteristic of the primer and paint coats can become severely degraded.
Those skilled in the art of polymer materials and overmolding techniques are well aware of many products on which a polymer overmolded layer is used to seal or protect a surface of an object.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,687, which issued to Idzikowski et al. on Jan. 30, 1996, discloses a midsection and cowl assembly for an outboard marine drive. The drive has a midsection between the upper power head and the lower gear case and has a removable midsection cowl assembly including first and second cowl sections. The midsection housing includes an oil sump in one embodiment and further includes an exhaust passage partially encircled by cooling water and partially encircled by engine oil for muffling engine exhaust noise. The midsection housing also has an oil drain arrangement providing complete and clean oil draining while the outboard drive is mounted on a boat and in the water wherein the operator can change oil without leaving the confines of the boat and entering the water.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,468,119, which issued to Hasl et al. on Oct. 22, 2002, describes a composite sterndrive assembly. The assembly is configured for utilization in an inboard/outboard power plant for a boat. The sterndrive assembly includes a central rigid core that is configured at an upper portion to be coupled to the stern of a carrying boat. A lower portion of the core is designed to accept a boat moving force generated by a water propulsion unit that is coupled thereto. A thin-walled housing is configured to be secured about a predominance of the centrally located rigid core. The housing has an outer surface that establishes an exterior of the sterndrive assembly and an inner surface directed generally toward the central rigid core. A portion of an exterior surface of the central rigid core is configured to cooperate with a corresponding portion of the inner surface of the thin-walled housing. These two portions, when in cooperative orientation one with the other, form a functional feature for the sterndrive assembly.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,656,376, which issued to Rafferty et al. on Aug. 12, 1997, describes composite and fairwater structures for marine vessels. In a marine vessel having a drive shaft that extends rearwardly from its hull, wherein the drive shaft has a coupling and a bearing assembly along its length that are supported by struts, which struts are also secured to the hull of the vessel, a coupling cover encompasses a coupling and is mounted adjacent to a bearing assembly. A fairwater encompasses the coupling cover and is attached to the bearing assembly for the strut associated therewith to define a chamber and a clearance space between the fairwater and the coupling cover for directing fluids therethrough and through the bearing assembly to lubricate such bearing assembly. Vanes are located on the coupling cover or on a separate support located within such chamber to enhance the fluid flow through the bearing assembly. A laminate for use in the structures of the coupling cover, the fairwater, struts, vanes and supports is disclosed, wherein the laminate includes a fiber-reinforced toughened epoxy resin layer sandwiched between a vibration-damping elastomer layer and a biocidal elastomer layer; the marine laminate material can be shaped and sized into a marine structure and exhibits desirable marine properties including cavitation-resistance, anti-fouling and vibration damping.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,583, which issued to Tanbara on Apr. 30, 1991, describes a corrosion prevention system for a marine propulsion system. A marine propulsion system of the type having a sacrificial anode for corrosion protection of the casing includes structure whereby the propeller is electrically insulated from the casing and the sacrificial anode. The structure includes spacers made of insulating materials, spacers having insulating coatings, or insulating coatings on the surfaces of the propeller or the propeller shaft. Electrical insulation of the propeller prevents unsightly and efficiency-reducing depositions on the propeller surfaces and reduces the required size of the anode.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,669, which issued to Staerzl on Jan. 16, 2001, discloses an apparatus and method for inhibiting fouling of an underwater surface. A marine fouling prevention system comprises two conductive surfaces and a device that alternates the direction of electric current between the two surfaces. The current is caused to flow through seawater in which the two surfaces are submerged or partially submerged. A monitor measures the current flowing from one of the two conduction surfaces and compares it to the current flowing into the other conduction surface to assure that no leakage of current of substantial quantity exists. The system applies a low magnitude current density, of approximately 0.10 to 0.50 milliamperes per square foot, for an extended duration of time of approximately 10 to 20 minutes. By alternating current direction between the two surfaces, both surfaces can be provided with sufficient chlorine gas bubbles to prevent marine growth from attaching to the surfaces.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,472, which issued to Staerzl on Apr. 3, 2001, discloses an apparatus and method for inhibiting fouling of an underwater surface. A system for inhibiting marine organism growth on underwater surfaces provides an electric current generator which causes an electric current to flow proximate the underwater surface. A source of power, such as a battery, provides electrical power to the electric current generator. The flow of current passes from the underwater surface through water surrounding the surface or in contact with the surface, and a point of ground potential. The point of ground potential can be a marine propulsion system attached to a boat on which the underwater surface is contained.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,952, which issued to Staerzl on Apr. 15, 2003, discloses a system for inhibiting fouling of an underwater surface. An electrically conductive surface is combined with a protective surface of glass in order to provide an anode from which electrons can be transferred to seawater for the purpose of generating gaseous chlorine on the surface to be protected. Ambient temperature cure glass (ATC glass) provides a covalent bond on an electrically conductive surface, such as nickel-bearing paint. In this way, boat hulls, submerged portions of outboard motors, and submerged portions of sterndrive systems can be protected effectively from the growth of marine organisms, such as barnacles. The electrically conductive surface generates electrons into the seawater in order to create chlorine gas at the surface which inhibits and discourages marine growth. The protective coating of glass inhibits the migration of metal ions from the electrically conductive surface into the seawater and therefore inhibits corrosive degradation as a result of galvanic action.
The patents described above are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in the description of the present invention.
It is known that various types of coatings, such as paint, can be used to protect surfaces of components that would otherwise be subjected to corrosive attack because of the environment in which they are used. It is also known that composite structures can be attached to the external surfaces of marine drives, such as the systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,487,687 and 6,468,119. It would be significantly beneficial if an overmolded layer could be quickly and efficiently applied to a marine propulsion system that provides a rugged protective overmolded layer that is more durable than paint and more inexpensively applied than preformed housing elements that are later attached to the marine drive.

Marine drive unit overmolded with a polymer material


A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a slide carried by the vehicle and having a moveable portion, a seat carried by the moveable portion and including a seat bottom and a seat back pivotally connected together for movement between an open position and a folded position, and a pivot connector connected between the movable portion and the seat to permit pivoted movement of the seat relative to the slide. In one presently preferred implementation, the pivot connector is connected to the seat back and the entire seat may be pivoted about the pivot connector to move the seat relative to and preferably into a forward or a rearward area in the vehicle interior. The slide permits sliding or generally horizontal movement of the seat in the vehicle and the seat may be pivoted and/or moved into a variety of positions.

Passenger vehicles typically include a plurality of seats to receive and support vehicle occupants. The seats include a seat bottom or cushion, a seat back, and often a head rest attached to the seat back. The seat back may be pivoted relative to the seat bottom, and the entire seat may be slidably adjustable forward and rearward in the vehicle for increased passenger comfort. In some vehicles, the seat back may be folded flat against the seat cushion providing a horizontal surface in the vehicle. For example, in sport utility vehicles, seats in back rows of the vehicles may be folded flat so that the seat can become part of a cargo area of the vehicle when the seat is not in use.


An antenna for the non-contact interface of a plug-in dual-interface smart card, wherein the plug-in smart card includes a card module and chip base, the antenna includes a substrate, antenna loop fixed on the first surface of the substrate, and the first and second pins of the antenna, wherein the substrate comprises a structure to cooperate with the card module, the first and second contact points on the second surface, and the first and second vias. The first and second contact points and structure cooperating with the card module are arranged on the substrate on the position corresponding to the contact points of the plug-in smart card. The first and second antenna pins connect with the first and second contact points via the first and second vias.

Nowadays, in an IC card with non-contact capability, such as a dual-interface smart card with ID-1 size, the RF antenna loop 111 is always positioned in the chip base 122 of the card, with the two connection points of the antenna loop 111 directly connected with lead wires of the chip 123 of the smart card, as shown in FIG. 1.
As the application of the smart IC card develops, dual-interface smart IC card garners more attention for its double work interfaces and convenient non-contact application mode. Applied in embedded devices such as mobile telephones to realize mobile payment, identity authentication, etc., it will bring much more convenience to our daily lives.
A dual-interface smart card has its unique features in applications of mobile telephones. Take dual-interface SIM card for instance, the contact interfaces get across the SIM neck, and the required working electrical signals such as VCC, CLK and I/O are provided by the mobile telephone. Yet, the non-contact interface of the dual-interface SIM card depends on RF antenna to provide signals such as clock and data for its work. For power signal, the power is provided by VCC when the mobile telephone is on; otherwise, the power is provided by the RF antenna. However, the present scheme that the antenna of ID-1 card is positioned in the chip base cannot meet the application requirement for the embedded devices such as mobile telephones.
Nowadays, the mobile payment scheme based on the mobile phone, which is carried out in countries such as Japan and South Korea, applies the scheme of modifying the mobile phone. The smart IC card with expense payment function is positioned in the mobile phone, and its RF antenna is positioned on the mainboard or backside of the special cell phone battery and connected with the smart IC card via specially designed contact points. This solution has relatively high cost, since it relates to modification of the mobile phone. In the application environment of mobile telecommunications in China, the cost for modification of mobile phones in this method is very evident. The user should purchase a mobile phone with a mobile payment function if he/she wants to use a mobile payment function. Therefore, the utility expense of the user is very high, which would limit the development of mobile payment business.

Antenna for the plug-in dual-interface smart card


A magnetic write head assembly has a head surface and a track width at the head surface wherein the head surface forms a first vertical plane and wherein the head assembly includes first and second pole pieces, a write gap located between the first and second pole pieces, the second pole piece having first and second components wherein the first component is located between the write gap and the second component and each of the first and second components has a height into the head which extends from and which is oriented perpendicular to said head surface, the first component having a uniform thickness throughout its height into the head with the height into the head forming a zero throat (ZTH) which lies in a second vertical plane that is parallel to said first vertical plane, the height into the head of the second component being greater than the height into the head of the first component, and each of the first and second components having said track width at the head surface.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a stitched write head with a staircase defined second pole piece (P2) throat height and, more particularly, to such a write head and method of making wherein a first component of P2 can be fabricated on a planar surface for defining the throat height and a second component of P2 can be fabricated on a planar surface including the first component with a track width so that the second component can be employed as a mask for ion milling the first component with the track width.
2. Description of the Related Art
The heart of a computer is a magnetic disk drive which includes a rotating magnetic disk, a slider that has a magnetic head assembly which includes write and read heads, a suspension arm. When the disk is not rotating the actuator arm parks the suspension arm on a ramp. When the disk rotates and the slider is positioned by the arm above the disk air is swirled by the rotating disk adjacent an air bearing surface (ABS) of the slider causing the slider to ride on an air bearing a slight distance from the surface of the rotating disk. When the slider rides on the air bearing the actuator arm swings the suspension arm to place the write and read heads over selected circular tracks on the rotating disk where signal fields are written and read by the write and read heads. The write and read heads are connected to processing circuitry that operates according to a computer program to implement the writing and reading functions.
A write head typically employs ferromagnetic first and second pole pieces which are capable of carrying flux signals for the purpose of writing signal fields into a track on a magnetic medium, such as a rotating magnetic disk. Each of the first and second pole pieces has a yoke region which is located between a pole tip region and a back gap region. The pole tip region is located at the ABS and the back gap region is spaced from the pole tip region at a recessed location within the write head. At least one coil layer is embedded in an insulation stack which is located between the first and second pole pieces in the yoke region. A nonmagnetic write gap layer is located between the pole tips of the first and second pole pieces and the first and second pole pieces are magnetically connected at the back gap. Processing circuitry digitally energizes the write coil which induces flux into the first and second pole pieces so that flux signals bridge across the write gap at the ABS to write the aforementioned signal field or magnetized bits into the track of the rotating disk.
A write head is typically rated by its areal density which is a product of its linear bit density and its track width density. The linear bit density is the number of bits which can be written per linear inch along the track of a rotating magnetic disk and the track width density is the number of tracks that can be written per inch along a radius of the rotating magnetic disk. The linear bit density is quantified as bits per inch (BPI) and the track width density is quantified as tracks per inch (TPI). The linear bit density depends upon the thickness of the write gap layer, pole materials, throat height, flight height and media characteristics. The track width density is directly dependent upon the width of the second pole tip at the ABS. Efforts over the years to increase the areal density has resulted in increased computer storage capacities over the past few decades.
The throat height of a write head plays a key role in obtaining a desirable BPI. The throat height of a write head is the distance from the ABS to a recessed location within the head where the first and second pole pieces first commence to separate after the ABS. The recessed location is referred to in the art as the zero throat height (ZTH). As write gap and flight height is decreased, the short throat height length is required to render high efficiencies with sufficient write field and field gradient for linear bit definition. The tolerance control of throat height variation is critical for a short throat height writer to ensure consistent writer performance and device yield. In order to achieve superior tolerance control, a planar surface is greatly preferred for the photolithographic process which defines zero throat position.
Another aspect in the construction of high areal density write heads is the track width density of the head. The track width density depends upon the distance between the first and second side walls of the second pole piece. Frame plating is typically employed to fabricate the second pole tip which is defined by a photolithographic pattern prior to plating. When the second pole tip is a separate component of the second pole piece, which is fabricated before the fabrication of the yoke portion of the second pole piece, the first and second side surfaces of the second pole tip can be well-defined.
A typical design is to employ a first pole piece (P1) pedestal for defining the throat height. In order to achieve required magnetic performance, however, the throat height of the pedestal must be long (1.0 μm–2 μm) so that the P1 pedestal is not over-saturated causing a low write efficiency for a writer with narrow write gap and track width. Another scheme for achieving the throat height is to fabricate a first component of the second pole piece over a resist bump. The resist bump elevates the first component so as to define the throat height. Unfortunately, the resist bump creates a non-planar structure near the ABS which makes it difficult to fabricate a precise track width during the photo/trim patterning process. Accordingly, there is a strong-felt need to fabricate a write head with a precise zero throat height so as to optimize the BTI and the TPI as well as fabricating a precise and narrow track width so as to maximize the TPI.

Stitched write head with staircase P2 defined throat height

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.


A reciprocating pump with chamber-charging mechanism is provided. In an example diaphragm pump, a discharge valve can be opened by the pressure of fluid leaving the pump and can also be opened by an intermittent mechanical linkage actuated by the reciprocating member powering the pump. The discharge valve is mechanically opened to allow pressure backflow into the pumping chamber, thereby charging compressible fluid mixtures and gases with an increase in pressure. The increased pressure enables the compressible fluids to open the discharge valve on the next compression stroke and exit the pump. In an implementation, the discharge valve is pushed open by the reciprocating power source in a configuration that seals the valve mechanism from well fluid. In another implementation, the discharge valve is pulled open to pre-charge the pumping chamber.

Some submersed fluid pumps have pumping action that is based on linear reciprocal motion. For example, diaphragm pumps may use a reciprocating hydraulic rod to displace fluid, which alternately inflates and deflates a diaphragm within the fixed volume of a pump casing. One-way inlet and discharge (outlet) valves take advantage of the changes in volume between the fixed casing and the expanding and contracting diaphragm to pump well fluid in desired flow paths. As the diaphragm deflates within the pumping chamber, an inlet check valve allows well fluid to enter the casing. Then, as the diaphragm inflates, the pressure is raised within the casing until the discharge check valve opens to allow the pumped well fluid out, for example, into an underground pipe conveying the well fluid to the surface. When compressible fluids (gases and gases-liquid mixtures) enter the pumping chamber, the reciprocating motion may be wasted compressing this kind of well fluid, and the compression obtained is not sufficient to open the discharge check valve and pump out the well fluid. This condition is referred to as "gas interference" or "gas lock."

Pre-charging pump chamber by preemptively opening a valve


A method of electroforming tissue comprises creating stress in the tissue; and causing a direct current to flow in the tissue to change the stress, strain, or intrinsic mechanical properties including shape of the tissue. Force is mechanically applied to the tissue to create external stresses or material parameters of the tissue are used to create internal stresses in the tissue by causing a current to flow in the tissue. The method further comprises the step of monitoring the stresses in the tissue and controlling the current flowing in the tissue according to the stresses therein by monitoring impedance, the optical properties, the pH, acoustic properties of the tissue, the gas formation in the tissue, the color of the tissue as caused by a chemical dye disposed therein or as caused by electroplating a material thereon.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the field of tissue reconstruction and in particular to electroforming tissue and cartilage in particular.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Cartilage serves many functional and structural roles in the head and neck, including the support of soft tissue in the ear and nose, maintenance of airway patency, phonation, and joint movement. The functional and esthetic defects in the head and neck that result from cancer surgery, trauma, or congenital malformations have led to the development of surgical techniques to reshape cartilage to recreate damaged or absent structures.
Conventional reconstructive techniques (e.g., otoplasty, rhinoplasty, tracheoplasty) involve the grafting or shape modification of autologous cartilage (harvested from the ear, nasal septum, or rib). Currently, the graft is carved, sutured, and/or morselized to recreate the shape of the absent tissue and, as a consequence, abundant normal healthy cartilage tissue is discarded. These techniques also in general require surgical exposure of the tissue to provide direct access to the graft tissue. Further manipulation of tissue in this fashion creates focal injury to the extracellular matrix. Because only a limited amount of cartilage is available from donor sites, conventional reconstructive techniques may lead to significant donor site morbidity. Similarly, some cartilaginous malformations in the head and neck are treated using surgical techniques that do not require grafting (e.g., rhinoplasty, laryngoplasty), but rather reshaping pre-existing cartilage structures in situ using the aforementioned traditional reconstructive techniques. These techniques have the same limitations as grafting techniques, and also require open/invasive (non-endoscopic) surgical approaches that frequently result in undesirable, irreversible tissue changes and complications that may require revision surgery, and possibly additional cartilage grafting.
Current reconstructive techniques include carving, morselizing, scoring, or suturing native cartilage grafts. The disadvantages of these approaches include donor site morbidity from graft harvest, waste of excess graft tissue, shape memory effects, and lack of control over warping, particularly in costal cartilage tissue.
Several alternative approaches to reshaping cartilage have been advocated, including enzymatic digestion in situ, radiofrequency (RF) reshaping, and laser cartilage reshaping. Of these approaches to changing the shape of native cartilage tissue, laser reshaping has received the most attention. In 1993, Helidonis et al. "Laser Shaping Of Composite Cartilage Grafts". Am J Otolaryngol 1993;14: 410-412, proposed an alternative laser assisted approach based on thermal-mediated stress relaxation to reshape cartilage. Despite clinical uses of laser technology to reshape human cartilage, this method remains investigational, and the associated biophysical changes accompanying shape change are incompletely understood.
Recently several new techniques have been developed and/or investigated including electroforming, thermoforming (laser and RF), and enzymatic reshaping. In each of these cases, the intrinsic forces in tissue which resist deformation are relieved or balanced by accelerating stress relaxation, albeit the molecular mechanisms of action may be different in each case. During the reshaping process, internal stress decreases over time, and this is the most important physical process to monitor during any shape change procedure. Internal stress measurements are very difficult to perform and require the application of strain gauge type devices to measure either stress or strain.

Method and apparatus for the control and monitoring of shape change in tissue

The Regents of the University of California


An air/fuel ratio sensor is controlled such that the oxygen concentration of the measurement gas can be detected from a pump current substantially instantaneously after a heater turns on. In the air/fuel ratio sensor an oxygen pumping cell and an oxygen concentration measuring cell are each formed of a solid electrolytic layer interposed between a pair of porous electrodes. One of the electrodes of each cell defines a measurement gas chamber in which the diffusion of the measurement gas is controlled. After a micro current is supplied to the other electrode of the oxygen concentration measuring cell for a predetermined period of time, thereby forming an internal reference oxygen source, the supply of the micro current is stopped and at the same time a pump current in the oxygen pumping cell starts to be controlled until the interelectrode voltage of the oxygen concentration measuring cell reaches a target voltage. After the air/fuel ratio sensor is activated, the supply of the micro current is restarted.

This invention relates to a method and a device for controlling or quickly activating an air/fuel ratio sensor provided with an oxygen pumping cell and an oxygen concentration measuring cell. The cells are each composed of a pair of porous electrodes formed on the respective side faces of a solid electrolytic layer conductive of oxygen ion.
Conventionally, it is proposed, for example, in the laid-open Japanese patent application Nos. 62-76446 and 62-190461 that an air/fuel ratio sensor composed of an oxygen pumping cell and an oxygen concentration measuring cell is provided for detecting the combustion condition or air/fuel ratio of an engine or any other combustion device from the oxygen concentration in the gas exhausted from the combustion device. The oxygen pumping cell and the oxygen concentration measuring cell each is formed of a solid electrolytic layer of zirconia or other material conductive of oxygen ion, sandwiched by a pair of porous electrodes of platinum or other. Each cell is disposed such that one electrode of each cell is in contact with a measurement gas chamber communicating via a diffusion controlled layer with the gas to be measured. The other electrode of the oxygen concentration measuring cell opposite to the measurement gas chamber is closed, and part of the oxygen in the closed space can leak via a leakage resisting part to the outside.
In the conventional air/fuel ratio sensor, a micro current is supplied to the oxygen concentration measuring cell in the direction in which oxygen is pumped from the measurement gas chamber to the closed space, which is caused to function as an internal reference oxygen source. A detection voltage is generated between the porous electrodes of the oxygen concentration measuring cell, corresponding to the ratio of the partial pressure of oxygen in the internal reference oxygen source and the partial pressure of oxygen in the measurement gas chamber. The pump current supplied to the oxygen pumping cell is controlled, such that the detection voltage reaches a predetermined target voltage or the concentration of oxygen in the measurement gas chamber reaches a predetermined concentration. The concentration of oxygen in the gas to be measured is detected by detecting the controlled pump current.
The conventional air/fuel ratio sensor is also provided with a separate heater for heating the oxygen concentration measurement cell and the oxygen pumping cell to a predetermined activation temperature of about 650.degree. C. or higher, because each cell must be sufficiently heated and activated for the purpose of precisely detecting the oxygen concentration.
In operation of the conventional air/fuel ratio sensor, as shown in FIG. 5, at time t11 when the heater is turned on, a micro current is supplied to the oxygen concentration measuring cell for preparing the internal reference oxygen source. Subsequently, at time t12 when the interelectrode voltage of the oxygen concentration measuring cell lowers to a predetermined activation determination voltage, the oxygen concentration measuring cell is substantially activated. After a predetermined period of standby time elapses, then at time t13 that each cell can be completely activated and the control over a pump current is started. The oxygen concentration measuring cell and the oxygen pumping cell are thus controlled.
Conventionally before the activation of the air/fuel ratio sensor, the micro current is supplied to the oxygen concentration measuring cell at the same time the heater is turned on, and the generated interelectrode voltage of the oxygen concentration measuring cell is detected. Accordingly, the internal resistance of the oxygen concentration measuring cell, which decreases as temperature rises, is measured. The air/fuel ratio sensor is activated only by a detection of the interelectrode voltage, however, the following two problems result.
1 Since the interelectrode voltage varies with the internal resistance of the oxygen concentration measuring cell and with the concentration of oxygen in the measurement gas, even if the interelectrode voltage decreases down to the activation determination voltage, it cannot be precisely determined whether or not the temperature of the oxygen concentration measuring cell reaches a desired temperature.
2 If the control over the pump current is started when the oxygen concentration measuring cell is insufficiently activated, the interelectrode voltage of the oxygen concentration measuring cell is large because of a drop in the voltage equaling the micro current multiplied by the internal resistance of the oxygen concentration measuring cell. The pump current becomes incorrectly controlled.
To solve the aforementioned problems and to precisely detect the oxygen concentration in the measurement gas, in the conventional method, the air/fuel ratio sensor is activated after a predetermined period of standby time elapses after the interelectrode voltage lowers down to the activation determination voltage. Specifically, after the oxygen concentration measuring cell is sufficiently activated to such degree that the internal resistance of the oxygen concentration measuring cell can be ignored, the oxygen concentration measuring cell and the oxygen pumping cell are determined to be activated, the pump current starts to be supplied to the oxygen pumping cell under control, and the oxygen concentration is detected.
In the aforementioned conventional control method, the pump current can be controlled without being affected by the internal resistance of the oxygen concentration measuring cell. Although the incorrect control of the pump current or the blackening of the oxygen pumping cell can be avoided, much time is required until the oxygen concentration can be detected. Because, a period of time is required for determining the activation of each cell from when the heater is turned on until the interelectrode voltage of the oxygen concentration measuring cell decreases to the activation determination voltage. After the predetermined period of standby time further elapses, each cell is activated, the control over the pump current is started, and the oxygen concentration is detected. It follows that the oxygen concentration cannot be detected, until each cell is substantially sufficiently activated.

Method and a device for controlling an air/fuel ratio sensor


An LED-driving device includes a displaying section including a plurality of displaying groups, each composed of a plurality of connected LED elements, each with a built-in light emission-controlling element, a power-supplying section configured to provide a supply of an electric power to the displaying section, switching sections configured to selectively make or break connections between the power-supplying section and those displaying groups respectively, and a controlling section configured to make a decision as to whether, when the power-supplying section is powered on, an output value from the power-supplying section is normal or not, and as a result of determining that the output value from the power-supplying section is normal, perform such a control of the connections between the power-supplying section and those displaying groups as to enable the switching sections to in turn connect supplies of the electric power from the power-supplying section to those displaying groups, respectively.

An LED driving device is known that, even when supplying a large electric current to an LED array, can drive that LED array with the constant electric current with no increased mounting area, and which, in addition, is effective not only in steady state operation but also in digital dimming (see, for example, JP 2010/161264 A).
The LED driving device is configured in such a manner as to include therein n vertically structured constant electric current drive elements, each of which is connected in series with each of LED strings, respectively, to drive each of the LED strings with a constant electric current, n constant electric current control circuits, each of which is configured to control an on voltage of each of the n constant electric current drive elements respectively so that an electric current flowing in each of the LED strings becomes a constant electric current, a minimum voltage detecting circuit, which is configured to use each of LED string side terminal voltages of the n constant electric current drive elements as an input, to select a minimum voltage of the LED string side terminal voltages of the n constant electric current drive elements, and output a command signal on the basis of a difference between the selected minimum voltage and a predetermined set voltage, and a power supply control circuit, which is configured to control a voltage to be applied to the LED array so that the voltage to be applied to the LED array is a smaller voltage than an initial set voltage on the basis of the command signal output from the minimum voltage detecting circuit. This makes it possible to deal with even the case in which the LED electric current is sharply changed from the constant electric current to the zero electric current, or from the zero electric current to the constant electric current.


The invention provides a process for preparing a tobacco composition suitable for use as a smokeless tobacco composition, the process including: providing a slurry comprising water and a tobacco material, the slurry comprising at least about 75% by weight water, based on the total weight of the slurry; heating the slurry to a temperature of at least about 60° C. for a time sufficient to pasteurize the tobacco material; adding an amount of a base to the slurry sufficient to raise the pH of the slurry to at least about 8.5, thereby forming a pH-adjusted slurry; and continuing to heat the pH-adjusted slurry to a temperature of at least about 60° C. for a time sufficient for the pH of the slurry to drop at least about 0.5 pH unit following the adding step.

Cigarettes, cigars and pipes are popular smoking articles that employ tobacco in various forms. Such smoking articles are used by heating or burning tobacco, and aerosol (e.g., smoke) is inhaled by the smoker. Tobacco also may be enjoyed in a so-called "smokeless" form. Particularly popular smokeless tobacco products are employed by inserting some form of processed tobacco or tobacco-containing formulation into the mouth of the user.
Various types of smokeless tobacco products are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 1,376,586 to Schwartz; U.S. Pat. No. 3,696,917 to Levi; U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,756 to Pittman et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,528,993 to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,269 to Story et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,907 to Townsend; U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,352 to Sprinkle, III et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,416 to White et al.; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2005/0244521 to Strickland et al.; PCT WO 04/095959 to Arnarp et al.; PCT WO 05/063060 to Atchley et al.; PCT WO 05/004480 to Engstrom; PCT WO 05/016036 to Bjorkholm; and PCT WO 05/041699 to Quinter et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference. See also, the types of smokeless tobacco formulations, ingredients, and processing methodologies set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,953,040 to Atchley et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,032,601 to Atchley et al.; US Pat. Appl. Pub. Nos. 2005/0178398 to Breskin et al. and 2006/0191548 to Strickland et al.; PCT WO 05/041699; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/461,633, filed Aug. 1, 2006, to Mua et al.; each of which is incorporated herein by reference. One type of smokeless tobacco product is referred to as "snuff" Representative types of moist snuff products, commonly referred to as "snus," are manufactured in Europe, particularly in Sweden, by or through companies such as Swedish Match AB, Fiedler & Lundgren AB, Gustavus AB, Skandinavisk Tobakskompagni A/S, and Rocker Production AB. Snus products available in the U.S.A. are marketed under the tradenames Camel Snus Frost, Camel Snus Original and Camel Snus Spice by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Representative smokeless tobacco products also are marketed under the tradenames Oliver Twist by House of Oliver Twist A/S; Copenhagen, Skoal, SkoalDry, Rooster, Red Seal, Husky, and Revel by U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co.; "taboka" by Philip Morris USA; and Levi Garrett, Peachy, Taylor's Pride, Kodiak, Hawken Wintergreen, Grizzly, Dental, Kentucky King, and Mammoth Cave by Conwood Sales Co., L.P. See also, for example, Bryzgalov et al., 1N1800 Life Cycle Assessment, Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of General Loose and Portion Snus (2005). In addition, certain quality standards associated with snus manufacture have been assembled as a so-called GothiaTek standard.
It would be desirable to provide an enjoyable form of a smokeless tobacco product, and to provide processes for preparing tobacco compositions for use in smokeless tobacco products.


Problems to be Solved

As methods for isolating a specific polypeptide (peptide or protein) from a biological sample such as a cell extract, a tissue extract, or a body fluid (e.g., blood, urine, or spinal fluid), a method using chromatography and a method using molecules having the ability of specific binding, that is, affinity molecules are used.
Examples of the method using chromatography include a method using reverse phase chromatography and a method using ion-exchange chromatography.
Examples of the method using affinity molecules include a method using an affinity support.
For example, Patent Document 1 (JP 7-268000 A) discloses an immune adsorbent composed of a carrier and an antibody bound to the carrier, and describes that the immune adsorbent can be prepared using a polyclonal antibody or a monoclonal antibody as the antibody, and using a crosslinking agent such as N,N′-hexamethylenebismaleimide in order to bind the antibody to the carrier.
Generally, as a method for isolating a target protein from a biological sample, an immunoprecipitation method using protein A/G beads is used. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 (Analytical Biochemistry 1999 Nov. 15; 275(2): 262-5) discloses semiquantitative analysis of amyloid β peptides using a combination of immunoprecipitation and MALDI mass spectrometry.
Further, for example, Non-Patent Document 2 (Proceedings of the Japan Academy, Ser. B, Physical and Biological Sciences 2011; 87(9): 603-16) describes a preparation of a flexible antibody-like molecule composed of an antibody Fc fragment, a hinge region bound to the antibody Fc fragment and having polyethylene glycol, and amyloid β bound to the hinge region.
Non-Patent Document 2 describes that a molecule having two amyloid β peptides (i.e., a two-handed molecule) and a molecule having one amyloid β peptide (i.e., a one-handed molecule) are obtained by the preparation. Further, Non-Patent Document 2 describes that when anti-amyloid β antibody is an objective to be trapped, binding between the two-handed molecule and anti-amyloid β antibody achieves a lower dissociation constant KD than binding between the one-handed molecule and anti-amyloid β antibody.
It is to be noted that Patent Document 2 (WO2005/037881) describes that a carrier prepared by fixing a ligand to a resin obtained by polymerization of a monomer component having a hydrophilic spacer inserted therein is used to reduce non-specific adsorption to the carrier.

Affinity support and method for trapping substance using the same

Abstract: Problems to be Solved

Abstract: The present invention provides an affinity support capable of trapping a substance by cooperative binding that is less likely to cause dissociation even when the substance is a molecule other than an antibody, and a trapping method using the same.

Abstract: Means to Solve the Problems

Abstract: A method of trapping a substance comprising the step of contacting an objective to be trapped with an affinity support comprising a support, a spacer bound to the support and an affinity substance bound to the spacer, so as to bind the objective to be trapped to the affinity substance, wherein each one of the objective to be trapped has a plural of affinity sites and the affinity substance binds to at least two of the affinity sites simultaneously.


An evaluation circuit and method for detecting faulty data words in a data stream is disclosed. In one embodiment the evaluation circuit according to the invention includes a first linear automaton circuit and also a second linear automaton circuit connected in parallel, each having a set of states z, which have a common input line for receiving a data stream Tn. The first linear automaton circuit and the second linear automaton circuit are designed such that a first signature and a second signature, respectively, can be calculated. Situated downstream of the two linear automaton circuits are respectively a first logic combination gate and a second logic combination gate, which compare the signature respectively calculated by the linear automaton circuit with a predeterminable good signature and output a comparison value.

Integrated circuits, in particular fast digital interface circuits/interfaces are often subjected to one or more production tests as early as during the production method, in which production test or production tests test patterns are applied to the integrated circuit and the data stream generated by the integrated circuit in a manner dependent on said test patterns is examined.
Production tests in which faulty integrated circuits can be reliably discovered and sorted out in good time have a comparatively long duration and require a high complexity.
In customary production tests, in which the data streams are compressed or compacted for time and cost reasons, it is often not possible for faulty integrated circuits to be ascertained as early as during a production test, so that faulty integrated circuits often pass through even further manufacturing stations before being identified as faulty. If faulty integrated circuits are not identified during the production test or production tests, but only at a later point in time in the production method, high costs arise e.g., due to the reduced production yield.
If a faulty circuit has been identified with production tests operating with compressed or compacted data streams, it is still not possible to make a statement about which location or which region caused this error. This has to be detected by sorting out the faulty circuit and by means of a separate test run.

Evaluation circuit and method for detecting and/or locating faulty data words in a data stream T


A device and methods for the non-invasive manipulation and detection of target objects such as cells, pathogens, microparticles, and nanoparticles in vivo using an external magnetic field are described. In one aspect, a device and method for capturing and detecting intrinsically magnetic target objects or target objects labeled with at least one magnetic particle within the area of interest using an in vivo flow cytometer are described.

Advancements in medical research have led to unprecedented characterization of a plethora of factors involved in the development and progression of many diseases on cellular, subcellular, and molecular levels. Using advanced measurement techniques such as reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), advanced in vitro flow cytometry, and microchip fluid technology, researchers have gained valuable insights with potential applications in the treatment of many diseases.
A particularly challenging issue in medical research is the detection and characterization of relatively rare cells such as tumor-initiating cancer stem cells (CSCs), a treatment-resistant subclass of tumor cells thought to be responsible for the growth and regrowth of primary and metastatic tumors. The development of metastatic disease may be governed by the migration of CSCs from an existing tumor mass to remote locations via the circulatory or lymphatic system. The circulating tumor cells (CTCs) migrating within the circulatory or lymphatic systems typically include a relatively large number of differentiated tumor cells, and a tiny subset of undifferentiated stem circulating tumor cells (stem CTCs) associated with metastatic disease. Because of the rarity of the stem CTCs in circulation, their detection is exceedingly difficult due to limitations of existing measurement methods.
The sensitivity threshold of existing stem CTC assays, such as reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays, CellSearch system technology, in vitro flow cytometry, and microchip fluid technology is limited to approximately 1 cell per mL of sample due to the relatively small volume processed by the assay's instrumentation, which is typically about 10 mL or less. This sensitivity is inadequate to reliably detect these rare stem CTCs, which may circulate in concentrations of about 1 cell per 50 mL of blood or at even lower concentrations.
In vivo flow cytometry techniques, which detect cells as they circulate within the blood vessels of a living subject, overcome the sample volume limitation, since these techniques are capable of processing the entire blood volume of the subject as it passes through a particular blood vessel. However, for the detection of rare cells such as stem CTCs, the cell must pass though the area of interest of the instrumentation, typically a superficial blood vessel or lymph vessel. The amount of time required to observe a large volume of blood passing through the area of interest may be significant, especially when detecting and characterizing both the undifferentiated stem CTCs and the differentiated CTCs.
A need exists in the art to selectively enrich the concentration of cells circulating in vivo in order to enhance the sensitivity of the detection using in vivo flow cytometry techniques, among other needs. Such an enhancement would make possible the detection of relatively rare cells in a shorter amount of time, significantly increasing the cell detection sensitivity of the in vivo flow cytometry instrumentation. The increased cell detection sensitivity may allow for the earlier detection and treatment of diseases related to circulating rare cells such as the development of metastatic diseases from circulating stem CTCs.

Device and method for in vivo noninvasive magnetic manipulation of circulating objects in bioflows

The Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas


Described herein is a method of calibrating a three-dimensional imaging system. During calibration, a position and an orientation of the three-dimensional imaging system is determined with respect to a first parameter comprising a real world vertical direction (Vw) and to a second parameter comprising an origin of a three-dimensional scene captured by the imaging system. The first and second parameters are used to derive a calibration matrix (MC2w) which is used to convert measurements from a virtual coordinate system (Mc) of the three-dimensional imaging system into a real coordinate system (Mw) related to the real world. The calibration matrix (MC2w) is used to rectify measurements prior to signal processing. An inverse calibration matrix (Mw2c) is also determined. Continuous monitoring and adjustment of the setup of the three-dimensional imaging system is carried out and the calibration matrix (Mc2w) and its inverse (Mw2c) are adjusted accordingly.

Three-dimensional (3D) or depth sensing cameras, namely, structured light 3D cameras, time-of-flight 3D cameras, and stereo-vision 3D cameras, are imaging devices that acquire depth images. A depth image represents distances from the scene to the 3D. 3D camera devices, and the depth images they provide, are used to analyse static and dynamic 3D elements within a captured scene, such as, objects and users.
Analysis of a captured scene may include detection, localisation, and identification of objects and/or users and their respective analysis. One common problem which occurs during such analysis is the unknown orientation of the camera. For example, a vertically-oriented object in the scene may appear to be horizontal in the depth image if the camera is rotated by 90 degrees clock- or counter-clockwise around its optical axis. It is therefore advantageous to know the parameters relating to the camera so that better results can be obtained when analysing a captured scene.
Camera calibration is the process in which the true parameters of the camera are determined. These true camera parameters are usually used as correction parameters and may, for most part, be represented by a linear transformation, namely, a camera calibration matrix which can be used, for example, to denote a projective mapping from the real world coordinate system to a camera coordinate system for that particular camera.
Camera parameters include intrinsic and extrinsic parameters, and these are widely addressed in the literature, for example, in "A Four-step Camera Calibration Procedure with Implicit Image Correction" by Janne Heikkila, or in "Calibration Method for an Augmented Reality System" by S. Malek et al.
Intrinsic parameters encompass imaging device optical specifications, such as, image format, principal point and focal length. They may be modelled and integrated in a transformation matrix applied to data related to the camera coordinate system in order to correct some potential distortions during scene capture. Lens distortion may also be taken into account as a non-intrinsic parameter, but will not be directly incorporated in the transformation matrix as it is a non-linear transformation.
Extrinsic parameters encompass 3D position and 3D orientation of the camera relative to a world coordinate system. A camera coordinate system is associated with the camera and a transformation matrix is defined in order to provide projection of data measurements from the camera coordinate system to the world coordinate system.
By considering a 3D camera as a simple pin-hole, extrinsic parameters may be the only relevant parameters that need to be determined and applied to provide a convenient correction and/or transformation.
In order to find extrinsic parameters, camera vertical, lateral and longitudinal axes, respectively yaw, pitch and roll axes have to be considered as they define the camera coordinate system. More precisely, the yaw axis is an axis drawn from top to bottom of the camera, and perpendicular to the other two axes. The pitch axis is an axis running from the camera left to right, and parallel to a Y-axis of the camera sensor. The roll axis is an axis drawn in the normal direction of the camera body from back to front along its optical axis. Basically, the camera coordinate system origin is located on the sensor chip, for example, at the top left corner of the sensor chip or the centre of the sensor chip. This is described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 6.
In addition, the camera position within the scene needs to be considered. This position needs to be estimated by finding or defining a reference point in the scene, the reference point being set as the origin of the real world coordinate system.
Several methods for calibrating cameras are known. Most of these methods concern two-dimensional (2D) cameras, and a few concern three-dimensional (3D) cameras. Furthermore, calibration is most often performed off-line, and not in real-time, on a static camera. Markers located in the scene may also be used to help the calibration process. Such a calibration process often includes several steps and requires user interaction.
In addition, these methods tend not to correct for all possible orientations of the 3D camera, and, they are often limited to being used with cameras in specific orientations, for example, generally downwardly- or generally horizontally-oriented cameras.
US-A-2010/0208057 discloses a method of determining the pose of a camera with respect to at least one object in a real environment. The method includes analysing a captured image of the object to determine distance data relating to the location of the camera with respect to the object and orientation data, the distance data and orientation data being used to provide pose information relating to the camera.
In an article entitled "Vision and Inertial Sensor Cooperation Using Gravity as a Vertical Reference" by Jorge Lobo and Jorge Dias, IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence, Vol. 25, No. 12, December 2003, a method is described for using inertial sensor data in sensor systems. Vanishing points and vanishing lines are used with the inertial sensor data to determine a ground plane from which a mapping between ground plane points and image points can be derived.
Vieville et al. in "Computation of ego-motion and structure from Visual and Inertial Sensors Using the Vertical Cue", describe a method of recovery of three-dimensional data structure and motion of a scene using visual and odometric sensors by building a three-dimensional depth and kinematic map of the environment. A vertical in the image is used to align with the true orientation three-dimensional vertical.
US-A-2010/0103275 describes a still 2D digital camera with integrated accelerometers in which roll and pitch and variations are measured and used as an input so that the displayed image is corrected and aligned with conventional horizontal and vertical display device directions. The method described only applies to variations to the horizontal and/or vertical camera axis so as to allow switching between landscape and portrait modes.
WO-A-2010/082933 describes a system where markers or objects in an image of a scene are aligned with corresponding markers or objects in the original scene in order to perform a geometric camera calibration. Camera parameters are thus determined by a method which analyses mismatch between target model and the target itself.
US-2011/0128388 discloses a camera calibration system including a coordinate data generation device and a coordinate data recognition device. The coordinate data generation device generates a plurality of map coordinate data corresponding to a plurality of real positions in a real scene. The coordinate data recognition device receives an image of the real scene and the map coordinate data from the coordinate data generation device. It determines image positions corresponding to real positions and then calculates image coordinate data corresponding to those image positions. From the image coordinate data and the map coordinate data, a coordinate transform matrix is determined.
EP-A-2154650 describes a method of real-time or near real-time calculation of scene coordinates from image data acquired by a 3D camera using a transformation matrix from the camera coordinate system to the world coordinate system. The method relies on detecting one or more planar surfaces within an acquired 3D image, selecting one of these planar surfaces as being a reference plane, for example, the ground. The position, roll and pitch orientation parameters of the 3D camera are then determined in relation to the selected reference plane. Such calibration is carried out by executing a few steps with a limited amount of human intervention once the 3D camera is installed in its proper position, that is, the floor has to be in the frustum of the camera and seen by the camera so that a random sample consensus (RANSAC) based plane detection can be used to detect it. Once the calibration matrix is set, it is then used until the camera setup changes. At that time, a new calibration process has to be launched manually.


A unidirectional drum roller for a baler of large cylindrical bales. A plurality of ramped steps extend longitudinally along the periphery of a substantially cylindrical drum. Each ramped step includes a steeply inclined leading edge portion and a gradually inclined following portion. The unidirectional construction provides a drum roller which has aggressive feeding action but allows a counter-rotating forming bale to slip past in the non-driven direction. The ramped steps are formed from a single sheet of material by die stamping so that there are no crevices or interstices on the drum roller to trap crop material and the drum roller is essentially self-cleaning.

The invention relates generally to balers of large round bales and, more specifically, to a drum roller which assists in the support and rotation of a large cylindrical bale forming in the baling chamber of a baler.
The baling industry was revolutionized in recent years by the introduction of baling machines that form large cylindrical bales of crop material having a diameter of up to about six feet and a length of up to about five feet. An example of such a baler is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,172,354. As is typical in such balers, the '354 patent teaches the use of a plurality of endless belts in a transversely spaced relation across the width of the baler to define a bale forming chamber. Crop material picked up by the baler is directed into a starting chamber where the material initially forms into a full width cylinder of small diameter. As additional crop material is added to the starting bale, the bale grows into the main baling chamber where it is at least partially supported and rotated by a drum roller. The drum roller is driven at a rotational speed such that its outer peripheral surface in contact with the forming bale moves at the same speed as the bale-contacting surface of the plurality of belts.
In known balers, a plurality of raised, engagement members attach to the outer peripheral surface of the drum roller to assist in engaging and aggressively rotating the forming bale. For example, in the '354 patent, a plurality of longitudinal rods are welded to the surface of the drum roller to act as the raised, engagement members. Such drum rollers work well when the baler is acting substantially as designed and the drum roller is coordinated with the belts. In actual practice, however, the speed of the belts may vary substantially due to accumulation of crop materials or other substances on the support rollers about which the belts are trained or the effective diameter of the drum roller will vary with the crop materials. Not infrequently, the belts speed is greater than the effective surface speed of the drum roller so the bale is counter-rotated with respect to the drum roller. This results in stress and additional loads being imposed on the belt and drum roller drive system with concomitant losses of energy efficiency and drive train lifetime.
Known drum rollers also suffer from the disadvantage of trapping and accumulating crop material in the raised, engagement members. Such trap material reduces the aggressive engagement action of the drum roller.

Unidirectional drum roller for a baler of large cylindrical bales


A self-compensating tensioner, particularly a self-compensating tensioner for use in a folder of a web offset printing press, includes a plurality of rollers designed to tension tapes. Each roller is mounted on a tensioner arm. The tensioner arms are mounted on a rotatable shaft via one-way clutches with a weight attached to each tensioner arm so that the center of mass of the tensioner arm is offset from the rotatable shaft. The force of gravity may therefore rotate the tensioner arm about the shaft, applying a minimum tension to the tape through the roller. A lever arm is connected to the shaft through an engagement clutch, with an actuator connected to the lever arm. When the actuator and the engagement clutch are activated, the lever arm can apply a torque to the tensioner arms through the shaft, thereby increasing the tension in the tapes to a working level. When the engagement clutch is deactivated, the shaft may rotate freely, allowing each tensioner arm to be independently moved for tape installation and replacement and further allowing each tensioner arm to reach an equilibrium and thereby apply equivalent tensions to the tapes.

Multiple adjacent tapes are commonly found in folders used in printing presses such as web offset printing presses. Tensioning systems for multiple adjacent tapes require adjustment when the tapes are installed or replaced, or to periodically tension the tapes as they stretch. Generally, each of the multiple tapes is mounted on a roller connected to a tensioner arm and the tapes must each be under similar tensions. For example, when an individual tape breaks, the new tape must be installed and manually adjusted so that its tension is equivalent to the others. Even if tapes do not need to be replaced, normal expansion or stretching requires frequent adjustment to maintain constant tension in the tapes. Manual adjustment normally requires special tools to ensure that the tension is correct, is difficult to perform precisely, and is made more difficult due to limited mobility of the rollers which hold or support the tapes. Manual adjustment thus adds cost to the assembly, repair, or maintenance of the machine, and normal stretching of the tapes requires that the system be monitored and maintained to assure proper machine performance.
For example, in a conventional printing press folder, such as the Heidelberg Harris PFF-3 folder manufactured by Heidelberg Harris, Inc. of Dover, N. H., signatures traveling at relatively high speeds are accelerated, via a friction contact with multiple adjacent tapes of the folder, for delivery into a fan wheel or deceleration device. There the signature is slowed down and prepared for further processing. In such a conventional folder, a problem arises with tape changes as there is little room to work in the folder, thus necessitating movement of (e.g., raising up) for example, the lead-in rolls to facilitate tape changes. To compensate for the slack in the tapes created by raising up the lead-in rolls, generally tension is applied to the tapes by, for example, operating a pneumatically operated tensioner against all of the tapes.
In such a system, however, all of the tensioner arms are clamped to a common shaft and independent movement of the arms (such as, for example, to replace a particular, individual tape, to perform maintenance, or to clear a paper jam) is not possible without tools.