An airbag apparatus includes an airbag, a retainer secured to the airbag, and an elongated inflator attached to the retainer. The inflator discharges gas for inflating the airbag. The retainer includes an attaching protrusion, which protrudes in a direction intersecting an axis of the inflator and secures the retainer to a vehicle together with the airbag. The inflator includes an attaching protrusion, which protrudes in the direction intersecting the axis and secures the inflator to the vehicle together with the retainer.

The present invention relates to an airbag apparatus that protects an occupant from an impact by deploying and inflating an airbag at a position close to the occupant seated in a vehicle seat when an impact due to, for example, a collision is applied to a vehicle. The present invention also relates to a method for assembling the airbag apparatus.
An airbag apparatus is effective for protecting an occupant seated in a vehicle seat from an impact when an impact due to, for example, a collision is applied to a vehicle. As one form of the airbag apparatus, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 11-157409 discloses an airbag apparatus including a bag-shaped airbag, a retainer secured to the airbag, and an elongated inflator, which is attached to the retainer and generates gas for inflating the airbag.
The retainer has a bolt, which projects from the outer circumferential surface of the retainer in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the inflator. The inflator also has a bolt, which projects from the end surface of the inflator in the direction of the axis.
The inflator is inserted in the retainer, and the bolt of the inflator is inserted through a lid of the retainer. When a nut is fastened to the bolt, the inflator is secured to the retainer.
The bolt of the retainer is inserted through a base fabric sheet that forms the airbag, and then is inserted into a vehicle component, for example, a seat frame that forms the frame of the vehicle seat. When a nut is fastened to the bolt, the retainer is secured to the seat frame together with the airbag.
In the airbag apparatus disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 11-157409, the bolt of the inflator is used to secure the inflator to the retainer. The inflator and retainer are secured to the seat frame with only the bolt of the retainer. Therefore, the securing strength of the inflator to the seat frame might be insufficient.
Also, while the bolt of the retainer protrudes in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the inflator, the bolt of the inflator protrude in the direction along the axis. Thus, the direction in which the nuts are tightened is largely different between the bolt of the retainer and the bolt of the inflator, which makes the tightening operation complicated.
Such a problem can also occur in an airbag apparatus installed in any type of transport vehicle.

Airbag apparatus and method for assembling the same


Systems and methods for data authentication can comprise processing a first secret element to generate a first encrypted secret element, processing a second secret element to generate a non-secret element, and processing the first encrypted secret element and the non-secret element to generate an encrypted data block.

In a system where a data source contains distinct information for subsets of the overall recipient population, it is necessary to provide authentication information for each subset. Similarly, in the case where the transmission side of a system has incomplete knowledge of subsets of the overall recipient population, it is necessary to provide authentication information for each subset. As the number of subsets increases, the size and possibly the number of messages needing to be sent to each recipient unit in the field increases. Not only does this increase the bandwidth usage on the network, it can also slow the process of updating the devices in the field.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

System and method for authenticating data while minimizing bandwidth

COMBINED CONDITIONAL ACCESS DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT, LLC


A threshold microswitch includes a movable electrode, realizing an initial deflection by a difference in residual stresses; an upper electrode, provided at a fixed distance from the movable electrode; and a support mechanism, including a movable electrode support portion which supports both ends of the movable electrode such that a snap-through buckling phenomenon can be used when the movable electrode receives a threshold load. An upper electrode support portion supports the upper electrode such that switching with the movable electrode is realized when the same undergoes snap-through buckling.

In recent times, there has been a shift from the use of macroswitches to microswitches in electronic goods and automobiles. The following is an explanation of the manufacturing technology of switches using a buckling phenomenon and the manufacturing technology of microswitches used for measuring acceleration.
Among switches using the buckling phenomenon, U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,219 is a push-button switch used in computers, etc., and is designed for the convenience of a user by limiting excessive buckling This switch is different from the present invention, which will be explained hereinafter, as it is a macroswitch, but similar as it uses a buckling phenomenon.
An invention related to the manufacture of a microswitch is Japanese patent number 2-260333. This invention grows a direct epitaxial layer on a silicon substrate, overcomes difficulties of growing an epitaxial layer on a P.+-. silicon layer, and utilizes thin-film technology to manufacture the microswitch. In these respects, this invention is similar to the present invention.
There are two types of research into threshold switches which are able to adjust voltage and acceleration. One is Japanese patent number 3-74022 realized by using a spring and mass. Here, centrifugal force of mass operates on a spring by acceleration. Another involves micro threshold switches by C. Robinson (Transducers '87) involving microscale cantilever-beam acceleration switches. Here, cantilever springs, each having different masses, contact different cantilever electrodes according to changes in acceleration such that a switching operation is performed.
However, with regard to the above former invention, as it is difficult to precisely manufacture the structural elements, even in identical products, not only does thresholdness for electrode contact create speed variation, but after manufacturing, threshold acceleration peculiar to each switch can change or it can be difficult to adjust. Further, in the above latter invention, as it operates in accordance to predetermined conditions, when a range of threshold acceleration and threshold acceleration section are not successive, a plurality of switch arrays must be formed such that a size of the product is enlarged. Therefore, a mistake made in design in the manufacturing process is often difficult to correct.

Threshold microswitch and a manufacturing method thereof


A barrier system comprises a first and second upright support legs and a laterally extending vision barrier. The support legs may include a pair of telescoping leg support portions. The laterally extending vision barrier comprises a vision barrier screen having slits spaced therein and has at least one fastener for facilitating attachment to one of the support legs. In one form, the first support leg may comprise an outer housing and an internal reel. The vision barrier is deployed on the reel.

There is a long standing need for the provision of a vision barrier that can separate vehicular or pedestrian traffic from an event or condition, especially a distracting event or condition, such as a vehicular accident on a highly trafficked roadway, a distressed vehicle on the roadway, or the separation of pedestrian traffic. There is a need for such a system to shield viewers on one side of the vision barrier from being distracted by the event or condition occurring on the other side such that vehicular and/or pedestrian speed is maintained and traffic jams or accidents (caused by the distraction) do not occur.
There is also a need for such a system to be readily deployable at the site and readily returnable to a storage position. There is also a need for the barrier to be easily storable in an emergency vehicle and easily deployed and returnable at the site in an expeditious manner. The barrier is intended for repeated use of a temporary or more permanent nature.


The invention relates an assay useful for screening and identifying compounds as modulators of lower alkyl phenol activation of TRPA1. Thymol, a lower alkyl phenol anti-infective and the active ingredient in, e.g., mouthwashes, is stringent and has an objectionable burning taste sensation. Thymol activates the transient receptor potential like ion channel TRPA1. The assay described and claimed herein involves measurement of activation of TRPA1 and enables the screening of compounds that inhibit lower alkyl phenol, or thymol activation of TRPA1. Inhibitors of thymol activation of TRPA1 can be used to prevent the objectionable taste of thymol in medical uses where taste limits acceptance.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to a screening method to identify compounds that impact taste. More specifically, the present invention relates to a screening method useful in the identification of compounds that affect taste sensation by modulating the level of activation of the ion channel TRPA1. The screening method allows for the rapid screening of candidate compounds by providing a visual fluorescent readout that can be easily automated.
2. Background
Taste perception plays a critical role in the nutritional status and survival of both lower and higher animals (Margolskee, R. F. J. Biol. Chem. 277:1-4 (2002); Avenet, P. and Lindemann, B. J. Membrane Biol. 112:1-8 (1989)). The ability to taste has significance beyond providing people with pleasurable culinary experiences. For example, the ability to taste allows us to identify tainted or spoiled foods, and provides satisfying responses that may be proportionate to caloric or nutritive value.
Although taste perception is a vital function, sometimes it is useful to modify certain tastes. For example, many active ingredients in medicines produce undesirable tastes, such as a bitter taste or a pungent burning sensation. Inhibition of this bitter taste or burning sensation could lead to improved acceptance by the patient. In other circumstances, it may be desirable to enhance the unpleasant taste of something that would be toxic if ingested. For instance, an increased bitterness or burning quality could prevent consumption of poisonous materials that ordinarily have little or no taste. For example, denatonium benzoate, a highly bitter compound is added to methanol and other poisonous liquids to discourage their ingestion.
Thymol, an antibacterial that is the active ingredient in, for example, mouthwash, toothpaste and lip balms, has an unpleasant taste. It is responsible for the pungent burning sensation associated with mouthwash and toothpaste, which limits patient acceptance of these products. Other compounds similar to thymol can also produce an unpleasant taste sensation.
The inclusion of compounds that could inhibit, or at least modulate, the unpleasant taste sensation of ingredients like thymol, could improve patient compliance with regimens using medicines or personal hygiene products containing these kinds of active ingredients. Moreover, the inclusion of compounds that could increase aversive tastes of toxic agents that normally have little taste could improve the safety of these products. Therefore, there exists a need in the art for methods that can be used to identify compounds that can modify taste perception in such ways, particularly for compounds such as thymol and similar compounds.

Screening assay for inhibitors of TRPA1 activation by a lower alkyl phenol


There are provided mechanisms for supporting a Circuit Switched (CS) service in a 5G Core Network (5GCN). A method is performed by a wireless device. The method comprises registering with an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) of the 5GCN using Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signalling. The method comprises registering, with the 5GCN and using NAS signalling, for at least one CS service, wherein the registering for the at least one CS service is performed in conjunction with registering with the AMF.

In communications networks, there may be a challenge to obtain good performance and capacity for a given communications protocol, its parameters and the physical environment in which the communications network is deployed.
According to some envisioned scenarios both an evolved Long Term Evolution (eLTE) radio access network and a 5G radio access network (sometimes denoted New Radio) will be connected to a 5G Core Network (5GCN). The eLTE radio access network may also be connected to an evolved packet Core (EPC) network partly to serve legacy wireless devices but also wireless devices utilizing scenarios where the 5G radio access network is anchored in the EPC/LTE.
According to some envisioned scenarios the 5GCN will not deal with interworking with legacy (2G and 3G) radio access networks. There could be deployments with both 5GCN and EPC and LTE connected to 5GCN and LTE connected to EPC.
For example, one parameter in providing good performance and capacity for a given communications protocol in a communications network is the availability of circuit switched (CS) services.
In some envisioned scenarios it is not foreseen to support CS services, such as Circuit Switched FallBack (CSFB) for voice and Short Message Service (SMS) for messages, in 5GCN deployments. As an example, in order to provide voice, it would require overlapping network coverage between 5G and 4G for full and perfect VoLTE coverage, which may not be possible to achieve in all deployments. It also requires that all network operators that want to use eLTE, NR and 5GCN must use VoLTE as the only option for operator provided voice services.
Hence, there is a need for an improved handling of CS services in 5G communications networks.

Support of circuit switched service in a 5G core network


A printed circuit board includes a spread weave of fibers having a first direction and a second direction with corresponding fibers spread more in the first direction than the second direction; and one or more pairs of traces on the spread weave of fibers, wherein the first direction has less differences in dielectric permittivity seen by each trace than the second direction, wherein the one or more pairs of traces are routed according to a routing design that includes one or more fixed regions on the spread weave of fibers, where routing of traces therein is restricted to linear, non-angled routed in the first direction.

A printed circuit board (PCB) mechanically supports and electrically connects electronic components using conductive traces, connectors and other features. PCBs provide mechanical strength through glass weave and resin systems. The style of these weaves varies, depending on PCB dimension and signal integrity requirements. Often, spread glass weaves are used to enhance signal integrity performance of PCBs. Further, components, such as capacitors, resistors, and active devices, may be added to the PCB. PCBs are used for a variety of electronic apparatuses. For example, one such set of electronic apparatuses are backplanes. Backplanes typically provide interconnect between separate PCBs or modules through use of mating connectors. Backplane designs may have a number of high speed signals pairs restricted to either horizontal or vertical routing due to narrow high speed connector breakout channels. Many high speed connectors have narrow pin field routing channels that are designed to provide a low inter pair crosstalk path out of the connector area. These narrow routing channels can be called fixed regions, and force signals to be routed in a uniform direction without bends or angles, referred to as 0 degree or restricted routing. Connectors may be situated beside each other extending the area where 0 degree routing is required.


Methods and systems to link personnel, organizational, and budgetary elements in disparate databases are described. In one embodiment, a method in accordance with the invention may include forming a query from a first set of attributes from a first database and a second set of attributes from a second database, determining, from a third database, an index value that is associated with both the first set and the second set of attributes, and outputting the index value to a user. A system in accordance with the invention may include a processor, an output device, and a memory. The memory may include at least three databases.

1. Technical Field
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and systems to link personnel, organizational, and budgetary elements in disparate databases.
2. Discussion
It is often necessary to fill employment positions with personnel whom a manager or supervisor has little if any experience. In large organizations the problem is particularly troublesome as hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of records may be considered in order to place the most qualified and/or desirable person in the needed position. To further complicate the matter, an organization is typically constrained by budget considerations. If it is necessary to staff a project with personnel, the number of personnel must be adjusted based on their salaries and the budget amount allocated for the project.
In some situations, it may be necessary to staff a project with personnel from multiple organizations. Such situations are extremely problematic as different organizations rarely, if ever, have common pay scales and job descriptions.
However, most organizations do maintain employment records for their employees. The accumulation of employment records is typical for public and private business organizations, government organizations, and military organization. Employment records, usually stored in electronic databases, typically may include at least employees' names, addresses, identification numbers, and dates on which the employees first began to work for the organization. Other information may also be stored.
Organizations also frequently maintain databases that include details concerning the various projects on which the organization is working. Databases of information also exist for various projects in a planning stage, or in a pre-contract stage, such as a bidding stage. For example, an organization may maintain budgetary records related to the numbers and qualifications (desired or actual) of personnel needed to staff a project. Information concerning both personnel and projects may also be needed to complete certain reports required for submission to government and/or financial institutions.

Method and system for linking personnel, organizational, and budgetary elements


The present invention relates to a containerization system comprising at least one inner water soluble bag located within an outer water insoluble bag. The inner water soluble bag contains an agrichemical that does not substantially dissolve the bag. The outer water insoluble bag is flexible and collapsible and has a low stretchability; it may be made of polyester or laminated polypropylene-polethylene

I. Field of the invention
The invention relates to a containerization system and to containers which are particularly suitable for storing, packaging and transporting fluid agricultural chemical compounds, such as pesticides and concentrates thereof.
II. Discussion of the Prior Art
At present, most hazardous and toxic liquids are stored in metal drums or, where smaller quantities are involved, in plastic containers. Hazardous compounds, especially agricultural chemical compounds (agrichemicals), are formulated in various compositions.
The expression toxic or hazardous compounds as used herein means an industrial chemical or agrichemical composition, which, if released in the quantity or concentration normally in storage and shipping containers, may cause damage to the environment or be injurious to a person contacted by it.
Agrichemical compositions in liquid form, particularly in the form of concentrates, are most convenient for farmers because of the relative ease with which they can be handled. There are, nevertheless, difficulties in handling such liquid compositions. There is a danger of spillage or leakage if holes develop in containers that are accidentally dropped and thereby crack or fail. Containers have been developed which possess great resistance to impact and shock. While such containers are secure under normal storage and handling conditions, in the event of an accident, for example during transporting, there remains an appreciable risk of spillage or leakage with rapid loss of liquid. Leakage of toxic and hazardous chemicals can create damage to the environment.
The chemical and packaging industries have long sought a secure container which provides sufficient safeguard for those handling it, such as farmers and transporters, as well as adequate protection for the environment.
It is known, for example, to package agrichemicals in soluble bags or sachets made from water soluble films. While considerable effort has been made and success achieved in improving the strength of such bags, there still remains some relative fragility with such bags resulting from sudden strong impact, for example from dropping.
When designing novel containers for protecting objects having a degree of fragility, rigid materials such as rigid polymers are the construction materials of choice despite the high cost and other problems compared with many flexible polymers. One solution for this problem is exemplified in patent application WO 89/12590 where a water soluble bag containing a liquid agrichemical composition is encased in a novel outer container made of a rigid or semi-rigid polymer such as polypropylene. In its working example, the application describes a container wherein the outer container comprises a rigid body-part which contains the inner bag, i.e. the area within which the bag can move, and the shock absorbing rigid part separated from the body part by means of shoulder, or shock absorbing strips wherein the inner bag cannot move and/or deform completely. In other words, a bag part which is actually the outer container and another added shock absorbing part which is not part of the outside container. Currently, there is such a product available commercially in France called Geludose (Ciba-Geigy) which is a water soluble bag which is stored in a rigid polymeric container. Problems do exist with these types of containers. An external rigid container may break under violent shock and the broken container may have edges which may cut the water soluble bag which is inside of it. Also the lids may become dislodged when the seals are not complete. Even further, because of the complex invention design required for rigid materials, the cost of such product tends to be quite high.
An object of the instant invention is to provide a new containerization system to contain agrichemicals which is safe for everybody.
Another object of the instant invention is to provide a new containerization system to contain agrichemicals which is easy for the farmer to manipulate.
Another object of the instant invention is to provide a new containerization system to contain agrichemicals which is as much condensed as possible, using the least amount of space.
Another object of the instant invention is to provide a new containerization system to contain agrichemicals which is easy to open, easy to manufacture (and thus cheap), and which has a good shock absorption, that is to say, which has a good resistance to shock such as impact and blows.
Another object of the instant invention is to provide a new containerization system to contain agrichemicals which is stable both at high and low temperature.
Another object of the instant invention is to provide a new containerization system and/or a new method to contain agrichemicals which diminishes the risks of pollution.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a containerization system which has no lids, and is easier and cheaper to manufacture and has no problem of lids coming off.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a new containerization system for agrichemicals which reduces the waste disposal of contaminated containers and overpacks.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a new containerization system for agrichemicals which allows very efficient packing and storing due to flexible, optionally flat bags.
An object of the invention is to avoid the risk of spill or pollution and to increase the safety of water soluble packaging of agrichemicals.
Other objects of the invention will better appear from the following description.


With the disc-shaped recording medium, or the disc manufacturing method according to the present invention, for both the single-layer disc and the multi-layer disc, a recording layer L0, which is to be the first layer, is at the same distance, along the direction of disc thickness, from the surface of the cover layer CVLs on which falls the laser light. For the multi-layer disc, the second layer L1 and the following layer(s) are formed at the locations which are closer to the cover layer CVLs than the first layer L0. Management information may be recorded by mobbling grooves, each layermay have tert areas, defect information, a replacement area. Thus, it is possible to improve compatibility, reliability and accessibility between a single-layer disc and a multi-layer disc. The spherical aberration for the recording/reproducing light may be controlled with respect to the selected layer.

As a technique for recording and/or reproducing digital data, there is a data recording technique employing an optical disc, inclusive of a magneto-optical disc, such as, for example, CD (Compact Disc), MD (Mini-Disc), or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), as a recording medium. The optical disc is a generic term for a recording medium comprised of a disc of a thin metal sheet protected with plastics and which is irradiated with laser light. A signal is read out as changes in the light reflected from the disc.
The optical disc may be classified into a replay-only type, such as CD, CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, and a user-recordable type, such as MD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD−RW, DVD+RW or DVD-RAM. Data recording on the user recordable type disc is enabled by exploiting a magneto-optical recording system, a phase change recording system or a dye film change recording system. The dye film change recording system, also termed a write-once recording system, allows for data recording only once and does not allow for rewriting, and hence may be used with advantage for data storage. On the other hand, the magneto-optical recording system or the phase change recording system allows for data rewriting and is utilized for a variety of fields of application including recording of various content data such as music, pictures, games or application programs.
Recently, a high density optical disc, termed DVR (Data and Video Recording) has been developed in an attempt to increase the data storage capacity appreciably.
For recording data on a recordable disc, such as a disc of the magneto-optical recording system, dye film change recording system or the phase change recording system, suitable guide means are necessitated for tracking to a data track. To this end, a groove is formed in advance as a pre-groove, with the groove or a land (an area of a trapezoidal cross-section defined between neighboring grooves or neighboring turns of the groove) being used as a data track.
It is also necessary to record the address information at a preset position on the data track such as to permit data to be recorded at a preset location on the data track. There are occasions where this address information is recorded by wobbling or meandering the groove.
Specifically, the sidewall section of the data recording track, formed in advance as a pre-groove, is wobbled in keeping with the address information.
By so doing, the address may be read out from the wobbling information, obtained as the reflected light information during recording and/or reproduction, such that data can be recorded and/or reproduced at a desired location without the necessity of pre-forming bit data etc. on the track for indicating the address.
By adding the address information as the wobbled groove, it is unnecessary to provide discrete address areas on the track to record the address as e.g., bit data, with the result that the recording capacity for real data can be increased in an amount corresponding to the address area which might otherwise have to be provided as described above.
Meanwhile, the absolute time (address) information, expressed by the wobbled groove, is termed the ATIP (Absolute Time in Pre-groove) or ADIP (Address in Pre-groove).
It should be noted that if, in the high density disc, recently developed, such as DVR, recording and/or reproduction of phase change marks is performed with a disc structure having a cover layer (substrate) of 0.1 mm along the direction of disc thickness, using a combination of the laser light with a wavelength of 405 nm, or so-called blue laser light and an objective lens with a NA of 0.85, 23.3 GB (giga-byte) of data can be recorded on a disc of 12 cm in diameter, for a data block of 64 kB (kilobyte) as a recording and/or reproducing unit, with the track pitch of 0.32 μm and a line density of 0.12 μm, with the format efficiency being approximately 82%.
If, with the similar format, the line density is set to 0.112 μm/bit, data with the capacity of 25 GB can be recorded and/or reproduced.
It is noted that there is raised a further drastically increased data capacity, so that it may be contemplated that the recording layer is of a multi-layer structure. For example, if the recording layer is of a double layer structure, the recording capacity may be 46.6 or 50 GB, or twice the above-mentioned capacity.
However, with the recording layer with a multi-layer structure, problems are raised as to desirable disc layout or as to achieving operational reliability.
There is also raised a problem as to achieving compatibility with the single layer optical disc.
It is also necessary to take into consideration the accessibility to the first and the following layers at the time of recording and/or reproduction.

Disc-shaped recording medium, disc driving device and disc producing method

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A system may comprise a first processor core, a second processor core and a processor core assignor. The first processor core may include a first circuit to generate a first data and a second processor core may include a second circuit to generate a second data. The processor core assignor may assign a first thread to the first processor core or to the second processor core based on the first data, the second data, and an application reliability requirement.

A multi-core platform includes two or more processor cores. Over time, as the platform is used, each processor core may age or wear differently resulting in differences in reliability among the processor cores of the platform. A critical application such as a healthcare-related application may therefore be executed by a processor core that is unsatisfactorily unreliable. Conversely, a non-critical application may be executed by processor core that exhibits a high level of reliability. Either of the foregoing scenarios presents an inefficient use of processor core resources.

Quantifying core reliability in a multi-core system


An optical modulator comprises at least two optically coupled MARS modulators, at least one having positive spectral tilt and at least one having negative spectral tilt. Both tilt and attenuation can be independently controlled by adjusting the air gaps of the constituent modulators. Preferred designs present linear spectral tilt.

Optical modulators for equalizing the power across spectral ranges are important components in optical networks employing multiple wavelengths of light (Wavelength Division Multiplexed or WDM networks). Typically in WDM networks, especially in long-haul fibers, rare earth doped fiber amplifiers are used to replenish losses. In order to minimize non-linear effects in these amplifiers and to permit the use of common communication circuitry for all channels, it is necessary that the various wavelength channels have similar power levels. However, as various wavelengths are added or subtracted at various nodes in the network, the power levels of the various channels change, in turn changing the gain spectrum of the amplifiers. Such network changes can be slow as when customers are added and removed or fast as when network traffic is dynamically rerouted for improved efficiency. Often the variation in power is roughly monotonic in wavelength and can be adequately compensated by a monotonic change in attenuation as the wavelength changes, i.e. by a spectral attenuation tilt.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,761 issued to K. W. Goossen et al on Mar. 19, 1996 describes a Mechanical Anti-Reflection Switch modulator (MARS modulator) useful for power equalization. The MARS modulator is basically a Fabry-Perot cavity comprising the air gap between an optical membrane and a substrate. Modulation is based on voltage-controlled vertical movement of the membrane in relation to the substrate. The MARS modulator provides broad spectrum, high contrast reflection modulation at rates in excess of several Mbit/sec. A MARS modulator having low insertion loss and broad operating bandwidth particularly advantageous for optical communications applications is described in applicant Goossen's copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/901,050 filed Jul. 25, 1997 and entitled "Micromechanical Modulator Having Enhanced Performance". Both U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,761 and application Ser. No. 08/901,050 are incorporated herein by reference.
Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a schematic cross section of a single unit MARS modulator of the type described in the Goossen patent and copending application. The device 9 comprises a substrate 10 and a membrane 15 spaced from each other to define a gap 20 between them. The substrate 10 is a conductive material such as doped silicon, and the membrane 15 comprises one or more layers of conductive material such as an overlayer 15a of silicon nitride and an underlayer 15b of polycrystalline silicon. The overlayer has an index of refraction approximately equal to the square root of the substrate refractive index and the underlayer has an index of refraction approximately equal to the substrate refractive index. The thicknesses of 15a and 15b are each less than one-quarter of the operating wavelength .lambda.. The membrane 15 and the substrate 10 are spaced apart by a peripheral support layer 12 of insulating material. Electrodes 30 and 31 permit connection of the membrane 15 and substrate 10, respectively, to the terminals of a bias voltage source 29.
The air gap 20 can be controlled by a bias voltage between the substrate and the membrane. Relative reflective maxima are produced when the gap 20 is an odd integer multiple of one-quarter of the operating wavelength .lambda.. Minima are produced when the gap 20 is 0 or an even integer multiple of .lambda./4.
The modulator can employ mirrors of unequal reflectivity to provide broad operating bandwidth with low insertion loss. A high reflectivity membrane provides low insertion loss while a lower reflectivity substrate maintains the broader bandwidth of a low finesse device.
While these MARS modulators can be used to achieve a desired level of attenuation at the middle wavelength of a spectral band, this attenuation is typically produced by only one spacing between the membrane and the substrate, which means that the attenuation versus wavelength characteristic (spectral tilt) is fully defined. Thus there is no independent control over the attenuation and the spectral tilt.

Optical modulator providing independent control of attenuation and spectral tilt


A data processing apparatus, and method of managing at least one cache within such an apparatus, are provided. The data processing apparatus has at least one processing unit for executing a sequence of instructions, with each such processing unit having a cache associated therewith, each cache having a plurality of cache lines for storing data values for access by the associated processing unit when executing the sequence of instructions. Identification logic is provided which, for each cache, monitors data traffic within the data processing apparatus and based thereon generates a preferred for eviction identification identifying one or more of the data values as preferred for eviction. Cache maintenance logic is then arranged, for each cache, to implement a cache maintenance operation during which selection of one or more data values for eviction from that cache is performed having regard to any preferred for eviction identification generated by the identification logic for data values stored in that cache. It has been found that such an approach provides a very flexible technique for seeking to improve cache storage utilisation.

A cache may be arranged to store data and/or instructions fetched from a memory so that they are subsequently readily accessible by a device having access to that cache, for example a processing unit with which the cache may be associated. Hereafter, the term "data value" will be used to refer generically to either instructions or data, unless it is clear from the context that only a single variant (i.e. instructions or data) is being referred to. However, it is envisaged that the techniques of embodiments of the present invention will find more general applicability when used in association with data rather than instructions.
A cache typically has a plurality of cache lines, with each cache line being able to store typically a plurality of data values. When a processing unit wishes to have access (either read or write) to a data value which is not stored in the cache (referred to as a cache miss), then this typically results in a linefill process, during which a cache line's worth of data values is stored in the cache, that cache line including the data value to be accessed. Often it is necessary as an initial part of the linefill process to evict a cache line's worth of data values from the cache to make room for the new cache line of data. Should a data value in the cache line being evicted have been altered, then it is usual to ensure that the altered data value is re-written to memory, either at the time the data value is altered, or as part of the above-mentioned eviction process.
Each cache line typically has a valid flag associated therewith, and when a cache line is evicted from the cache, it is then marked as invalid. Further, when evicting a cache line, it is normal to assess whether that cache line is "clean" (i.e. whether the data values therein are already stored in memory, in which case the line is clean, or whether one or more of those data values is more up to date than the value stored in memory, in which case that cache line is not clean, also referred to as dirty). If the cache line is dirty, then on eviction that cache line will be cleaned, during which process at least any data values in the cache line that are more up to date than the corresponding values in memory will be re-written to memory. Typically the entire cache line is written back to memory.
In addition to cleaning and/or invalidating cache lines in a cache during a standard eviction process resulting from a cache miss, there are other scenarios where is it generally useful to be able to clean and/or invalidate a line from a cache in order to ensure correct behaviour; often software accessible cache maintenance operations are added to provide this capability. For example, such a process may be used during software managed inter-processor cache coherency (i.e. where no cache coherency hardware is available), which serves to ensure that in a system where there are multiple processors, each having access to their own caches, then each cache stores the most up-to-date version of a data value. If one processor updates the data value in its associated cache, and if another cache is already storing a copy of that data value, then the cache coherency technique may be used to either invalidate that copy, given that it is now out of date, or to cause that copy to be updated to reflect the most up-to-date value. Another situation where it is useful to be able to clean and/or invalidate a cache line from a cache in order to ensure correct behaviour is where page table descriptors are changed, which will typically result in the contents of a cache being flushed to memory with each data value being cleaned as required. A further example is when employing power management techniques, for example where a processor is about to enter a low power mode, and any data in its associated cache must be saved to another level in the memory hierarchy given that that cache will lose its data when entering the low power mode.
From the above discussions, it will be appreciated that it is common to provide cache maintenance operations to allow the cleaning and/or invalidation of lines from a cache as and when required to ensure correct operation of the cache. Often these cache maintenance operations are provided as privileged operations accessible only from supervisor (OS) code. This is particularly the case with operations that could have adverse side effects, for example invalidating a cache line without cleaning it can cause inconsistency if not handled very carefully.
The aforementioned cache maintenance operations generally instigate the requested management on the cache line immediately. If a large block of memory affecting a number of cache lines is being processed, then this can result in a significant amount of memory traffic, likely causing the associated processing unit's pipeline to back up or stall in the process.
In addition to using cleaning and/or invalidating processes to ensure correct behaviour, it would be desirable to be able to also use such processes to improve overall performance of a data processing apparatus by ensuring better cache utilisation. However, the above two aspects of conventional techniques, namely the privileged access and the immediacy of effect, result in conventional cache maintenance operations being less than ideal for such purposes.
The article "Using the Compiler to Improve Cache Replacement Decisions" by Z. Wang et al, Proceedings of the 2002 International Conference on Parallel Architectures and Compilation Techniques (PACT 02), describes a compiler mechanism that guides cache replacements by selectively predicting when data will or will not be reused, with the aim of improving replacement decisions in set-associative caches, thereby improving memory system performance. In accordance with the implementation described, a single tag bit called the evict-me bit is provided per cache line, and then in the instruction set architecture a new set of memory instructions are provided which set the evict-me tags and are otherwise the same as an original set of memory instructions. The embodiment uses five extra bits in each memory instruction that the compiler sets to resolve run time spatial locality. An alternative hardware implementation uses a new instruction to store the five-bit constant into a special register, and the following memory operations then access the special register and constant to detect spatial reuse, and then set the relevant evict-me bit accordingly.
The article "Cooperative Caching with Keep-Me and Evict-Me" by J. B. Sartor et al, The Ninth Annual Workshop on Interactions between Compilers and Computer Architectures, San Francisco, Calif., February 2005, discusses a cooperative caching technique that seeks to improve memory system performance by using compiler locality hints to assist hardware cache decisions. In accordance with this technique, the compiler suggests cache lines to keep or evict in set-associative caches. A compiler analysis predicts data that will be and will not be reused, and annotates the corresponding memory operations with a keep-me or evict-me hint. The architecture maintains these hints on a cache line and only acts on them on a cache miss. In particular, this paper discusses a keep-me caching policy, which retains keep-me lines if possible. Otherwise the default replacement algorithm evicts the least-recently-used (LRU) line in the set. The paper describes the use of a keep-me hint, the associated compiler analysis, and architectural support. The paper also discusses the use of special keep-me and evict-me instructions with additional bits for spatial, temporal, and counter tags.
Both of the above papers hence describe techniques where compiler analysis is used to predict data that will be or will not be reused, with modified instructions then being used to set the required keep-me or evict-me bits associated with cache lines, which can then be referenced when seeking to select a candidate cache line for eviction.
Whilst the above-described techniques can achieve better utilisation of available cache storage by preferentially evicting data perceived to be of less importance, the techniques require compiler analysis and use of particular instructions within the code to provide the required keep-me and evict-me hints. It would be desirable to provide a more automated technique for achieving better utilisation of available cache storage, which would not require any modification to the program code.

Cache management within a data processing apparatus


An ossicular prosthesis includes a proximal end provided with an open conically helical coil for engaging a first ossicular structure, and a distal bell head, piston, or shoe for engaging a second ossicular structure. A connecting element extends therebetween the two to hold the helical coil structure which engages the second ossicular engagement structure in a preferably fixed relationship. The helical coil defines a plurality of spaced apart adjacent windings, with open spaces between the windings. Each adjacent winding decreases in diameter from the proximal to distal end. The windings of the coil may be adjusted relative to each other in length or angle to fit the anatomy. Embodiments of the prosthesis are provided for use as a PORP and a TORP. In accord with a one method of use, the helical coil and optionally other portions of the prosthesis function as an armature or endoskeleton. A cement is provided over the prosthesis to reconstruct the eroded or missing ossicles.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates broadly to prostheses. More particularly, this invention relates to prostheses for the middle ear for replacement, in whole or in part, of one or more ossicles.
2. State of the Art
Hearing is facilitated by the tympanic membrane transforming sound in the form of acoustic sound waves within the outer ear into mechanical vibrations through the chain of ossicular bones (malleus, incus, stapes) in the middle ear. These vibrations are transmitted through the ossicular bones to the footplate of the stapes where micro or macro motion of this structure results in compression waves within the fluid of the inner ear. These compression waves lead to vibrations of the cilia (hair cells) located within the cochlear where they are translated into nerve impulses. The nerve impulses are sent to the brain via the cochlear nerve and are interpreted in the brain as sound.
Hearing efficiency can be lost to erosion of the ossicular bones. Various combinations or portions of the bones can be replaced. For example, the malleus and incus can be replaced leaving all or a portion of the stapes intact or the incus and stapes can be replaced leaving all or a portion of the malleus intact. Such a procedure is a partial ossicular replacement prosthesis, or PORP. Alternatively, the incus, malleus and stapes can be completely replaced by a prosthesis in a procedure referred to as a total ossicular replacement prosthesis, or TORP.
In addition, for implantation of certain middle ear transducer hearing devices, a majority of the long process (long arm) of the incus is removed during the procedure. If explantation of the hearing device is later required, it is necessary to reattach the incus to the stapes. Current incudo-stapedial joint (ISJ) prostheses may not have sufficient length to effectively span the gap between the remaining incus and the stapes capitulum.
Further, most incudo-stapedial joint prostheses, whether implanted due to erosion or post-explantation reconstructions, are designed with claws that are difficult to orient, require crimping, and may lead to delayed pressure necrosis of the ossicles to which it is attached. Other incudo-stapedial joint prostheses that require positioning of the prosthesis between the eroded incus and stapes capitulum are often unstable and are only effective for reconstructing small gaps between the eroded incus and stapes. Incudo-stapedial reconstruction using autograft bone chips or cartilage tend to deteriorate over time. The result is reoccurrence of ossicular discontinuity and decreased hearing.

Ossicular prosthesis having helical coil


A power source (30, 32) supply circuit (28) is provided in a communication system of protective headgear for supplying a communication system from a power source (30, 32) associated with the protective headgear. The supply circuit (28) includes a boost converter (44) for better utilization of the electric power supplied by the power source (30, 32). Protective headgear is provided with such a supply circuit (28) for supplying the protective headgear. A method is also provided for operating such a supply circuit (28).

Firefighters or members of comparable rescue teams are confronted with various situations. The spectrum ranges from technical assistance over firefighting to the use of hazardous materials. Different components are needed for personal protection. Heavy respirators are used in firefighting, using, for example, full-face mask (full breathing mask) combined with a compressed air breathing apparatus or a closed-circuit respirator.
Besides the protection from smoke poisoning or the like, the members of rescue teams also require adequate communication. They work alone or in teams of two during missions depending on the needs. The communication with the mission leader and within the team is absolutely necessary for a smooth mission. The use of analog or digital radio equipment is known. A marked improvement compared to working with a manual radio equipment is offered by the integration of the radio equipment in the corresponding protective headgear in the form of a headset solution. This is known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 5,463,693 B. A microphone for receiving speech signals is integrated in this case in the mask and a received speech signal is transmitted by means of a loudspeaker acting as an earphone.
The need for a power source that can be carried along and that is usually designed in the form of primary batteries, i.e., non-rechargeable batteries, is problematic in such communication systems. Depending on the power demand, service lives of about 8 hours can be reached. This represents a considerable effort in terms of work and testing for users of such protective headgear, especially for firefighters, as well as equipment maintenance staff, because the power sources of such communication systems must be tested regularly in respect to the corresponding state of charge and new batteries may have to be inserted.

Supply circuit in a communication system of a protective headgear, protective headgear with such a supply circuit and method for operating such a supply circuit


An attachment unit for attachment of a reaction container including a channel filled with a reaction solution containing a fluorescent probe and a liquid having a specific gravity different from that of the reaction solution and being immiscible with the reaction solution, the reaction solution moving close to opposed inner walls, a first heating unit heating a first region of the channel and a second heating unit heating a second region of the channel when the reaction container is attached to the attachment unit, a drive mechanism switching arrangement of the attachment unit, the first heating unit, and the second heating unit between a first arrangement and a second arrangement in which a lowermost position of the channel is located within a first region and a second region, respectively, a measurement unit measuring light intensity, and a control unit controlling the portions described above.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a thermal cycler and a control method of the thermal cycler.
2. Related Art
Recently, with development of utilization technologies of genes, medical treatment utilizing genes such as gene diagnoses and gene therapies has attracted attention, and many techniques using genes for breed identification and breed improvement have been developed in agriculture and livestock fields. As technologies for utilizing genes, a technology such as a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) method has been widespread. Today, the PCR method is an essential technology in elucidation of information of biological materials.
The PCR method is a technique of amplifying target nucleic acid by applying thermal cycling to a solution containing nucleic acid as a target of amplification (target nucleic acid) and reagent (reaction solution). The thermal cycling is processing of periodically applying two or more steps of temperatures to the reaction solution. In the PCR method, generally, thermal cycling of two or three steps is applied.
In the PCR method, generally, a container for biochemical reaction called a tube or a chip for biological sample reaction (biochip) is used. However, in the technique of related art, there have been problems that large amounts of reagent etc. are necessary, equipment becomes complex for realization of thermal cycling necessary for reaction, and the reaction takes time. Accordingly, biochips and reactors for performing PCR with high accuracy in short time using extremely small amounts of reagent and specimen have been required.
In order to solve the problem, Patent Document 1 (JP-A-2009-136250) has disclosed a biological sample reactor of performing thermal cycling by rotating a chip for biological sample reaction filled with a reaction solution and a liquid being immiscible with the reaction liquid and having a lower specific gravity than that of the reaction solution around a rotation axis in the horizontal direction to move the reaction solution.
Further, real time PCR of measuring amplification by PCR over time (in real time) by detecting light having a predetermined wavelength has been known.
The equipment disclosed in Patent Document 1 has applied thermal cycling to a reaction solution by continuously rotating a biochip. However, it has been difficult to hold the reaction solution at a desired temperature in a desired period because the reaction solution moves within a channel of the biochip with the rotation. Accordingly, additional ideas have been required for appropriate real-time PCR.

Thermal cycler and control method of thermal cycler


The present invention relates to an electrocatalytic coating and an electrode having the coating thereon, wherein the coating is a mixed metal oxide coating, preferably platinum group metal oxides, with or without low levels of valve metal oxides. The electrocatalytic coating can be used especially as an anode component of an electrolysis cell and in particular a cell for the electrolysis of aqueous chlor-alkali solutions.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention is directed to an electrolytic electrode and a coating thereon having decreased amounts of platinum group metals with little or no valve metal for use in the electrolysis of aqueous chlor-alkali solutions.
2. Description of the Related Art
Lifetimes of electrodes, composed essentially of an active coating on a substrate, are a function of both the amount of active material applied to the substrate and the current density. Decreasing the amount of coating or increasing the current density results in a more rapid failure of the electrode. In general, an early failure of an electrode is attributed to two major factors, loss of the active coating and dissolution, or in case of the film-forming metals, passivation of the substrate. Sometimes these occur simultaneously and the electrode at the end of its lifetime may show some active material left in the coating, but the substrate has passivated.
Heretofore, a common solution to the problem of loss of the active component in the coating and passivation of the substrate was use of thicker coatings, i.e., higher loadings of the active component. Thicker coatings produced by the application onto the substrate of several e.g. ten-twenty or more layers of the active coating proved beneficial for lifetimes of the electrodes with the same coating composition. Simplicity of the solution to the problem of electrode lifetimes made thicker coatings a popular and almost universal remedy. However, an increase of the coating thickness meant a significant increase in cost due to the increased amount of platinum group metal utilized in the coating, as well as increased labor costs due to the higher number of layers applied.
Many attempts have been made to economize on the precious metal content of these coatings, usually, by partly replacing the platinum-group metal oxide with a compatible non-precious metal oxide such as tin dioxide (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,776,834) or tin and antimony oxides (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,875,043).
Additionally, the use of valve metal oxides in combination with the precious metal coating has been attempted. Such an anode for use in electrolytic processes such as chlorine production is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,070,504. The electrode utilizes a titanium or tantalum metal substrate with a coating of mixed metal oxides, preferably valve metal oxides and platinum group metal oxides which have been doped with a doping oxide. The valve metal oxide is present in the coating in an amount of greater than 25 mole percent.
The problem of electrode lifetime is also important with oxygen evolving electrodes used as anodes in various industrially important electrochemical processes, e.g., low current density oxygen evolving processes. In these processes, electrodes with platinum-group metal oxide coatings are used as oxygen evolving anodes. These platinum-group metal oxide anodes are found to operate very well under relatively difficult conditions imposed by these processes (e.g. current densities of up to 2-3 kA/m2 in aggressive electrolytes). However, to attain an acceptable performance under these conditions, these electrodes must have relatively high platinum-group metal loadings (e.g. more than about 12-16 g/m2). Various tests with the known oxygen evolving anodes have shown, however, that while electrodes with platinum-group metal oxides operate with satisfaction under these conditions, they fail rapidly if the operating current density is increased to 5 kA/m2 or more. The simple approach of a higher loading, therefore, meant only higher costs but not better service life. In recent years, the rapid development of high speed plating (electrogalvanizing) techniques has amplified the problem.
It has been known from U.S. Pat. No. 3,711,385 that the electrocatalytic coating of a platinum-group metal oxide could be made as thin as 0.054 micrometers. In practice, however, it has been found that to achieve any acceptable lifetime somewhat thicker coatings were necessary. Hence, usually ten to twenty thin coatings of a suitable paint solution are applied to the film-forming metal base and heated each time to give an electrocatalytic coating formed from the decomposed component of the paint containing about 5 to 20 grams by metal of the platinum-group metal oxide per square meter of the projected electrode surface.
An oxygen evolving anode made by coating a titanium substrate with iridium oxide or iridium/ruthenium oxide using a mixture of codeposited titanium oxide or tin oxide and tantalum oxide or niobium oxide with platinum metal as the electrode underlayer has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,481,097. The electrode active component includes 1.3 g/m2 of platinum metal in the underlayer and 3.0 g/m2 of iridium oxide in the top layer. According to the document, the electrode has maximum lifetime of 80 hours under accelerated lifetime tests performed in an aqueous solution with 150 g/l of H2 SO4 as an electrolyte at 80° C. and current density of 25 kA/m2.
It would, however, be desirable to provide an electrode for such service having improved lifetimes without this being offset by a prohibitive cost due either to a high cost of the electrode materials or a high production cost or a combination of these.

Electrocatalytic coating with lower platinum group metals and electrode made therefrom


A first code is programmed into a memory of an image-formation device consumable item, outside of an image-formation device. Upon insertion of the image-formation device consumable item into the image-formation device, it is detected that the memory of the consumable item has programmed therein the first code. The image-formation device determines whether the first code is identical to a second code programmed into a memory of the image-formation device. Where the first code is identical to the second code, the consumable item is allowed to be used by the image-formation device to form images on media.

Nearly all printing devices, such as inkjet and laser printers, employ consumable items in printing images on media. For instance, inkjet printers typically use inkjet cartridges, whereas laser printers typically use toner cartridges. These consumable items can be expensive. Many times, an organization, such as a person's place of work, a library, or another organization, uses the same types of printing devices that are found in people's homes. As a result, the consumable items employed in these printing devices can be an attractive target for theft.

Allowing image formation using consumable item where code of consumable item is identical to code of image-formation device

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


The present invention relates to a disconnecting tool (1) for disconnecting a drill pipe from a lower casing in a bore-hole and having an axial extension along a centre line (2), comprising an axial force generator (4) comprising a first part (5) and a second part (6) and providing an axial movement of the second part in relation to the first part along the axial extension, a wireline (3) powering the axial force generator, and an element (7) comprising a leading part (8) and a trailing part (9), the second part being connected with the trailing part, wherein a fluid channel (10) extends from the leading part to the trailing part for letting fluid through or pass the element when the second part is moved in relation to the first part of the force generator during disconnection.

In wellbores, annular barriers are used for providing zone isolation and isolation of the production zone through which the recovery of hydrocarbon takes places. The annular barriers form part of the lower casing and are submerged into the borehole by means of a drill pipe. In order to expand the expandable sleeves of the annular barriers, the drill pipe is pressurised from the top of the well, often from the rig, and all the sleeves of the annular barriers can thus be expanded or set in one operation step. Subsequently, the drill pipe is released from the lower casing, leaving the lower casing fastened in the borehole.
By conventional running tools, the disconnection mechanism is activated by rotating the drill pipe or dropping a ball into a ball seat in the running tool and then pressurising the drill pipe once more to move the seat and release the running tool from the lower casing. However, neither of these solutions is useful for providing zone isolation when using annular barriers as the expanded annular barriers must not be rotated, which will occur when rotating the drill pipe. Nor must the lower casing be pressurised to a level above that at which the annular barriers are expanded, which will occur with the solution of dropping the ball and subsequently pressurising once more.


A stand which is to be placed on a supportive surface which is to engage in a supporting manner with the front wheel of a motorcycle. The stand is to support the motorcycle in its normal upright position. The stand includes a backbone member within which the front wheel of the motorcycle is to be cradled in a closely conforming manner. Associated with the backbone member is a right side support and a left side support which are located in a facing relationship with the backbone member located there between. Both the right side support and the left side support are adjustably mounted on the backbone member so as to vary the spacing between the supports so as to accommodate different sizes of tires of motorcycles.

1) Field of the Invention
The field of this invention relates to a motorcycle storage stand which is designed to support the motorcycle in its normal upright manner and can be utilized in conjunction with a separate locking device to secure the motorcycle to the stand to prevent unauthorized removal and usage of the motorcycle.
2) Description of the Prior Art
Owners of high priced motorcycles are aware of the fact that a skilled and well equipped thief requires less than sixty seconds to steal a motorcycle. Two strong and able bodied thieves can lift up a motorcycle that is not secured to the ground and place it within a truck or van, even when both wheels of the motorcycle are locked.
Besides the potential thievery of a motorcycle, there is a need to have a motorcycle stored in an upright position. This storage frequently occurs within the garage of a house or adjacent the garage area of the house exteriorly of the house. It is desirable to store the motorcycle in its normal usage position which is in an upright position and also make it virtually impossible to be accidently knocked over. When needed, a locking means is to be connected to the stand with the stand being securable to a supportive surface such as a concrete floor.


A lever switch apparatus has a lever operable in a plurality of directions, which, when operating the lever in a certain direction, prevents against erroneous operation of a movable board by rendering the movable board immovable in an irrelevant direction of lever operation. The lever switch apparatus has a lever 2 and a movable board 3A. The lever 2 is swingable in a first direction and a second direction about a first axis 21 and a second axis 22, and has an engager 23 on a tip side thereof. The movable board 3A is swingable in a third direction about a third axis 31A, and has an elongate hole 32A extending in the second direction and a contact piece 33A. The engager 23 is engaged with a wall surface 34A of the elongate hole 32A. The elongate hole 32A is formed in a curved form corresponding to a swing path of the engager 23 to prevent erroneous operation of the movable board 3A during movement of the lever 2 in certain directions.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to switches for automotive vehicles and, in particular, to an improvement in a lever switch apparatus for use in a combination switch or the like, which is adapted to control, for example, a lighting system, a wiper system and a turn signal system from a driver's seat of an automotive vehicle.


A method for determining user preferences for data visualizations is provided. The method may include receiving data visualizations. The method may also include collecting the shapes, the line segments, and the colors associated with the data visualizations. The method may further include converting the shapes and the line segments to polygonal outlines. Additionally, the method may include categorizing and measuring the line segments. The method may further include identifying and categorizing the angles formed by the line segments and determining weighted values for the angles. The method may further include calculating the total length for the line segments, and the total weighted value for the angles. The method may also include characterizing the line segments based on the categorization of the line segments and the angles based on the categorization of the angles. The method may further include scoring the at least one data visualization based on the characterizations.

The present invention relates generally to the field of computing, and more specifically, to data visualizations.
Data visualizations are generally used as communication tools to help users understand information. Specifically, effective data visualizations help users in analyzing data and evidence, and make complex data more accessible and usable. The typically used data visualizations include information graphs, statistical graphs, charts, tables, and plots. For example, users may need to visually represent a particular analytical task, such as a comparison of data and/or understanding the causality of data, and the data visualization selected may be based on that particular task. Furthermore, designers of data visualizations may not only want to communicate information clearly, but may also want to stimulate viewer engagement and attention. Thus, users often want data visualizations to be both aesthetically and functionally satisfactory. Ordinarily, these design choices are based on user preferences.

Determining user preferences for data visualizations

International Business Machines Corporation


A synthetic gasket material for use in a high-pressure press includes a major proportion of clay mineral powder having sufficient lubricity to flow in a high-pressure press, a minor proportion of at least one hard material powder having a sufficiently greater hardness than the clay mineral to retard flow of the clay mineral and form a seal during pressing in a high-pressure press, and a sufficient amount of binder to form an integral body. The synthetic gasket material is formed by thoroughly mixing together in desired proportions the clay mineral, hard material, and binder. The mixture is compacted into a body near net geometry and having a desired configuration to facilitate use in the high-pressure press. The compacted body is heated for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to remove non-crystallographic water. A synthetic gasket material prepared according to principles of this invention displays improved flow, pressure transmitting, and thermal insulating properties when compared with gasket material made from natural pyrophyllite, due to the improved compositional consistency, i.e., lack of impurities and consistently low moisture content, of the synthetic gasket material.

Polycrystalline diamond composites are manufactured by a process of applying extreme pressure (e.g., 65 kilobars) to a quantity of diamond powder and the like disposed within a container, and heating the diamond under pressure to a sufficient temperature where diamond is thermodynamically stable. As used herein, high pressure press means a press capable of applying sufficient pressure for maintaining diamond thermodynamically stable. In one process the pressure is applied to the container by a number of anvils that are connected to a high-pressure press. The high-pressure press may have six anvils that are each positioned at 90 degree angles with respect to adjacent anvils and converge when the press is operated to surround the container in the shape of a cube, i.e., surround the container around six sides. A sealing gasket in the shape of a cube is interposed between the container and the anvils by placing the container within a bore of the gasket. The gasket acts to perfect a pressure seal between adjacent anvil edge portions, forming a sealed pressure chamber therebetween, and transmits the pressure force exerted by each anvil to the container.
The above-described polycrystalline diamond manufacturing process incorporates use of a sealing gasket machined from a block of pyrophyllite, a natural form of hydrous aluminum silicate found in metamorphic rocks. Pyrophyllite has been used as the preferred gasket material because of its physical properties of being able to both deform or flow under pressure, to a limited extent to perfect a pressure seal and transmit the pressure force from the anvils to the container. Pyrophyllite also displays good thermal insulating characteristics that help to reduce the amount of heat that is transferred by thermal conduction from the container to the anvils during sintering.
However, the use of a gasket formed from pyrophyllite introduces variation and inconsistency into the high-pressure process. Because pyrophyllite is a natural material and, therefore, has inconsistencies in its composition, the physical properties of a sealing gasket formed from pyrophyllite also display such inconsistencies. For example, variations in pyrophyllite composition and moisture content are well known. Such variations have an impact on the operation of the high-pressure press and the quality of the polycrystalline product being produced, as these variations affect the flow, pressure transmitting, and thermal insulating characteristics of the resulting gasket material formed from the pyrophyllite. Variations in composition and moisture content of gasket materials formed from pyrophyllite reduce product consistency, reduce product yield, and increase anvil breakage and/or press damage.
It is, therefore, desirable that a sealing gasket used with a high-pressure press be constructed from a material that does not display variations or inconsistencies in its composition. It is desired that the gasket be formed from a material that does not display variations or inconsistencies in its moisture content. It is desirable that the gasket be formed from a material that has consistent flow, pressure transmitting, and thermal insulating characteristics. It is desired that the gasket be formed from a material having flow, pressure transmitting, and thermal insulating characteristics that equal or surpass those of gaskets formed from pyrophyllite. It is also desired that the gasket be formed from conventional and readily available materials, and be formed using conventional manufacturing techniques.

Synthetic gasket materials for use in high-pressure presses


There is provided a pattern forming method comprising (1) a step of forming a film by using an actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition containing (A) a resin containing an acid-decomposable repeating unit and being capable of decreasing the solubility for an organic solvent-containing developer by the action of an acid, (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation, (C) a compound capable of decomposing by the action of an acid to generate an acid, and (D) a solvent; (2) a step of exposing the film by using an actinic ray or radiation, and (4) a step of developing the exposed film by using an organic solvent-containing developer to form a negative pattern.

In the process of producing a semiconductor device such as IC and LSI, microfabrication by lithography using a photoresist composition has been conventionally performed. Recently, with the increase in integration degree of an integrated circuit, formation of an ultrafine pattern in the sub-micron or quarter-micron region is required. To cope with this requirement, the exposure wavelength also tends to become shorter, for example, from g line to i line or further to KrF excimer laser light. At present, other than the excimer laser light, development of lithography using electron beam, X-ray or EUV light is also proceeding.
The lithography using electron beam, X-ray or EUV light is positioned as a next-generation or next-next-generation pattern formation technology, and a high-sensitivity and high-resolution resist composition is being demanded.
Among others, elevation of the sensitivity is a very important task so as to shorten the wafer processing time, but when higher sensitivity is sought for, the pattern profile or the resolution indicated by the limiting resolution line width is deteriorated, and development of a resist composition satisfying all of these properties at the same time is strongly demanded.
High sensitivity is in a trade-off relationship with high resolution and good pattern profile, and it is very important how to satisfy all of these properties at the same time.
The actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition generally includes "a positive type" using a resin sparingly soluble or insoluble in an alkali developer, where the exposed area is solubilized in an alkali developer upon exposure to radiation and a pattern is thereby formed, and "a negative type" using a resin soluble in an alkali developer, where the exposed area is sparingly solubilized or insolubilized in an alkali developer upon exposure to radiation and a pattern is thereby formed.
As the actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition suitable for such a lithography process using electron beam, X-ray or EUV light, a chemical amplification positive resist composition utilizing an acid catalytic reaction is mainly studied from the standpoint of elevating the sensitivity, and a chemical amplification positive resist composition using, as the main component, a phenolic resin having a property of being insoluble or sparingly soluble in an alkali developer but becoming soluble in an alkali developer by the action of an acid (hereinafter simply referred to as a "phenolic acid-decomposable resin"), and containing an acid generator is being effectively used.
Also, in order to provide a chemical amplification resist composition remarkably improved in the photosensitive speed by amplifying a photochemical reaction, it is known to use, together with the above-described acid generator, an acid-increasing agent capable of newly generating an acid (for example, a sulfonic acid) by the action of an acid generated from the acid generator (see, for example, JP-A-2011-33729 (the term "JP-A" as used herein means an "unexamined published Japanese patent application")).
On the other hand, in the production of a semiconductor device or the like, patterns having various profiles such as line, trench and hole need to be formed. For meeting the requirement to form patterns having various profiles, not only a positive composition but also a negative actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition are under development and, for example, in forming a fine pattern having a line width of 50 nm or less, more improvements are demanded on the reduction of resolution and the pattern profile.
In order to solve this problem, there has been also proposed a method where an acid-decomposable resin is developed using an organic developer other than an alkali developer (see, for example, JP-A-2010-217884).
However, it is demanded to satisfy all of high sensitivity, high resolution and high line width roughness (LWR) performance at a high level, for example, in the fine region where the line width is 50 nm or less.

Pattern forming method, actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition, resist film, manufacturing method of electronic device using the same and electronic device


A chip package including a thermal enhanced plate, contacts around the thermal enhanced plate and electrically insulated from the thermal enhanced plate, a film-like circuit layer disposed on the contacts and the thermal enhanced plate, a conductive adhesive layer, a first molding, and at least one chip disposed on the film-like circuit layer is provided. The conductive adhesive layer is disposed between the contacts and the film-like circuit layer electrically connected to the contacts through the conductive adhesive layer. The chip has a back surface, an active surface and many bumps disposed thereon, and the chip is electrically connected to the film-like circuit layer via the bumps. The first molding at least encapsulates a portion of the thermal enhanced plate, the conductive adhesive layer, parts of the contacts and at least a portion of the film-like circuit layer. Therefore, heat dissipation efficiency of the light emitting chip package is improved.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, and more particularly to a chip package.
2. Description of Related Art
In the recent years, light emitting diode (LED) devices adopting GaN-containing compound semiconductors such as GaN, AlGaN, InGaN, etc are rather prominent. The III nitride materials have a broad band-gap, and a light wavelength thereof includes almost all wavebands of visible lights, such as an ultraviolet light, a red light, and so on. Moreover, in comparison with conventional bulbs, the LEDs have absolute attributes. For example, an LED is physically compact, long lasting, low voltage/current driven, durable, mercury free (pollution free), highly emissive (power saving), and so forth. Therefore, the LEDs can be applied in a wide variety of fields.
Because the light emitted from the LED is a type of cold emission rather than a thermal emission or an electric discharge, the service life of an LED device often exceeds a hundred thousand hours, and no idling time is required. In addition, the LED devices have advantages of high responsive speed (about 10−9 seconds) on the premise of efficient heat dissipation, small volume, little consumption of electricity, low degree of pollution (no mercury contained), great reliability, adaptation of mass production, and so on. Thus, the applications of the LEDs are quite extensive, and the LEDs are deemed the most important light sources in the 21st century.
However, a great deal of heat may be generated during the operation of the LEDs, and the luminance and the working life of the LEDs are both subject to temperature changes. Accordingly, with the increase in the light emitting efficiency of the LEDs, demands for better heat dissipation are raised. Conventionally, complicated heat dissipation systems are utilized according to the related art, which results in an excessive volume of the device and higher manufacturing costs.